My Lost Daughter by Nancy Taylor Rosenberg Read Free Book Online Page B

methodologies in forensic science and was the primary means for transferring new concepts, techniques, and procedures to forensic science and law enforcement communities. It was the starship of the Bureau. More than a million examinations were conducted every year.
    â€œWe don’t have the time or resources for such a monumental task, Stevens,” Adams told her. “Do what you can with the four cases we know about and forget the rest. Los Angeles has asked for our assistance in profiling a serial rapist. I’ll have the files sent to you so you can review them in time for the team meeting tomorrow.” He slipped his glasses on and began reading some material on his desk, his way of letting Mary know she was dismissed.
    Since the FBI dealt with intentional acts of violence, Mary wasn’t surprised Adams wasn’t aware of the statistics on suicides. But she was certain a killer was preying on individuals who had given up on life, some of the most vulnerable people in society. “With all due respect, sir, we can’t walk away from this. Our UNSUB is maniacal and insatiable. He’s discovered a minefield of willing victims and he’s going to keep killing until we find a way to stop him.”
    Adams looked up, a somewhat annoyed expression on his face. “And how do you propose we stop him, Stevens?”
    She adjusted her position in the chair. “The first thing is to shut down the suicide clubs. I think the Bureau should also issue a directive to all medical examiners to be on the lookout for any homicides or suicides that appear even slightly suspicious.”
    â€œYou want us to tell them to do their jobs. The law requires an autopsy be performed on any death unless the deceased was under the direct care of a physician.”
    Mary leaned forward in her seat. “You just said the FSRTC was backed up with cases. The same is true in the majority of medical examiners’ offices. Suicides are low priority. Medical examiners spend a fraction of time on them compared to the rest of the deaths they investigate.”
    â€œI doubt if you’ll find a medical examiner who will agree with that statement.”
    Mary stood and walked to the edge of his desk. “Let’s talk turkey, chief. A person no one cares about arrives at the morgue with their wrists slit, and the coroner ends up rubber-stamping them a suicide. All I’m suggesting is we alert them to what we’ve discovered in these four cases.”
    Adams rubbed a spot near his eyebrow. “The suicide clubs are your best chance of finding the killer, but I’ll give thought to issuing a directive of some kind.”
    Mary was relieved that she’d talked him out of assigning her another case. She paced in front of his desk. “I found out how most of the suicide clubs operate. It’s a fairly simple system. When a person signs up, they’re placed at the bottom of a list. They then have to assist the suicide of the person on the top. The decision as to manner and place of death is left to the two individuals involved.”
    â€œWhat ages are we talking about?”
    â€œThe suicide rate has historically been the highest among teenagers. Last year the number of suicides in the United States skyrocketed. In addition, we’re seeing far more adults. I assume this is due to the economy. People have lost their jobs, their homes, andtheir savings. That’s a bitter pill to swallow for even the most well-balanced individuals.” He was nodding his head, a sign that she had his full attention. “There’s another possibility to consider, one I think you’ll find interesting. We may not have an actual serial killer per se, but someone along the lines of a hired gun.”
    â€œYou mean a professional assassin?”
    â€œPossibly,” she said, clearing her throat. “But I’m not sure this person is a professional. He could be a friend, a relative, or a member of a