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What do you get when three medical examiners rock up to a crime scene when the sun is already going down, and two of the three base an unproportionate number of decisions on when they last ate a full meal?
You get Aubree growling as she lugs the medbag from the trunk, and Doctor James Kirk stumbling on his own shoes and stammering about how it’s past five o’clock and he had dinner reservations.
And then you have me, taking pleasure in the fact I get to annoy Kernicke and his proxy just that little bit more.
My face still hurts, and my lunch long ago wore off, so I have no sympathy to share with either of my employees as we push away from the car and head toward the taped-off scene about thirty yards from where we parked.
“I’m Chief Medical Examiner Minka Mayet.” I show my badge and ID to the first police officer who steps in our way. “My colleagues, Doctors Emeri and Kirk. We’re the M.E.s assigned to this case.”
“Yes, Doctor.” The officer swiftly lifts the tape and allows me to walk under. And though he keeps a hold of the tape for Aubree and James, he doesn’t try nearly as hard, so the plastic length catches Aubree’s shoulder and draws another growl from between her lips. “Detective Fox is the lead on this one. He’s assisted by Officer Grayson.”
“Great. Thank you.”
I spot the duo standing five feet from a beat-up sedan under heavy spotlights, so I barely spare a glance for the two behind me before angling that way.
“Doctor Emeri,” I peer back and wait for her eyes. “I want you to record the scene. And Doctor Kirk?” I peek to my opposite side. “You’re leading. I want to see you do the job from start to finish. I do not intend to interfere or guide you, unless you specifically request the help. Emeri will do her job and document, but do not take for granted that she’ll read your mind or cover your ass. It isyourresponsibility to point her where you want her. Understood?”
“Uh, yes, Ch—”
“Detective Fox?” I stop and wait for the investigators to turn and face me.
They’re both somewhere in their mid-thirties. Both hard-eyed and firm-jawed. They both seem to enjoy the gym, and right now, they watch me with twin glances that include a lifted brow and lips pulled up into a smirk.
I look to the slightly older one, who stands just that little bit straighter. “I’m Chief M.E. Minka Mayet.”
“Mayet.” Smiling, he reaches out and takes my hand in a shake. “Detective Fox. You should know word travels fast around Copeland, so I can’t say I haven’t looked forward to working with you. Downtown has been hogging you since you arrived.”
“Hmm. Thank you.” I take my hand from his and discreetly wipe my palm on my pants. Rather than risking a repeat with Grayson, I link my fingers together instead. “I won’t be running your case tonight, but I’ll observe.”
“Oh?” Fox cocks his hip and studies me under heavy brows. “I specifically requested your office.”
“You have my office, and you have me on scene, but my junior needs space to grow and learn. Doctor Kirk,” I twist a little and grab him by the arm, “will run lead for you tonight. Doctor Emeri will assist.” I release them both and turn back to Fox. “I’m here for moral support.”
“And if neither is capable enough to solve our case?” Fox pulls his bottom lip between his teeth and considers me through eyes that make my stomach jump.
He’s not ugly, and it’s obvious he has somewhat of a crush on theideaof me.
“Doctor Kirk is the only junior in this case,” I tell him. “Doctor Emeri is extremely practiced at her job. And like I said, I’ll be around.”
Glancing to the car, I take a step in that direction and ask, “Shall we get started?”
“Sure.” Fox falls into step beside me, close enough his shoulder touches mine, and his aftershave powerful enough to beat out the stench of death and released bowels. “Two vics. One male, one female. Early to mid-forties. Middle-class appearance. The car is kinda beat-up, but the vics themselves appear clean and reasonably well-off. All jewelry remains on their persons. Purse is still in the car. Weapon is in male’s lap.”
I already want to jump in. I want to ask questions and get my hands on the victims. But instead, with a sigh of defeat, I turn to Kirk.
“You need to be at the front to take the lead, Doctor.” Taking a step back, I fold my arms to keep myself from reaching out. “Run the case.”
“Are you sure about this?” Fox comes to stop beside me, seemingly more interested in gossip than he is in the homicide he was so eager to work a moment ago. “What did the kid do to piss you off?”
“Not work his cases appropriately.” I glance across, thenup, when I realize how tall Detective Fox truly is. Six-four, maybe six-five, and his jaw is angled enough to make the shadows stand out. “Because of Doctor Kirk’s inability to show impartiality while on duty, I intend to dog his steps for the next few days to make sure he straightens himself out.”
“Fair call. Is he gonna screw this one up, or—”
“No, Detective. He—”
“Beau,” he cuts in with a playful grin. “You can call me Beau. ‘Detective’ is when I wanna loom over folks and remind them I’m cooler.”
Finally, a real snigger escapes my throat and makes the tall Beau Fox smile. “Okay, Beau. No, Kirk won’t screw up your case. I’ll be watching, and when I’m not around, Doctor Emeri is the next best thing. We’ll get it done for you. Do you have any preliminary thoughts you’d like to discuss, or will I let James take them in and see what he sees?”
