AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘I opened the door and said hello.’
‘You couldn’t see him?’
‘His desk chair was facing the window. He had his back to me.’
‘What did you think when he didn’t answer?’
‘I assumed he’d fallen asleep. The fire was on and the room was warm.’
‘What type of fire?’
‘Log.’
‘Was it flaming or smouldering?’
She paused, then said, ‘The wood was glowing but there weren’t any flames.’
Poe made a note. He underlined it three times then wondered if he’d done the right thing. Lee hadn’t mentioned the fire. Had he just given her more circumstantial evidence? Wood fires went out if they weren’t tended.
‘Continue,’ he said.
‘He was slumped in his seat. At first I thought he’d collapsed or had a stroke, but then I saw the threads of blood hanging from his chin. I bent down so I could see his face. Saw the bullet hole in his forehead. I knew he was dead, but I checked his pulse anyway.’
‘Why?’
‘He was my father.’
‘Which artery did you check?’
‘The carotid.’
‘The neck?’
‘Yes.’
‘Which hand did you use?’ Poe said.
‘Excuse me?’
‘Which hand did you use to check his pulse?’
If she’d used both hands he could explain how the gunshot residue had been transferred. Knocking down the wall of evidence would have to be done one brick at a time.
‘My left,’ she said.
‘Just your left?’
‘Yes. I’ve attended enough crime scenes to know not to touch anything. I confirmed life was extinct then called 999 on my mobile. I stayed with his body until the first police officers arrived.’
‘How long between finding your dad and calling 999?’
‘No more than a minute.’
‘You’re sure?’
‘I checked his pulse then rang the police, Poe.’
‘And you didn’t leave the room?’
