Page 27 of Forever Dead

“What about the chair that was broken over her?”

“Postmortem, most likely.”

Connor turned from the body. “You sure?”

“I’ve found no corresponding pattern of vital bruising where the heavier fragments were resting. I’ll confirm after further examination, but my preliminary view is that the chair was broken and placed over her after death.”

Arnold muttered, “Why?”

“That’s your department,” Blethan said.

Connor’s phone vibrated in his pocket.

He almost ignored it.

Then he took it out and read the message.

CALL ME. NOW.

No name appeared on the screen because Connor had deleted the contact months ago.

He did not need a name.

The number was enough.

Morimer.

A tightness formed low in Connor’s stomach.

Blethan was still talking about sending samples to the lab, but the words receded behind the message. Connor read it again as if that might alter what it meant.

It did not.

Arnold noticed. “Everything okay?”

Connor locked the screen. “Yeah.”

Blethan watched him for another moment. “I’ll call when I have more.”

“Thanks, Doc.”

Connor headed for the door.

Arnold followed him into the corridor. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, Arnold.”

“That didn’t look like nothing.”

Connor kept walking. “Go see how the other deputies are getting on with the cam checks, ring cams and license plate readers on the roads out to Eleanor’s place, would you? Then get back to the station. Get Cheryl to keep pushing the anonymous call and find out where we are with Deacon Blair.”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure.”

Arnold stopped near the outer door. “All right.”

Connor stepped outside.