“They were drugged,” Grant said.
Avery’s chest tightened. “Which would explain why they couldn’t fight back.”
“Based on my initial examination of the third victim, she appears to follow the pattern. I’ll send the samples off today, but I suspect she was drugged as well.”
“Thank you, Dr. Dutton.”
“I found two other things that might be of interest.”
“What’s that?” Sheriff Taylor asked.
“Both victims had barley seeds in their hair.”
Avery frowned. “Barley seeds?”
“Malted barley, to be exact,” the M.E. said.
“Is there a difference?” Agent Bradley asked.
Grant nodded. “Malted barley is used in beer or whiskey brewing.”
“You said two,” the sheriff prompted.
“Yes,” Dr. Dutton’s voice sounded over the phone. “There were also traces of efflorescence—a white, chalky powder found in places where there’s been water intrusion.”
“Water intrusion?” Avery shook her head.
“Where the water dried, leaving a deposit of salt,” Dr. Dutton said. “It indicates the presence of a basement.”
Avery frowned. “We’re in the south. There are very few basements in this area. I think of places in tornado alley like Oklahoma, Missouri, or Iowa when I think of basements.”
“Malted barley and a basement,” Grant mused. “Sounds like someone was cooking beer or whiskey in their basement, maybe during prohibition?”
“Could be. The samples were dated,” M.E. said. “Like it might’ve been years since the malted barley was deposited.”
“So, we’re looking for houses or warehouses with basements,” Melissa said.
“Basements where someone was making beer or whiskey,” Grant added. “We’ll need to talk to people who’ve lived here a long time.”
“Prohibition was in the 1920s,” Avery said. “I doubt anyone from that era is still alive.”
“Probably not, but someone who knows the history of this town might have an idea,” Sheriff Taylor said. “Or someone whose relatives were involved in bootlegging during prohibition.”
“I’ll stop by the library and see if they have old copies of newspapers dating back to the 1920s,” Melissa said. “It might take a while. Detective Lansing can assist.”
Bree frowned.
“You got a problem with that?” Melissa asked. “We could just lock you in a cell until the district judge has time to hear your case of impersonating a federal officer.”
“No problem,” Bree said, though her lips pressed together in a tight line. “I love digging through moldy archives.”
“Good,” Melissa grinned. “Then you’ll love spending time with me in the library.”
“Grant and I will nose around town and talk to people who were born and raised here,” Avery said.
“Start at the diner,” Sheriff Taylor said. “The waitress there, Letha Herrin, is the biggest gossip in the county. She has lived in Shadow Valley her entire life. Her parents were also lifelong residents. She might have the dirt from that long ago or know someone who does.”
“We’ll be sure to stop by and visit with Ms. Herrin,” Avery said.
