“The risk was considered negligible,” Davis said defensively.“The recall was precautionary.No children had been harmed by exposure to these materials.We even sent letters out to the parents and only one parent seemed concerned.”
Miles nodded, but he was thinking about the killer's twisted logic.Someone obsessed with chemical purity and molecular contamination would see Sarah's continued use of recalled art supplies as evidence of her role in poisoning children.The letter’s reference to synthetic materials and processed educational tools suddenly made more sense.
“Did anyone outside the school know about this situation?”Miles asked.“District officials, community members?”
“The school board meeting where we discussed it was public,” Davis said.“The minutes are available online.But it wasn't controversial enough to generate significant attention.”
Mrs.Warren added, “A few parents asked questions during pickup, but most were satisfied when we explained that the district had approved continued use of the supplies.”
Miles filed away mental notes about the art supply recall.It provided the first concrete connection between Sarah Morrison's activities and the killer's stated motivations.Someone monitoring the school board meetings or website could have identified her as a target based on her continued use of potentially hazardous materials.
“Did Sarah seem worried about anything recently?”Vic asked.“Any changes in her behavior or routine?”
“She was excited about the five senses unit she was planning,” Mrs.Chen said with a sad smile.“She'd spent weeks gathering materials and preparing activities.She wanted to make sure every child had hands-on experiences with different textures and smells.She just went on and on about it in the break room.”
The irony was devastating.Sarah Morrison had died while preparing lessons about the five senses, killed by a gas that would have attacked her sense of smell and taste before shutting down her respiratory system.Miles wondered if the killer had deliberately chosen fluorine because of its connection to sensory experience.Had the killer somehow known about Sarah’s lesson plan?
“What about access to the building after hours?”Miles asked, shifting toward the practical aspects of the crime.“Who would have keys or security codes?”
“All full-time staff have building access,” Principal Davis said.“Custodial crew, obviously.Some volunteers and substitute teachers have limited access for specific events.”
“How many people total?”
Davis considered the question.“Maybe thirty people with regular after-hours access.Another dozen with occasional or limited access.”
“What about the ventilation system?”Vic asked.“Would someone need specialized knowledge to access the ductwork?”
Mr.Peters answered this time.“The HVAC system is pretty straightforward.Maintenance workers access it regularly for filter changes and seasonal adjustments.But we’ve not had work like that done here for at least… maybe four or five weeks.”
Miles thought about the delivery system Stoller had described.Timer-controlled release, pressurized container, remote activation.The kind of device that suggested engineering expertise combined with detailed knowledge of the school's ventilation layout.
“Has anyone requested information about the building's mechanical systems recently?”he asked.“Contractors, inspectors, anyone claiming to need access for maintenance or upgrades?”
The staff members looked at each other, but no one recalled unusual requests.If the killer had gained access through deception, they'd been subtle enough to avoid raising suspicions.All of their faces showed signs of horror and disbelief that this could even be a possibility.
“What about during school hours?”Vic asked.“Could someone have accessed the ductwork while classes were in session?”
“The kindergarten wing gets pretty quiet during lunch and recess,” Mrs.Warren said.“If someone knew the schedule, they might have had a window of opportunity.And… I mean, it’s just the ventilation ducts.It’s not like they’re under tight lock and key.”
The possibility that the killer had been inside the school during normal operating hours was chilling.It suggested either inside knowledge or extraordinary boldness.Someone comfortable enough with the building's routines to plant a sophisticated murder device while children and teachers were close by.
Miles looked around the small auditorium, considering what they'd learned.Sarah Morrison had been a beloved teacher with no apparent enemies.But she'd been targeted, possibly because of her continued use of recalled art supplies that fit the killer's obsession with chemical contamination.The attack required detailed knowledge of the school's ventilation system and access that suggested either authorized entry or sophisticated breaking and entering skills.
“I think we have enough for now,” Vic said, closing her notebook.Miles watched her tuck it away into her small shoulder bag, wondering if she’d used it in San Francisco and he’d simply never noticed.“We may need to speak with some of you again as the investigation develops.”
Principal Davis stood up slowly, like someone who'd aged years in a single morning.“When can we reopen the school?”
“That depends on the final contamination clearance,” Vic said.“But the kindergarten wing will probably remain closed for several more days while we complete our investigation.”
The staff members filed out of the auditorium quietly, their footsteps echoing in the empty hallway.Miles watched them go, thinking about how Sarah Morrison's death had shattered their sense of safety and normalcy.A place dedicated to learning and growth had been turned into a crime scene by someone who believed kindergarten art supplies were instruments of molecular corruption.When he thought of it on those terms, he suddenly understood why so many people thought his periodic table theory as nuts.It just sounded sobizarre.
“The art supply angle gives us something to work with,” Vic said once they were alone.“We can trace the recall notice, see who might have monitored the school board meetings, cross-reference with people who have knowledge of heating and air systems.”
Miles nodded, but his thoughts were already moving beyond this specific crime.“We need to expand the investigation,” he said.“If this person is following the periodic table sequence, fluorine won't be the last element they use.”
Vic gathered her materials and stood up.“Let's focus on solving this case first.Then we can worry about preventing the next one.”
But Miles knew they couldn't afford to think in such narrow terms.What if there was someone else out there, not this fluoride killer but someone altogether different, planning the next elemental murders?Element ten, neon, for example, or perhaps they would skip ahead as Diana Hartwell had done with gold.Either way, unless they could identify the coordinating force behind these attacks, another innocent person was going to die.
