Where Angels Fear (Detectives Kane and Alton)

“What did the doc say is wrong with you?” Kane frowned and caught her arm. “Why did you allow her to take blood? It’s risky. You never know who is watching.”

Jenna laughed. “Her? I don’t think she’s a threat to national security somehow.”

“Okay.” Kane frowned. “Does she think you’re contagious?”

Jenna waved him away. “No, it’s just a chest infection and I have a prescription for meds that needs picking up. She wanted a blood sample, to look for ‘nasties’. I told her to send it to Wolfe. I’ll ask him what tests she requested. I’m sure he’ll make sure she doesn’t do anything untoward.” She blew her nose. “I felt like I was being treated by someone’s grandma, she acts like an old woman.” They exchanged looks. “What? I suppose you figured she looked perfectly normal?”

“She is a little strange.” Kane chuckled. “When I noticed your arm I was worried she might have used a fleam. She looks as if she stepped out of a time machine.”

“It’s not funny. You didn’t have a needle jabbed in your butt.” Jenna prodded him in the chest in an effort to stop him laughing. “Next time I’ll go see Doc Brown.”

“He would be my choice.” Kane’s teeth flashed white and she could hear him snickering as she went back to her room.

Five

A blast of icy wind cut into Wolfe’s face as he stepped from the warmth of the ME’s office. Winter had set in and every building had icicles of varying lengths hanging from gutters. Although the snow gave the town a picturesque appearance, the bitter cold temperatures added to the danger of being isolated in the more remote areas. He’d heard some of the older folk often froze to death and vehicles vanished under snowdrifts. He enjoyed living in Black Rock Falls but with the massive drop in temperature this year, he was convinced winter was heading into a new ice age.

As he led the way to his truck, the frozen maple trees surrounding his building creaked and every so often a branch would snap and tumble to the ground, hitting the snow with a soft thud. He took hold of his daughter’s arm as Emily slipped and slid along the frozen footpath, her rosy cheeks peeking out from under her hoodie. He had not been able to dissuade her from assisting him today. At least he could be thankful his other two daughters were at home snug and warm.

Last night’s blizzard hadn’t deterred the townsfolk from going about their business. The snowplows cleared the roads before daybreak and vehicles moved around as normal, many carrying pines from the Christmas tree farm. Kids were everywhere, excited to be on vacation for the holiday season and loving the first snow. As they made their way to his truck a cloud of steam appeared to follow a couple walking by in animated conversation, red noses peeking from scarves and hats covered with snowflakes.

He slid into his vehicle and waited for Emily to fasten her seatbelt. “Are you sure you want to come with me? It’s warmer inside.”

“I wouldn’t miss it.” Emily smiled at her father. “This case sounds intriguing. I’m not sure the witness’s account is accurate. It seems a bit far-fetched and she would have died out in the blizzard last night. It sounds very suspicious. From the information we have, Miss Tate could have killed her friend and been making up a story to cover the crime.”

Wolfe bit back a smile. He had thought much the same thing from the preliminary report. “It’s always better to assume the last person to see a person alive is a suspect unless proven otherwise. In cases like this one, we must gather as much evidence as possible. Things may have happened the way she said but as a medical examiner, I need proof either way.”

Wolfe had to admit to being proud that Emily had decided to follow in his footsteps and was currently undergoing studies in forensic science. She spent the time between semesters and most weekends working alongside him at the ME’s office. Intelligence ran in the family, with all of his daughters exceeding in their studies, but the intelligence came at a price. Emily was headstrong and he needed to use every ounce of his considerable patience to keep his girls happy. Too many limitations would curb their inquisitive minds, not enough and they would end up in trouble. After losing his wife to cancer some years previously, finding the right balance had often been more difficult than he would like to admit. It was fortunate that Emily had found a strong friend and older sister figure in Jenna. They had bonded during Kane’s recovery in the hospital and having Jenna as a role model could only be a good thing.

“How do we proceed?” Emily glanced at him. “She’s nineteen so we don’t need her parents’ consent to examine her.”

He turned to Emily. “We act with caution. The young woman is an unknown quantity. She informed Deputy Rowley she witnessed a murder but we need to examine the blood spatter on her to determine if she was involved.”

“Do you want me to collect samples or just observe?” Emily folded her gloved hands in her lap. “Or would you prefer I speak to her, woman to woman? She’s about my age and I might be able to squeeze information out of her. Remember, to most people you look intimidating.” She gave him a beatific smile. “If I’d just met you, I’d be running for the hills.”

Wolfe pulled out onto the highway and set out for the hospital. “We’re there for a forensic evaluation, so I’ll need you to watch her undress and collect her garments. Say as little as possible to her. I’ll take her statement, then I’m pretty sure Sheriff Alton will want to question her.”

“Jenna is still feeling poorly. I called her before and she mentioned the doctor giving her a shot of penicillin.” Emily frowned. “With Kane housebound, I believe that makes you the senior officer.” Her jaw became a stubborn line. “

You have every right to take charge.”

Wolfe wiped a hand down his face and forced his concentration to remain on the hazardous slippery road. “No need. Jenna is quite capable of organizing a search from home. She’ll have Rowley running things at the office and right now, he’s doing a mighty fine job. I don’t need the extra work, Em. I hardly get time with you and the girls now.” He flicked her a glance. “I just want you to observe the collection of evidence procedure, okay?”

“I guess.” Emily’s mouth turned down at the corners “If you say so.”

Wolfe pulled into the space designated for police vehicles and climbed out. He collected his bag from the back seat and turned to Emily. “She’s on the restricted floor and Rowley should be with her.”

He stepped over the pile of gray, frozen snow thrown up from the snowplow and held out his hand to assist Emily. They made their way inside the hospital and took the elevator to the restricted floor. The sheriff’s department had made a few changes in the last few months to ensure the security of everyone on this level. Scanners were set on every doorway, each room or corridor requiring a card to gain entry. No one could enter without a deputy present and seeing a Blackwater deputy on duty made him smile. Even ill and short-staffed, Jenna had arranged for the girl to have around-the-clock security.

A doctor waiting with Rowley outside an examination room gave Wolfe an exasperated stare.

“Mr. Wolfe, I must protest. My patient has not received care since her arrival.” The doctor’s face was red with annoyance. “I must maintain duty of care but Deputy Rowley insists that you examine her first. She is alive, not a corpse. You have no right. She could be suffering from exposure.”

Wolfe straightened. “In any crime, as the Medical Examiner, I have the right to examine a potential suspect and collect evidence. I’m sure you’re aware Deputy Rowley has spoken to Miss Tate and he assured me she doesn’t require emergency medical treatment. She was given a hot beverage and a blanket by the truck driver who found her—which, coincidently, has contaminated any trace evidence of a third party in this crime.” He gave the doctor his best back-off glare. “It is imperative I examine her clothes in situ. The blood spatter will indicate if she is telling the truth about her friend’s abduction and possible murder.” He waved a hand toward the door. “This won’t take long but I can’t risk further contamination. You are welcome to observe.”

“I’ll wait.” The doctor leaned against the wall and folded his arms across his chest.

Wolfe removed his gloves and coat then turned to Rowley. “I can take it from here. Has the sheriff called?”