The pain and embarrassment of that day still haunted James, who had vowed never to allow himself to care for any other person like he had his former fiancée. The humiliation of thatmoment, when he realized that she wasn’t coming, had sliced at him daily ever since.
“Why does he want me?”
“He said you were the best and the brightest and that if a murder, particularly a poisoning, had taken place, that you would be the one to solve it.”
James refused to feel even slightly pleased that his former mentor had lavished such praise. More than likely, he was just trying to get James to come on to the job. Of course, a case like this, if led properly, could help lead the way for autopsies being more accepted. Many a crime had gone unpunished because of the lack of understanding about how the human body worked and if he could prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the old merchant had been poisoned, then he would help set a precedent for the medical community.
Besides, Sir Ward wasn’t likely to show up. Catriona’s running away had caused a certain amount of shame for the Wards, and James’s former mentor wasn’t the sort of man who enjoyed uncomfortable social situations.
“I’m surprised that this matter has been brought to the police,” James said. “Aren’t there fines and imprisonment punishments for body snatchers?”
“This is different. It’s a matter of justice. We’re not removing the body to be sold and carved up by a group of medical students.” He paused. “No offense, of course.”
The sentiment was the popular opinion among people who didn’t understand why working on real bodies was important to science. James successfully kept his expression blank.
“Very well, Chief Constable, I’ll do it.”
The constable’s face was grim, but grateful.
“Thank you, Dr. Hall. I believe the body will be delivered to Sir Ward’s theater at Andersen University this afternoon.”
“I know it well, yes.”
The constable turned as James stood to follow him out. Opening the door that led into the rest of the store, both men found Grace and Virgil suspiciously close to the office door. James glared at them as the constable replaced his hat to his head.
“Thank you, Dr. Hall,” he said upon reaching the front door, before bowing his head to Grace. “A pleasure to meet you, Miss Sharpe.”
“It was an honor, Chief Constable,” she said.
“Er, begging your pardon, sir,” Virgil said, stepping forward. “But have you heard of the missing peoples, down near Gallowgate?”
The older man shook his head.
“Not anything out of the ordinary. People disappear sometimes and it can be difficult to track them, particularly when they don’t wish to be found. Good day.”
And with that, the police officer was gone. James turned around to reenter his office, but stalled when Grace spoke.
“That’s not terribly helpful, is it?”
“Aye, but it’s true,” Virgil replied. “Many a person has gone missing because they don’t wish to be found. Be it because of the drink, or bill collectors, or because of other, more nefarious reasons.”
“Such as?”
“Well—”
“Virgil, I’m sure there’s a number of things that need your attention at the moment, more so than the scandalizing of Miss Sharpe. For instance, I’ve nearly run out of lime oil.”
“Have you? That went quick. Well, I’ll whip you up a new batch this afternoon, I will.”
Virgil bobbed his head and hobbled back behind one of the glass display cases, while Grace approached James.
“I’m not in danger of being scandalized, Dr. Hall. In fact, I’m more than aware of the realities of life and have not fainted once because of them.”
Her knowing smirk both irritated and intrigued James, but he wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of knowing it. Instead, he ignored her and returned to his office. Of course, she was close on his heels and when he sat down to start reviewing his first patient’s last documented visit, he realized that she was standing in front of his desk, as if waiting for something. Tilting his head up, he squinted at her.
“Can I help you?”
“When are we going to examine the body?”
