On the Trail of a Missing Finger

By now, everyone knows that Wendy's has offered $100,000 to anyone who can figure out the origin of the finger that was found in its bowl of chili. Those who've been living under a rock can read about it here.

When I heard about the reward, I said, "Count me in!" After all, there's always a need at the Schaeffer household for an extra 100 grand. Not only that, but the whole thing reminds me of the beginning of Blue Velvet, where that guy finds the missing ear, then one thing leads to another, and . . . well, you know the story. Whose life wouldn't benefit by spicing it up with some David Lynch?

I began my search like I always begin my searches--with Google. It was only moments after I began googling for the missing finger when . . . bingo! I didn't find the finger, but I think I found its hand. It's correct down to the "long, manicured nail" that the police are always talking about. That's its photo on the left.

My next step: Head to Las Vegas with my tiny detective's notebook. That's where the woman who originally "found" the finger lives. After I've become reacquainted with the Hard Rock casino, I plan to do a little digging around. Hands with missing fingers don't end up on Google by accident. Someone's bound to recognize it.

I'll let you know if I'm successful. In the meantime, if you want to conduct a search of your own, start with the materials at The Smoking Gun and the eyewitness finger-blogging post at Haight Speech. (Link to Haight Speech from Underfingered.)

Comments

[Aaron]

My focus would start with anybody the woman knows (including "friends of friends") who work in hospitals, mortuaries, and morgues.

[the lawyerwriter]

hi evan:

would be happy to do research for you as San Jose is my hometown, and I'm currently here, investigating (well, visiting folks, actually)...but, bet I get to that $100,000 before you do!