had found villagers executed. He leaned down farther to get a better look at the wound. Due to the angle and the depth, and based on the blood spatter, his initial guess was the killer was taller than his victim, but he’d wait for the ME's report before he'd consider his early theory a probable fact.
The muscles in his jaw tightened as he ground his back teeth together. A fucking waste. What had this guy been involved in that he ended up here, like this? What’s your story? Who did this to you? He made a quick scan of the evidence markers Sean and the patrols had set in place before he stood, repositioned, and withdrew his digital camera from his kit bag. He inserted a new memory card and took a slew of pictures of the scene.
Brock shifted and called to the patrolman behind him. “What’s the ETA on the medical examiner and crime scene technicians, and was the photographer called?”
“The medical examiner will be here in less than five. There was a discussion as to whose jurisdiction the scene fell into.” The officer glanced at Sean before he crossed his arms and rocked back on his heels. “I was told the arson investigator was the lead in this case.”
He rolled his head and looked at Sean. He didn't outright laugh at his friend, although it was a close thing. “So, do you consider this death a result of the arson?”
“Fuck you, man. This fire falls into the parameters of several of my open cases. Yes, I told your patrols I was lead investigator, which I am, as far as the arson is concerned. This guy? Not so much. Let me gather the evidence I need. I promise not to fuck up your investigation as long as you don't mess with mine. You can call in your crime scene technicians anytime.”
An arsonist? That would add some seriously fucked up elements to the investigation. “You think this homicide is tied into your serial arsonist?”
Sean’s brow furrowed and he shook his head. “I don’t know. First impressions say not, but I never go on first impressions.”
That was where he and his best friend differed. He’d learned to trust his gut as it was generally right, but Sean was one hell of an investigator. He’d bet his last dollar his friend would catch whoever was nuking buildings in Hope City.
Sean motioned toward the far side of the room. “What I need is over there. Looks like an accelerant of some kind was used, however, it’s crucial to determine if it was cast on this side of the wall or the other. Besides that, the scene is yours. Just make an annotation I was here. I’ve already marked in my notes where the body was located. I'm assuming the Fire Department did a check to make sure he was dead.”
As responding detectives, they were not medical professionals and the body was off limits until the ME arrived. Any personal effects left on the body would have to be requested as evidence. The wading pool of blood the man lay in, in conjunction with the nearly decapitating wound across his neck, made the MO pretty fucking obvious. “Dude, he’s definitely dead.”
“No shit, asshole. I’m not a homicide detective, but I figured that out. Proper procedure dictates when you find a body on scene, you check for signs of life.” Sean bristled at Brock’s teasing. His friend was easy to rile up, and he’d gleefully indulged since they were kids.
“Always a stickler for procedure. A rule-follower from way back.” He ducked the slug to the shoulder headed his way. Damn, he missed spending time with Sean. Their careers tended to suck up any free time, but they did need to get together. He’d make time. Somehow.
“Following the rules saved our asses more than once.” Sean cuffed him on the shoulder, this time connecting. “Now let me work, and for the love of God please take care of... him.” His best friend waved toward the dead body and threw him a smirk before he sauntered over to the charred remains of the interior wall.
His attention once again centered on the victim in front of him. “Did you get any ID?” He looked over at the officer standing by the hole in the wall they'd used as an entrance.
The guy shook his head. “Your friend wouldn’t let me touch shit.”
“Yeah, well my friend is a damn good investigator —” The blaring of the officer's radio interrupted his