Page 32 of Making a Killing

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Interpretation

The crime scene DNA profile obtained from exhibit DER/20 (Sample 1) relating to case reference LBS734/14G has generated a match to a DNA profile held on the Missing Persons DNA Database (Sample 2) presumed deceased – loaded under case reference 372844/DM.

The probability of the DNA profiles of two unrelated individuals matching is on average less than 1 in 1 billion (1,000,000,000).

I certify that these results are an accurate and true interpretation of the raw data obtained from the samples stated above. The results contained in this report have been obtained in accordance with the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice (version 1, dated March 2023) following an approved and validated scientific method as documented in our ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Schedule of Accreditation.

Lead Scientist:

***

Tate is still in with Kearney when Bradley gets the results, which is a result in itself: there’s never any harm show-ponying a little in front of the Super, especially given the OMG bombshell she’s about to detonate. She just needs to make sure she doesn’t put Tate’s back up in the process.

She arranges her face into Very Urgent and Extremely Professional, and knocks on Kearney’s door.

‘Sorry to interrupt, sir, but we’ve just had the results we’ve been waiting for from the lab.’

Tate swings her chair round to face her. ‘The DNA from the woods?’

Bradley nods. ‘Yes, boss.’

‘At last,’ says Kearney drily.

‘And?’ says Tate.

Bradley comes further into the room, holding out the sheet of paper for her to take. ‘The victim isn’t in the data-bases. But that hair on the duct tape?Thatperson most definitelyis.’

Tate gives her a look. ‘Cut the theatricals, Bradley, and just get on with it.’

‘That’s the thing, boss,’ says Bradley, allowing herself, despite Tate’s sark, to relish this just a little. ‘This person is what you might call renowned.’

‘Renowned?’ says Tate, her eyes narrowing. ‘What sort of a bloody word is that?’

‘The sample in the database dates back eight years. A murder case in Thames Valley. She was only a child at the time. She’s still only a teenager now.’

Kearney frowns. ‘This kid killed someone?’

Bradley turns to him. ‘No, sir. She wasn’t the perpetrator. She was the victim.’

Tate stares at her. ‘But if it was a murder case, that means –’

‘That’s right, boss. This girl – she’s already dead.’

***

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