“Thank you for coming on short notice,” started Jenny in a controlled voice, “I apologize we are meeting under such unfortunate circumstances. We’re looking into the case of a dismembered body, believed to be a female between the ages of 30 and 35. We had looked into missing persons reports and,” Jenny clenched her jaw too hard, making her slip her speech. She took in a short breath to shrug it off, “and there is a possibility that the victim could be the one you have reported missing.”

Worried murmurs and trembling gazes were exchanged amongst the family members. Some fought back their tears, trying to maintain their composure, some trying to calm their spouse by rubbing their backs. Jenny took in a deep breath to continue.

“A severed thumb has been found at the scene of the crime. It’s the only means to identify who the victim is. That is why we asked you all to bring in items your missing loved ones would keep close, use often, and bring them here to the forensic lab. The team upstairs have taken your samples as their top priority. We will hear results within a few minutes.”

The Constable gave her audience a moment of silence, to let her words sink in. As they waited with abated breath, she would examine them one by one.