Chapter 14 - THE BUTTONSTextile analyst examined blouse because both sides agreed.
Results:
threads around two button shanks showed tensile failure.
direction consistent with force pulling front panel away from body.
Could be self-pull or external force.
No skin tissue, no foreign fibers meaningful.
No second person identified.
Daniel frustrated.
Richard:
“You wanted shirt to be judge.”
“I wanted something clean.”
“Life isn't.”
Then Daniel notices buttons found locations.
One under sofa edge.
One near Vanessa’s right knee location.
Mason says she pulled standing then sat. Button scattering plausible.
If Richard tore during grab, also.
No win.
However analyst noted both buttons detached similarly, suggesting deliberate concentrated pull rather than random struggle? Could still occur. Not definitive. Maybe supportive but not proof.
Brooke emphasized ambiguity.
Martin agreed.
The absence of perfect physical evidence pushes cumulative case.
May you like
Then false bid is clearer than blouse.
Daniel begins seeing that motive and preplanning plus witness more important.
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