The Broken Window (Lincoln Rhyme 8)

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 away, at around the time of the crime. Alibi witness is a homeless man who suspect gives money to occasionally.

"Had an alibi," Sachs pointed out. "Who the jury didn't believe. Obviously."

"What do you think, Mel?" Rhyme asked.

"I'm sticking to my story. It all lines up too conveniently."

Pulaski nodded. "The hair spray, the soap, the fibers, the lubricant . . . everything."