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Trigger came closer.

“You have a plan?”

“Not yet.”

“That’s disappointing.”

“I arrived yesterday.”

“You’ve used that excuse twice.”

“I was told it had an expiration date.”

Judy almost smiled.

Almost.

Then Will called us toward the far edge of the roof.

“Found something.”

A dusty footprint marked the tar near the fire escape.

Large boot.

Deep heel wear on the outside edge.

Will photographed it from several angles.

“Recent?” Judy asked.

“Could be. This roof doesn’t get much traffic.”

Wolf aimed his flashlight toward the fire escape.

Another partial print showed on the first step.

The trail ended in the alley.

“Max might be able to follow it,” Trigger said.

I shook my head.

“The alley has been contaminated by half the team, two deputies, and everyone who used the kitchen entrance today.”

“What about the fishing string holder?”

“Will needs it intact.”

Will nodded. “I may get DNA beneath the clamp or along the line.”

Trigger looked toward Max.

The dog remained visible through the window, pressed against Rylie.

“Ranger would have followed him.”

The words came out quietly.