CHAPTER 3: THE FABRIC CLUE
233 Words
The lab results came back faster than expected. Jameson's phone buzzed with the notification, and he quickly scanned the report. The fabric caught in the victim's jacket zipper matched a specific brand and type of clothing – a rare, high-end outdoor gear brand.
"This could be our break," Jameson said to Rodriguez, his excitement building. "Let's track down anyone who bought this gear recently."
Rodriguez nodded, already typing away on her computer. "I'll start canvassing outdoor stores and online retailers. See if anyone remembers a customer matching our victim's description."
As they dug deeper, they discovered a small outdoor gear store on the outskirts of town had sold several pieces of clothing with the matching fabric in the past month. Jameson and Rodriguez headed to the store, hoping to find a lead.
The store owner, a friendly woman named Sarah, recognized the victim's photo. "Yes, she was in here about three weeks ago. She bought a jacket and some hiking boots. Paid in cash, though, so I don't have any records of her name."
Jameson's eyes locked onto Sarah's. "Did she say where she was planning to go?"
Sarah hesitated, then nodded. "She mentioned something about exploring the woods near Raven's Peak. Said she was looking for a specific spot."
Raven's Peak loomed in the distance, its woods dark and foreboding. Jameson's gut told him they were getting close to uncovering the truth.
- Writer
