Page 127 of Trust No One

“Yes. We ran the tests twice.”

“What’re the chances?”

“Unless there’s an environmental source of the substance? Zero. This now falls into your territory. Have you tested all their medications?”

“In the process.”

“Poison slips easiest through something routine—supplements, prescription pills, even bottled water.”

“We found traces in Maria’s wineglass. Gabe took anxiety medicine.”

She nodded. “Maria’s hair strands and nails show signs of low-dose exposure over a period of time.”

“She had a lot of headaches. What about Gabe and Amy?”

“Each appears to have ingested a large single dose. No headaches.”

“No chance of environmental exposure.”

She shook her head. “Doubtful.”

“Did Amy Stocker and Gabe Durant die of heart failure as a result of poison?”

“I’ll know more when I do the autopsies today. Amy’s external exam revealed fibers in her nostrils.”

“She was smothered?”

“No scratches, no defensive wounds. My guess—she was unconscious when someone pressed a rag against her mouth and nose.”

“DNA found on her body?”

“I collected dark, coarse hair fibers on Amy’s body. They’re being tested.”

Hair sounded like Gabe’s. “Gabe and Amy were having an affair.”

Her expression remained steady. She’d heard it all.

“Semen in Maria’s vaginal cavity,” she added. “It’s degraded, but I’m checking the DNA. I’d guess it’s Gabe’s. I’ll confirm.”

“Rumor mill says Maria was having an affair.”

Kauffman shrugged. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“When will Maria and Gabe Durant’s bodies be released? The family would like to plan a funeral.”

“I understand the Durants have a young daughter.”

“She’s with a cousin now.”

“I’ll conduct Mr. Durant’s autopsy this morning. I should be able to release the bodies by sometime next week.”

“I don’t have a timeline, but I’ll check with Raine, Molly’s guardian,” I said. “What about Amy’s remains? I notified her mother yesterday.”

The meeting had been difficult. Mrs. Stocker—a recovering alcoholic—had lost custody of Amy when she was ten. Mother and daughter had reconciled only a few years ago.

When I’d notified Mrs. Stocker last night of Amy’s passing, she’d collapsed into tears. She’d asked me to leave to give her time to process. I’d promised to return once she’d collected herself. I added, “I’ll stop by Mrs. Stocker’s house on the way back to town. Amy’s mother might have some insight into her daughter’s actions.” I extended my hand as I rose. “Thank you, Doctor.”

Stepping out of the medical examiner’s office, I glanced up at the blue sky. The air was crisp, hints of fall in the air. My thoughts drifted to Raine as I got in my car. She’d be at Hale House with Molly.