The Choosing Read Online Free PDF Page A

ligature marks on the feet and wrists; same indicators of malnourishment . . .”
    “Same as the others,” Dodson said.
    The doctor nodded. “If I had to make a call in the field without a full assessment, I would have to say the evidence points to this being the same perpetrator.”
    Dodson turned to Smith. “And no trace evidence on the scene?”
    The lieutenant shook his head firmly.
    Dodson ran his fingers through the short hair at the back of his head. “Any connection between the victims other than their uniforms?”
    The doctor held up his screen again and scanned the information it held. “I have been running the data for commonalities, but nothing stands out. All different ages, different body types, different trades   —as if each girl had been randomly selected.”
    “We’re missing something,” Dodson said. He turned back to Smith. “Survey the area again, like your life depends on it . . . because if we don’t come up with some way to break this case, it will.”
    Smith nodded and left.
    “Do let me know if your men discover anything,” the doctor said.
    Dodson ejected another glob to the side, and the doctor cringed. “If it’s relevant to your work. Otherwise this information is need-to-know.”
    The doctor dropped his eyes to slits, but Dodson was already walking away. “Helms, Bradley,” he yelled across the field.
    The two guards ran over and stood at attention, waiting for instructions.
    “Get this body loaded into the good doc’s vehicle and send him home. Remko, come with me.”
    Remko didn’t hesitate before falling into stride behind his superior. The two walked for a few moments in silence until there was a safe distance between them and the rest of the group.
    “I don’t like the way this is starting to smell,” Dodson said. He pulled up to a hard stop and Remko nearly tumbled over him. “The Authority wants this situation kept quiet. The victims are only Lints, but if word of this spreads into the Flats, we’ll have a panic situation on our hands, and we do not want to deal with that.”
    Remko gestured that he understood.
    Dodson pulled another thin cigarette from his front shirt pocket and lit the end. He took a deep drag and blew a gust of smoke toward Remko’s face. Remko didn’t breathe as the rank pollutant lingered around his head.
    “This stutter of yours sure is a pain in my behind. It would be nice to get a word from you once in a while,” Dodson said.
    Remko opened his mouth to attempt a response but Dodson held up his hand.
    “I don’t have time for you to stumble through your words. I need you to keep an eye on the Lint Stacks. Got it? You have a way of getting around without people noticing, and it seems whoever is doing this to these girls does too. We need to find a way to use that against him. And let me know if any of the guys open their mouths on this one. We gotta keep things hush-hush.”
    Dodson began to walk away but paused and turned back to Remko. “We both know you’ve done good work for the Watch   —always been one of the best. We don’t promote often, but you help me nail this freak and we’ll talk.”
    He started back toward the crime scene, calling loudly over his shoulder, “Now get over there and help Smith find me something that will give us a lead, or I’ll hold both of you responsible for hindering this investigation.”

5
    Carrington gives herself a final scan as she runs her hands down the front of her red dress. She has been staring at this dress in her closet for the last two months, dreaming about this moment. She is only hours from being chosen.
    The day before went well, she thinks. Seven men requested an opportunity to visit with her and her family. Seven is a very good number; her mother is extremely pleased.
    The face of each man plays through her head on a carousel   —some more handsome than others, but all polite and kind. Each one would make an excellent husband, and she would be proud to be seen with any