Page 57 of Forever Gone

He appeared in the hallway wearing a black shirt, cargo pants, and a camera bag across his chest. Tattoos ran below both sleeves. His attention went from Selena to Connor, then to the blood drop near Connor’s shoe covers.

“Jesus, guys. Have you already messed up my scene?”

“No,” Selena said. “Chuck established the route, and we stayed on it.”

“You’re standing close enough to make me nervous.”

“We haven’t crossed the threshold.”

Matt set down his bag near the hallway wall. "Good. Take another step back before Dr. Blethan gets here, or he'll blow a gasket."

Connor moved first.

Selena remained long enough to take in the room once more. Two deaths. Similar chest wounds. Tongues removed. Both women alone in houses where they expected privacy.

Whatever doubt remained about a connection had disappeared.

“I’ve seen enough for now,” she said.

Matt pulled on gloves. “I’ll call you when I’ve documented the room.”

“Photograph the front approach and the damaged door before anyone repairs it. Oliver forced entry after seeing her through the window, but I want the break pattern confirmed.”

“Already on the list.”

“And compare any footwear or fibers with the Montgomery scene.”

Matt gave her a level stare. “I do know how to process linked scenes.”

“Then we agree.”

Kelly stepped away before Matt could answer.

Outside, Arnold had moved the neighbors back from the tape. A second deputy stood at the curb taking names from anyone who claimed to have seen unusual vehicles and making inquiries about any ring cams in the area that might have caught something. Clouds had gathered over the ridge, softening the light across the street.

Selena removed the outer gloves and placed them in an evidence disposal bag.

“There’s no doubt now,” she said. “We have a double homicide.”

Connor kept his voice low. “Same killer?”

“I’d bet on it. The tongue removal is too specific, and both victims suffered chest wounds in their own workspaces.”

Kelly joined them near the porch rail. “Do we know whether Ruth wrote anything?”

“Not yet,” Selena said. “Her study appears connected to her insurance work. The killer may be targeting speech rather than writing.”

Connor glanced toward the front door. Oliver’s voice came faintly from inside, breaking each time he tried to answer Chuck’s questions.

“You know him well?” Selena said.

“More when we were kids. Oliver’s uncle worked with my dad. He’s never been in trouble that I know of.”

“That doesn’t clear him.”

“I know.”

Selena took a deep breath as if to steady herself. “Go back in and ask whether Ruth attended Elmsview High. I think we already know the answer.”