Page 12 of Only One More Lie
“I tried not to touch anything, despite the fact I was very curious.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Except the note I found.” She handed it to him. “But I was wearing gloves.”
She frowned apologetically.
He read the words there, and his eyes widened. “Interesting.”
“I thought so also.”
He slid the paper in an evidence bag and placed the bag in a plastic box he’d brought with him.
Then he paused and glanced at the body in the snow. “Let’s take a look.”
As Gibson edged closer to the body, Andi stayed with him. Suddenly, the biting cold didn’t matter as much, though she’d be happy when she could warm up.
Before Gibson touched anything, he documented the scene by taking pictures. When he was done, he snapped on some latex gloves and began to gently brush the snow from Pepper’s face. Fresh flakes had fallen since the initial discovery of her body.
Andi’s heart lurched into her throat at the sight of the woman’s face.
Someone this young didn’t deserve to die. Not that older people did. But Pepper’s death was such a shame. And how heartbreaking for Juniper that she had to go through another loss.
“I don’t see any obvious signs of foul play—no blood or bruising.” Gibson studied Pepper’s face with a compassionate frown. “But the medical examiner will need to do a more thorough investigation.”
“Someone her age doesn’t just drop dead for no reason. Not to mention she wouldn’t have dropped dead in this position, holding a note like that.”
“Agreed. Something went on here. I’m going to need to question everyone and see if they saw anything.”
Andi nodded toward Juniper, who still stood with Simmy. “Juniper was Pepper’s best friend. If anyone knows anything, it’sprobably her. Her parents owned this place, but they were both killed last year.”
Realization rolled across Gibson’s features as he rose to full height. “The December Dismemberer.”
Her throat tightened. Even the man’s name was creepy and unnerving. “You didn’t work that case by chance, did you?”
“No, but I’ve definitely heard a lot about him.”
“He’s who we’re here to investigate.”
Gibson’s eyes narrowed as he nodded slowly, thoughtfully. “I hope you find some answers. Every time I go somewhere in town, I hear people talking about him. They’re scared.”
“I know. You don’t think . . . ?” Andi glanced at Peppermint again.
She didn’t want to finish the statement. Not in front of Juniper.
“You didn’t find a snowman nearby, did you?” Gibson asked.
“I did not. I can honestly say I didn’t look either.”
“This murder, however, wouldn’t fit the December Dismemberer’s MO.”
“Is it really that out of the question to think a killer might have changed his MO?” It was an honest question. Did killers always follow the same pattern? Or were there circumstances that caused them to mix things up sometimes?
“This would be a lot of changing.” Gibson rubbed his jaw as he stared at Pepper, his gaze clouded with thought. “Wrong date. Wrong method of murder. Striking the same place twice. It just doesn’t fit if you ask me.”
“I agree. But it could still be an idea worth exploring.”
Gibson glanced at Pepper again. “Then I guess it’s a good thing I have you guys here to help.”