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“Murder,” Alicia said grimly. “Benny Dreyfus’s blood test came back positive for diltiazem and digoxin and two different sedatives.”
Yes. She looked over her shoulder. Three sets of eyes stared at her, making no pretense of giving her privacy. “I thought that might be the case.”
“You were right. Are you with other people right now?”
“I sure am. Would any of those have been prescribed?”
“The diltiazem might have been. Digoxin used to be a popular drug, but it’s not used as much anymore. There are newer, more efficient ways to treat heart issues. There was a lot of both drugs in his system, though. It had to have been deliberate. I’m ruling Mr. Dreyfus’s death a homicide.”
Dammit. Kit had known it would be true but hated that it actually was. “How would one have gotten them?”
“He may have been taking the diltiazem. That’s a pretty common treatment for certain heart issues, and he had a history. The digoxin is harder to say. It can last years in tablet form, so someone didn’t have to obtain it recently. I’m betting someone in that retirement home takes it. Or did a while back.”
Or someone in another retirement home where Roxanne had once worked. “Do you need to do any further procedures?” Such as a full autopsy.
“No. This is more than sufficient. And, to be clear, I had to specifically ask for this test. If I’d just done a general blood test, this would have gone unnoticed. Whoever killed Mr. Dreyfus would have gotten away with it. So, good instincts as usual, Kit.”
“Thanks, Alicia. What about the sedatives?”
“Two different kinds. One is usually administered as a tablet. It can be crushed and put in water or applesauce, that kind of thing. The other is injectable. Why?”
“I can’t tell you right now, but it explains a lot.” Like how Roxanne had kept Benny Dreyfus too sedated to make any sense when Sam had come to calm him down. “Thank you again.”
“You’re welcome. Please tell the Dreyfus family that I’m here to answer any medical questions they might have.”
“I will.” Kit ended the call and suddenly wished she had gotten a decent night’s sleep. She was so tired.
A warm presence behind her startled her at first, and then she smelled Sam’s aftershave, even though its intensity had faded during the night. Strong hands settled on her shoulders, giving her a quick massage that felt entirely too good.
“It was about Benny, wasn’t it?” Sam murmured.
She nodded. “I’m sorry.”
“I know.” His hands dropped away and he stepped back, taking all that delicious warmth with him. “I’ll stay with the ladies for a while. You need to inform his family.”
Kit turned to look up into his eyes. So green. “Yes. How long is a while? I’m going to get an additional uniform to sit in here with them when you leave. Can you stay another hour or so?”
“Yes, I can.” Relief flooded Sam’s eyes. “I have client sessions I can’t reschedule today, but I can stay for an hour. I’ll be back this afternoon.”
“Keep in touch with me. Call and leave voice mails if I don’t pick up. I want to hear voices, not receive texts.”
One side of his mouth lifted. It was a nice mouth. He was a nice man. “I think you’re worried about me.”
“I am. Don’t be a hero, Sam.”
The one-sided smile became a full smirk. “I won’t have to. Georgia’s got me covered.”
Kit couldn’t stop her own smile. “You’re impossible.” She went back to the table, sobering at the sight of tears streaking down the faces of both women. “I’m sorry. Can you both stay here for the morning? I want you safe until we’ve ID’d whoever killed Frankie and Benny.”
“You were right,” Georgia said hoarsely. “Someone did kill Benny. I didn’t want to believe it was true.”
Eloise looked shocked. “I didn’t know it was a possibility. I thought he had a heart attack.”
“He did,” Kit said. “But he had help. You can’t say anything until I inform his family. Okay? Please?” The two women clutched each other’s hands and Kit’s heart broke a little more. “Please,” she repeated.
“We won’t say anything,” Georgia promised. “Right, El?”
“No. I know everyone thinks I’m flighty, Detective, but I can keep a secret.”
