Read Online The Crossword Connection by Nero Blanc - Free Book Online Page B

scene in silence. He glanced up at the bus depot roof, briefly allowing the rain exposure to his face, then returned his gaze to the alley. “Natural cause is not a term I’d use, Al.… Homicide would be more like it. I don’t think the subject could have fallen—or jumped—and landed in this position. Partially under the fire escape, lying on newspapers?” Carlyle shook his head. “Don’t even hope for suicide. Looks like she’d made herself a bed same as our victim yesterday.”
    He placed his case on the wet pavement, slipped on a pair of surgical gloves, and crouched over the body. “Vertebral column … neural arch …” He looked at his watch and made a note. “Odd … but interesting coloration. The bruise is nearly dissipated.… Do you have a name? Address?”
    Lever shook his head.
    â€œMoney? Valuables?”
    This time Abe Jones responded. “Nothing. We could be looking at a robbery gone sour.”
    â€œNo signs of struggle, Abe.… The face is calm.”
    â€œRosco and I noted that, too.”
    Carlyle stiffened slightly but otherwise didn’t react. He continued as if Rosco’s name hadn’t been mentioned. “I’m not liking this skin color.… Something doesn’t jibe. Clearly we have a crushed cervical vertebra. This lady was put out like a light.”
    â€œCould she have been killed while she was sleeping?” Rosco asked. “Hit on the back of the head? Something like that?”
    The medical examiner didn’t reply.
    â€œWhat about it, Carlyle?” Lever asked.
    â€œPossible but not probable. Your attacker would have to have a thorough understanding of human anatomy … a martial arts expert, maybe. Maybe. But again, not probable. If our gal were sleeping, her skull would have been in a similar relationship to the ground as it is here.… There’s little to no flexibility in the spine—”
    â€œSo you’re saying there’s no way it could have been an accident?” Lever’s voice was weary; he still hoped he wouldn’t have to open a second homicide file in as many days.
    â€œNot from my initial examination. The autopsy could prove me wrong. Maybe.” Carlyle retrieved his umbrella from Jones and said, “I’ll get the van.” He headed up the alley, passing Sister Mary Catherine and a uniformed officer. Carlyle scarcely acknowledged them.
    When the nun reached Lever, Al extended his hand. “Thanks for coming, Sister. I believe you already know Rosco Polycrates, Belle Graham’s fiancé, and this is Abe Jones, the department’s forensics expert.… And this person—” he pointed to the corpse—“is why we’re here. Does she look familiar?”
    Sister Mary Catherine took a reflexive step backward, then walked forward and knelt beside the body, crossing herself before whispering a few words into the dead woman’s ear.
    â€œI’m sorry to be so blunt,” Lever said. “But do you think you might recognize her?”
    The nun stood and attempted to brush the dampness from her knees. “No … I’ve never seen her before. She’s never entered Margaret House.”
    â€œNot even for a meal? You’re sure?”
    â€œI remember everyone who comes through our doors, Lieutenant.” Sister Mary Catherine smiled gently and looked at Rosco. “I’m sure our volunteers remember them, as well.”
    â€œCan you refer us to another agency—”
    The nun shook her head. “This woman was not homeless, Lieutenant. She was not living on the streets. I’m sure your medical examiner will come to the same conclusion.”
    â€œYou seem pretty sure of that fact, Sister.”
    Again, the peaceable smile. “I am.”
    â€œThen would you care to take a stab at why she was sleeping on newspapers in an alley behind a bus station and had no money on