Page 22 of Shhh…It’s A Killer Story

"Everything we have."

My eyes drifted over the worn corners. The box had been opened countless times. Hope had a habit of leaving fingerprints.

"I figured you'd want to start from the beginning."

I reached across the desk and lifted it.

"I'll read it tonight."

"I thought you might."

He studied me for a moment before speaking again.

"I read your file."

"My condolences."

That earned another quiet laugh.

"Six years in Homicide."

I nodded.

"Special Investigations before that."

"Yes."

"Army Rangers."

"Long time ago."

"Doesn't look like it."

The room settled into silence again.

"I know why they sent you," Walker said.

"They usually do."

"They say you see things other detectives miss."

"I look where everyone else stops."

Walker nodded slowly, as if hoping that would be enough.

"I'll be honest with you, Detective."

He looked toward the rain streaking across the window.

"I don't know if these women are still alive."

The words hung between us.

"I don't know if you'll find answers where everyone else failed."

He looked back at me.

"But I know one thing."