Chang looked directly at her. “The combination of those two drugs, when administered together, causes a myocardial infarction. A heart attack.”
Jessie swayed in her seat. She felt Brandon’s hand wrap around hers and hold on tight.
“Pinpoint needle marks were found in the back of the colonel’s neck, the injection site of the drugs.” The doctor closed the file and his gaze returned to hers. “The official cause of death has been modified. James Kegan’s death has now been ruled a homicide.”
A sob escaped. Jessie clamped down hard to stay in control.
Larkin took both her hands and drew her to her feet. “I’m sorry for your loss, Jessie. It may help to know that as a result of what happened to Brandon last night and the autopsy results, the CID is bringing General Holloway in for questioning.”
She opened her purse and removed the envelope that held the summary of information Bran had printed in the hotel business office. Her hand shook as she passed it to Larkin.
“This is the way we believe it happened,” she said. “But we’re still investigating, collecting information.”
“That’s no longer your concern,” Larkin said. “It never should have been.”
Jessie didn’t say that if she hadn’t started digging, none of this would have been discovered. Or that she wasn’t stopping until her father’s name was completely cleared.
“Thank you, Colonel Larkin,” she said. “I hope you’ll keep me informed as your investigation progresses.”
“I’ll do what I can. If we have any questions, we’ll certainly be in touch.”
Meaning the investigation was army business and she wouldn’t be part of it.
“After the autopsy was completed, your father’s body was returned to its final resting place,” Larkin said. “It was my decision to go ahead with that. I felt you had already been through enough.”
She nodded, locked down her emotions. Her father’s part in this was over and he was back at rest. They had the proof they needed. She was grateful to Larkin once more. They made their farewells and left the office.
Maddox was waiting beside the Jeep, his face filled with concern. “How did it go?”
Since Jessie’s throat suddenly tightened, Bran answered for her. “Colonel Kegan’s death was ruled a homicide. Now they have to investigate, and Samuel Holloway is at the top of their list.”
Maddox nodded. “I’m sorry, Jess.”
“Thank you.”
Maddox glanced over at Bran. “I don’t suppose you two are out of it now.”
Bran looked at Jessie. As usual, he knew what she was thinking. “Not quite yet,” was all he said.
