Holding On To You

Chapter (2)

From the author:

(Just a heads up, I for a fact don't claim to know the protocol of the investigation of a crime scene or medical examinations. I'm just going off of basic knowledge and what good ole google tells me. So, I am well aware this is not 100% accurate, please if this your field of expertise feel free to throw some notes my way. Thank you and bear with me.)

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An angry sky loomed over the city. Moisture hung in the air heavily adding to the gloomy day. Fascinating how quickly the weather changes, mother nature showing off her PMS. I ducked under the caution tape after getting cleared by the crime scene investigators and walked down the alley where a body was found this evening. The crime scene is closed off by erected barriers to keep away the prying eye of the public. I followed the footpath leading to the sight of the body.

I slipped on a pair of latex gloves before stepping around the dumpster. Capable crime scene analysis worked around the area hunting for evidence.

A coroner, a well-seasoned woman in her late thirties, was kneeling beside the body. The coroner's kit is open and filled with swabs, gloves, and other medical tools. A younger corner, a man possibly in his mid-twenties, stood next to her with documents in his hands. I approached him first waiting to talk to the head coroner.

"Detective Tanner." I introduced myself with a slight nod. "Have you identified the victim yet?"

"We've found a wallet on his person, ID picture matches the victim. His name is Ryan Hurley; 24 years old, 6'3", and 220 pounds. That's all we know for now until inspector Liam gets a match from public records."

I nodded carefully stepping closer to the body and peering at the victim's rather pale and shriveled skin. Ryan's eyes were clouded over lifeless and completely void. His body is sitting upright against the brick building positioned right next to the dumpster. The head is leaning forward slightly tilted to the right exposing the side of the neck. The hands were open against the ground, palm side facing down on either side of the body. Not a brilliant hiding spot to dump a body, since the garbage company found him this morning when they were here to collect trash.

Ryan was a fairly large man in height, and built like a rock with muscles but, it was hard to tell in his current state. I stood up and opened the dumpster finding it empty looking back over to the coroner.

"Where's the garbage?"

"CSI's already got it," the younger corner answered.

I closed the lid, "Maybe our killer isn't smart enough to take the murder weapon here since he left the body behind."

This time the ME spoke up, "The killer didn't use a weapon to kill this man as far as I can tell. There are no visible indications of injuries on his body or fatal wounds that caused his death. Just a few bites on his fingertips from rats."

My brows knitted together facing the ME who looked just as perplexed as me.

"Is there a possibility there was no killer?" I suggested. "My boss said this was a homicide, but by the lack of evidence, blood, or weapons it almost seems like this man may have perhaps died from natural causes."

The ME shared a look with the coroner before standing up to her feet. A deep disturbing frown etched itself on her aging thin lips when her gaze fell back onto the detective.

"Detective Tanner, there is no blood in this man's body."

my eyes widen before narrowing them at the ME. I', was waiting for the ME to say "just kidding."

"What?" I finally asked.

"This man has had all of his blood drained from his body." The ME clarified closing up her kit.