The Dust of Death

Chapter 11

He stood completely still, memorizing the scene. This would be his only opportunity, he figured. He stared down at the little hand sticking up from the leaves. His heart hurt for this little one and for her parents, as well. He hoped the police would arrive soon. Visibly relieved when he heard footsteps coming his way, Flix called out.

"Over here," he said, waving to draw their attention.

Two men accompanied the young boy. One was obviously a foot patrolman. The other man was dressed in a heavy overcoat.

Reporter? Flix first thought, revising his first guess. The man's clothes were too expensive. Professional of some kind, Flix guessed.

"Coming," the gentleman said. "You must be the man with the dog who found the body. The boy told us."

"It is over there under those leaves," Flix said.

"You are dismissed," the gentleman said. "Paddy, get this man's name and address. You are dismissed."

"Excuse me?" Flix said.

"My name is Doctor Emory Forte Blaine," he said to Flix. "I am the chief coroner of this city. I always make it a practice to walk through this park, weather permitting, before going to the office. And it was a fine thing I decided to walk a little longer, this morning. I was passing by when the boy tore out of the woods. I knew something was wrong. I overheard the boy's frantic request for the officer to follow him into the woods. He told Paddy you had lost your dog. The mutt sniffed out a dead body. Your boy has a pretty good head on his shoulders. We got his story from him without too much trouble."

"He's not my boy, sir," Flix said.

"Whatever. Well, thanks for being a good citizen. Paddy, get his name. An officer will be in touch with you, I am sure, but presently, we must attend to this matter. Kindly stay out of our way, sir. And keep the boy back, too."

"Of course," said Flix.

"Come on, Paddy," said Dr. Blaine to the officer, "give me a hand over here. We haven't got all day."

The officer followed the doctor to the pile of debris.

"Brush away those leaves," said the doctor. "I need a good look."

"Excuse me," said Flix, who had edged closer to the men. "Don't you think it would be wise to get a police photographer in here before you start disturbing the scene?"

"Who in the hell do you think you are?" Dr. Blaine bellowed at Flix.

"Sir," said Flix, "I understand perfectly well that as the medical officer on the scene, you have taken charge of this situation, but may I suggest . . ."

"Suggest nothing! I told you to back up over there," Dr. Blaine said, pointing a stiff finger toward the east. "I do not have to explain my actions to you, sir. Or to anyone else, for that matter! The body will tell me all I need to know. Now, stand over there with your mangy mutt and wait until this officer asks you for any information he may need."

"Certainly," said Flix.

"Turn her over, Paddy," Dr. Blaine said.

"But," Flix said, "you might be disturbing evidence!"

"Evidence!" Dr. Blaine said.

"I see insects on her body, Doctor," Flix said. "The officer will knock many of them off her when he rolls her body for your inspection."

"What," said Doctor Blaine, "do I care about bugs! The goddamn bugs inside her are just a sign of decay! I don't need bugs to tell me she's rotting! I have two perfectly good eyes for that, you moron!"