The Broken Window

what’ve you got?” He eyed the large brown folder she carried.
    “Evidence inventory and photos from the coin theft and rape.”
    “Where’s the actual P.E.?”
    “Archived in the evidence warehouse on Long Island.”
    “Well, let’s take a look.”
    As she had with his cousin’s file, Sachs picked up a marker and began writing on another whiteboard.
    HOMICIDE/THEFT—MARCH 27
----
    March 27
    Crime: Homicide, theft of six boxes of rare coins
    COD: Blood loss, shock, due to multiple stab wounds
    Location: Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
    Victim: Howard Schwartz
    Suspect: Randall Pemberton
    EVIDENCE LOG FROM VICTIM’S HOUSE:
    • Grease
    • Flecks of dried hair spray
    • Polyester fibers
    • Wool fibers
    • Shoeprint of size 9 1 / 2 Bass walker
    Witness reported man in tan-colored vest fleeing to black Honda Accord
    EVIDENCE INVENTORY FROM SUSPECT’S HOUSE AND CAR:
    • Grease on umbrella on patio, matching what was found at victim’s house
    • Pair of 9 1 / 2 Bass walkers
    • Clairol hair spray, matching fleck found at scene
    • Knife/Trace embedded in handle:
      • Dust matching nothing at either crime scene or suspect’s house
      • Flecks of old cardboard
    • Knife/Trace on blade:
      • Victim’s blood. Positive match
    • Suspect owned 2004 black Honda Accord
    • One coin identified as coming from the collection of victim
    • A Culberton Outdoor Company vest, tan. Polyester fiber found at the scene matches
    • A wool blanket in the car. The wool fiber at the scene matches
    Note: Prior to trial, investigators canvassed major coin dealers in metro area or on the Internet. No one attempted to fence the particular stolen coins.
    “So if our perp stole the coins he’s kept them. And ‘dust matching nothing at either crime scene.’ . . . That means it probably came from the perp’s house. But what the hell kind of dust is it? Didn’t they analyze it?” Rhyme shook his head. “Okay, I want to see the pictures. Where are they?”
    “I’m getting them. Hold on.”
    Sachs found some tape and mounted printouts on a third whiteboard. Rhyme maneuvered closer and squinted up at the dozens of photos of the crime scenes. The coin collector’s living space was tidy, the perp’s less so. The kitchen, where the coin and knife had been found, under the sink, was cluttered, the table covered with dirty dishes and food cartons. On the table was a pile of mail, most of it apparently junk.
    “Next one,” he announced. “Let’s go.” He tried to keep his voice from tipping into impatience.
    HOMICIDE/RAPE—APRIL 18
----
    April 18
    Crime: Homicide, rape
    COD: Strangulation
    Location: Brooklyn
    Victim: Rita Moscone
    Suspect: Joseph Knightly
    EVIDENCE FROM VICTIM’S APARTMENT:
    • Traces of Colgate-Palmolive Softsoap hand soap
    • Condom lubricant
    • Rope fibers
    • Dust adhering to duct tape, matching no samplars in apartment
    • Duct tape, American Adhesive brand
    • Fleck of latex
    • Wool/polyester fibers, black
    • Tobacco on victim (see note below)
    EVIDENCE FROM SUSPECT’S HOUSE:
    • Durex condoms containing lubricant identical to that found on victim
    • Coil of rope, fibers matching those found at crime scene
    • Two-foot length of same rope, victim’s blood on it, along with two-inch strand of BASF B35 nylon 6, most likely source a doll’s hair
    • Colgate-Palmolive Softsoap
    • Duct tape, American Adhesive brand
    • Latex gloves, matching the fleck found at the scene
    • Men’s socks, wool-polyester blend, matching fiber found at scene. Another identical pair in the garage, containing traces of victim’s blood
    • Tobacco from Tareyton cigarettes (see note below)
    “The supposed perp saved his socks with blood on them and took them home with him? Bullshit. Planted evidence.” Rhyme read through the material again. “What’s the ‘note below’?”
    Sachs found it: a few paragraphs to the prosecutor from the lead detective about possible problems with this case. She showed it to Rhyme.
    Stan:
    A couple potential glitches the defense might try to bring up:
    —Possible contamination issue: Similar tobacco flakes found at crime scene and perp’s home, but neither the victim or the suspect smoked. Arresting officers and crime scene staff questioned, but assured lead detective that they were not the source.
    —Found no DNA linking material, other than victim’s blood.
    —Suspect has an alibi, eyewitness who placed him outside his own house—about four miles