“Sanchez here.” Laura picked up her cellphone. “No, you didn’t wake me up, Mr. James.” Detective Laura Sanchez recognized the agitated voice of Bruce James, Satori Institute executive director.
“We have a problem,” James said. “We found a dead body in the baths.”
“That is a problem. Tell me what you found.”
“The cleaning crew found the body in one of the private tubs – a one-person claw-foot tub. It was Bryn Moore, our accountant.” James’ voice broke. “They suspected foul play because Bryn was a straight arrow.”
“Okay. Here’s what you need to do: Close off the tubs and have everyone stay away from the area.” Sanchez took a deep breath. “And close off all access to the Satori campus. Don’t let anyone in or out.”
“Okay. We can do that,” James said. “When can you get here?”
“That’s a problem. I’m up early because Sergeant O’Malley and I planned to drive down this morning. However, there’s a fire at Garrapata State Park and the road is blocked. We can’t drive down until that’s under control.”
“Can’t you circle around, drive through San Luis Obispo County, and come up from San Simeon?”
“No. Believe it or not, there’s a slide at Ragged Point and the road is blocked.”
“So, you’re not coming here today?”
“It’s unlikely,” Sanchez said. “Wake up Marshal Swift. Tell her what happened and that I want her to take charge until we arrive. She’ll know what to do.”