Page 3 of Unhallowed Murder
Josef intended to be that ride.
He listened to her thoughts, and discovered they were as disciplined as the rest of her. She had a map in her head of what needed to be done and who she trusted to handle each item. When the medical examiner finally arrived, Josef noted this man was the first to comment on her Halloween costume.
“The Blue Power Ranger? Really? I’d expect you to be in nothing less than Red.”
The Lieutenant chuckled. “My friends doled out colors based on skin tone and what looked good on us, not on personality.” She looked to the dead body. “I’m guessing the gunshot to the forehead killed her, but I’m not qualified to say that officially.”
“Got it in one, Lieutenant. The darkness around her eyes appears to be makeup, like maybe she had makeup on and someone tried to wipe it, but made a mess. Same with the redness around her mouth. The bruising around the wrists is real — I’ll verify later, but it looks as if someone zip-tied them. Probably goes without saying, but she wasn’t killed here.”
“No. Did she start in the dress, or did they put her in it? It fits in well enough with the zombie motif. Maybe she was already wearing it, and they ripped it in a few places? It’s a casual fall outfit, not terribly dressy, especially with the cardigan over it.” The Lieutenant looked at the dead woman’s feet. “One shoe. We’ll need to look for the other.A nice, sensible shoe, dressed for comfort and looks.” She sighed. “The hair mussed and draped over part of her face hides the bullet hole. Can you give me time of death yet?”
He shook his head. “She’s been dead more than… twelve hours. Possibly eighteen. I assume you want me on this right away and it can’t wait until morning?”
“I’m sorry. You’re in a costume, too, but this is already all over social media, and our bosses would like this closed fast, if we can.”
Paying visitors were still being shepherded out, but most were in their cars, snarled in traffic. The only people close to the crime scene were police personnel — the employees were still sequestered in the barn. Still, a telephoto lens from the parking area would be able to get a nice shot, and she’d reminded her people of this several times.
Josef, of course, still watched from fifteen feet away, standing in the shadows. None of her people seemed to notice him, so she let him stay. Josef couldn’t pick up on her reasoning, but didn’t dig to find out.
While her thoughts stilled and she took in the scene once again, he addressed her telepathically.
I realize one of your people offered to take you back to the station, but I can give you a ride. You have your own lie detector skills, but I can offer to let you know what people are thinking when you question them, if you’ll let me ride along. As you can tell by your people’s reaction to me here, I can easily make them accept my presence.
What will I owe you?
I make no demands or requests.
I can’t have you beside me when I interview people. You can make the people present accept your presence, but not the people who might see you in pictures or video later. If you can remain in the background and help, I’ll accept your offer. Tell me your name, please?
I am Josef.
Well, Josef, I’m going to interview the security guards and the people who were here during the day today, preparing for the big night. I’m hoping we’ll have an ID on her by the time we finish, in which case I’ll go to her home and see what I can learn about her from her things.
She turned to Detective Carter. “Josef will drive me when I’m ready to leave. Please look the scene over once the body is removed to be sure we have all the evidence we need. I know the crime scene techs did, but…” She sighed, and refrained from pointing out they’d missed bits and pieces in the past. “If we get an ID, I’ll let you know so you can meet me at the victim’s house.”
“You shouldn’t go alone, Ma’am.”
“I’ll stay outside and wait for backup if I sense anything amiss.”
With Josef letting her know what each employee knew as they were brought to her, she spent a minimal amount of time interviewing the staff before dismissing them and thanking them for their cooperation. No one knew who the victim was. All were horrified a dead body had been so close and they hadn’t known. The fact it was Halloween seemed to make it even more perverse to them.
She talked to the manager last, and asked him about any no-show employees. She received two names, got their addresses, and nodded to Josef as she walked out.
As soon as they were both in the vehicle and the doors were closed, she told him, “Thank you for your help. I don’t understand why you’ve stayed, but I appreciate the offer to continue helping.”
“Your people respect you.”
“Goes both ways. What do I need to know about you? I’d like to know more than a first name.”
“I am head of security for The Abbott. Did you recognize him in our group?”
“I did not. I know my own leader as well as the Amakhosi, and I’ve had occasion to deal with the Wolf Alpha. I’ve also been made aware of the leadership of the RTMC, but only because of my job. That’s the extent of my knowledge of the supernatural power structure.”
“Most people do not get along with Martin.”
Her thoughts agreed with him, but she said, “Martin has his own reasons for the way he chooses to lead.”
Josef’s respect for her went even higher, though he hadn’t thought it possible. She didn’t like the tiger alpha either, but she wouldn’t speak ill of him. This woman had more valor and honor than any of the recently-born he’d met this century.
