“The burns are extensive, but I didn’t see any other indication of physical trauma in the X-rays. No broken bones or stab wounds.”
That ruled out torture. “Thank you. I’d appreciate it if you forwarded me a copy of the report once it’s complete.”
“Of course.” The forensic pathologist hung up.
He found Glover’s number in his cell phone and hit Call.
She answered on the third ring.
“Are you busy?” He had to ask, even if she was doing surveillance on another fugitive believed to be in the area.
“Just staring out the window, waiting for our guy to show his face.”
“I’ve got some bad news for you.” He tapped his fingers on the desk.
“Of course you do. I knew this couldn’t be a social call.” She sighed.
“Your witness, Dr. Cameron Torres, has been found.”
“He’s dead, isn’t he?”
“Unfortunately, yeah. He’s the body in my witnesses’ house.”
“Oh. Wow.” She whistled. “Okay. I’ll start making the calls.”
“What can you tell me about Dr. Torres?”
Yes, he had access to the files, but there were things that didn’t make it into the notes. Thoughts and gut feelings he’d need from her to build a complete picture.
“Not your run-of-the-mill white-collar criminal, which was why he hadn’t gotten a deal yet. The US Attorney knew he was holding back about this shadow syndicate that some people think is operating in town.”
First Liam had heard of it. “You don’t think there is one?”
“I want evidence.”
“And that’s what Torres should’ve given?”
“Assuming he had any. He initially decided to roll on everyone, but then wouldn’t give up what he knew. Except to say that the syndicate was using his medical research to create a recreational drug, or the formula for it, and that it’s started hitting the streets. But he’d also run up gambling debts and then dabbled in some real estate schemes to pay off his creditors. Unfortunately, the guys he got tangled up with were high-level and connected.”
Liam grimaced. “They got to him before he could testify.”
“Sounds like it.” She sighed. “Howard isn’t going to like this.”
“I’m going to go check in with Ms. Williams and see what I can get from her. I’ll let you know what I find out.”
“Thanks.”
“No problem.” He disconnected the call and started looking through the file on Dr. Torres.
His screen lit again. This time it was the number he had saved for when his sister called.
He slid the Answer button and listened to the mechanical speech that always played before talking to an inmate.
“Liam.” His sister sounded tired.
“Hello, Kayleigh.”
“I know you’re probably working, but I just had this…feeling. I needed to check on you. Everything going okay?” Her tone was lighter than it used to be, but he could hear the weariness behind it.
