The Burial Hour (Lincoln Rhyme 13)

"Anything more, Massimo?" Spiro asked Rossi.

"Beatrice's run the evidence. Ercole has written it up, along with his and my notes." A nod at the paper on the easel.

"Who?"

Rossi gestured toward Ercole, who was dropping a soaked paper towel into the trash bin.

"The Forestry officer from last night."

"Oh." It was clear that Spiro had mistaken him for a janitor.

"Sir, I am pleased to see you again." Ercole smiled but lost the grin when Spiro ignored him once more.

"What of the phone card?" Spiro asked.

"Postal said they should have information within the hour. And they are still monitoring the websites for video uploads. There has been nothing yet. And Ercole anticipates we should hear more from the Americans soon."

"Does he now?" Spiro asked wryly. He took a cheroot from his pocket and slipped the end into his mouth. He did not light the stick. He gazed at the board.

Abduction, Bus Stop, Via del Frasso, Near Commune of

D'Abruzzo

--Victim: --Unknown. Libyan or with Libyan connections? Likely North African. Refugee? Approximate age: 30-40. Light weight. Bearded. Dark hair.

--Perpetrator: --Witness didn't see clearly, but possibly American, white male, early to mid-30s. Beard, long bushy hair. (Information from New York City Police Department.)

--Dark clothing, dark cap.

--Known as the Composer. (Information from New York City Police Department.)

--Checking flight manifests for travel to Rome, Naples. Elsewhere? Negative so far.

--Vehicle: --Dark sedan. Make and model unknown, but wheelbase consistent with large vehicle: American, German?

--Tire tread mark Michelin 205/55R16 91H.

--Physical Evidence: --Trace of human blood (AB positive), in sample of propylene glycol, triethanolamine, nitrosamines, sodium lauryl sulfate.

--DNA results, negative for matches in: --United Kingdom: National DNA Database (NDNAD).

--United States: Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).

--Interpol: DNA Gateway.

--Prum Treaty Database.

--Italian National Database.

--Nitrogen compounds--ammonia, urea and uric acid--hydrogen, oxygen, phosphates, sulfates, carbon dioxide. As well as: C8H7N (indole), 4-Methyl-2,3-benzopyrrole (skatole), and sulfhydryl (thiol), suspended with paper fibers. Desiccated. Old.

--Decomposing bits of polymer cis-1,4-polyisoprene, thermoset (vulcanized). Translucent. Quite old.

--Bartonella elizabethae bacteria.

--Thirty-two hairs--animal. Dog shedding? Awaiting Scientific Police analysis as to what type of animal.

--Lead.