Fairly certain I see three attach/systems. the forward hole (missing the pin) is 'shading' a bulkhead cap similar to the most aft structure. All three towers seem present, though what would be the port side of the forward carriage is in darkness. The fairing at the emp/VS mate is gone, uncovering the primer in the shape of the fillet. (That may help some locate the assembly in the above picture of the a/c)
Excellent point. The forward 'hole' is in the wrong location in the photo. It would be lined up with the other two, and located more forward. The attached, forward empennage structure is creating the illusion, or shadowing, looking like a hole. Also notice that tab transitions into the vertical box have a radius, but the forward does not. We're looking at blocking from another piece of attached structure.
I'm beginning to think the vertical didn't separate in flight. If it did, it was part of a package, including the empennage. Experience with AA587 would make us jump to that conclusion, (guilty as charged in the beginning), but there are too many dissimilarities, e.g., failure characteristic, intact rudder.