Strobes covered the scene, positioned near the warehouse. A skeleton crew of Gotham's Finest had already established a cordon when the slate-black Acura with Federal plates pulled inside. There was no wasted motion as the vehicle pulled sharply left, coming to a stop a few feet from the nearest officer.
A warm wind blew, rustling uniforms, as Agent Elektra Natchios stepped out of the driver's seat. Her SHIELD uniform immediately marked her as an outsider to the scene, and one of the cops gave her a doubting glance. Jurisdiction wasn't an issue; Commissioner Gordon had already authorized SHIELD access to the crime scene. It was simply a matter of territoriality.
Elektra had lived in other countries, other states. She did not view it as more than an arbitrary line drawn on a map. People gave territory definition, and a rookie officer's attitude held less water than most.
A young woman with a strained espression walked over to Elektra. "Agent Natchios. I'm Ramirez. If you'll follow me." Leading her into the warehouse, Ramirez lifted up the tape. They both ducked under it. Floodlights from cruisers filled the warehouse with a glow, and small yellow bulbs dangled on long cords from the ceiling of the building. "Forensics expects to find traces of Scarecrow's fear toxins, but you'll want to put on a mask. We're still not sure what the airborne dispersion rate is."
Elektra affixed a medical mask to her face, and slid on rubber gloves. When they were near the body, Ramirez stopped. Agent Natchios continued forward. The police officer's eyes widened when she noticed the two weapons strapped to Elektra's sides. "Is that standard issue?"
"SHIELD and standard issue aren't terribly close. I still have a sidearm." Indeed, the sais were defensive weapons only, with blunted tips. She had been trained in them, was probably one of the most highly skilled in their use to be found in the world. They were only a tool, however. They gave her a sense of control over the situation. The image before her was enough to make her flinch. Thankfully, Ramirez could not see her face.
Her eyes were open, her face still pinched in terror, which the rigor that had only begun to set in cast in a disturbing pallor. She was drenched in blood. Her own blood, from the looks of it. A somewhat crude ceserean section had been performed, a child removed. No, not crude. The victim had struggled under his scalpel, and the woman's chest cavity had not been stitched back up. Of course, her killer had no motivation to do so. Elektra held her breath. "The baby?"
"It was in a crib against the wall. Medics are bringing the child to Gotham Memorial."
"Good." Elektra said harshly, the edge in her voice betraying the fury she was beginning to feel. Knowing it was not in the hands of a serial killer was a small relief. Not that the child had much to look forward to. Examining the body and the scene for what felt like a small eternity, Elektra eventually stepped back away from the crime scene. "Cause of death is likely chemical exposure. The medical procedure and arrangement of the victim is consistent with the SHIELD profile on Scarecrow. If he is a doctor, he's not likely to be far. I'll ask my people to run background checks on every physician in Gotham and the neighboring counties. We'll need the GCPD records, too. Can you arrange that?"
"I'll put the request in right away." Ramirez turned and left the warehouse. She moved eagerly. Elektra turned back, looking at the scene. He'd clearly removed portions... taken them with him. The placenta, possibly blood samples.
This man was sick. It would bring her great pleasure to find him and bring him to justice. The sooner SHIELD had access to Arkham Asylum, the better.