Chapter 5 — Examining the Latch Mechanism — Signs of Forced Entry from Below
Paul leaned closer to the white baseboard.
His eyes scanned the low surface beneath the cabinet handle.
Faint smudges marred the clean white paint.
They were damp paw prints.
The prints were pressed firmly against the baseboard right below the handle.
Paul traced the shape of the smudges with his gaze.
The size and spacing matched a specific animal.
They matched the exact height and stance of a medium-to-large dog.
George stepped closer to see what his son was looking at.
The older man looked down at the paw prints.
A puzzled expression crossed George’s face.
He stared at the smudges for a long moment without speaking.
The stubborn glare in his eyes began to fade.
He looked from the damp marks on the baseboard back up at Paul.
Paul did not say a word.
He reached out toward the lower cabinet door.
Paul placed his hand on the cabinet handle to test the resistance of the door.