“No. This is certainly the victim’s leg, but there’s a small-but-noticeable section of the leg missing. Maybe half an inch or so.”
Ella went back to the steel table, leaned down and looked at the section the doctor mentioned. A thick thigh, an additional section carved off. It reminded her of something quite specific. Now that she thought about it, and compared it to historical serial killers who’d dismembered victims, the pattern became clear.
“Like he was carving a joint of meat,” Ella said.
“Yes. I suppose you could say that,” said Levesque.
“You’re absolutely sure?” Ella asked. She stood up, went back to Paige and put her hand on her shoulder.
“Very.”
Paige pulled her mask down and took a deep breath. “Why would he do that?” she asked, curiosity infesting every word.
Ella’s phone buzzed. She checked it. Chief Reed had cleared them to go and visit Cassie Sullivan’s mother. That would be their next stop.
“Because he ate part of her leg,” Ella said.
Ella’s hand was suddenly hanging in the air because her partner hurried towards the exit, her hands clasped over her mouth. A few seconds later, violent wretches echoed down the long corridor.
Perhaps bringing Paige along had been a mistake after all.