Almost six weeks later, the volunteers had done an incredible job. The DNA needed for the Peterson case had been found about three weeks into the search. Even after that, volunteers continued to show up until the back log had been completed. All samples were documented and placed in the correct drawers for future use. The source sample had been processed and was still viable. There was still no matching DNA on file.
"Well, we didn't accomplish our goal, but we did get the samples sorted for future cases. But we're not without hope. There are still private DNA services that we can subpoena. Some may require a warrant to get the actual results but there is already precedent for that," Bruce told Mike.
"I'll get the ball rolling on that, the DA's office will need to give us a hand on that, but they know their way around the bushes by now," Mike replied. "We have a valid sample and I'll need a copy of the profile to give the DA's people."
"I took the liberty, here's the drive with the material the companies will need to match our sample. There's two drives in there, one for each outfit, and we can make more. Unlike the private companies, our searches are only geared to an exact match. You might get a familial match from a service," Bruce added.
"That would give us an avenue to investigate. I guess it depends on how cooperative these companies are. As you say, there is precedent," Mike agreed. "Did you run it through the Military data base?
"Let me check," Bruce said while the keyboard made the typical noises. "Yes, and there was no match there either. We still have another shot so don't give up," Bruce encouraged.
"I don't give up, I just adapt and overcome. It's a marine thing," Mike replied.
When the call was completed, Mike turned his attention to other details. He had just enough time to speak with Ron before his next appointment arrived.
He related the DNA results and explained the next steps. Ron accepted the information and was philosophic about the results.
"Good afternoon Gilham, I understand you are a pretty good IT man, is that an accurate description?" Mike asked the twenty-something man across the desk.
"Yes sir, I think that's an apt description. I've been studying computers since I was eight or nine. I've got two degrees in computer science and a lot of experience building and designing systems, like servers and handlers. I can program in most languages and I'm current with all major operating systems," Gilham said confidently.
Mike noted that it was confidence but not arrogance. The man's file was impressive.
"Well, that's encouraging, but can you dance?" Mike asked stone faced.
"I'm pretty good at ballroom and swing," Gilham asked in a befuddled tone.
Mike knew that a lot of very smart people could understand a particular thing themselves but couldn't relate it to others with a gun to their head. Gilham hadn't been rattled by the question.
"Sorry, that's just me checking on how steady you are under stress. This can be a stressful high pressure operation at times. We need to know if a candidate can take the heat or will fold up. So, how are you with old people?"
"Well, I taught my Dad Linux without strangling him or vice versa. But as far as teaching older people to use computers to their best advantage, I do quite well. I volunteer at a senior center and give people classes on computer use and avoiding scams. The success rate is pretty high. Seniors are the major focus of scammers and other computer fraud schemes," Gilham expounded.
"Okay, what this operation is about, is cold cases and is staffed mostly by retired officers. They have varying degrees of computer skill, from practically none to quite conversant. Am I right in thinking you can help massage search engines for better more concise results?" Mike asked.
"Yes, that's mostly technique, but there are tweaks I can do to engines that make them more sensitive to the search criteria and different ways of entering searches," Gilham replied.
"Your record and education are pretty impressive. But you'll be dealing with old retired cops. They can be a little terse and some are quite affable. Can you handle the range of personalities?" Mike asked.
"I've always been able to work with people, old or young. There are a lot of my peers that are in the same boat as older folks. It's not just a matter of age. There's also the question of vanity, I meet a lot of seniors that are sensitive about wearing readers. I try to be sensitive to that and show them how to increase the font size or the overall screen size. Kind of like large print books," Gilham explained.
"I guess the only question left is will you be happy making the move?" Mike asked.
"I think so, Sir, I feel a little under utilized in records. I know the system quite well but mostly it's data entry. I don't consider that beneath me but I think I could be making a better contribution," Gilham asserted.
"That sounds pretty good to me, so I have one more question that you can answer. Who has the best VPN?"
