“They’re going to have to be done in the decomp room. You’ll need to wear the jumpsuit. But on the bright side, I placed them in the cooler for now. The cold temperature makes the maggots move slower.”

“Thanks.” She feigned a smile.

“Anytime.” He turned and walked away.

The report took longer to finish than Val anticipated. But, as she wrote it, she made a decision. She reached over to her bag and pulled out Gavin’s business card. She grabbed the phone and dialed the number. He picked up after the third ring.

“I get off at five thirty,” she said. “I can meet you at six.”

“Why don’t we meet somewhere closer to the medical examiner’s office, so it’s easier for you. Are you familiar with the Anchor Bar on Main Street?”

“Yes.” She knew where the Anchor Bar was. Everyone from Buffalo did. It’s where the deep-fried, hot-sauce coated, blue-cheese dipped, chicken wing originated—before becoming a Buffalo wing in every other city.

“Great. I’ll see you later.”

Val rushed out of her office and headed to the decomp room, dropping her report in Dr. Stedman’s mailbox on her way.

At 5:40pm, Val ran into the locker room, and quickly showered. Another body had arrived late in the afternoon. It took forever to get Dr. Blythe’s signature so that she could take the X-rays.

After two rounds of soap and shampoo, she put on her street clothes, wondering just how badly she still reeked of death. Not that she could tell. Spending the day in the decomp room had made her olfactory senses immune to the scent of decomposition.

She gave herself one last inspection in the mirror before walking out, narrowing her eyes in dissatisfaction, wishing that she could go home and change, but there wasn’t enough time. She grabbed a barrette, and tied back her soggy hair. As she ran to her car she checked her watch. Crap, I’m going to be late for Detective Gavin.

When she finally got to her car, she reached into her pocket and felt nothing. Her hand fished around before inspecting the other pocket. That too, was empty.

“Damn!” She grabbed her bag and began rifling through it.

No car keys.

If they weren’t in her pockets or purse where could they possibly be? She distinctly remembered putting them in her pocket. Val ran back to her office at full speed.

As soon as she opened her office door, she noticed them immediately. They were on the floor under the counter, plain as day. How did I miss that? The thought left her mind as soon as it entered.