"That's a positive on the rape…"
Even though Bernie had called them about the body late last night, hearing the unwelcome news in the form of a lab tech who had been sent up to the 4th floor of the Hall of Justice building felt just as defeating.
As he walked in, Steve had seen the early-twenties man peek his head into Mike's office, then, upon realizing the famous lieutenant wasn't around, decided to enjoy a coffee on the house while awaiting his arrival.
"Good morning…", the young inspector replied cordially, trying not to sound as tired as he felt, and dug a dime out of his pant pocket before depositing it in the kitty.
"Is it already?", the technician said half-mockingly and handed him the thin manila envelope, "We just got done with all the tox screens on the girl too. There was nothing in her system, no sedatives, drugs or otherwise."
Accepting the file and scanning it for keywords such as defensive wounds, signs that she'd been forced into intercourse shortly before her death, the strangulation marks being the cause of death; it all went along with what they had already discussed at Mike's house. The chance that drugs had been used to subdue her during some of the crime had been the last hope to narrow down their killer.
So much for the autopsy finding any further clues to speed up their investigation.
Then again, there were so many other questions outside the physical aspects that still needed to be addressed.
What else had happened between the Wagoner girl and her killer before her death? What had attracted the perpetrator to her in the first place? Had he been sitting at the bar, staring at her for half the night, then waited for the right chance to strike?
Then what?
Did he disappear back into the darkness, or to his apartment just around the corner? A nameless shadow that would elude their investigation unless a witness came forward?
Had this been planned for a while or was it an opportunity-driven, random act of violence? Had she known him, perhaps served him liquor that night?
The lack of leads and additional evidence was beginning to tax his mind that morning.
"Well, thanks for the coffee.", the tech answered mischievously and downed the rest of the gruel, before disappearing past the foyer to the department, leaving him to ponder.
Drawing in a deep breath, Steve let his eyes drift over to Mike's office, trying not to let the melancholy of not having his best friend by his side get the better of him.
Focus on this case- he had to remain focused. He owed his partner no less.
Glancing over the autopsy report one more time as if to suck the clues right out of it, Steve bit his lip insecurely, then got up and reached for his beige sportscoat, ready to leave the office again for another trip across town.
If his hunch was right, the Wagoner girls' killer might come back to the scene of the crime, trying to relive his sick fantasies one more time.