Well, I can give you the top three. Surfshark is more malleable in the hands of the computer savvy, But Nord VPN is nearly idiot proof. Express is third in my book, but it has quirks and PIA is useful but I like something with more features. I use Surfshark, but I often recommend Nord. They all have the same level of security because it's an industry standard. It also depends on what you want to do with it. If you want to stream BBC for instance, the first two are where you want to go. If you want to have a foreign Email for whatever reason, I'd go with Surfshark," Gilham shared.
"Excellent, thank you for that. I think I can safely say that you'd be a good fit here. I should tell you, that we have a few cases from time to time that are sealed. That means nobody outside the bureau is to be told anything that command staff haven't cleared. That's a problem for some people, how about you?" Mike asked.
"To do what I do sir, I have to have a high security clearance. I wouldn't want to jeopardize that so, no, that's not a problem for me," Gilham, said in a very serious voice.
"Okay then, Welcome aboard, Let's head into the cold case bay while all my people are still here," Mike invited.
"This is Captain Frank Foyle, he's my second in command, this young lady here will be your new boss. Chief Inspector Putnam, this is Gilham Baker, he's our new IT manager for the bureau. He's going to interview a couple more people and we'll have people we can rely on instead of a disembodied voice telling us to shut it off and restart it. Gentlemen" Mike called out to the squad members, I'd like to introduce you to Gilham Baker, computer guru at large. He's here to help you guys make the most of your time at the keyboard. I'll let him tell you about his qualifications," Mike grinned and then stepped aside.
"Well first, you can call me GeeBee, I'm pretty good with computers and I'm hoping I can help with any problems you might be experiencing with equipment or software. I'm also good at modifying software to get it to do things it wasn't really designed for. I take my job seriously, but I have a sense of humor. I guess the rest will become evident as we go along.
Andy walked up and offered Gilham a hand, "I'm Andy Watkins but people call me Spooky, I know it's not PC but it doesn't refer to what you might think. I have talents that people find spooky, I'm sure you'll adapt.
"Hey G.B. I'm Beau Savoy, I'm looking forward to learning a few things that might make my computer usage more effective."
"Ron Corrigan here, I lack Spooky's eidetic memory, but I'm still pretty sharp for an old guy. Welcome to our little bunch of bananas."
"Hi G.B. I'm Cal Pinterman, I'm looking forward to working with you. Se abla C+."
"Cool, it's nice to meet you all, where would you like me to set up?" G.B. inquired.
"I have a desk for you over here, Your first order of business will be to acquire the computers you need and however many monitors you need for juggling cases," Antonia told him.
"Okay then, I can get that done right away, um, how will I pay for this stuff?"
"I'll introduce you to Shirley Mason in just a bit. She'll assign someone to help you complete the purchases. She'll also order you a credit card for these kinds of purchases in the future. She'll explain P.O.s and other procedures to do with spending. First we're going downstairs to get you a keycard, radio and get you a picture for your new I.D. , then you get to spend time filling out new forms. I envy you sooo much," Mike grinned.'
"I really think I'm going to like it here," G.B. grinned back.
The response was mixed. 23 & Me rolled over right away while Ancestry was dragging its feet. That didn't really matter, because 23 supplied four familial matches to the profile. Three Mitchells and a Compton.
Ron got busy right away after thanking Frank profusely for the first lead in the case for a long time.
Hi, is this Michael Mitchell?" Ron asked the man who answered the phone.
"Yes, I'm Mike Mitchell, what can I do for you?"
This is Detective Inspector Ron Corrigan with the King County Sheriff's department. I'm hoping you can help us find a relative of yours, I'd like to drop by and see what you might be able to tell me?" Ron requested.
"I'm home all afternoon, I'm docked in Lake Union right near Ivar's," Mike replied.
Ron got the slip number and invited Spooky along. A uniform deputy drove them to the address and they pushed the door bell on the slip gate.
"So what's this about?" Mike Mitchel inquired.
Spooky explained the process that the department went through to get access to the DNA profiles and what sort of case was involved.
