Murder in Eagle Cove: A Detective Larry Saunders Mystery, #1

By Greg Kitzmiller

The tiny town of Eagle Cove rarely has crime of any type. Detective Larry Saunders is called to a scene where something smells terrible. As the crime unfolds, the small police agency becomes overwhelmed.

The terrible smell is only the beginning. The detective is attacked at the scene, and the suspect is in the wind. After Larry's attack, his son, Noah, a criminology and law student at the University of Massachusetts, jumps in to help investigate while his dad recovers.

 

Murder in Eagle Cove is a wild ride, mixing murder, thrill, deceit, and coming-of-age into a lethal cocktail of international money laundering. 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eagle Cove Press
• Release date: Nov 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223736752

Greg Kitzmiller

Greg Kitzmiller is an accomplished author, publishing a successful blog, a weekly newsletter, a guide for expatriates retiring overseas, and multiple articles in local publications. He has helped hundreds of people find their place as retirees in Panama. He enjoys being a voice and influencer for those seeking a new life in a foreign country by sharing his experiences and adventures. He graduated from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a Bachelor of Science in Management. His book “2 Retire In Panama?” received the Distinguished Favorite designation from the NYC Big Book Award in 2020. He has been invited to speak and present on numerous podcasts, a radio program, meetings, and professional organizations. He is retired and living with his wife, Jen, in Panama. He enjoys writing, reading, and traveling. Contact Greg Kitzmiller Email: [e-mail]

Book preview

CONTENTS

EARLY SEPTEMBER, EAGLE COVE, MASSACHUSETTS

THURSDAY, DAY ONE

FRIDAY, DAY TWO

SATURDAY, DAY TWO

SUNDAY, DAY THREE

MONDAY, DAY FOUR

TUESDAY, DAY FIVE

WEDNESDAY, DAY SIX

THURSDAY, DAY SEVEN

FRIDAY, DAY EIGHT

SATURDAY, DAY NINE

SUNDAY, DAY TEN

EPILOGUE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

EARLY SEPTEMBER

EAGLE COVE, MASSACHUSETTS

THURSDAY

Detective Larry Saunders arrived on the scene in his department-issue, unmarked, white Chevy Impala. He wasn't the first police officer on the scene, and he wondered why they called him in. The responding police officer, Joe Connoroe, had been through the residence and found no body, only an awful smell. Before ever entering the scene, Larry thought the smell could be a decaying rodent. The fact that this was a newer home, immaculately kept and professionally landscaped, disputed his first thought.

Joe swayed on the porch swing with his legs spread wide and head bowed. Larry parked at the curb in front and exited his vehicle, pausing to stare at the residence. He reached back inside, pushing the release button to open his trunk. Before talking with Joe, he rummaged in his trunk to locate shoe covers and latex gloves. Larry prided himself on never compromising a crime scene. He carried the protective shoe coverings and gloves as he walked up the cobblestone sidewalk to the steps leading to the porch.

What do we have here, Joe? Larry asked as he pulled the shoe covers over his neatly polished shoes and shook Joe's hand before slipping on the latex gloves.

I responded to a wellness check. The mailman had no mail to deliver this week until today. He told dispatch there was mail in the box from last week, he said, pointing to the box near the front door. He noticed today that somebody did not fully latch the door. Nobody answered the bell when I arrived, so I pushed the door open and hollered out. With no answer, I walked into the foyer, where I smelled the foul odor.

Other than the smell, did anything else seem strange?

No. I checked room by room, and the place was spotless. Other than the wretched odor, I couldn't find any sign of foul play.

Larry opened the front door, cautiously entering the home. The high ceiling, winding stairs to the second floor, and crystal entry chandelier impressed him. With Joe following, he began looking through the home.

The air smelled of death. Larry had experienced the unmistakable odor of decomposing flesh before, but not often. In his twenty years of law enforcement experience, fifteen of which as a police detective, he'd only investigated one previous murder. Eagle Cove, Massachusetts, is a small, friendly community where people enjoy safe streets and an absence of violent crime. When he investigated the other murder, he didn't remember the smell being like this. The case was straightforward and involved a crime of passion; the victim had been killed on the beach by a jilted lover, and was easily solved.

See what I mean about the smell, Larry?

