Investigating the Cottage: A Mysterious Blood Trail

While searching the Owens' cottage, Detective Karl Jenkins discovers a mysterious blood trail leading from the dining room to the coffee table.

Detective Karl Jenkins cautiously enters the Owens' cottage, announcing his presence as a police officer. As he moves through the quiet hallway and into the master bedroom, he finds the room nearly empty, with the bed stripped of sheets and the wardrobe sparse, suggesting the Owens' absence.
  In the kitchen, Karl confirms his suspicions that the Owens are likely away on one of their environmental excursions, as the fridge is nearly as empty as the wardrobe. However, as he navigates through the cramped dining area, he accidentally knocks over a slim scientific journal, causing papers to scatter on the floor.
  While crouching to gather the fallen papers, Karl discovers a reddish fluid smeared on his fingertip, which he identifies as blood. He traces a trail of small blood drops leading from the dining table, through the lounge, and ending near the coffee table. The droplets appear dry, indicating they have been there for some time, possibly around forty-eight hours, but the first drop is still wet, adding to the mystery.
  As Karl reaches the end of the blood trail, he finds no signs of violence or further clues, deepening the puzzle surrounding the Owens' disappearance and its potential connection to the search for Jamie.