The guard looked up from behind his desk, clearly unimpressed. And you are? A white guy in his late forties, the guard had the billowing middle and puffy features of an athlete whod allowed himself to go to seed.

Morgan pulled out his ID badge and flashed it in front of the guard. Dr. Morgan Stark. Georgetown University Hospital. He was pretty sure he could outrun this guy to get where he wanted to go, but that seemed counter-productive.

They expecting you? The guard picked up the phone like he was about to call someone.

Yes. Its about a homicide case that would have been brought in this morning. Morgan brazened it out.

This morning? The guard put the phone back down. They wont be getting to that today.

Morgan took a step back and gave a quick glance to the framed photographs on the wall of the offices personnel and then at the guards badge. Fine. Shall I tell Dr. Morris that I was unable to meet him because Stan wouldnt allow me to go up to the morgue? Hed listened to enough imperious doctors to know how to sound like one.

The guards lips tightened and he looked like he wanted to argue, but then he sighed. He picked up the phone and dialed. Ive got a Dr. Stark here to see Dr. Morris. Says its about a homicide. He listened for a moment. Says hes from Georgetown University Hospital. He listened again and then hung up. Fine. Fifth floor. He handed Morgan a Visitors badge and waved him through.

Morgan didnt wait a second before pushing through the turnstile and going to the elevator bank. He didnt want to give anyone a chance to change their mind. When he got off on the fifth floor, a bearded and bespectacled Black man in a rumpled gray suit was waiting for him, a slightly quizzical look on his face. Hello, Dr. Stark. Im Richard Morris. Did we have an appointment?

Morgan debated what tack to take and then decided to go with honesty. No. We didnt. A colleague was brought in this morning. She was the victim of a homicide. I . . . I was hoping to see her body in case there was something I might find that could help.

Morriss face creased. Im sorry for your loss, but are you working on the case somehow?

Morgan shook his head. Im the one who found her. The words clogged in his throat. He looked down at his hands as if Lexas blood might still be there.

Morris looked Morgan up and down and then indicated the path down the hallway with a head tilt. Lets talk in my office.