Page 174 of State of Suspense

“I, uh, um… Sure, ma’am. Go right ahead.”

“The correct answer would be, ‘Not until we secure what could be a crime scene.’”

“But you… You’re…”

“For fuck’s sake. I don’t care who I am. Protect that scene.”

“Y-yes, ma’am.” The officer scurried off, shouting orders at other officers who were getting too close to the ragtag tent and other items that looked like they’d been abandoned.

Lieutenant Haggerty joined her. “I see you’re making friends and spreading joy.”

“My mission in life. What the hell is wrong with people?”

“Am I expected to answer that question?”

“It was rhetorical.”

He gestured to the tent. “Who is this guy?”

“We’re looking at him for the Forrester and Hill shootings. We believe he’s got his eye on a federal judge next. Time is of the essence.”

“We’re on it.”

“Harlan Peckham’s prints are in the system, so I need to know ASAP if this is him.”

“Will do. It’s nice to get a break from working at Stahl’s.”

“How’re you and your team holding up?”

“Toughest scene we’ve ever worked. It’s taking a toll on all of us.”

“You’re talking to Trulo?”

“Daily, and I’ve got my team seeing him, too.”

“Good.”

“It’s just hard to fathom this kind of depravity from a guy we worked with, saw every day… All that time, he was hiding behind the badge as he became one of the most prolific serial killers we’ve ever seen. People will be studying this case forever.”

Sam felt the impact of his words in the deepest part of her soul. She understood Stahl’s depravity better than most, and even knowing what she already did about him, these new revelations were unbearable.

“The damage to the department will reverberate for years, too,” Haggerty added.

“Yeah.”

“I was thinking… I know you hate seeking publicity of any kind, but you’re in a unique position to put a human face to this, to make people understand how much it hurts those of us who work hard every day to keep our community safe.” He shrugged. “Just a thought.”

“It’s a good thought, and I’ll take it under advisement.”

“Better get to it with this.” He gestured toward the campsite. “Another day, another monster.”

He called to his team to follow him to process the scene.

As she took a walk around the perimeter of the campsite, Sam couldn’t stop thinking about what he’d said. Another day, another monster.

If that didn’t sum up her life, she wasn’t sure what ever would.

With the scene under the control of Haggerty and his team, Sam returned to the SUV.

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