Chapter 3 Summary

The dead body of Whit Bannister lays on the stainless steel table of the Bennington County M.E., Dr. Frederick Marsden. Although it appears to be a suicide, the M.E. wants to be sure that there were no underlying diseases due to the victim's age and status as a professor. Bekah Savage had come forward with the note but the case just didn't feel right to Marsden. Why would a man of his standing risk his reputation at that point in his life? Marsden suspects Alzheimer's disease may have played a role. He also plans to check for any sign that Bannister was fighting off an assailant.

Marsden makes a Y incision across Bannister's chest. The smell that emanates from the chest cavity is far worse than Marsden ever experienced. It makes the veteran coroner gag and cough. His assistant, Dr. Alice...