October 6, 2018
Galveston, Texas
At Houston Hobby Airport, Allison Pedersen made her way from the gate to the car rental desk. As she glided along the moving sidewalk, she wondered if anyone else in the busy airport was traveling to identify a body. Her mind was taking her into uncharted territory. Once in the rental car, her GPS gave her the simple directions for the forty-minute drive. She pulled onto I-45 and headed south. The interstate transitioned into a boulevard shortly after crossing the causeway onto Galveston Island.
Before she could adjust her speed, she missed her left turn onto 54th Street. Seeing a cemetery on her right, she slowed to orient herself and noticed the above ground mausoleums and tilting monuments. A low wrought iron fence surrounded the cemetery. A few palm trees broke up the expanse of jumbled grave markers. She wondered how often she had passed cemeteries without any thoughts of the dead. Today was different.
She rerouted herself the few blocks to police headquarters. After the chaotic Houston airport, she was relieved to see ample, open air parking.
Getting out of her rental, she realized the air was fresher here than it had been in Houston. Noisy seagulls were swooping overhead, catching updrafts in the sea breeze.
She stared at the metal detecting equipment as she entered the nondescript building. It seemed so final, so real. When she stated her business, a uniformed officer directed her to the Criminal Investigation Department. She had called Detective Sudhan before her drive from the airport and had confirmed a time for their meeting.
Sudhan observed Allison approaching the detective’s office and braced herself for the task at hand. Mrs. Pedersen was of average height and delicately built, her blonde hair pulled back in a simple ponytail. She was dressed in corduroy jeans and a cardigan sweater that were a bit too heavy for early fall in Galveston. Yes, from Minnesota.
She met Allison at her office door and guided her to a chair. Though it was far from the first time the detective had shepherded a distraught relative through an identification process, each time was different. The department had an overextended chaplain, who was at the hospital for an injured officer. Knowing she would need an empathetic colleague present, Sudhan had invited young Briggs from Communications to help. The three of them sat at a round table in the corner of Sudhan’s office.
“Hello, Mrs. Pederson. I’m Detective Sudhan and this is Officer Briggs. Thank you for flying down today. So sorry for the circumstances.” Sudhan paused. “I want to ask you a few questions about your husband’s trip to Galveston.”
“Oh yes,” Allison said. “He was doing a survey for the U.S. Biosafety Association at the Gulf National Laboratory. He does them occasionally for extra income.”
“Do you know where he was staying?”
“He told me he was at the Third Coast hotel, but they said he checked out on the 25th.”
“Did he tell you if he was working with someone?”
“Let me think. Oh yes, his partner was named Bert something. He said it was always funny to introduce themselves as Bert and Ernie.”
“Did he mention where he ate or if he did any sightseeing?”
“No, we only talked once, and he laughed about a place called Fisherman’s Folly Bar and Grill which barely had a bar and no grill in sight. Mostly, we just left a few short messages on our cellphones. He was only supposed to be gone for two nights.”
Sudhan nodded. A few leads to follow up on. Now for the hard part.
Briggs handed a manila folder with photographs to Sudhan.
Sudhan began, “Mrs. Pedersen, we no longer bring people to the morgue and pull back the sheet the way they do on TV. We will be showing you photographs. As I mentioned, the victim sustained traumatic injuries that resulted in his death. The injuries are extensive on his face, skull, and hands. I didn’t want to upset you with too much information when we talked by telephone. We’ll let you know what you will see before we show you the picture. We can stop at any time if it becomes too much for you. Are you ready?”
Allison nodded almost imperceptibly and put on her glasses.
They started with the torso, front and back.
“It’s hard to tell, but, yes, that could be my husband,” she whispered.
Moving on to the man’s legs and genitalia, she gave the same response.
Sudhan warned her that the next photograph would involve the face. It was of the neck, chin and mouth.
Allison gasped at the sight of shattered teeth and lips torn past recognition. Her eyes fixed on the underside of the chin.
“Do you need a break?” Briggs asked. “Some water?”
Allison was looking at a crisscrossed scar. “Oh god, this is Ernie. I used to joke that I would always be able to identify him with this scar from a series of hockey puck injuries. A perfect triangle. Oh god, oh god…” She started sobbing.
Sudhan stayed by her side. She nodded to Briggs and glanced at the Ziploc on the table. He stood, grabbed the samples for the forensic lab, and crossed paths with Chaplain Ross who was hurrying through the door.
The chaplain met Sudhan’s gaze, nodded, and took a seat next to Allison.
Sudhan explained softly that the DNA results would be available in the morning.
