I like that you shifted focus to bring this entire world to life, and added a whole new dimension to the already riveting prequel.
You slip into present tense in the final sentence of the second paragraph. Should change that to “Stared patiently” I think. And being a big fan of sentence fragments, they remind me of conversation, I love that you seem to have intentionally added them. All my English teachers chided me endlessly for my affinity for them, to no avail.
Back to you… awesome ficlet here.

I have a major problem with that verb for some reason. And yep, the fragments are there on purpose. (My “checker” hates me for it. ;D )

seems she lives for serial killers! the puzzle! The intrigue! The drama!

Retrieving her gloves, she dramatically snapped them into place. “Let the games commence,â€? her brown eyes sparkled with a hint of deranged excitement. I love the sadistic glee she gets from her job. And I’m so glad you chose not just to sequel one of my ‘lost’ ficlets, but also one of my favorites!

Another great sequel.

I’d say John’s challenge is on a roll.

Great job!

A bit CSI , but still nicely written and a fun continuation from the alternate perspective. I liked the little clue of the foil square.

Great job bringing one of tbs’s “lost” ficlets back from the dead (pun intended, of course :p). I hope you both continue this!

very CSI and timely with forensic details.