"So you say it's a relative and it's a male? I can only think of one that fits the bill except for my boys, but you would have said if it was a descendant I suppose," Mike reasoned.
"No, the indications are a nephew, and he would have been in this area eleven years ago," Ron explained further.
"That would have to be Adam, he's my only nephew and he's a waste of space. He's the son of my older sister. Let me check with Jeanie my younger sister since Martha passed away nearly fifteen years ago," Mike offered.
"Jeanie, I have two detectives here and I think they're looking for Adam. Do you still have that hair board with all the kids hair on it?" Mike asked.
There was a pause and the woman said she did still have it.
Mike thanked her and said he'd call her back in a few minutes.
"So as I understand it, you can get a DNA match from a hair sample, is that right?" Mike asked.
"That's correct, if the hair sample is viable, we can get a match," Spooky replied.
"Well my family has a tradition of keeping what we call hair boards. We put a lock of a baby's hair with their picture on a board with a glass over it. When one fills up, we start another. Jeanie became the keeper of those when Martha died. Now I don't know if he's still there, but if you get a match off Adam's hair, my brother said he had shown up at his place southwest of Deary in Idaho," I can give you his phone number and you can text him. He can't hear for shit so he doesn't answer phone calls.
"May we have your sister's number so we can talk to her about the hair sample?" Ron asked.
"Sure, I'll give you both numbers and you can go from there. I'll let her know you'll be calling. I'll also tell her not to touch the hair. You don't want it contaminated right?" Mike confirmed.
"Yes, that's correct, Ron assured him.
"She's not far from here, just over in Queen Anne near Rogers park. I'll give you the address," Mike volunteered.
"You seem well versed in DNA Mike," Spooky observed.
"I read a lot of procedural crime novels, I don't know how accurate they are but , I use DNA for genealogy research. That's how you found me I suppose," Mike explained.
Ron called the number for Jeanie Compton. He identified himself and they discussed the hair board.
"I can have it ready to go or do you just want the extra?" Jeanie asked.
"Extra?" Ron asked.
"Martha always kept all the hair she was sent in little bottles with the child's name on it. It's all in a big wooden tackle box. Sometimes when she glued the hair down to the board, it would fall down and then she had to replace it. It depended on the glue she used," Jeanie explained.
"Let me make a call and find out. I'll arrange for an evidence technician to take possession of whatever is needed. I'll call you right back," Ron promised.
Ron called the lab and asked what the procedure was in that case. He finally got transferred to Bruce who said that if the witness was willing to affirm that the hair sample was the suspects, it was enough to secure an arrest warrant. That way they wouldn't need to risk damage to a family heirloom. But with the name of the suspect, they could check for warrants and just extradite him for an older charge.
The tech met them at Jeanie's little Victorian near the park. It was a lovely house and she had a lot of antique items on the wall. A collection of hair bracelets were framed and hanging on a hallway wall.
"Do you want the hair back when we're done, we only need just a bit," Ron asked.
"Not his, if it wouldn't risk damaging the other's, I'd pull his off the board. He's an ugly person, he's not welcome here," Jeanie spat.
"Thank you for your help ma'am," Spooky said.
"What are you after him for, did he rob another store?" Jeanie asked. "He robbed one when he was fourteen and went to jail for it. But they only kept him six months. You should be able to check."
"I'm sorry I can't share that information right now, but thank you for all your help ma'am," Spooky replied.
The tech took the evidence to the lab and Ron and Spooky rode back to the office.
It would be an excruciating two days for the DNA results to come in, but it was the most movement in the case since it began.
******
Saturday morning, I convinced our roommates to join us at Geraldines, my treat.
We had a great breakfast and then wandered through the area before we caught the bus back to campus. Chase and I were wanted at home and we grabbed our bags and walked back to the bus stop for the trip home. I was considering getting an inexpensive bike to keep at school. Chase and I discussed it and he agreed it was a good idea. We looked through ads on Facebook and Craig's List. We found exactly what we were looking for on Facebook marketplace. Art drove us over in his pickup and the deal was made. They were off brand bikes but the frames were solid, we decided to hit Amazon for derailleurs and other bits and pieces.
