The Forensic Science Laboratory was located right next to Precinct 23. A large 6 story building that supported various divisions specializing in the field of: blood analysis, DNA profiling, chemical compositions, ballistic studies, computer science forensics, to even possessing their vehicle examination centre. Due to the close proximity between the two buildings, law and science have been able to exchange vital information in a moments notice without delay or longer than usual wait time.
Constable Jenny was given permission to borrow one of their conference rooms. She bowed to each groups of family members who have reported their loved one missing in the past months. Although the room itself was large with 20 or so seats, the family members only took different corners in the room. They would keep their distance from one another, nodding in greeting, while touching their cheeks to wipe away worried tears.
Jenny waited as the last of the visitors took their seats. She couldn’t help but clench her jaw at the sight of people folding their hands in prayer, bowing their head in distress, or covering their mouth in fear of the truth.
The Constable took a deep breath.
Hold it. One...Two...Three.
Exhale. Begin.
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“Thank you for coming on short notice,” started Jenny in a controlled voice, “I apologize we are meeting under such unfortunate circumstances. We’re looking into the case of a dismembered body, believed to be a female between the ages of 30 and 35. We had looked into missing persons reports and,” Jenny clenched her jaw too hard, making her slip her speech. She took in a short breath to shrug it off, “and there is a possibility that the victim could be the one you have reported missing.”
Worried murmurs and trembling gazes were exchanged amongst the family members. Some fought back their tears, trying to maintain their composure, some trying to calm their spouse by rubbing their backs. Jenny took in a deep breath to continue.
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“A severed thumb has been found at the scene of the crime. It’s the only means to identify who the victim is. That is why we asked you all to bring in items your missing loved ones would keep close, use often, and bring them here to the forensic lab. The team upstairs have taken your samples as their top priority. We will hear results within a few minutes.”
The Constable gave her audience a moment of silence, to let her words sink in. As they waited with abated breath, she would examine them one by one.
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A father and a younger daughter. His head is bowed, his eyes staring at his phone’s wallpaper showing himself, the younger daughter, all embraced by a young woman with a bright and warm smile. The little girl would tug on her father’s sleeve, consoling him believing it might not be her big sister.
A husband. He sat with his arms around his body, clenching his elbows to fight back a shiver. Jaws clenches, sweating across the forehead, lips pursed trying to keep his composure. He would end up bowing forward in his seat, folding his hands and whispering a prayer for his wife’s safety.
An elderly couple. It was the first time coming to the big city. A police cruiser had to be dispatched to guide them from the wrong highway. The woman would fight back tears and the man would hug her small shoulders. They embraced one another, shaking their head in regret for letting their daughter go to the city for college alone.
A pair of young women. One was sitting politely at the table, hands interlink and waiting patiently for the news. The other had her legs tucked to her chest, heels rubbing dirt on the chair she sat in, her hand occupied with a game she muted. The polite one would nudge her friend in the ribs, making the latter roll her eyes and look at something else on her phone to avoid making tapping noises with her designer nails.
~Bing~
A sharp tingling sensation ran up Jenny’s spine. The notification from her tablet was echoed in the silent room. The atmosphere grew heavy on her shoulders when she noticed everyone staring at her. She pulled up her tablet, gave it a few taps with her finger and opened up a file.
Once more, Jenny’s tightened her jaw muscles.
“The victim’s name...is Sarah Tucker.”
== TO BE CONTINUED ==>