“Well, they just got married a couple of years ago. I called her Tuesday, right after I’d seen Granny. I just wanted to run some things by her, and she shocked me by offering to come immediately. I guess I didn’t know that Granny meant so much to her. I should have. Maria had that kind of effect on people. But then a problem arose: Laurie and Jack are in the middle of an assisted reproduction cycle, meaning Jack’s got to be around to perform.”

Neil rolled his eyes.

“Anyway, to solve the problem they both are coming and are scheduled to land tonight.”

“The fact that they are coming won’t hurt,” Neil said. “But I’m not so sure you should put such hope on it. If you’ve been unable to move the authorities here, I wouldn’t count on a couple of medical examiners doing much better. I happen to know that forensic pathology is not a really popular field here in India, and whether or not an autopsy is done is not up to the doctors.”

“I’ve heard the same. And to add to the trouble, there is some controversy over which ministry oversees what. The morgues are under the ministry of home, while medical examiners who use them are under the ministry of health. Also, the decision of whether an autopsy is indicated in a specific case is up to the police and the magistrates, not the doctors.”

“That’s my point. So I wouldn’t get your hopes up too high just because a couple of sharp medical examiners are coming to town. I get the feeling that you have done just about as much as anyone could do.”

“Maybe so, but I’m not going to give up, although I’m tempted after this episode today. I tell you, if Laurie and Jack weren’t coming tonight, I’d be out of here.”

“I’d be the one trying to get you to go, and I’m not sure it wouldn’t be the most sensible idea.”