Our Sick Inheritance (editing)

Chapter 4 - Too Close To Home

"Glad you made it. I know you're busy with the other cases. This one is different yet similar, which is why I called you." Miles explained.

"Your message was short and ominous." Kyle responded. The Sergeant always surprised Kyle as his handshake was strong defying his portly appearance. The many cases they worked together built trust, creating a brotherhood between them. There weren't many around with strong old-fashioned morals anymore, especially through the change of times. When they were able to have a beer together or cup of coffee after work, they would reminisce about the old days of crime and the days of their parents whose history structured the moral integrity they followed today. It was always the surprises of violence that remind them why they continue to try to make the world a better place, which was to protect their people, their families. Miles always showed love for his family as Kyle spoke volumes of his.

"Is this our guy?" Kyle asked.

"I'm not sure, but it fits the description of the west coast girls. There are a few differences, but one aspect was too close to dismiss. I thought you might want to have a look."

"I feel like we're close with the California and Oregon cases. I hate that the number keeps going up before we can get to the next one. We were lucky that the first murdered girl was from Washington to catch our eyes. With the strangeness of these murders happening so quickly and heading our way makes me nervous. Maybe the killer is trailing back to where the first girl was from? It would be horrible if he were already here before we knew who he was. You can watch a suspect, but we are blind not to have one."

"Yeah but only for so long." Miles said looking uncomfortable.

"True and this asshole covers his tracks well. So far six girls are without justice, not including this one. Jose Mendez told me he was coming up this weekend with more information he has gathered from California since I've been home. The sooner we catch this guy the better. We don't need another serial killer in Washington. The more people we have working this case the quicker we have on finding him. He has eluded police for two years now and it feels like he is just taunting us. I think it is why he leaves his signature." Kyle said following Miles to the wood gate separating the back from the front.

"That wouldn't surprise me." Detective Miles stated honestly.

"He is a monster. I just can't wait to get him off the streets away from our young girls. The mess he leaves is terrible and heart breaking."

"Wait until you see it." Miles said with a look of eating something sour, set on his face.

"I'm not excited to." Kyle replied grimly.

"I would love to get this one on death row." Miles stated.

"I agree. So, give it to me." Kyle said.

"Walk with me and I'll walk you through. You don't want to be alone when you see this one." Miles said stopping at the tall structure.

Kyle knew it was a good idea to get away from the crowds in case neighbors were listening. Often small-time reporters hung around crime scenes in street clothing to get close enough to overhear. Often, they misconstrue observations, assume evidence discovered, or hear verbal run-throughs before the facts were laid out. With the economy the way it is, the competition is more aggressive to put food on the table. Any chance of catching the killer would be compromised if the information, correct or not, was exposed too early. Anything misunderstood or intended to keep private by officials, could ruin the whole investigation just from any one person's big mouth.

Miles opened the six-foot gate located on the side of the blue cottage style house even wider, before he led Kyle to a backyard lavished with plants and flowers. Two officers were looking in surrounding bushes for clues as they made their way to the back gate where another officer was dusting for prints. They walked to the very back fence across the property obviously not often used.