“What the hell happened to him?” Michael asked as he looked down on the body that was believed to be that of his cousin.
Nathan didn’t answer immediately, instead he asked a question of his own, “Are you sure this is your cousin, Jake Trent?” As bruised and swollen as the face was, he found it hard to believe that Michael, or anyone, could identify the teen.
“Yes,” Michael said with a nod after a few moments.
“How can you be certain? I’m sorry to have to ask, but given his appearance, identification is difficult, and we do need to be positive that we’re investigating the death of the right person.”
Michael nodded in understanding, though he continued to stare at his cousin’s face. “The tattoos,” he said pointing to a couple of inkings, one on the right forearm of the body and the other
