might have drifted. People fish along the canal. Where it was—not visible from the road, covered with bracken but set in a truly damp and watery area where alligators and other creatures roam—was still easily accessible. The others were discovered badly decomposed and deeper into the Glades. I’d wager whoever is doing this knows a fair amount about the Everglades. That would suggest someone who lives out here or someone who works out here or even someone who has spent a great deal of time out here and knows some of the back paths—like the way to Andrew’s house. You don’t have to be a ranger or native to study and know a place, but I do believe it’s someone who has been local for years—local to Miami-Dade or Collier County at least, maybe closer, or maybe just someone who works here or visits here.”
“That’s vague.”
“Vague is all we’ve got. I also feel there has to be a relationship between the victims. What it is—we’re lost at the moment. We need identities on two. And we will get them. Then we start putting puzzle pieces together.”
“Sometimes killers are never caught,” she said softly.
“Not this one.” He glanced her way. “I think the killer’s thought pattern ran in that direction—dump bodies in the Glades. No way to connect them. Leave no evidence. Let nature be the clean-up crew. But still, I think this guy knows the Everglades, where people go and where they might go.”
“But this last victim. He just had to pull off the road and get his victim close to the canal where there was a little mound over the embankment, just enough to hide it from the road.”
“But people travel Tamiami Trail all day.”
“Not so much at night. The killer would know when to do it.”
She fell silent, shaking her head, wincing inwardly. She really had nothing to do with any of this. She’d tried on a dress.
“What will you do now?”
“I’m going to go back to the dress shop.” He glanced her way. “I’m going to meet with every clerk they have and ask who was in the shop trying that dress on. We may not need help. We might soon know who she was. They might get a match on the victim’s fingerprints or dental work. Tomorrow there will be an autopsy, and the forensic investigators may have something. I’ll keep you up on everything if you like. And of course, if you think of anything else—”
“Of course!” she said. “I’m available. I mean, I work, but I’m clear until the fundraiser Friday night. I planned my time for it. I mean, Titan is great, but I always like to run him through the paces before we’re part of something.”
“What is the fundraiser again?” he asked.
“It’s for something called the Children’s Place,” she told him. She hesitated, frowning. “Life is full of coincidences, isn’t it?” she murmured.
“It is? What’s the coincidence?”
“Well, the land and the buildings—which need lots of work—are on our way back. We can see it, if you like. Just make a right when you get to the Miccosukee Hotel and Casino.
“I’m delighted to be a part of this fundraiser. It rather hits two birds with one stone. Wait—that’s a bad analogy. The property was bought by a rich philanthropist and donated to the organizers. It’s going to be wonderful—a refuge for abused and abandoned animals and an education center for children—many of them homeless or orphans. I’m not in on the planning, but the kids will have the opportunity to interact with the animals. And there’s a lot more. There will be reading programs, sports programs. It’s brilliant. I believe most of the land was unincorporated Miami-Dade County. It’s huge, tons of acreage. There are a few houses on it. I think, at one time, someone had wanted it to be a family compound. Anyway, the fundraiser is a dinner and an auction, and there are all kinds of businesses donating. You can see where they’re breaking ground soon. The event is being held in Coral Gables, at a hotel right on Miracle Mile.”
“I’d love to see where this place will be, and actually, would it possible for me to attend the fundraiser?”
“Yes, of course. One of my old friends is running it along with the organizers. In fact, she was camping with us way back when.”
“It’s Friday night?”
“At seven. I’ll text you the details. Oh, I don’t have your number.”
“You need to have my number. And I need yours.” He rattled off