The two police officers continued past the bright foyer. Larry observed the spotless home, stark white walls, and polished stone floors. The original artwork and expensive furniture indicated the owner had significant means. The smell worsened as they continued to the second floor. Somebody probably built the home within the past five years, Larry thought. It's modern, with a steeply pitched roof.

"Where do you think we will find the entrance to the attic, Joe?

Builder's hide 'em these days.

They continued searching from room to room before finding a well-disguised scuttle to the attic in a bedroom walk-in closet packed full of holiday decorations. Larry pulled the stairs from the closet ceiling, and the horrible stench assaulted his senses. His hands shook, and his skin crawled. The taste of bile from his stomach rose in his throat, and his eyes burned. Joe covered his nose with his sleeve and gasped, closing his burning eyes.

So that's where the smell's coming from, Larry.

It was apparent at the top of the stairs that something was dead. Larry slowly crept up while covering his nose. He crested the opening for his first peek into the attic. Even with the limited light from the window in the peak, he could see the body and sensed this was not a natural death.

The window stood open just a crack, inviting enough ventilation to make the smell barely tolerable. Larry pointed the flashlight on his cell phone at the corpse, knowing this was no accident. The body was lying on a plastic sheet, dressed only in a bloody white T-shirt and boxer shorts. It was in a pool of blood three feet from the opening, bloated and decomposing. Flies buzzed in Larry's ears and flew in his face as he took in the gruesome scene from the top step of the scuttle ladder. Most of the blood pooled near the neck of the face-down victim, was leading Larry to suspect the victim's throat had been slit. The plastic was keeping the blood from soaking through the ceiling.

He flashed his phone light around the badly disheveled attic space. Overturned boxes were scattered everywhere. The victim had put up a terrible fight. Other undisturbed boxes were covered with a plastic sheeting similar to the one the body was on. He took pictures of the attic with his cell phone and eased back down the scuttle stairs to where Joe stood dumbfounded.

Joe, call for backup to secure the scene. I'll contact the crime lab. There's a body up there, and it looks like somebody slit his throat.

I'll call the medical examiner, too.

Gagging from the stench, both officers hurried to the front porch, where they made their calls. The backup police officer was Ty Flanders. He showed up minutes after Joe made the call. Once they filled him in on what they found in the home's attic, Larry gave them marching orders. I need you both to canvas the neighborhood. Inquire about the home's occupants and ask if anyone has seen people coming and going over the past few days. Keep details of the crime scene quiet until we learn more. I'll wait for the medical examiner and the crime scene team.

While Larry waited for the others to arrive, he returned inside and searched for anything to identify his victim. He started with the master bedroom closet, where he found clothes that appeared similar in size to the victim. Neatly pressed Armani suits, crisp white shirts, and expensive ties all hung perfectly. The five pairs of size ten shoes, made of soft Italian leather, must have set someone back a pretty penny. The other side of the closet was much the same, with expensive casual clothing. There were no women's clothes. Searching the drawers in the closet, he uncovered undergarments matching the ones the victim wore. Soon, he found a wallet with a driver's license.

When the crime scene team arrived, they photographed the attic, investigating each detail of what had unfolded there. Fingerprint technicians took prints from the scuttle and the open window. One tech measured the attic temperature and found it much warmer than the ambient temperature outside. They searched for a murder weapon but found nothing. Soon, the medical examiner arrived to begin his investigation. He photographed the body before getting help to turn it over. It seemed apparent that the killer had kept the vicious act in the attic. Now it's up to me to figure out who would commit this heinous crime, Larry thought. An ex-wife? A girlfriend? Were there other occupants of the home? Why had nobody been here to find the body before now?

He continued into the bathroom, finding no women's toiletries and only one toothbrush. The medicine cabinet contained toothpaste, mouthwash, men's hair gel, aftershave, a razor, shave cream, and deodorant. There was nothing to indicate a woman ever used this space. There were no prescription bottles. The cabinet contained extra toilet paper, fresh towels, and clean sheets, neatly folded.

The photographs the medical examiner took showed a face so savagely beaten Larry would have to trust his instincts. The size of the victim compared to the clothes in the closet and the undergarments matching those in the drawer would have to be enough for now.

