The Naturalist (The Naturalist #1)(52)

I also put in some data generated by MAAT and instructions on how to use the online version on my web server. I’m sure the FBI and other agencies have better, more specific tools, but local ones like Hudson Creek may not have access to them.

Along with how I found Chelsea, I put together all of the information on the pattern of the killer.

In the hands of someone who knows more about criminal investigation and forensics than myself, it should be a good start.

I’m just one man, and I found another victim in a day. With the involvement of real law enforcement agencies, they could catch this guy before I make it back to Austin.

There are two e-mail messages asking why I missed faculty meetings. I type brief replies, stating that I’ve been helping with a law enforcement investigation.

It feels good to type those words. Chasing frogs and strange attractors is one thing, but fighting crime, making a difference, that’s something else.

I made a list of all the things they should look for in Chelsea’s body. Despite conventional wisdom, stainless steel can be a hotbed of bacteria. Forensic technicians should try growing bacteria taken from Chelsea’s and Juniper’s wounds as well as baseline samples from the surrounding soil.

If they find a culture common to the wounds but not to the soil or the unpunctured parts of their bodies, it’s an indicator that the killer used the same weapon. Once they find the suspect, testing any sharp objects for the same bacteria would put him in both places.

I put together a section detailing the laboratory procedures I’d use to get a statistically significant result. I also explain how they could use DNA markers from the bacterial culture to identify it beyond just a species.

Maybe with some of their data I could use MAAT to make more specific predictions for other clients?

That could be an interesting project. The next time I speak with Julian I’ll put the bug in his ear. He’d probably love that kind of thing.

I get out of bed and answer the door. There’s a police officer standing there. A young man with a badge that says Wojtczak.

“Professor Cray?”

I nod and wipe the sleep out of my eyes.

“I’ve been asked to follow you over to the police station. They want to get your formal statement.”

“Okay. Let me get a couple things.”

He waits patiently while I get dressed and gather up my notes.

“So you’re the guy that found the body? I heard you discovered some kind of plant that only grows on dead people.”

Ugh, the grapevine. “It’s not quite that simple.” I sling my backpack over my shoulder. “Any word if they’ve tracked down Devon and Amber?”

“Not yet.”

“Have they exhumed the body yet?”

“Not that I know of. State police forensics were all over it this morning. They got there early. I think the head medical examiner was doing an on-site examination.”

I’m glad they’re proceeding carefully. Chelsea’s burial site could yield lots of interesting data points.



We arrive at the station, and I’m led to a conference room significantly larger than the one Gunther interrogated me in last night.

I freeze in the doorway when I see Sheriff Tyson sitting at the far end of the table next to Detective Glenn.

The scene sets off a painful flashback. Of course they should be here, but the stress from our last interaction still haunts me.

Glenn looks up at me. “What happened to your eye, Professor?” His tone is cordial.

“Long story.”

I’m given a spot to sit at the other end of the table.

Whitmyer enters the room wearing a polo with the Hudson Creek Police logo. His boots are muddy. He’s probably been out there since this morning.

“Professor Cray.” He shakes my hand.

“Is it her?” I ask.

He gives Tyson a glance. She nods back. I guess they have some kind of arrangement for how the case is going to be handled. I’m glad to see them working well together.

“It is, Professor. It’s Chelsea Buchorn. Now, since everyone is here, I’d like you to take us through the series of events that led you here.” He gestures to my black eye. “I wouldn’t leave anything out. This is about Chelsea and Juniper.”

I explain to them everything I said to Gunther. I give them an overview of MAAT and how it led me to Hudson Creek. I explain precisely how we found the body and give them some references in case they want to check up on them.

It’s exhausting. They interrupt me a few times for details, but there’s no finger-pointing. There’s no accusations.

When I finish, I set the thumb drive on the table. “It’s all here. How to find the next one, I think.”

All through this, Sheriff Tyson watched me carefully. She let Glenn ask the questions. Occasionally she pointed to something on a list, but she never spoke.

When she finally does, it startles me.

“Professor Cray, I want to apologize for how we treated you. It was obvious you were under a lot of stress dealing with the death of a friend. We should have listened to what you had to say.”

I’m beside myself. My tongue fumbles for words. “Thank you.”

Detective Glenn stands up. “I respect your perseverance.” He begins to applaud.

The entire room starts clapping. It’s a surreal moment. I feel myself welling up. “I just wish Juniper didn’t have to die. Or Chelsea.”