Page 19 of Just Hide

"So, that gives us an insight into the mindset?"

"Yes. And then, from a physical angle, the angle of the blow would indicate a person shorter than the victims, he says. A woman or a shorter man," Connor explained. "Obviously, that's not cast in stone, but this pathologist is very experienced and that's his take-home on what he sees."

Cami's eyebrows rose. That was very helpful.

At least they now had parameters. They were looking for a shorter man or a woman, using an extremely sharp blade which might compensate for a lack of physical strength, and revenge or some kind of retribution was part of the motive.

Of course, they didn't know the reasons why. But at least they knew more than they had before, and that was what mattered.

Armed with this new information simmering in the back of her mind, Cami started to look at the check-ins again. She worked patiently to narrow down the possibilities and then also checked each of the big venues to see if there was any evidence that they used this software to assist with security or access control.

"I've got one," she said at last, looking up from her work, blinking in the overhead light, with a crick in her neck.

"What have you found?" Connor, who'd been reviewing the case files and jotting notes at the other desk in the now empty back office, hurried over.

"It's a function venue where both women visited recently. You can see from their check-ins. It's in Boston, and it hosts expos, conferences, and other events. It's called Gatherings."

"So, they both went there recently?"

"Last month, there was a big fashion expo and both of them attended that. Then, two weeks ago, Rosalind was there again. She was the co-host of a music event that took place. And Antoinette was there two months earlier, modeling for a launch."

They were both regular visitors, and Cami was certain that the event used facial recognition software because they'd actually mentioned on their website that biometrics could be used as a quick, fast tracked means of access.

"So, we need to go to Gatherings," Connor said. He quickly checked on his own laptop. "It opens at eight," he confirmed.

"Eight tonight?" Cami checked the time. It was already after seven p.m.

"No. Eight tomorrow. It says here they only open at night if they have an evening function, according to the website hours. And in any case, we need to be there during office hours to see how the setup works and who would have access to this software."

Cami sighed. She didn't want to wait another twelve plus hours. Surely, there was something else they could do. But Connor was shaking his head and closing his laptop.

"We're done for tonight. This is our next line of investigation, and we'll do better to look at it with fresh minds," he said. "The best thing you can do now is get some rest, so you're fully sharp tomorrow."

"Can't I carry on working?" she protested.

But Connor stared at her firmly. "We've got our next step planned. I don't want you burning yourself out. You'll be no good to anyone if you're too exhausted to figure something out when you need to, or even to act when it's needed, like you did today."

Cami couldn't argue with that. She was mentally tired, she had to admit, and it was clear that this was the only option. "Okay," she said, shutting down her own laptop. "Tomorrow then."

She packed up her bag and headed out with Connor. They drove back to MIT in silence, with Connor's only words to her, as they pulled up outside the university residence, being, "Don't forget to eat. I need you ready to go tomorrow. I'll pick you up at seven-thirty, and we'll drive straight to Gatherings."

"Okay," Cami said. Keeping her word as she headed inside, she stopped off at the cafeteria and picked up a chicken sandwich and diet Coke.

While she was heading upstairs to her room, her phone rang. Juggling her food and her laptop bag, she pulled it out of her jacket pocket and took a look at the caller ID. It was Jacenta, the smart, savvy FBI agent who'd been assigned as Cami's parole officer to offer her guidance and—Cami guessed—keep her on the right path. Cami could visualize her as soon as she saw her name on the caller ID. Dark hair, dark, piercing eyes, and a no-nonsense attitude. And a smile that warmed her whole face, even if she didn’t show it very often.

"Hope you're well," Jacenta said as soon as Cami picked up. "And hope you're doing okay."

Jacenta had been very concerned about her after Ethan's death. She'd sent Cami a care package, and her concern and thoughtfulness had touched Cami.

"I guess I'm doing okay, but it's tough," she admitted, fumbling with the lock on her door and stepping inside.

"And you’re on another case, now. One you volunteered for, I understand?" There was a note of approval now in Jacenta's voice.

"Yes, I figured out that the killer had to be using facial recognition software," Cami explained. "We've gotten that far, but no further yet."

"Well, that's impressive," Jacenta said, her voice warm. "Keep going. You're smart, and if IT’s involved, I’m confident you will figure it out. But don't forget to take care of yourself too. You need your rest, and your health needs to be top priority. Physical and mental, you hear?"

"I know," Cami said. "I'm back in my room and going to bed soon. I'm just going to have some food first."

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