Larry left the crime scene and quickly stopped at home to check on his daughter, Katherine. He knew that regardless of whether he stopped to check in, Katherine always went home and finished her schoolwork unless she had a sports practice or other extra-curricular activity. She was sitting at the kitchen counter finishing her calculus. Katherine took her physical condition seriously and was popular at Eagle Cove High School, where she was a junior. Intelligent but slightly introverted, she recently talked about attending The University of Massachusetts to study engineering. Larry brushed Katherine's long blond hair from her face with a smile and a side hug while she remained sitting on her stool.

How was your day? he asked.

It was fine. I got an A on my government test. Stacy didn't do well, so I'll help her study before the next test. How was your day?

My day isn't over yet. I'm going back to the station. I may have a few long days to wrap up a new case I'm working on.

Mom called. She's gonna be late. She said to have dinner without her, some crisis at the lab. Does your new case have anything to do with the commotion on El Dorado Avenue I heard about?

Yup. It's my new case. Sorry, I can't tell you much yet.

Larry peered toward the kitchen, avoiding eye contact with Katherine. The last thing he wanted to do was tell her there was a murder a few blocks away.

How's pizza sound for dinner?

Awesome.

What da ya want on it?

Can we get just extra cheese and veggies?

Sure.

Larry called to order the pizza while taking money from his wallet. He handed a twenty to Katherine, hugged her, and kissed her on the cheek. Don't forget to tip the driver.

I won't.

Be back as soon as I can. Call me if you need anything.

Larry texted Sandra when he got into his car. I'll be late tonight. I got a new case; it's a tough one. He felt terrible that his beautiful wife was having a crisis at work while he was investigating the most significant case of his career. She's worked as a laboratory manager for Elk River Pharmaceutical Company on the Atlantic shore south of Boston for her entire career. She rarely has anything out of the ordinary happen under her watch.

Larry and Sandra have lived their whole lives in Eagle Cove. They remain in the same modest, two-story home in a middle-class neighborhood they bought after marriage. The location is still perfect, just a five-minute walk from Eagle Cove High School. They recently paid off the mortgage.

He drove to the station to check on the progress of the canvass and get approval for overtime.

It was much too soon to have crime scene or coroner's reports. However, he wanted to see if the officers who canvassed the neighborhood had returned with anything useful. A message from Joe on his desk phone asked him to call as soon as possible.

Joe, it's Larry. What da ya got?

There's a lady across the street who doesn't miss much. She says the house's owner last came home about a week ago. She said he normally leaves for work at eight-thirty every morning while she's walking her dog. She told me he drives a white Mercedes SUV, and the last time she saw him was last Wednesday.

Larry dug for a pen to jot down some notes. There was no car at the scene. That was more than a week ago, he replied. You still there?

Yup. The medical examiner just left. I didn't think they'd ever get the decomposing body out of the attic. Ty and I are sealing the house and putting up crime scene tape. What are we telling the media? There's a reporter from Boston here asking questions.

Tell the reporter we cannot comment on an open investigation.

Will do, Buddy.

Larry reviewed the notes from the crime scene. Had the perpetrator taken the victim's car? He found the photo he'd taken of the victim's driver's license and began an internet search, presuming the body in the attic was the home's occupant, Harold Blunt. The crime-scene address matched the one listed on the driver's license. Larry made a routine check of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). With any luck, the car would show up, and he could put out an all-points bulletin (APB) for the white Mercedes SUV. He also started a Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) inquiry to determine if his victim was on watch lists. In just five minutes, Larry got the report back from the DMV showing a white Mercedes-Benz GLS registered to Harold Alvin Blunt. He put out an APB on the car.

It took only a few minutes before the LEIN came back. His victim was squeaky clean. He had no criminal record, and his driving record showed no tickets.

Larry called the medical examiner to determine when he might have a preliminary report. Dr. Stark, this is Detective Saunders. Can you tell me anything about our murder victim?

Given the brutality of the crime, I'm doing the autopsy myself. I'll complete the preliminary exam before I leave tonight. I can tell you I have an identification on the victim.

So, you have a name for me?

His fingerprints were on file at the state because of his occupation in international banking. He's Harold Alvin Blunt of Eagle Cove. He worked for Viva Bank as a banking executive.

Thank you, Doctor Stark. Is there anything else?

Not yet. I'll call if I find anything else to help you.

Okay. Talk to you soon.

