twelve minutes past eight by the clock on the wall

Wolfrom is scrolling through computer files while Lewis flips through the box of physical file folders. Wolfrom asks, “Were there any that stood out that we should bring back for follow up, or do we just start over?”

“Nothing jumps out at me. We’re back to square one, Wolfie.”

“Think how easy it’d be if we could get a court order to make them all give us samples.”

Lewis laughs. “Never happen.”

A knock on the door, Wolfrom opens it to admit Liz.

“Do you have new information for us?” asks Lewis.

Liz hovers in the doorway, “Uh, no. I thought you had the guy. I’m wondering what you’re doing back here?”

Lewis says, “As it turns out, the guy isn’t the guy.”

“So you’re back here because? You think it’s a student?”

“Could be. Might be staff, guest lecturer, former student, stranger. The possibilities are endless.”

“Oh shit. What do I tell Natasha?”

“That we haven’t caught the guy. That if she remembers anything she should let us know. She was going to think about smells, if you could remind her.”

“Oh, I will.” Liz nods. “Um. So, now what are you guys doing?”

“Interviewing the rest of the student body for a start.”

page forward arrow