It was how the chief managed complex cases: reducing everything to color-coded three-by-five cards, each with a single fact, a piece of evidence, a photograph, or a witness. These he would organize chronologically, pin to a corkboard, and then—with string—connect the cards, looking for patterns, clues, and relationships. It was a standard approach and it had worked well for him before. But as he surveyed the chaos on his desk, the corkboard overflowing with a rainbow of cards, the strings going in every direction, he began to wonder if he needed a different system. He felt himself growing more frustrated by the minute.The phone buzzed and he picked it up. “For heaven’s sake, Shirley, I asked not to be disturbed!”“Sorry, Chief,” said the voice, “but there’s someone here you really must see—”“I don’t care if it’s the pope. I’m busy!”“It’s Captain Stacy Bowdree.”It took a minute for the ramifications of this to sink in. Then he felt himself go cold. This is all I need.