Larry hung up from his call with Dr. Stark and wrote more notes in his crime journal. Larry starts with a fresh journal pad when he takes a new case. He reviewed everything he recorded from his preliminary investigation. Why hadn't anyone reported this guy missing?

Larry buried himself in the case, losing all track of time. He found an office number for the local branch of Viva Bank and dialed the number. As the phone rang, he looked at his watch and realized it was almost ten o'clock. Receiving a recorded message informing callers of the regular bank hours, he hung up halfway through the message, took one last look at his notes, and went home.

Larry drove while his mind wandered over the day's events. Before reaching his driveway, his boss, Chief Bernard Armstrong, called. Chief Armstrong had been with the department for more than five years. Older, a few extra pounds, thinning hair, but a capable leader, always supportive of the officers in his command.

Saunders, Larry answered.

It's Chief Armstrong. Where are you? the chief asked, his voice cracking and stuttering.

Just pulling into my driveway.

I just got off the phone with the mayor. We can't have people being murdered in this town. How's the investigation progressing?

We have the victim's name, and I put an APB out for his missing vehicle. Chief, I sent you an overtime request. We need to wrap this up quickly. Shit will hit the fan when this makes the news in the morning. I suggest you schedule a press conference to assure the public we're on top of it.

Already done. I also approved any necessary overtime. The mayor and I want to meet with you at eight to discuss the press conference. We must make decisions about what we'll share with the public. You'll be front and center for the media, so wear your best suit.

Okay. See you in the morning.

Larry stepped out of his car onto the driveway, exhausted from the longest day he'd had in months. He was surprised to see Sandra eating cold leftover pizza at the counter. He'd been married to his childhood sweetheart longer than he had worked for the department, but he'd never seen her like this. She had dark circles under her red, bloodshot eyes. Her face sagged, and her lips curved downward. He kissed her sweetly while brushing her soft blonde hair from her face.

You look awful, Sandra said.

I could say the same about you, he replied, lovingly kissing her again. What happened at the lab today, Babe?

I'd rather not go into it now, she said, looking away to break eye contact. I saved you a couple of slices of pizza. It's better if you warm it up in the microwave.

Larry lifted a slice straight from the box, ignoring her suggestion and taking a bite. It'd be better if it had meat on it.

He looked over the top of the box at Sandra, wanting to explain why he was so late and still wondering about her crisis.

We had a murder over on El Dorado Avenue. The guy's been dead for over a week. I'll spare you the gory details. You sure you're not ready to share your crisis at the lab today?

I, too, will spare the gory details. Suffice it to say, my day was better than yours. We should turn in. I suspect tomorrow may be long for both of us.

I have an eight o'clock meeting with the chief and mayor in the morning, followed by a press conference.

The couple went upstairs, briefly stopping by Katherine's room to check on her. She was sleeping peacefully. When they reached their bedroom, Sandra set her alarm, undressed, and climbed straight into bed. She expected to have difficulty sleeping, given the events of the day. When Larry came from brushing his teeth, she was already asleep. He wasn't so lucky, lying awake for more than an hour, stressing about his day, and tormenting himself over his news conference in the morning. I hate getting in front of a crowd to speak.

FRIDAY

Larry awoke to the sound of Sandra in the shower. He quietly crawled out of bed and joined her. The two showered quickly, embracing one another in the hot, steamy spray for comfort. Even though Larry didn't know what had happened at the lab, he knew it had to be bad for her to get ready for work before six in the morning. The two dressed and went downstairs for breakfast. Larry started the coffee while Sandra cooked scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast.

So, ya want to tell me what happened at the lab yesterday? Larry asked.

It was bad. But you don't need to trouble yourself with it. You have enough to worry about.

But if you don't tell me, I'll wonder about it all day.

Sandra thought momentarily before giving her husband a brief synopsis of the lab incident. One of the monkeys got loose and bit my lab tech, Marilyn. It was a perfect storm of mistakes, and an investigation is ongoing. I want to spare you the details until I know more.

Sorry you're going through this. If you need to talk, you can call me anytime. I'm never too busy for you.

I know. It'll be okay.

They sat down to eat as Katherine came into the kitchen.

Morning, Sunshine, Sandra said, standing to hug her daughter. You're up early.

Well, neither of you were home when I went to bed last night, and I was concerned. The news said there was a murder over on El Dorado.