Chaplain Ross introduced himself and assured Mrs. Pedersen he would be by her side throughout the rest of the process. For the wife and family of a victim, the trauma was far from over.
“Thanks for meeting me earlier than planned,” Louise said to Marnie as they settled on the coffee shop’s patio. “Remember when Mom said that she had a friend in the EPA? Well, they finally managed to connect. It turns out that Anne Hallam, Mom’s friend, is in charge of the Environmental Community Access Hotline. They take calls from all over the country when people are concerned about an environmental threat. Anne was aware of two recent calls about the Gulf National Lab. Both concerned research meddling and one discussed Gen’s murder.”
Marnie leaned back in her chair. “Wow. Looks like we aren’t the only ones kicking a hornet’s nest. Did Nancy learn who called the hotline?”
“One was anonymous, but the other person said he did a lab safety inspection there for some other agency,” Louise said.
“That must be one of the surveyors that Billy mentioned. I think I should call Ms. Hall and let her know what I learned about the research. Gen wanted us to get this information to the proper authorities. It was her final request. This is a start,” Marnie said.
Louise nodded. Then she looked at the quiet street in front of the coffee shop. It was hard to believe that her quirky little hometown might be an epicenter of disease.
Marnie continued, “Let me tell you about the adventure Chris and I had at the lab.”
“Adventure?” Louise met Marnie’s gaze with a quizzical look.
When Marnie finished relating the events that culminated in stealing the thumb drive and a chase through the unfinished new wing, Louise’s expression was full-on alarm.
“I think we should go see Sudhan, Marnie. We may be getting in over our heads.”
“You’re probably right because the chase by that mad man wasn’t the end of the story.”
Louise just shook her head.
“As we were leaving, not two blocks from the lab, we were stopped by a police officer. He checked us out and redirected us because he said the road was closed due to a sink hole. I’m not sure if he was suspicious, but luckily, Chris knew him from crime reporting for the paper. Hispanic guy, Bermudas, slicked back hair, José Somebody? When we left, there were smiles all around.”
“Sounds like José Torres. I know that cop. We’ve been crossing paths in the ER for years.” Louise thought for a minute. “He was at the scene when Gen was found on the beach. He turned up at her memorial, too. Definitely time to talk with Sudhan.”
“Do you think she would tell us more in an unofficial setting? Maybe have her join us for dinner?” Marnie asked.
“Maybe. Let’s split up for a few hours. You call Anne. Here’s her cell number. I’ll call Sudhan and badger her to come to dinner. Let’s meet at 6 at the Saucy Enchilada on Market Street.”
It was 3 p.m. when Marnie got back to her house. I think I’ll try to track down the surveyor before I call Ms. Hall. Maybe Kathy will be willing to share his information if it’s to help us find Gen’s killer.
Marnie tossed her purse on the table and dialed Kathy Walsh as she greeted the dogs with pats and treats.
“Kathy? Marnie here,” she dove right in. “Listen, we’re tracking down a new lead on Gen’s murder. I don’t have time to go into detail, but we think something happened during that safety survey Billy mentioned. I need to talk to the surveyor.”
“Hmm. Yes. Gen left just before the surveyors finished up. Gosh, I guess I can give you the name of the one in charge,” she paused, clearly concerned about giving out confidential information.
Marnie sensed her reluctance and added, “It’s all we’ve got to work with right now, Kathy.”
Kathy sighed. “Okay. Try to get in touch with Dr. Bertram Springer. He’s a professor at the University of Oklahoma. I have his number.” She rattled off the number for Marnie.
“Thanks, Kathy. This helps a lot. I’ll keep you posted.”
Marnie’s phone call was answered quickly.
“Dr. Springer here,” he said.
“Hi, Dr. Springer. This is Dr. Marnie Liccione. I understand that you did a survey in Galveston recently.” She paused.
“Yes, that’s right,” Dr. Springer said. “Are you with U.S. Biosafety?”
“Uh, no, I’m not. This is more a personal than a professional call. Kathy Walsh thought you would be willing to speak to me,” Marnie said. “I think you met my good friend, Dr. Gennifer Drake during your visit.”
“Yes, she has some very interesting research we are going to use as an example in our survey.”
Marnie took a deep breath. “That’s why I’m calling. She was murdered ten days ago, and I think it was related to her research.”
Silence came from the other line.
“Oh, my god,” Dr. Springer said. “That is terrible news…”
He paused and Marnie wondered what he was thinking about. “It does explain some things, though. How can I help?”
“I’m wondering if you noticed anything suspicious during the survey.”
