“At this point anthrax would be my guess,” Jack said. “It will be interesting if the lab confirms it. Of course it might turn out that this patient had a compromised immune system that no one knew about. Then the bug could turn out to be a garden-variety pathogen.”

“From sad experience I know better than to make a bet with you, but you’ve picked a mighty rare disease, at least here in the U.S.”

“Well, I don’t remember how rare it is,” Jack said. “All I remember is that it’s associated with hemorrhagic mediastinitis and meningitis.”

“What about meningococcus?” Calvin asked. “Why not pick something a lot more common?”

“Meningococcus is possible,” Jack said. “But it wouldn’t be high on my list, not with the hemorrhagic mediastinitis. Besides, there was no purpura, and I’d expect more purulence on the brain surface with meningococcus.”

“Well, if it turns out to be anthrax, let me know sooner rather than later,” Calvin said. “I’m sure the Commissioner of Health would be interested. As for your next case, you’ve been informed that I want you to do it.”

“Yes,” Jack said. “But why me? You and the chief are always complaining about my lack of diplomacy. A police custody case usually stirs up a beehive of political turmoil. You sure you want me involved?”

“Your services were specifically requested by people outside the department,” Calvin said. “Apparently your lack of diplomacy has been taken for a positive trait by the African-American community. You might be a headache to the chief and me, but you’ve managed to develop a reputation of professional integrity with certain community leaders.”

“Probably from my exploits on the neighborhood basketball court,” Jack said. “I rarely cheat.”

“Why do you always have to denigrate a compliment?” Calvin questioned irritably.

“Maybe because they make me feel uncomfortable,” Jack said. “I prefer criticism.”

“Lord give me patience,” Calvin commented. “Listen, by having you do the post we might be able to avoid any potential contention that this office is involved in any sort of cover-up.”

“The victim is an African-American?” Jack asked.

“Obviously,” Calvin said. “And the officer is white. Get the picture?”

“I get it,” Jack said.

“Good,” Calvin said. “Give a yell when you’re ready to start. I’ll lend a hand. In fact, we’ll do it together.”

Calvin left. Jack looked at Vinnie and groaned. “That post will take three hours! Calvin might be thorough, but he’s slower than molasses.”

“How communicable is anthrax?” Vinnie asked.

“Relax!” Jack said. “You’re not going to come down with anything. As I recall, anthrax doesn’t spread person to person.”

“I never know when to believe you or not,” Vinnie said.

“Sometimes I don’t believe myself,” Jack said self-mockingly. “But in this instance you can trust me.”

With no more conversation Jack and Vinnie finished the Papparis case. As Jack was getting the lab specimens together to take upstairs, Laurie came into the pit. Jack recognized her by her characteristic laugh; her face was hidden by her bio-protective hood. She was apparently in a buoyant mood. She was accompanied by two others who Jack guessed were Lou and the FBI agent. All were dressed in moon suits.