Page 14 of Twice Missing

Noah shrugged, suddenly uncomfortable. "None of my business."

"Ah, see, I think it is," McKenzie pressed.

"And why might that be?"

"Oh, please, Sutherland. The way you two look at each other, it's like a damn Hallmark movie. You just need to tell her that you want to take her out."

Noah felt heat rising to his cheeks. "I thought you were interested in her."

"I was. I mean, I am," McKenzie admitted. "But my motives aren't exactly honorable."

Noah laughed, grateful for the change in subject. "Are they ever?"

"Hey, I've opened doors for ladies," McKenzie protested.

"Yeah, I bet when you're wanting to check out their ass," Noah retorted.

"Shhh..." McKenzie hushed as the elevator doors opened to the basement level.

They entered the medical examiner's office. Stainless steel surfaces gleamed under harsh fluorescent lights, and the air held a sharp, antiseptic scent. Cupboards lined the walls, filled with medical supplies, while sophisticated equipment stood at the ready.

Dr. Adelaide Chambers stood at a workstation, her vibrant red hair sticking up in all directions. "Adelaide, the love of my life," McKenzie announced, winking at Noah. "Perhaps you can clear up the rumors. Have I not opened doors for you?"

Adelaide rolled her eyes. "You have."

"There you go, Sutherland. Witness number one."

"And proceeded to check out my ass," Adelaide added dryly.

"How would you know?" McKenzie sputtered.

"Mirrors, McKenzie. Mirrors."

Both Noah and Adelaide burst into laughter at McKenzie's expense.

"Aye, go ahead, you two, yuck it up," McKenzie grumbled. "I'd have you know the ladies of High Peaks have rated me quite highly."

"I bet. High as a kite," Adelaide quipped.

"I'd have you know I am six years sober."

Noah, sensing it was time to get down to business, interjected, "So... what can you tell us about the body?"

Adelaide's demeanor shifted instantly to professional detachment. She led them to a stainless steel table where a body lay covered by a white sheet. As she pulled back the covering, Noah and McKenzie steeled themselves for what they were about to see.

The body looked even worse than when it was first discovered, the effects of heat exposure evident. Yet, remarkably, it remained largely intact. Adelaide began her explanation without preamble.

"There was a laceration to the back of the head, hidden by the hair. It was deep enough to indicate blunt force trauma."

"Is that what killed her?" Noah asked, his voice low.

Adelaide shook her head. "No. It would have knocked her unconscious, but our victim died of drowning. She was conscious before she died."

"How can you be sure?" McKenzie inquired, his earlier joviality replaced by professional curiosity.

"The presence and amount of water in the lungs," Adelaide explained. "She inhaled more water than someone who would have been unconscious. Also, there was a fine, white froth in the airways and trachea. You often see this with drowning victims. It forms when water mixes with air and pulmonary fluid. The larger the amount of froth, the more likely the person was conscious and gasping for air."

"Geesh," McKenzie muttered. "That's one hell of a way to go."