There was, Larry replied, That's why I was late. Sorry I didn't tell you more yesterday afternoon. Your mom made breakfast; help yourself.

He avoided making eye contact, hoping his daughter would let the subject of murder go. He didn't want to talk about the case.

What happened? she asked.

You know I can't talk about this with you. I'm investigating, and we'll figure out what happened soon.

Your dad and I may both have difficult days, Sandra said, Will you make yourself a sandwich for dinner if we aren't here to eat together?

Did you both forget? Tonight's Homecoming. We always go to the game together, and you know I'm on the homecoming court.

Sweetie, neither of us will miss the game, Sandra said softly.

Remember, I'm being crowned at halftime.

We wouldn't miss seeing you crowned for anything. You're going to be the most stunning homecoming queen ever, Sandra said.

Stacy is bringing me home after the dance. I'll ask her to pick me up for the game in case neither of you get home in time. She sighed, giving her parents a weak, shorter-than-usual hug. I'll be fine having a sandwich here before the game. I love you both.

She went back upstairs to get ready for school.

Larry kissed his wife. Love you, he said, rushing out the door. He wanted to review his notes before meeting with Chief Armstrong and the Mayor.

Sandra cleaned up the breakfast dishes and left shortly after her husband. I have to get ahead of the investigation at the lab. Anything there is my responsibility, and this crisis could cause me to lose my job. I can't let Larry worry about this while engaged in a murder investigation.

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Larry reviewed his notes. His voicemail was full of calls from reporters. He sifted through, checking to see if any calls were essential to his investigation. While he listened to the messages, his cell phone rang, and he answered, knowing it was the medical examiner, Dr. Stark. He was hoping for information about the cause of death.

Dr. Stark, can you tell me anything new this morning? I'm getting ready to meet with the Chief and Mayor to prepare for a media briefing.

Dr. Stark cut right to business. The preliminary cause of death is the slash to his neck, causing him to bleed out. I'm listing it as a murder. Can you come to the morgue later this morning to talk face-to-face about the other things I found?

Sure. I'll call you after we finish with the media.

That'll be fine, Detective. I'll plan to see you later this morning.

Larry had no messages in voice mail that needed immediate attention, and for that, he was grateful. Five minutes before the meeting, he gathered his notes and went to the Chief's office.

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Sandra drove south on I-93 toward her Elk River Pharmaceutical facility lab. While she navigated the road, her mind was inundated with the horrible incident yesterday. I can hardly believe a monkey escaped his cage and went wild on Marilyn. It was only a few minutes earlier that I examined him. He was sick, but the medicine we tested on him worked well.

The lab animal was an early recipient of the latest flu strain. He developed flu symptoms, and they were now using a new medication to treat him. The drug is promising, but the side effects are irritability and mood swings.

The handler came in to feed him, and a commotion ensued when the monkey threw food at him. Sandra surmised the handler had not latched the cage door in all the fuss. When the monkey escaped his cage, her lab tech, Marilyn, was nearby. He went crazy, attacking, scratching, and clawing her face before biting her. A security guard ran into the lab, got a tranquilizer gun from a secure cabinet, and used it to subdue the monkey. Members of the safety team from the on-site clinic answered the alarm to help stabilize Marilyn while first responders came from the nearby fire and rescue. They rushed her by ambulance to Leigh Memorial Hospital in Eagle Cove.

The last time she checked, her lab tech was stable but guarded. Since leaving work late last evening, Sandra has not been updated on Marilyn's condition.

When she reached the facility's guard station, the guard raised the security gate, and she drove ahead to her dedicated parking space. She parked, slipped her I.D. around her neck, and gathered her bag and computer before walking to the main entrance. Sandra entered the main corridor and took the elevator to the basement lab where she had worked her entire adult life. She scanned her badge to enter the lab and walked to her office. Before reaching her door, she sensed something was off, finding it slightly ajar. Inside, her boss, Bill Resnick, and the human resources manager, Chris Johnson, sat at her conference table. Sandra thought this couldn't be a good news meeting.

Take a seat, Bill said while motioning her to a chair at the conference table across from Chris. She had a stack of personnel files in front of her.

We're waiting for the animal handler, Todd, Chris stated.

Has anyone had an update on Marilyn's condition this morning? Sandra asked.

