Page 36 of Scent of Death

“Me too,” Griff agreed. “I’m heading back to the campground parking lot. I’m going to talk to the campers there. If this guy brought a four-wheeler in, someone may remember seeing him.”

Cameron nodded. “That’s a good idea.”

“I need you guys to stay here until the crime scene techs and medical examiner arrive.” Griff was itching to start the canvass.

“Okay by me.” Paul glanced to the now-exposed gravesite. “You’re sure that’s Wendy Evers?”

“Yes.” Griff’s stomach clenched as he thought of how he’d failed Wendy. And her grandmother. “I’m sure.”

“Hey, it’s not your fault.” Paul slapped him on the back. “We’re all doing the best we can with the information we have.”

“I know.” Logically, Griff knew the deputy was right. Emotionally? The taste of failure was bitter on his tongue.

“We’re going to find him, Griff.” Alexis patted his arm. “Let’s hike back to the campground.”

“I’m ready.” He could always talk to the ME later. Following up on this potential lead was more important.

He set a brisk pace, hoping they hadn’t missed their window of opportunity by not interviewing the campers sooner. Hopefully there were several who’d been there for a few days or longer.

They passed the halfway point when his phone rang. Obviously, they’d gotten within cell service. He didn’t recognize the number but answered it anyway. “Agent Flannery.”

“Agent Flannery, this is Dr. Marybeth Klem. I’ve just arrived at the scene, where are you?” The ME sounded annoyed.

“I’m following up on a lead to our killer, otherwise I would have stayed to talk to you.” He realized she must be using a satellite phone and glanced at his watch. “I’m sorry, but it’s going to be a while before I can get back there.”

“A lead is good, I guess.” Dr. Klem backed off. “I wanted to share my preliminary report on the first two victims. I won’t have the final report ready until the tox screens come back, which could take up to thirty days.”

He was familiar with the delay on toxicology results. Didn’t mean he liked it. “Can you email the reports?”

“I can but let me give you the Cliffs Notes version.” She paused, then continued. “Both women were sexually assaulted, then strangled to death. Unfortunately, the killer used protection. And I also didn’t find skin cells or blood under the victims’ fingernails, which makes me think he drugged them so they couldn’t fight back. The tox screen will tell us more.”

Griff swallowed hard. He’d suspected the girls were sexually assaulted, but hearing the words struck deep. If he could have found Wendy in time... but he hadn’t. He cleared his throat. “Sounds like our perp is smart enough to minimize DNA.”

“Not as smart as he thinks,” Dr. Klem said. “We found some hair fibers and will send those for DNA testing. I’ve asked for the results to be rushed, but I suspect it will still take a few days.”

A few days sounded good, but who knew how many girls this guy might grab during that time frame. If the killer didn’t get close to Alexis would he settle for someone else? Griff didn’t know. “We lifted prints off shell casings, but they didn’t match anyone in the system,” Griff told her. “We may have better success with DNA, but I won’t hold my breath.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Still, you never know.” Dr. Klem sounded hopeful. “We may be able to use one of those DNA sites used to find ancestors.”

“I’m happy to go that route once we get the results.” Griff ducked under a low-hanging tree branch. “Thanks for the update. I’m sorry I couldn’t stick around.”

“That’s okay. Anything you can do to find this guy. I have a thirteen-year-old daughter. The thought of something happening to her...”

“I know. Trust me, I want this guy as badly as you do.” Probably more, Griff silently added. His gaze landed on Alexis walking beside Denali. He couldn’t bear the idea of this guy getting his hands on her. “Send me the autopsy reports and let me know about the DNA and tox screen.”

“Of course.” Klem paused, then said, “I’m sorry to learn about the third victim.”

It was hard to speak around the lump in his throat. “Me too.”

Klem ended the call. Griff pocketed his phone and hurried to catch up to Alexis. The flash of chrome bumpers through the foliage indicated they were close to the campground parking lot.

He quickened his pace, ignoring the way his knee protested. Maybe later he’d dig the ibuprofen from the backpack.

As they reached the parking lot, a family of four headed toward an SUV. Two parents and two kids one male, one female who appeared to be early teens.

Griff decided he’d start with them. He jogged toward them, the pack bouncing uncomfortably on his back. “Excuse me? Can I have a moment?” He held up his FBI badge. “I need to ask a couple of questions.”

“FBI?” The father of the kids appeared to be in his mid-forties. “I’ve never talked to the FBI before.”

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