Match Play Read Online Free Page B

she removes the shaft.
    “The shaft has penetrated the abdominal cavity several inches.” She motions to a forensic tech who takes the flag. “The entire torso appears to mimic a golf course green. The removal of the appendages is of clinical proficiency. All of the cuts are as horizontal as possible, allowing them to hold the granules. The cavities where the legs and arms have been removed are also filled with a sugar-like substance. No! This is not sugar, it is not refined enough; it is white, but more the consistency of powder, perhaps laundry detergent.”
    She instructs the tech to collect the material from each opening and bag it separately. “The torso is discolored and further analysis will be determined at autopsy.” She stands and tells the techs to bag the torso and asks the photographer to take pictures of the carpet after the body has been removed. She comments to Detective Sharp, “The person who did this is very adept with a knife; if you haven’t bagged all the knives in the apartment, please do so now. Where’s the rest of the body?”
    Howard points down the hall. “The arms and legs are in the bathroom. First door on the right.”
    The doctor disappears down the hallway but returns in only a few minutes. “There’s nothing particularly interesting in the bathroom. Bag the arms and legs, photograph the tub and get some samples of any dried blood, even if it is diluted. I want whatever is in the drains bagged also. In fact, I want the contents of all the drains, and I want the garbage disposal.” She surveys the room. “Did anyone find the nipples? Examine everywhere and in everything, don’t assume they are not here. Anything that seems out of place, bag it, anything! Since this crime appears to be golf related, we should collect all golf equipment and clothing. Have you found her handbag? Has everything been printed?”
    The tech who had been processing prints nodded affirmatively.
    “Can anyone think of anything else? What about you, Detectives, do you have all you need?”
    “We need your autopsy as soon as we can get it,” says Sharp.
    “Tomorrow,” answers Dr. Cochran as she pulls off her gloves. She glances at the photographer. “Did you get everything I asked for? I need the pictures first thing tomorrow.”
    The body bag is sitting on a gurney in the foyer. The techs from the bathroom add the final appendage and zip it shut.
    “Is everyone finished? Good, let’s seal the place up,” says Dr. Cochran.
    The photographer and the detectives help carry the evidence cases. They and the doctor wait as the techs carefully move outside and descend with the gurney. The doctor exits, then Detective Howard. Detective Sharp snaps off the lights, moves to the door and sets the case he was carrying on the landing. Using the key Sarah McClane left, he locks the door and bags the key. He removes a card from his notebook, adds the date and his signature, pulls off the back cover and sticks the card to the door.
    In large black letters, it reads: PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENT CRIME SCENE KEEP OUT. The information for contacting the department is on the front of the card.
    Nancy Cochran is directing the techs to load the body and equipment then begin a search and examination for evidence in the nearest dumpsters. She bids good night to the detectives with a promise to contact them as soon as she finishes the autopsy.
    Sharp lights a cigarette, turns to his partner and the officers and says, “Let’s start canvassing the complex, see if someone saw anything or anyone.” As he and Howard pair off, he says, “Drop me off at Chico’s when we’re done here and I’ll walk home from there. Christ! I need a drink!”

East of San Diego, California, Tuesday, March 19

Chapter 6
    H e is trying to protect himself from the figure standing over him. The attacker is screaming at him and striking him with a club-like piece of wood. He tries to fight back but his own blows are powerless, landing with no impact.