Dad was in a very good mood and we all went to dinner together. He said things were flowing nicely at work and he just felt like celebrating.
John and Carter were quiet so I asked if something was bothering them.
"We have to start at your school Monday, I'm a little scared. Will they be nice?" John asked with trepidation in his voice.
"I'm sure they will. We don't see many sad faces around the kindergarten rooms. There's all sorts of activities and fun projects. You already know how to read so you can help guys that can't. Don't worry too much, I think it will be great for both of you," Chase told him.
"I can't wait, I've wanted to go to real school forever, I think we'll be fine. I'll watch your back and you'll watch mine, right John," Carter chirped.
"Yes, you're right. It's just I've never been around a lot of kids at once, except in a park or at the party with the neighbors. That wasn't so bad. Maybe it will be okay," John sighed.
I gave him some snuggles and he cheered up.
Chase and I pulled the bikes apart and cleaned every square inch. We discovered that one of Chase's wheels was warped so that was another order, since the stupid thing resisted all efforts to adjust the spokes. We greased the goose-neck bearings and the pedal crank bearings. Along with the bearings for the wheels. I did a more intense inspection of the rear wheels and sprockets, there were cracks in both rear rims and both sprockets were damaged. We hit the computer again and ordered fresh units. I decided to replace my front rim with a better product.
Anyone else would have ridden the bikes for a long time before any thing really failed. I grabbed an old hair dryer and removed the decals from the frames. Most if not all our parts would arrive before the next weekend.
We spent the rest of the weekend either riding trails or playing with our brothers.
*******
Monday Ron had an email waiting for him. It was from Cecille who was one of the DNA techs. She said the recovered sample from the hair, was a direct match to the sample from the crime scene. Ron Whooped, printed the email and ran to Toni's office.
"Alright Ron, this is fantastic, let's go tell Mike," She said jubilantly.
That's outstanding news, let's decide what the next step is. I think an extradition warrant is in order, but I'll check with the DA's office. Maybe we don't need one. Now understand, we can't interrogate him until we get a sample from him and test it. Saliva is faster than hair, I already talked this over with Bruce during the serial case. It's an overnight test for our lab. Maybe less if they do a rapid hit type test. I'll check that with Bruce and the DA. I think you have enough to contact William in Idaho and see if his nephew is still there.
Ron sent a text to William Mitchell and got a response.
[I got a new set of hearing aids, why don't you give a call while I'm in town?"] William texted back.
Ron made the call and William answered.
"Mike told me you might be calling, I just told him about my new ears last night. There's pretty good cell service in town, so how can I help you?"
"We'd like to know when you last saw your nephew Adam?" Ron asked.
"About three days ago, right now he's in the Latah county jail in Moscow. Dumbass tried to steal a generator that was in use. The rancher caught him when he came back to fuel it. He held him there until a deputy came out from Dearly. Except for his truck and camper, all his crap is in one of my sheds. I wouldn't be surprised if half of it is stolen," William commented.
"Would it be okay if we arranged to send someone out to collect his property?" Ron asked.
"That would be great, it's taking up valuable space, and it will save me the bother of stacking it outside," William agreed.
"Great, I'll get to work on that right away, thank you sir," Ron bubbled.
"You're welcome, I hope you can lock that little shitbag up for a good long time," William said and disconnected.
Ron went directly to Mike's office. He explained the phone conversation and where the suspect was currently housed.
Mike picked up the phone and called the DA's office. He got ahold of one of the asst. DA's and laid it out for him. The ADA said he'd get someone on it, inside of an hour.
Mike was going to chastise Ron and Spooky for performing interviews without the proper credentials, but since they had a sworn officer with them, he decided against it.
Next he looked up info on Latah county Idaho. He dialed a number and eventually was connected with another captain.