Chapter 5 Summary

As Alvin Hooks questions Horace Whaley on the witness stand, the story flashes back to September 16, 1954 when Art Moran and Abel Martinson arrive at Horace's office with Carl's body. After leaving Carl with Horace, Art leaves almost immediately because he still needs to inform Carl's wife that her husband is dead. However, Art leaves Abel behind in another room in case Horace needs help with the autopsy, though Abel stays in another room so that he will not need to watch Horace cut into the body.

Once Horace has emptied Carl's pockets and undressed the body, he presses on Carl's chest in order to force out the contents of his lungs. This produces foam that clearly indicates that Carl drowned. However, as Horace continues his examination, he notices the skull wound above Carl's left ear. Carefully examining the wound, it immediately reminds Horace...