She passed away overnight. The situation is bad, and we're working to get in front of it, Bill responded without emotion.

Sandra lost her breath and had trouble regaining oxygen in her lungs. Tears ran down her face. Marilyn was as much a friend as a colleague, she thought.

The news shook Sandra so that she could hardly speak. Moments later, two members of security escorted Todd into the office. This situation's getting worse, Sandra thought.

Todd, have a seat, Chris said while bringing Todd's personnel file to the top of the stack.

Todd took the other chair at the table, dropping his chin toward his chest, unable to speak or meet the gaze of anyone in the room. He sat with hunched shoulders, crossing his arms.

We have a serious situation here. I need to ask you a few more questions about what happened yesterday, Chris began.

Todd trembled, remaining silent but giving Chris an affirmative nod. It was as if he knew what was about to happen.

Can you explain why you didn't latch the door to the monkey cage?

That monkey's always a problem. When I walked up to the cage, he threw shit at me, and when I gave him the food, he threw that at me, Todd screamed, red in the face, slamming his fist against the table.

Chris listened to Todd, taking detailed notes. When he finished speaking, she attempted to make eye contact.

You still haven't told me why you didn't latch the cage. That should've been the most important thing in your mind when you were feeding him.

She thumbed through his personnel file. When she looked back at Todd, he remained silent, still red in the face with rage.

This was your third major mistake, Todd. This one resulted in the deaths of another employee and a valuable lab animal.

Todd remained silent.

I need to collect your badge, she said, laying a termination letter before him.

His hands shook as he moved the letter in front of himself, where he could read it.

Please read and sign this letter. Security will take you to your locker and provide you with a box for your belongings.

Todd read the termination letter and scribbled an illegible signature before the security guard appeared as if on cue, to take him out of the office. Sandra had seen this happen on another occasion. She knew they would escort him to the main gate once he emptied his locker. What're they going to do with me? she wondered.

Bill quietly sat while Chris finished with Todd and turned toward Sandra.

We have a tough situation here. Do you have anything to add to what Todd said or the statement you made yesterday?

No, Sandra answered, covering her face and running her fingers through her hair.

You manage these people and everything that happens in the lab. We euthanized the monkey, which is at the medical examiner's office for a necropsy. We believe he was extremely sick. He possibly infected Marilyn, causing her death when he bit her. Our legal team is advising us to suspend you. I must collect your I.D., files, and passwords.

Sandra slowly took her I.D. badge from around her neck and slid it across the table to Chris, who passed back a suspension letter. Chris had carefully crafted the letter, requiring Sandra to provide the company with her current passwords and surrender her laptop until they could conclude the matter. She would have no access to her desk or the lab. The guard who had taken Todd to his locker returned. At least he doesn't have a box with him, Sandra thought.

Sandra left her office with the guard, who respectfully walked her to her car. I need to talk to someone, but calling Larry is a bad idea, she thought. I need to deal with the situation on my own for now.

She pulled off the highway at the first exit with a coffee shop and ordered a large cappuccino. What I need right now is caffeine and sugar to bring me to life. She hadn't slept well, often waking to the previous day's nightmares. When Chris put the suspension document in front of her, she couldn't muster the concentration to do more than scan and sign it. Now, she would settle into a table, drink her cappuccino, and carefully read it. After sipping the big coffee drink, life began returning to her tired body. She read the detailed document, covering every scenario. She was suspended with pay and reminded of her contractual non-compete obligation. She couldn't search for another job until they resolved the matter. The document also warned her not to speak with any member of the press or post anything about it on social media. It said not to contact the victim's family or attend any services. She couldn't contact Todd Masters, the animal handler assigned to her lab, for any reason or on any medium. Any violation of this agreement would result in her immediate termination. Sandra swallowed hard and wiped away a tear. Marilyn had been a special friend, and it would be difficult not to attend her funeral or send condolences to her family.

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Larry rapped lightly on the doorframe and walked in. He firmly shook hands with Chief Armstrong and Mayor Taylor, sitting across the table from them. The three cut straight to the business of the press briefing with no small talk.

Larry began stating the facts of the case. We've confirmed the identification of the victim. He was an executive banker for Viva Bank. His killer or killers slit his throat. I've never seen such a gruesome crime scene, even in a movie or true crime show. The strangest thing is that it appears entirely contained to the attic with no other sign of a crime anywhere else in his home. His car's missing. I put an APB out on it.

