23
Howard Muller, former NYPD, had transferred to the Midwest so his wife could be closer to her family. Seasoned in both kidnapping and homicide, Muller was soon put in charge of the disappearance of the first girl. The case had then turned into a murder investigation when her body turned up in late September 1986.
"My theory is the guy started young," Muller said. "I mean, we found the first body thirty years ago. Can you imagine a guy my age dragging you into the back of a van?"
"Guess not," Alice said. "Do you have a record of exactly where the victims were found?"
"Sure," said Muller. "Show me that map there."
Alice took the map out of the box. It was stiff and worn at the folds, close to falling apart. She unfolded it and held it in front of Muller. He pointed a bony finger to d
