The Morgans donated to many charities and organizations. And after their daughter and grandson died like this, the pressure would be on the police and medical examiner’s office to solve this case quickly and to their satisfaction. Hell, it was an oversight no one standing in this morgue wanted to have. It would be a career-ending move if anything went wrong. Or if the Morgans perceived that anything had gone wrong. Stress? Yes, this just upped the stress level with this case. It was already high-profile because of the nature of the deaths but the involvement of the Morgans just catapulted it to another level.

“Her parents weren’t the ones to file the report.” Warren also removed his coat and placed it next to Gavin’s. “One of her co-workers did.”

“What?” Val stared at him.

“Gabrielle and her parents were estranged. It seems there was a falling out several years ago, and she moved out on her own and cut off all ties with them. They didn’t even know she’d gone missing,” Gavin said.

“How did you find out who her family was, then?” Dr. Maddox asked.

“After we ran her fingerprints, we got a hit. About ten years ago, she was arrested twice for DWI. Back when those happened, the address for the Morgans’ estate was listed as her place of residence. We sent a couple officers to inform her parents. After the shock, they managed to give a preliminary account of their relationship with their daughter. Seems that Gabrielle was a bit of a handful when she was younger, hence the arrests. Her parents have agreed to help in any way they can, which is reassuring for now,” Gavin said. “Warren and I are planning on talking with them tomorrow.”

“Take that hospitality when you can get it because who knows how long it will last,” Dr. Maddox said sarcastically.

Val said, “Can I tag along when you talk to the parents? I’ll have to speak with them anyway. It might be easier for them if we do this all in one shot rather than two.” With her job as a death investigator Val had to question relatives, acquaintances, neighbors, really anyone who knew of the deceased and could give her information to help Dr. Maddox determine cause and manner of death. Parents of victims were always tough. They’d have to relive the death of their child when the cops talked with them, then again when Val did it. The second time around was always more difficult than the first. It only rubbed salt in wounds, and Val guessed that rubbing salt in the Morgans’ wounds was employment suicide.

Gavin nodded. “Sure. We have an appointment with them at ten tomorrow morning.”

“I’ll be ready.” Val pointed the camera at Gabrielle’s hands and began taking pictures of the tree branches duct taped in place. “Did the crime scene techs find anything of forensic value in Gabrielle’s house?”