“He also had a contusion and a laceration on his temple that were consistent with the edge of his countertop. Your deputy confirmed there was blood there.”
“So, the killer bashed his head on the counter too,” I said and pinched the bridge of my nose.
“Your deputy, Jeremy, also found that someone, probably the deceased, had loaded his knives into the dishwasher with the blades up. Was the dishwasher open when you found the body?” The ME asked.
“It was,” I admitted. “I didn’t really think about it at the time because it didn’t seem relevant.”
“Well, it was. Based on my examination, I’m ruling the death accidental. He appears to have tripped, hit his head, and fallen on one of the knives that he loaded blade up in the dishwasher. If I had to guess, based on pictures of the scene, I’d say he rolled off the dishwasher door and tried to crawl to his phone.”
“But he was mostly paralyzed and bled out?” I asked.
“Exactly, and the contusion on his head didn’t help. I found some pretty significant swelling on the brain. He must have been confused. In fact, if he hadn’t bled out, I imagine the concussion would have killed him anyway,” The ME concluded. “That’s my official cause of death, and I’ll be writing up the report ASAP.”
With the official cause of death being listed as accidental, there was nothing more for my department to investigate. I called Jeremy and gave him the head’s up before getting on the elevator and going back up to my wife and baby.
Epilogue
Kinsley
Thorn returned a half an hour after leaving to go to the morgue. With him, he brought a huge bouquet of pink roses and a fuzzy pink bear from the gift shop.
“Her first teddy bear,” I said and nearly wept as he set the roses down on the table and handed me the bear. “I’ll save it for when she’s less likely to puke on it.”
“Probably a good idea,” Thorn said. “And, I’ve got even more good news.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“I stopped by the cafeteria and perused the lunch specials. They’re going to have beef lo mein and eggrolls,” he said. “If you don’t like that, they’re also doing a Reuben and fries or your favorite, bacon cheddar burger and tater tots.”
“Oooh, I think I’ll do the lo mein, egg rolls, and a side of tater tots,” I said. “Do they have milkshakes?”
“They do indeed,” he said with a smile.
“I would kill for some ice cream,” I said with a chuckle.
“No need to go that far, my love. As soon as they start serving lunch, I will bring you everything your heart desires,” Thorn said.
“And while I appreciate that, you’re still going to tell me what you found out from the medical examiner, right?” I asked with one eyebrow cocked.
“Of course,” Thorn said with an overly dramatic sigh. “It’s an interesting story.”
He told me everything the ME had explained to him, and I nearly couldn’t believe it. A familiar curiosity crept up on me, but then Laney stretched and let out a gurgle.
I let it go.
I had everything I needed right there in my arms. Well, also at my feet and next to my bed in an uncomfortable hospital chair.
“The roses are beautiful,” I said. “Thank you so much.”
“You’re going to let this go?” Thorn asked skeptically.
“Of course, sweetie. There’s nothing to hold onto. The case is closed and his death was tragic, but accidental. Dixon has a chance at a normal life now too. I hope he’s able get past his father’s death, but I think his life will be a lot easier now,” I said. “He’s got a loving family and a protective stepfather who won’t let him ever come to any harm, right? I’ve got my family now too, and that’s what matters to me.”
“Is that going to be enough for you?” Thorn asked.
“How could it not be?” I asked. “For the rest of my life, Laney will always be my first priority. I’ll leave the crime solving to you.”
Thorn laughed. “We’ll see,” he said. “We’ll just see.”
I was going to say something snarky about him giving me a little credit, but Laney started to cry. It was time for a bottle and a diaper change. While Thorn was making her bottle, I changed her on the bed.
I couldn’t believe how amazing it felt to be a mother. My heart was so full, I thought it would burst with happiness.
Meri walked up and licked Laney’s forehead. Her little fist shot out and she snagged a tiny handful of his fir.
He took it well, and I smiled.
“A new little creature,” he said, and I could swear I heard him begin to purr.
Thank you for reading!
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© Sara Bourgeois 2020
This story is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons alive or dead is a coincidence.
