found embedded in the flesh of the scalp. Forensics identify that this fragment is consistent with the ones that are found on the floor of the bathroom, which suggest the smashed vase.
‘ Upon removal of the victim’s clothing, there is no evidence of injury anywhere else on the body. Limbs are equal, symmetrically developed and show no evidence of injury. The fingernails are medium length and fingernail beds are blue. There are no residual scars, markings or tattoos.
‘ The genitalia are that of an adult female and there is no evidence of injury. Pubic hair has been shaved in its entirety.
INTERNAL EXAMINATION:
HEAD – CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM: Subsequent autopsy shows a depressed skull fracture which is comminuted, with the broken pieces of bone displaced inward. Underlying brain tissue is severely damaged, with a hematoma measuring 4 X 4.2 cm in diameter displacing the surrounding gyri. The brain weighs approximately 1400 g.’
Devon’s stomach turns. This means they removed her brain, he thinks with bile shooting up his throat.
The rest of the Internal Examination shows nothing remarkable – until he arrives at the Female Genital System.
He reads the finding with growing dread:
‘FEMALE GENITAL SYSTEM: Examination of the pelvic area indicates the victim had not given birth. However, the presence of a fetus in the womb and generalized swelling of the tissues suggests that the victim is pregnant at the time of death. There is evidence of recent sexual activity but no indications that the sexual contact was forcible. Seminal and vaginal fluid samples are removed for analysis.’
Devon is stunned.
Fetus .
Pregnant .
Who was the father? And did it have anything to do with her murder? Why did Rachel Krieg insist on him being the father to her yet ‘unmade’ child if she was already pregnant?
He says, “Do they know who the father is?”
“Not yet. But they have sent the fetus for DNA cross-matching.” Pat holds his eyes. “Could be extremely relevant to the murder.”
Of course. He swallows.
Pat says, “The police would want to question you further about the presence of your semen in Rachel’s vagina. Expect a visit soon from a Mr. Tobias Ford, a homicide detective with the NYPD.”
Devon’s insides clench, but he nods. Abby reaches for his hand under the table and squeezes it.
ZIPANGU
It is something extremely unpleasant, but Abby knows she has to do it. So she grits her teeth and makes her way down to Zipangu to put in her resignation. It is no use pretending anymore. She can’t work in the place without Rachel’s ghost encroaching on her conscience, and she doesn’t want to work alone in the store with Richard Krieg.
Assuming Richard Krieg would want her there in the first place.
Back home, Devon is being questioned by Detective Ford about his semen. Pat Chalmers is present. She has asked him to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, just like in a court of law, because he has nothing to hide.
“It’s not as if it’s going to get any worse for me,” Devon assures Abby. “I have already been accused of first degree murder. What could be worse?”
Actually getting convicted of first degree murder, she thinks. But she smiles at him for solidarity and holds her remark.
Zipangu greets her with its ‘OPEN’ sign and fabulous window display of ceramics. She is surprised. She would have thought that Richard would have closed the store in wake of Rachel’s death.
She pushes the door open and walks in, a little hesitant. Richard is seated at the cash register counter. He gives her an unpleasant smile as she strides in.
“So, the little birdie has decided to fly in to roost,” he says.
She holds her chin up. “In light of what happened, I have come in to tender my resignation.”
She holds up an envelope.
“No need. I have already fired you when you didn’t show up for two days.”
Abby is surprised. “B-but your sister was murdered.”
Your
‘ Upon removal of the victim’s clothing, there is no evidence of injury anywhere else on the body. Limbs are equal, symmetrically developed and show no evidence of injury. The fingernails are medium length and fingernail beds are blue. There are no residual scars, markings or tattoos.
‘ The genitalia are that of an adult female and there is no evidence of injury. Pubic hair has been shaved in its entirety.
INTERNAL EXAMINATION:
HEAD – CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM: Subsequent autopsy shows a depressed skull fracture which is comminuted, with the broken pieces of bone displaced inward. Underlying brain tissue is severely damaged, with a hematoma measuring 4 X 4.2 cm in diameter displacing the surrounding gyri. The brain weighs approximately 1400 g.’
Devon’s stomach turns. This means they removed her brain, he thinks with bile shooting up his throat.
The rest of the Internal Examination shows nothing remarkable – until he arrives at the Female Genital System.
He reads the finding with growing dread:
‘FEMALE GENITAL SYSTEM: Examination of the pelvic area indicates the victim had not given birth. However, the presence of a fetus in the womb and generalized swelling of the tissues suggests that the victim is pregnant at the time of death. There is evidence of recent sexual activity but no indications that the sexual contact was forcible. Seminal and vaginal fluid samples are removed for analysis.’
Devon is stunned.
Fetus .
Pregnant .
Who was the father? And did it have anything to do with her murder? Why did Rachel Krieg insist on him being the father to her yet ‘unmade’ child if she was already pregnant?
He says, “Do they know who the father is?”
“Not yet. But they have sent the fetus for DNA cross-matching.” Pat holds his eyes. “Could be extremely relevant to the murder.”
Of course. He swallows.
Pat says, “The police would want to question you further about the presence of your semen in Rachel’s vagina. Expect a visit soon from a Mr. Tobias Ford, a homicide detective with the NYPD.”
Devon’s insides clench, but he nods. Abby reaches for his hand under the table and squeezes it.
ZIPANGU
It is something extremely unpleasant, but Abby knows she has to do it. So she grits her teeth and makes her way down to Zipangu to put in her resignation. It is no use pretending anymore. She can’t work in the place without Rachel’s ghost encroaching on her conscience, and she doesn’t want to work alone in the store with Richard Krieg.
Assuming Richard Krieg would want her there in the first place.
Back home, Devon is being questioned by Detective Ford about his semen. Pat Chalmers is present. She has asked him to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, just like in a court of law, because he has nothing to hide.
“It’s not as if it’s going to get any worse for me,” Devon assures Abby. “I have already been accused of first degree murder. What could be worse?”
Actually getting convicted of first degree murder, she thinks. But she smiles at him for solidarity and holds her remark.
Zipangu greets her with its ‘OPEN’ sign and fabulous window display of ceramics. She is surprised. She would have thought that Richard would have closed the store in wake of Rachel’s death.
She pushes the door open and walks in, a little hesitant. Richard is seated at the cash register counter. He gives her an unpleasant smile as she strides in.
“So, the little birdie has decided to fly in to roost,” he says.
She holds her chin up. “In light of what happened, I have come in to tender my resignation.”
She holds up an envelope.
“No need. I have already fired you when you didn’t show up for two days.”
Abby is surprised. “B-but your sister was murdered.”
Your
Similar Books
