"Chief, we didn't find a single print."
"The killer has some level of counter-forensic awareness. They likely wore gloves while writing the letter. Not a single fingerprint anywhere on it."
Almost at the same moment, while everyone was scrambling over the dead-end lead, one of the female officers on the task force suddenly looked around in alarm.
"Where's Justin?"
My head snapped up.
"That's not right. He was just here a second ago."
Chief Finch's expression changed in an instant, as if something had clicked.
"Move!"
"Find Justin now!"
The worst possible outcome had come to pass.
In the dumpster downstairs.
Justin's body was found, already stiff and cold.
Shocked cries rippled through the task force. Chief Finch clenched his fists so hard his knuckles went white, a vein pulsing at his temple.
"How is this possible?"
My eyes burned red. My legs gave out and I crumpled to the ground in total despair.
"Who did this? Who killed Justin? Show yourself! If you have some grudge, come after me! Come after ME!"
I sobbed until my throat was raw.
I had completely broken down.