“She did,” Bob said. “She said he was convinced that they weren’t fulfilling their side of the bargain in that two of them, apparently the commander and his lieutenant, had failed to show up for a big training exercise the night before, and it had been a chronic problem. She said what had made Mr. Jameson particularly pissed was that the Netherlander commander was more interested in the brewery he’d put together in the Bennet barn than instructing and supervising the Diehard Patriots.”
“A brewery?” Jack questioned with a spontaneous laugh.
“I know,” Bob admitted. “It sounds a bit off the wall.”
“Do you think the Netherlanders are operating on a shoestring?” Jack further asked. “How are they feeding themselves if they have to make their own beer?”
“That’s the strange part,” Bob said. “Quite the contrary. The woman claims that Mr. Jameson said that they had all the money they needed to buy a bunch of impressive beer-making equipment, which makes me wonder why the Diehard Patriots were paying for the Bennet Estate. I don’t have any answers. Of course, the bigger question is how did Mr. Jameson manage to kill himself and whether or not it was his anger that made him careless. Supposedly, at least according to the girlfriend, he was well aware of the toxicity of the products he worked with and was a stickler about washing his clothes and showering every day after work. That’s what’s so confusing for me, especially if what she says about his habits is true. But this is why I am so appreciative of you coming up here to lend a professional hand. I know I’m probably going a bit overboard, but as an essentially untrained coroner, the last thing I want on my conscience is a rash of preventable organophosphate deaths popping up with any of Mr. Jameson’s co-workers.”
“Toxicology is going to be key,” Laurie said.
“No doubt,” Jack said.
“I do have an account with NMS Labs, which is terrific,” Bob said. “After the autopsy we can send off blood, urine, and various organ samples to them. The problem is that getting their results takes significant time. What I’m hoping is that you guys might have an idea from the autopsy itself. What do you think? Is that at all possible?”
Jack and Laurie exchanged a quick glance. “I’m sorry to say that’s probably not possible,” Laurie responded. “Death from an organophosphate, irrespective of the particular type or brand, is death from an anticholinesterase, which is what organophosphates are and which interrupt nerve function throughout the body. Grossly, there might be a variation in the degree, with some organsaffected more than others, but that’s not going to point to any specific agent. As I said, toxicology will be key.”
“I was afraid of that,” Bob said with a fleeting expression of disappointment. He shrugged. “Well, we can only do what we can do. A least we’re trying, and regardless, it’s certainly a pleasure to see you guys.”
“If speed is an issue,” Jack said, “what we might think of doing is getting some body fluid samples down to the OCME after the autopsy rather than sending them off to NMS Labs. Our toxicology lab director can do wonders if he’s motivated, and lately he’s been motivated. Do any of the overnight delivery services operate out of Essex Falls?”
“Not directly,” Bob said. “We have to drive packages to either Glens Falls or Saratoga Springs. Or…you know what? If the OCME lab would be willing to step up and help, we could arrange for a local to drive samples all the way down to New York and deliver them directly.”
“If speed is as important to you as you say, that would be the best solution,” Jack said. “I can call Dr. DeVries and get him fired up to expect them. If I push him a little, we can have some answers in days, not weeks.”
“Then that’s what we will do for sure,” Bob said.
“Okay, with that decided, let’s revisit the issue about where we are going to stay,” Laurie said. “We’re certainly not going to share an estate—no matter how posh—with a group of Dutch right-wing militia fanatics.”
“Heaven forbid!” Bob agreed with a smile. “But let me assure you, all is not lost. I’ve arranged for you to stay at another great spot. About twenty years after Ambrose Bennet, who founded the shoe company, built his palatial home, he built a similar, slightly smallerversion in the same style for his firstborn son, Hiram, on the opposite side of the private lake he’d built his house facing. Sadly, it only has ten bedrooms rather than twelve.”
“Only ten bedrooms?” Laurie questioned with mock concern. “I don’t know whether that’s going to work out.”
All three people laughed.
“It also doesn’t have a barn,” Bob continued, “so you won’t be able to set up your own brewery, so take that off your to-do list.”
Everyone laughed again.
“But it has a pool, which the main house lacks,” Bob said. “When I took the time to run over there and check it out, I think it is better than the main house in a number of respects. You are going to love it.”
“Wonderful!” Laurie said as she started to rise up from her chair. The idea of getting situated appealed to her.
“Just a second!” Bob said, motioning his guests to stay seated. “I already mentioned about the barbecue tonight, and I hope you don’t mind that I’ve taken the liberty to invite Bill Hargrove, the chief of police, and his wife to join us. He’s particularly eager to meet you guys.”
“That’s fine,” Laurie said with a shrug. Jack nodded as well.
“As for activities, I wanted to let you know we have some decent tennis and pickleball courts in Bennet Park where there is also a basketball court. Mountain biking is big here in Essex Falls with some challenging trails, and there’s rentals available.”
“I brought my road bike,” Jack said. “It’s in the car.”
“Terrific,” Bob said. “For road biking, there are several local ten-to-twelve-mile loops that I can suggest. Laurie, there’s a very active Pilates group in town that uses the elementary school gym. If you’re interested, Carol is an eager participant and more than willing tointroduce you to the others. And you, Jack! I hope you brought your basketball high-tops!”
“Of course I did!”
“As I mentioned on the phone, we have a very active pickup basketball group here in town. Are you interested in me setting up a game for later this afternoon?”
Jack glanced at Laurie.
