[And the plot thickens. Or at least congeals, but good enough]

Inside the apartment building things were busy. Detective Russell didn't need anyone to tell him where things had happened. The blood smears on the open door of unit 1-B and the forensic team inside it were more than enough.

There was a uniformed officer just inside the door to the apartment. Jensen. Rookie. He was looking green, but doing his best to hold it together.

"What happened?" Russell asked.

"Three fatalities, sir," Officer Jensen said. His voice was a little wavery. Reciting the details seemed to help him compose himself. "Two children, one boy one girl, and an adult female. Neighbor called this in at 11:45 when she saw the blood on the door. Officer got here at 11:57. There was no answer, the manager opened the apartment for us at 12:05. The bodies were discovered in the living room."

Russell nodded. "Any other occupants?"

"We're not sure yet, sir. The manager fainted when they discovered the bodies. That was twenty five minutes ago. MEs think that there might be three children. We're checking with social services. The complex management company is sending someone over to check the records. Manager was the only one in today."

Russell sighed. Civilians. Great. "What about the bodies?"

The speed at which all the blood drained out of the rookie's face told Russell everything he needed to know. He was tempted to give the guy an out and ask the medical examiner, but he knew there wasn't any point. He was a cop, and this stuff happened.

"Not good?"

"The ME said something about