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“Um, not exactly, but I think like mid-fifties. Oh my god, has anyone told his wife?”
“Yes,” said Thorn. “As soon as we confirmed his ID, I sent several of the local cops to let people know. We should have his medical records shortly, so you can rule out natural causes.”
The doctor knelt down. “I’m not sure that’s necessary.” He leaned over Thompson’s head and sniffed around his face. “Almonds—just what I expected and look here, petechiae in the eyes and no bruising around the throat, nose or mouth. Your victim was poisoned with cyanide. I’ll have to run tests to give you a more accurate and thorough report, but I feel comfortable calling this a suspicious death.”
CHAPTER 8
THORN
“As soon as the forensics team is done with the body, we’ll get it transported to the hospital, and I’ll get started on my autopsy. Meanwhile, I’ve put in a request for the victim’s medical records.”
“Thanks, Doc. Much appreciated.”
Thorn directed Jessica’s attention to the piece of paper lying on the floor. He bent over, carefully picking up the note by the corner and placing it in an evidence bag. The note was handwritten with a veiled threat and instead of a signature, the author of the note had used a rubber stamp, depicting a young maiden reclining on a barren rock.
“Curious,” said Jessica.
“Do you know what that’s supposed to be?”
“I’m pretty sure it’s Lorelei—she’s from German folklore. Supposedly she threw herself into the river after she was betrayed by a faithless lover. She was transformed into a siren who lures fishermen and ships to their death and destruction.”
Thorn chuckled. “So pretty much in keeping with the threat.”
“I’d say so.”
Kenny, one of the forensic team members, came in through the plastic bubble. “Hey, Thorn, you’re going to want to take a look at this.”
Thorn, with Jessica close behind him, followed Kenny. Just outside the French doors leading to the private garden and the beach below was a distinct set of footprints.
“I haven’t had a chance to do a true analysis or even a comparison,” said Kenny, “but I don’t think those match the shoes of the victim. I’d also expect them to be deeper and bigger if they’d been his.”
Thorn nodded. “I agree, but we’re going to need to rule out the B&B guests…”
“Already on it. One of our guys is scouring the trash dumpster and will then move on to other possible dump sites and another two have obtained permission from the owner to search the rooms. I figure you can check people when you interview them and if you see something suspicious, you can call us in.”
“As always, Kenny,” said Thorn, “you’re right on top of everything. I’m glad you’re here.”
Kenny grinned. “Me, too. It’s almost like a locked-room mystery, except for the fact that the French doors were open to the outside, presumably giving the killer a means to escape. Come to think of it, those open doors tend to negate a locked-room mystery, don’t they?” Shaking his head, he continued, “Do you ever get tired of amateur sleuths trying to horn in with their theories and assumptions?”
Glancing pointedly at Jessica, Thorn said, “You have no idea, but in all fairness, I must say that some amateurs have a real talent for this kind of thing.”
Thorn and Jessica went back inside.
“Thank you for that,” said Jessica. “I think.”
“Much as I hate to admit it,” he said, “I have to say you have a talent not only for sticking your cute little nose in where it doesn’t belong, but for solving puzzles, which is basically what detectives do. We’re given a set of clues, and we solve the mystery.”
“I will say it’s easier to solve the mystery when I’m writing it than just being given clues with no plot or outline to follow. So, what do you make of what little we know so far?”
“You have to follow the evidence. I have to say your books are good at that. I rarely solve the mystery—and even when I do, it’s only right before it gets solved in the book—but when you reveal the answer, I want to slap my forehead and say ‘of course.’”
“You read my books?” she asked, brightly.
“I was trying to figure you and your friends out. After I read the first one, I was hooked. They are done very well, and as the medical examiner said, you bother to get the procedures right. I also like that the cops in your books aren’t all riddled with angst and personal problems. You show us as real people. I think one of your reviews said your characters were well-rounded. I’d have to agree. I’m sure you know this, but you’re very good at what you do.”
“So are you. I’ve seen your closure stats. And thank you for the compliment. They’re always nice to get, but coming from a detective, that’s high praise. I appreciate that you noticed that I did my research. I know it may be too soon to tell, but do the clues lead you to anything?”
Thorn nodded. “Actually, it’s often the obvious clues you find at first that start you down the right path. They may not be enough to take to court or give you the complete solution, but they do provide a kind of guiding light.”
