Of Broken Things

Chapter 3 - scene 3.

The hospital looked exactly the same as when Ricky had first dragged him here with a gunshot wound, and Aiden had cussed out the attending ER doctor who would become his wife seven months later. They had spent seven wonderful years together and had had a beautiful daughter, and Mercy Memorial hadn't changed a bit during that time. Now both Mary Ann and Jasmine were gone, but the tall building still loomed over him, unchanged.

Looking at it, Aiden felt a brief flash of anger. How could it be the same when his entire world had shattered? He understood the uselessness of his anger, but he couldn't help it. That's why he had tried to avoid the places that reminded him of his lost family. It hurt too much, and he felt helpless and adrift each time he was forced to take trip down memory lane.

The reception area was crowded, and even though the receptionist recognized him, she couldn't do anything but give him a small smile and a wave. Aiden waved back and headed towards the morgue. He was glad that Mary Ann and Jasmine's bodies had not been taken here after the accident, or he probably wouldn't have been able to walk down the long corridor towards the double doors and the holoscreen that said MORGUE in scarlet letters dripping blood. Aiden chuckled despite himself - Ed Landis had a very particular sense of humor.

To Aiden's relief, Ed didn't mention Mary Ann. He just greeted him as if they had only seen each other yesterday, put his hand on his shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Something tells me this isn't a social call," he said after they had retreated to his office and were both sited comfortably with steaming cups of tea.

"I'm ashamed to admit that you are right. I'm hoping that you could help me with a case I'm working."

"Didn't know you started working homicides again. Thought you had quit the police precisely not to have to deal with those anymore."

"This one is a favor for Ricky. Plus the client pays well." Aiden shrugged with a small smile.

"And which one of my "clients" picked your interest?"

"Juan Garcia. Died of a heart attack this morning. According to his widow, the body was taken here."

Ed put his cup down and gave Aiden a stern look.

"Just because we're good friends doesn't mean that I can violate the doctor patient confidentiality agreement and disclose the autopsy details, do you understand?"

"Believe me, the last thing I want is to get you in trouble, but I have a list of five people, and two of them are missing and three, including Mr. Garcia, are dead. And at least one of them has been murdered. I could use any help you can give me."

Ed nodded and opened an info screen. "You're lucky. It's been a slow day, so I've already processed Mr. Garcia. The autopsy results point towards diabetes induced heart attack. I saw no indication of foul play. Mr. Garcia's blood sugar was at 450. He had tried to give himself insulin, because the paramedics have found a syringe by the body. The only odd thing I noted was excessive bleeding at the injection site."

"Is that unusual?" Aiden perked up.