We should only inform the public there's been a dead body discovered on El Dorado Avenue, Chief Armstrong replied while looking at the Mayor. You should speak first, Mayor. The public wants assurance that this isn't a rampant crime spree. Give minimal information while assuring the public this appears to be an isolated event.

I agree, the Mayor replied. I'll make sure the public feels no imminent danger. We don't want to elevate fear at this point.

The purpose of meeting with the media is to assure the public Eagle Cove is a safe community, and nobody should be concerned for the safety of themselves or their families, Larry responded. After the Mayor speaks, I'll reiterate his response, giving minimal information. I'll let the press know we're considering the death suspicious and ask for the public's help if anyone has information to help solve the case.

Agreed, the Chief said.

Larry thought for a moment. Should I take questions? he asked with a queasy feeling in his stomach.

I think you'll have to take a couple, the Chief responded. Just be vague and don't give details of the crime.

The Mayor stood, concluding the meeting. Larry left the office, returning to his desk for one last check of his voicemail. The medical examiner left a message asking Larry to come to the morgue for their face-to-face meeting around eleven o’clock. Larry looked at his watch with nothing else demanding attention, determining it was still too early to call Viva Bank. It would have to wait until after the press briefing. His nerves were on edge, with just enough time to get a coffee before he walked into the conference room.

Larry took a sip from his huge cup of strong, bitter, police-department coffee while walking into the crowded room. The conference room needed to be more significant for the reporters gathered. All the chairs were full, and reporters were standing against the off-white perimeter walls of the room. Mayor Taylor and Chief Armstrong stood at the front near the podium. It was clear they were ready to begin, so Larry made his way through the chatter in the crowded room to the front. He continued to sip from his cup to camouflage his shaking hands and roiling stomach.

Chief Armstrong approached the podium, silently standing while waiting for the reporters to quiet. Good morning, everyone. I'm Eagle Cove Police Chief Bernard Armstrong. I'm sorry for the tight space. I don't think we quite expected a turnout like this today. Mayor Howard Taylor would like to make a brief statement. Mayor?

Taylor was calm and collected as he walked up to the podium. He began addressing the reporters with the same impressive composure that got him elected. Yesterday, police officers were called to a home on El Dorado Avenue. The responding officers found the body of an individual in the home. He looked around the room and made eye contact with everyone as he spoke. I want to assure the public that we believe this to be an isolated incident. The police are investigating, and we expect to resolve the situation quickly. I need to remind you that this is an active investigation. We cannot supply the victim's name pending notification of next of kin. I also want to make it clear the public should have no concern for safety. He looked around the room again with all eyes on him and proceeded. Lieutenant Larry Saunders is the Detective overseeing the investigation. I'd like him to take over here to share what he can and answer some questions.

Larry nodded in acknowledgment and walked up to address the reporters. The television camera at the back of the room ramped up his nerves more than he expected. Thank you all for coming. My name's Larry Saunders. It's my job to investigate this death and determine if it's, in fact, a crime. As the Mayor said, we found a deceased individual in a home on El Dorado Avenue. The Plymouth County Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Based on his preliminary report, we consider the death to be suspicious. I want to ask the public to contact this department with any information that may help our investigation. We have no reason to believe this is more than an isolated incident, so, as the Mayor said, there's no reason for the public to be concerned about their safety. I have time for a couple of questions.

A reporter near the front shouted out. The neighbors told me the homeowner hasn't been around for a week. Can you tell us how long the victim's been dead?

Larry bowed his head in thought for a moment before answering. The death of anyone is emotional, but he couldn't help but feel remorse that the victim had been dead in his home for quite some time before being discovered. He answered the question with a quiver in his voice. The victim's been dead for quite some time; however, I don't yet have the medical examiner's report. I expect to get more information later today.

Larry looked around the room at the mob of reporters peppering him with questions before acknowledging one standing near the camera operator.

Can you tell us if the victim was the homeowner? he asked, almost as if he had no respect for the victim's family.

I must reiterate that this is an active investigation, and we can't give the identity until we have notified the family. We believe the victim may have been an occupant of the home.

More questions were being shouted from every corner of the room as Larry raised his