Chapter 3
Joshua was at a loss for words, overwhelmed by the technical jargon.
He glanced over at Kelvin and Kian.
Kelvin quickly nodded, "Elaine's right. The powder's got a batch number, and the packaging includes all the technical specs. We followed protocol and filled out the extraction registration form."
Kian confirmed that all their procedures were in compliance.
Before Joshua could respond, Elaine opened her laptop and connected it to the conference room projector.
In the photo of the wooden stool at Jay's house, near the inner side of the table leg, the newly made light-colored scratches were clearly visible.
Next to it, several photos treated with special fluorescent coloring revealed faint fluorescent spots in the wood grain gaps that appeared empty under normal light.
"This is the image of the fluorescent substance extracted from beside the scratch," Elaine explained, her voice like a lecture.
"Preliminary spectral analysis shows its main components include C16-C18 and traces of protein decomposition fragments."
"Very similar to human skin secretions."
"Kelvin has already sent it to the fingerprint analysis department. The results will be out soon."
Elaine switched to another photo.
"More importantly, the arrangement of these spots suggests a severely worn partial fingerprint, with the pattern leaning towards the knuckle area."
The conference room fell silent. Even those who had underestimated Elaine couldn't ignore the clear evidence.
Someone had touched that chair!
And it had been deliberately cleaned after the incident!
Elaine turned to Travis, "Captain Smith, isn't this enough to suggest that there are signs of human interference at the scene?"
"All these findings are within 10 feet of the deceased."
Travis stared at the clear images on the projector, deep in thought, without speaking.
Elaine didn't pause, presenting close-up shots taken with a microscope.
"These are black fragments extracted from the tile gaps near the natural drop position of the deceased's right hand."
"Preliminary melting point tests show these fragments are harder than regular plastic or rubber, with metallic properties."
She pointed to another photo. "Preliminary chemical indicator rapid response shows traces of weak alkaline phosphatase."
After finishing, Elaine turned off the projector, and the room was lit by regular lights again.
Elaine did not draw any conclusions throughout the presentation; she merely laid out the evidence chain, but the atmosphere in the room grew heavy.
Joshua's face turned pale, and he forced himself to speak, "Based on this, you can conclude it's a homicide? Environmental factors, the deceased cleaning something before death, or even furniture wear could be possible."
Elaine looked at Joshua calmly, "I haven't concluded it's a homicide. But I can conclude that this scene doesn't fit the logic of a perfect accident or suicide."
"It's suspicious, therefore, I insist on a second in-depth autopsy and a detailed analysis of the irregular burn marks on the deceased's right palm."
"Additionally, a thorough second investigation of the deceased's residence, focusing on confirming if any items are missing."
Elaine's gaze locked onto Travis, "Jay was an experienced detective, about to retire. If he truly felt desperate enough to commit suicide, why choose electrocution?"
Elaine's voice carried a heavy, indescribable weight, "Captain Smith, this is a slap in the face to everyone who fights for the truth, and a disgrace to Jay's legacy and the badge he wore with pride."
Her final words hit everyone like a ton of bricks.
Kelvin and Kian straightened up, their expressions serious.
Joshua fell silent, a mix of emotions and... shame flashing across his face.
He had spent his entire career in criminal investigation, yet he had no doubts about Jay's suspicious death?
He had been swayed by the urgency of his superiors, the apparent calm of the family, and his own reluctance to dig deeper.
Travis's chest heaved. This was the first time he truly looked at this young woman.
Elaine's words had struck at the core belief of a police officer.
The pursuit of truth!
He hated when procedures were disrupted, but he hated being blinded by a disguised truth even more.
At that moment, Kelvin rushed in, panting, holding a test report. "Captain Smith, the report is out."
"After examination and comparison, it is indeed another person's fingerprint."
"'Bones,' real name Tony Allen, forty-two years old, with a criminal record."
"He has been imprisoned for assault and extortion, and after his release, he's been hanging around the gray area."
"Through investigating Jay's activities before his death, we found that three months ago, Jay had contacted him three times, twice for routine summons."
"The last time... Jay went to find him voluntarily."
After Kelvin's report, Travis stood up, his tall figure exuding a powerful presence.
His gaze swept across the room, his voice deep and firm, "Scene investigation."
Each word hit the table like a hammer, "Kelvin, Kian!"
"Yes!"
Both men straightened up.
"Kelvin, follow Elaine's highlighted areas, don't miss any corner."
"Yes!"
Kelvin saluted sharply.
"Kian, contact the medical examiner's office, expedite the second autopsy, follow Elaine's instructions. I want the fastest and most detailed report."
"Looks like assigning Elaine to you was a good choice," Carter said with a smile, having listened quietly the whole time.
"I trust you two with Jay's case. Let me know if you need anything."
"Yes!" Travis responded.
After seeing off Carter and Joshua, Elaine sat at the end of the conference table, gently rubbing the edge of the file.
Her gaze lingered on Tony's photo, a square face with a noticeable scar on his brow, his eyes fierce.
"Jay was about to retire, why did he contact Tony?"
Travis didn't speak, instead pulling up a surveillance video, clearly prepared in advance.
In the video, Jay stood at the entrance of a restaurant, looking around solemnly before quickly entering.
A few minutes later, Tony appeared at the same spot, cautiously looking around before following inside.
"This restaurant has no surveillance, I could only capture this from external street cameras."
Travis pointed at the screen, "I can confirm Jay was investigating something. This Tony might be an informant."
As he spoke, Travis paused and zoomed in on the image, "Tony left holding something. I've already sent someone to investigate."
Elaine's eyes lit up, excitedly approaching the screen.
"Here... the substance on Tony's cuff doesn't look like regular ink!"
Travis stared at Elaine, "What do you think this means?"
Elaine looked up, her eyes calm and sharp, "It means Tony might be more than just a middleman."