Chapter Twenty

Gallagher arrives at the crime lab, eager to review the fiber analysis results. Meghan Shapiro, the lab technician, greets him with a nod.

"Sheriff, we've got something," Meghan says, leading him to a microscope. "The fibers under the victim's nails match a specific type of glove material."

Gallagher's eyes narrow. "What kind of gloves?"

"High-quality, latex-free, synthetic gloves. Commonly used in medical or industrial settings," Meghan explains.

Gallagher's mind whirrs. "Get me a list of local suppliers and buyers of those gloves."

Meghan nods. "Already on it, Sheriff. Based on the analysis, I'd say the fibers come from a relatively rare batch," Meghan continues. "Only 5% of gloves manufactured in the past year match this specific composition."

Gallagher's eyes lit up. "That's our needle in the haystack."

Meghan hands Gallagher a printout. "Local suppliers and buyers of the matching gloves. Three names stand out. The La Salle County Medical Center, Illinois Industrial Supply and Smith's Safety Equipment.”

Gallagher's gaze locks onto the three suppliers. He was getting somewhere.

Sheriff Gallagher steps out of his cruiser and onto the asphalt of Smith's Safety Equipment's parking lot. He had already been to the first two and now this was the last stop. The sun beats down on him, a reminder that time is ticking. He needs to find Lizzie's killer.

Gallagher enters the store, greeted by the familiar sight of shelves stacked with safety gear. A bell above the door announces his arrival.

"Sheriff! What brings you by?" The store owner, Joe Smith, calls out from behind the counter.

Gallagher approaches him. "Joe, I need your help."

"Of course, Sheriff. What's going on?" Joe asks.

Gallagher pulls out a photo of the fiber glove.

"We found these synthetic fiber gloves at the crime scene. I understand they're specialized. Do you sell them?"

Joe nods.

"Yeah, we carry those. They're mostly used by industrial workers or lab technicians."

Gallagher's eyes lock onto Joe. "I need a list of everyone who's bought these gloves in the past month."

Joe's expression turns serious.

"I'll get that for you, Sheriff." He disappears into the back office, leaving Gallagher to scan the store.

Minutes tick by before Joe returns with a printed list.

"Here you go, Sheriff."

Gallagher scans the names: Johnson, Michael. Davis, Emily…..

A name catches his attention -

Cook, Dana

Gallagher's heart skips a beat. Dana Cook? The mayor's daughter? Gallagher's mind reels. It can't be.

What does the kid need industrial gloves for? Gallagher's thoughts swirl with questions. Was Dana involved?

Gallagher takes a deep breath. Stay focused, he tells himself. He folds the list and tucks it into his pocket.

"Joe, keep this quiet for now."

Joe nods. "Of course, Sheriff."

Gallagher exits the store, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. He needs to confirm Dana's alibi and get to the bottom of this.

Gallagher's eyes drift back to the list in his pocket. Dana's name stares back at him. He didn't know what to do. This would cause chaos in the town.

Sheriff Gallagher steps out of his cruiser and onto the gravel driveway of Debbie's home. The sun casts a warm glow over the small house, a stark contrast to the darkness gathering in his mind.

He knocks on the door, and Debbie answers, a look of concern etched on her face. Her nose is visibly red, the rest of her face devoid of color.

"Sheriff, what's going on?" Debbie asks, stepping aside to let him in.

Gallagher enters, his eyes scanning the cozy living room. “Are your parents home?”

“They went to get groceries.”

He nods absently. "Debbie, I need to ask you some questions."

Debbie nods, gesturing for him to sit. She sniffs rubbing the hem of her sweater against her nose. Gallagher takes a seat on the couch, pulling out the list from his pocket.

"Debbie, I have a list of people who bought specialized synthetic fiber gloves recently. That's the gloves the killer is assumed to be using.”

Debbie's expression remains neutral. Gallagher's eyes lock onto hers.

"Dana Cook's name is on this list."

Debbie's eyebrows rise slightly. “What? Are you saying Dana is the killer?"

Gallagher leans forward.

"It's a probability. Debbie, you've been friends with Dana since middle school. What can you tell me about her?"

Debbie hesitates, choosing her words carefully. "Dana's a great friend. She can be mean, proud, and pompous... but."

Gallagher's eyes narrow. "But what?"

“Nothing. She's mean doesn't mean she's capable of murder. Especially to her friend.”

“What was her relationship like with the other girls?”

“Normal. Just like any other friendship. What're you insinuating?”

“The tension Deborah! Was there tension between you guys?”

“Not that I know off…” Debbie leans in, her voice barely above a whisper. "But…Dana had a thing for Jasher Sloane. Only I knew. She didn't trust the rest.”

Gallagher's grip on the list tightens. "Jasher Sloane? Veronica's boyfriend?"

Debbie nods. Gallagher's mind reels.

Veronica, the first victim.

Jasher's ex-girlfriend.

"Dana's crush on Jasher was a secret; she was embarrassed to admit she liked a loser like Jasher but also got irritated whenever they were together," Debbie continues. "But after Veronica's murder, Dana became... different. Quiet, withdrawn."

Gallagher's eyes bore into Debbie's.

“Where were all of you the night Veronica died. Tell me the truth."

Debbie bites her bottom lip, eyes downcast. “We had a sleepover that night.”

Gallagher's thoughts swirl. “What?!”

“I know. I know. We lied but I was scared! We were the last to see her alive. We didn't want to get falsely accused.”

Gallagher's gaze intensifies. “It's okay. Calm down. Tell me exactly what happened that night. Leave no part out."

Debbie's eyes widen. “Well…Veronica was irritated alot lately, and I had a hunch that she and Jasher had a fallout. We decided to cheer her up by having a sleepover -”

“Was Dana a part of this?”

“No. She had a family dinner.”

Gallagher nods remembering that that was exactly what Dana told him. “Continue.”

“We were having fun. Playing games. Drinking. I think we were five…seven? Anyway, Ronnie suddenly disappeared. She just left without telling anyone. I think it was after a phone call but I just assumed her parents wanted her back home.”

“That's odd. I checked her phone history and she didn't receive any calls that night till the following morning. And it was from her mom.”

“Either she deleted it. Or the killer did. I'm positive she received a call.”

And he was back to a dead end.

“Did Dana have any beef with Lizzie?”

“Nothing serious. Lizzie could be dumb sometimes and that pissed Dana off, but not so much that she'd want to hurt her. We were all friends.”

Gallagher thanks Debbie for her time and stands to leave.