He thought for a moment. “No, not really. Dr. Drake didn’t attend the last meeting, which seemed a little strange. Her assistant was there. He might have seemed a little nervous but that was understandable if he was filling in for her. The odd thing for me happened after the survey. I can’t get a hold of my partner. He was the one who reviewed Dr. Drake’s research proposal. I’m still waiting for his report on it.”
Well, that is some new information. I don’t think I will mention the thumb drive right now. No need to put Springer at risk.
Marnie said, “I haven’t heard anything about that. If I learn anything, I’ll let you know.”
“Likewise,” Dr. Springer said. They exchanged cell phone information and said good-bye.
It was almost time for Cora, Noah, and Nancy to appear to start their new job of walking the dogs after school. When they arrived, Harlee and Jack were ecstatic.
“So, two dollars a mile. Here are your pedometers,” Marnie said. “I’m going to leave around 5 p.m. to do some errands and meet your mom. After the walk, give Harlee and Jack their dinners and let them in the backyard for a bit. Then, you can leave them in the house until I get home. Thanks again, Nancy, for being the best grandmother ever. Louise and I appreciate this time together.”
“Glad to do it,” Nancy said. “Did you call Anne yet?”
“Going to do that after you guys leave. I spent some time this afternoon organizing my notes. I’ll share with Louise this evening and have her pass the word to you.”
After the crew left, Marnie sat at the kitchen table and called Anne. The bungalow was unnaturally quiet without the dogs. Her first call went to voicemail. She left a voice message and then texted Anne her name and connection to the Finnertys. Five minutes later, Anne called.
“Hello,” Marnie said. “This is Marnie Liccione. Thanks for calling me back.”
“I’m so glad you called. Nancy said you might,” Anne said. “I understand you’re looking into Dr. Drake’s death.”
“Yes, it has been ruled a homicide.”
“Oh my,” said Anne.
“Gen left me a thumb drive with her research on it,” Marnie said. Anne didn’t need to know the details of the lab raid. “It’s pretty conclusive that we could have an epidemic of a virulent strain of dengue fever here that could spread through the southern U.S. Her research shows a clear correlation to rising temperatures.”
“Can you get that to me? You can overnight it to my home address in Alexandria, Virginia.” She gave Marnie the address.
“Sure. Is there anything you can tell me now?” Marnie asked.
“We’re working under the radar with this information. I’m putting together a group of people I trust to figure out how high up the orders are coming to bury this research. I was afraid that it could affect some employees’ jobs, but if murder is involved… Be careful.”
“Point taken,” Marnie said.
“I’ll let you or Louise know what I find out.”
The first of Marnie’s errands involved making several copies of Gen’s thumb drive and mailing one to Anne, one to herself in Colorado, and one to the Bay City Daily care of Chris.
When Marnie got to the Saucy Enchilada, the hostess looked up and smiled. “You must be meeting Dr. Louise. We gave her a quiet table in the back room.”
Louise and Iliana were already sipping their margaritas. Marnie was envious.
“Hi, Iliana. I’m so glad you could come tonight,” Marnie said.
“It’s good to see you again. I remember your last trip to Galveston—a wonderful dinner at Garrett’s restaurant. Tonight, Louise wouldn’t take no for an answer. She knew Bob was on evenings.”
“Louise always tells me how much she likes working with your husband,” Marnie said.
“I do. Were you able to talk to Anne?” Louise asked.
Marnie relayed the information she had learned that afternoon. She told Iliana about the thumb drive.
“Thanks for the information. I agree that silencing Dr. Drake was the motive. I learned today that a John Doe is probably the missing surveyor you mentioned. You two need to be very cautious. It seems like some of the players in this game are playing for keeps. I think you should let the police handle it from here,” Iliana said.
Louise and Marnie nodded in agreement but neither thought they would be able to bow out until Gen’s murder was solved. Marnie steered the dinner conversation away from murder and epidemics.
After saying good night, Marnie headed home. Pulling up to her little green house, Marnie smiled to see Chris’s car there.
As she walked into the living room, the dogs could hardly get up. They were fast asleep on Chris’s lap and by his feet. “The pups and I missed each other,” Chris said. “I got the story about Gen’s murder into the paper for the morning. Left hanging the mystery of her research disappearing. Maybe we’ll get some leads. Then, I thought I deserved some time off.”
“Great,” Marnie said. “I have some information to share about the surveyors who came right before she was murdered.”
“All ears,” Chris said.
After bringing Chris up to speed, Marnie looked at the dogs, still sound asleep. “They’ll keep in the living room for a bit,” Marnie said as she took Chris’s hand and walked him to the bedroom, closing the door after them.