The precinct was already buzzing with tension when Daryl and Kyle arrived.
The forensics team had been working all night, and now, the results were in.
Captain Hale was waiting for them in the briefing room, a grim look on his face. He didn’t bother with greetings as he slid a folder across the table toward Daryl.
“That’s our guy,” Hale said. “Javier Cruz.”
Daryl flipped open the folder, his eyes immediately drawn to the crime scene photos.
The victim had been beaten badly before he was killed. The bruising, the multiple lacerations—it was clear that whoever had done this wanted him to suffer.
Kyle let out a low whistle. “Damn. They really went to town on him.”
“He wasn’t just some random victim,” Hale continued. “Javier Cruz was a known informant. He had ties to the Blackwoods.”
