Page 14 of June's First Murder
Turning her attention back to the medical examiner, she thought of the television drama shows that trended, filled with scenes just like this one. Inwardly wincing, she realized she was comparing this scene to one of the highest-rated shows, but finding the show to be much more entertaining. This… real life… was gutwrenching.
Dr. Ward spent several minutes with his assistant, who had just arrived, and directed the young man in taking photographs from all angles. Once completed, he stood while snapping off his gloves.
"Well?" Sheriff Gordon asked.
"Body's been here several hours. I'll need to do a full autopsy, but preliminary observations suggest possible alcohol poisoning or cardiac event." He paused. "Though there are some inconsistencies I'd like to examine more carefully."
"Inconsistencies?" Sheriff Gordon's tone suggested he didn't want to hear about inconsistencies.
"Could be nothing, could be something." Dr. Ward closed his medical bag with efficient clicks. "I'll know more after the autopsy. For now, let's get him transported."
The ambulance had arrived quietly while Dr. Ward worked. Two paramedics came forward, moving with respectful efficiency. The crowd nearby suddenly fellquiet, and Sara Lee turned to see what caused the sudden silence. The ones gathered parted like the Red Sea. Petunia and Horace had arrived.
Petunia took one look, and her composure shattered. She began crying loudly, gasping sobs that pierced the hush that had permeated over the curious but respectful crowd. Judge Melton stood rigid beside her, his face tight-lipped and white, one arm around his wife's shaking shoulders.
They ducked under the yellow tape before anyone could stop them.
"That's my brother," Horace said to Sheriff Gordon, his voice strained. "I need to… I need to see him."
"Judge, I'm sorry, but the body's been secured for transport. Dr. Ward needs to complete his examination." Gordon's voice was gentle but firm. "You can see him later, at the funeral home."
Petunia's sobs grew louder. "He was going to leave today. Going back to Richmond. This wasn't supposed to happen."
The judge's jaw worked. "This is my fault. I should have made him stay at the house last night. Shouldn't have let him wander off."
"Horace, you couldn't have known," Pastor Pete said, moving closer. "This isn't your fault."
Horace stared at the covered gurney as the paramedics wheeled it toward the ambulance. His expression held grief, but as Sara Lee noticed, it also held something that looked like relief. Or maybe it was just exhaustion from years of dealing with Raymond's problems. She turned to see where Nana June was and foundher grandmother eying the crowd, her sharp gaze seeming to take note of everyone.
Sara Lee followed her grandmother’s gaze and began noticing other reactions in the crowd as the body was removed. Diane's face had gone from pale to ashen, her hands clutched together so tightly her knuckles showed white. Helena's face was stunningly blank. Jerry's sneer had faded, his gaze darting over the others as he wrapped his arm around Ivy’s shoulders.
As the ambulance pulled away, Sheriff Gordon addressed the crowd. "All right, folks, show's over. Let's give Horace and Petunia some privacy. Go on home now."
The crowd dispersed slowly, people peeling away in groups, already talking, already speculating. Sara Lee heard fragments of conversation:
"...always knew he'd drink himself to death..."
"...poor Petunia and Horace, having to deal with that..."
"...he was so nasty at the festival..."
“... and drunk there, too…”
Sheriff Gordon turned to Ted. "Can you help make sure people move on? My deputies and I need to examine the area more carefully, to make sure we didn't miss anything."
"Of course." Ted moved to stand near the yellow tape, his presence enough to discourage the lingering curiosity.
As the Sheriff walked the perimeter around the bench, Nana June moved closer to Sara Lee and Carl,her voice low. "Look at how he's examining things. What does that tell you?"
Sara Lee blinked at her grandmother’s instructions and turned to watch Gordon crouch near where the flask had been, examining the grass. "Um… that he's being thorough?"
"That he's being thorough despite what he said about it being simple." Nana June's eyes were sharp. "He sees something that bothers him. He just doesn't want to admit it yet."
Her grandmother walked around the bench, careful to stay out of the way, her gaze moving over every detail. Sara Lee watched her face show concentration and knew her grandmother well enough to know she was methodically cataloging information, storing it away.
When June walked back to where Sara Lee stood, she gave a tiny shake of her head.
Words weren't spoken, but Sara Lee instinctively understood that her grandmother disagreed with the sheriff. A chill ran down her spine despite the warm morning sun.
