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found in their vaginas, but there was some found on the bodies and bedclothes.
    I could now understand why the authorities hid certain information. I heard the front door open. I saw Mike, Paddy and several other men enter. Mike looked my way, and I waved.
    Paddy headed up the stairs. Two others headed for the conference room and Mike entered the office area. “Good morning Scott, how are you doing?”
    “I’m doing okay.”
    Mike’s expression changed. I wondered if he was upset I was looking at the folders.
    He put his sport coat on the back of his chair and came back over. “Scott, we just came from yesterday’s crime scene.” He shook his head. “The young lady who was killed, well…it’s such a waste. She was a beautiful girl with only a year of college left.” He paused, looking at the file folders. “This creep has got to be stopped.”
    “I have to meet with Paddy for a few minutes. Then we’re going to go over this latest case in the conference room. When we assemble, please join us. I’m sorry I wasn’t here to brace you for what you were going to see in these folders.” He straightened up, and headed out of the room, not waiting for any reply.
    I watched as he headed up the stairs. Colleen came into view pulling at the bottom of her white-turtle-neck sweater accenting her figure. Why hadn’t I noticed that before? I smiled as she approached, wondering if she could tell I had noticed her figure. I could feel my face turning red.
    “You know Scott, I could get a complex working in this office,” she remarked, shaking her head. “Sometimes I think I’m invisible with these men. They come and go and never seem to notice me. I’m sure it’s because they have other things on their mind.” She studied me. “Thanks for not being like the rest of them.”
    That answered that question. I had to say something. “Have you been working here long?”
    She flipped her hair behind her ear. “I’ve been here just over a week. Paddy interviewed me and told me he wanted me to start that day. It’s nice to get some money to help with my college expenses.”
    “Where do you go to college?” I asked, looking to buy some additional time.
    “Northeastern. I like it there. However, it’s not anything like Harvard.”
    I looked at her brown hair cascading around her face as she bent over slightly, and I realized how pretty she was. “I met Paddy at his lecture earlier this week.”
    She studied me without saying anything, then waved her hands over the file folders and asked, “Why would you want to be part of this task force?”
    I was glad the folders were closed. “I want to be a district attorney, I think, anyway, and I could use this experience.” I looked at the folders and then back at her as she stood up straight.
    “These cases are awful…he has to be stopped.” She looked deep in thought and looked at the folders again, finally adding, “I have been having some nightmares. I had my super add a couple of extra locks to my apartment doors, and have put up extra curtains. I’m not sleeping soundly either, and any noise wakes me. I’m sorry; you probably don’t need to hear these things.”
    She looked like she was going to turn and leave. “Colleen, I’m glad you’re being careful.”
    “Thanks, Scott. I’m glad you’re here. It’s nice to have someone I can share my thoughts with.” She turned and headed back to her desk.
    I wondered if she had a boyfriend .
    I resumed my study of the folders and noted there was no sign of forced entry. That means that the women either knew the killer, or he had to be someone of authority. It’s hard to believe all of these women would have known the same man. Maybe the killer is a utility worker, or someone connected with law enforcement.
    My thoughts were interrupted by Mike. “Scott, I want you to join us in the conference room. Please bring those folders with you. Get yourself a cup of coffee, if you need one.”
    He had to be kidding. I