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Lindsey withdrew her phone and tapped on the screen. “Sent the report to your email.”
“Thank you.”
“We’ve had a number of people tell us that certain things Marcel Blanchet had done recently were wildly out of character for him,” Freddie told Lindsey. “Is there anything medical that could’ve caused that?”
“Sure, any number of things. I can do some further testing on him before I turn the bodies over to the funeral home.”
“That’d be great. I’m not sure there’s anything to it, but I’m following a hunch.”
“It’s a good thought and definitely worth further examination. I’ll keep you posted.”
“Thanks, Doc.”
Archie came in looking harried and frazzled, per usual. His IT unit was one of the busiest in the department. “It’s been slow-going on the devices, but we’re making headway. We focused first on the parents’ phones as well as the older two kids who had phones. I should know more later today.”
“Thanks, Archie.”
“I heard Sam is taking a leave,” he said. “Is that true?”
“It is.” Freddie could tell Archie and Lindsey, both friends of Sam’s, wanted more info, but they’d have to get it from her.
“Please keep Detective Cruz in the loop,” Gonzo said to Archie. “He’s leading the investigation in Sam’s absence.”
“Okay.” Archie gave them both a curious look before he left the room.
“Let me know if you have any questions about my report,” Lindsey said. “They all died of gunshot wounds. Eloise was the only one of the kids shot more than once, and as I’ve already reported, the father had gunpowder residue on his right hand.”
“Thanks for the info.”
“Are you looking at it as a murder-suicide?” Lindsey asked.
“We’re keeping an open mind,” Freddie said.
“Sounds good. I’ll let you get to it.”
“Have a good day,” Freddie said as she left the room. To Gonzo, he said, “It’s not my place to explain where Sam is, right?”
“You handled that just right. They’re her friends, and they’ll reach out on their own.”
“That’s what I figured. Let me take a quick look at the autopsy reports, and then we can hit it.”
“Sounds good, boss.”
“Cut that out.”
Gonzo laughed. “Why would I do that when it makes you so uncomfortable?”
“This whole thing makes me uncomfortable.”
“It should. It’s a big deal to oversee a homicide investigation. A lot of people are counting on you.”
“No pressure much.”
“You can handle it. You’re ready, or Sam wouldn’t have put you in charge.”
“She should’ve put you in charge,” Freddie said.
“She wanted to give you the chance, and I agree it’s time.”
