Defying Science

Elizabeth

I'm not like most people. That's not a good way to start out is it? Let's see, I know of two other people who are like me. We are different, we cannot die. It's a curse, really.

I was born December 18, 1793 in London, England to a baker and a lumberjack. I was one of seven children. I had three brothers and three sisters. Growing up, we were always eating baked goods.

One of my many jobs when I was growing up was a baker just like my mother. But, then when I had to move, I started writing. I wrote a few good stories.

But, enough of my old, old, old life. Let's focus on the now. After people started getting suspicious of me I had to move, again. I just moved back to New York City for the first time in almost fifty years. And what am I doing back in New York? I'm actually on my old friend. His name is Henry.

I look up at the big-ish building right in front of me. I laugh to myself thinking, Oh, Henry. What have you gotten yourself into?

As I walk through the building to where I am searching for. I look at the door that says Medical Examiner. I open the door quietly and see a bunch of high schoolers in the room. I smile to myself knowing that I can fit in.

"So, does anyone want to take a guess as to how this man was killed?" I recognize that British accent anywhere.

I turn my head to the table beside me, I shake my head as I see his notes. "I'll take a crack at it." I say as I raise my hand. Henry nods without taking a look at me. "It appears to be a suicide. But, that's just what the killer wants you, and the NYPD, to think." I step out from behind a guy who looks like he plays football. "But this man was killed by acute asphyxiation. He was also tied up when it happened."

Henry smiles when he sees me, "And how do you know this?" He asks as all the kids look at me.

"May I?" I ask, motioning to the body.

"By all means."

I clear my throat and bump Henry's hip with my own. "He has lacerations on his arms and there is a mark on his neck that looks like it would have been hands or a rope."

"How do you know about all this?" Henry asks looking down at me.

"I've had a good teacher." I smile, looking up at him.

"So you have." He chuckles and then looks up at a tall guy with scrubs on. "Lucas, will you take these kids on the rest of the tour? I need to speak to this young lady about a career in medicine or police work."

This boy, Lucas, nods and motions to the door to where the other bodies are stored. "Right this way."

As soon as the last high schooler goes through the door, Henry hugs me. "Elizabeth, it's so good to see you!" I smile and hug him back taking in his scent.

"Same to you, Henry. And you're an ME now? Fancy." I giggle as he let's me go.

"What are you doing back in New York?" He asks, as he leads me to his office.

"I needed to come back to America. Some people were getting suspicious about me. And I misses seeing you." I say, as we walk into his office. I look around and smile as I take it in.

"Much different than what I usually have. But, I like it. Lucas may be a little different; but, I do like what I do." He says, brining me back to reality.

I nod and turn to him, "How's Abe and-" I stop myself short before asking him about Abigail. "How's Abe?"

"Abe's good. He owns a antique store. When I get off work we can go see him. If you would like." He says, taking my hand in his. I nod smiling.

I turn my head a little as his office doors open. "Oh. Henry, I'm sorry, I didn't realize that you were busy." A woman says as she sees Henry and I holding hands.

"Jo Martinez, meet Elizabeth Cox, friend of mine. Lizabeth, meet my partner, Jo." He says, letting go of my hand.

I nod, sticking my hand out for her to shake it, "Nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you, too. May I ask how do you know Henry?" She asks, as she shakes my hand.

I cough and look up at Henry. He shrugs, "He's a friend of my-"

"Brother. I'm a friend of her brothers. She just moved here from..?" He says, looking at me.

"Burford." I say, nodding at Henry.

"Burford, right. She was traveling between her home there and Oxford University. Where she was studying...?" Henry looks at me to help him out in our small lie.

I roll my eyes and reply, "Creative Writing. I majored in that and minored in drama. But, now I'm here. And I'm thinking of taking classes for criminal justice."

Jo nods and raises and eyebrow but does not question anything we said. "Well, congrats, I've hear not many people get into Oxford for just that. But, Henry, we have a body for you to examine, in the field."

Henry nods and looks at me, "Continue the conversation later?"

"Of course, Henry. I'll take a cab to Abe's. Don't worry, Henry. Go work. I need to see him anyway." I say, almost kissing his cheek. I wave to him and walk out of his office then the morgue.

"How does she know Abe?" I hear Jo ask Henry.

"It's complicated." I hear him reply.

A/N: I don't know I'd it was my phone or the app, but there are a few letters missing here and there. Mostly the G's and J's.