What's in the closet?

Blindfold, an apple, a doll's finger, and a bar of soap.

 

*Inspect the items with rubber gloves*

 

We can test for DNA evidence but the killer probably used gloves when handling these items.

 

Detective Alexi: Nikita, maybe this is just nothing?

Nikita: Wait, wait, one moment, I'm thinking...

 

*Leave the crime scene and call Pavel*

 

Detective Alexi: You cannot discuss the case with anyone.

Nikita: I won't, I'm just taking a break.

 

*Return to base and call Pavel*

 

Pavel: Hello?

Nikita: Brother, it's me. I want to ask you something.

Pavel: Sure, go ahead.

Nikita: Blindfold, an apple, a finger, and soap. What's the puzzle?

Pavel: Blindfold... apple... soap... finger... hmm.

 

Maybe the puzzle is, "What's the missing item?"

 

Pavel: Sight, taste, touch, and smell... Hearing is missing, and that means... deaf. Maybe the missing item is an earplug?

Nikita: I just thought of the same thing. Thanks, brother, talk later!

 

*Hangs up*