Story: Drownings (part five)

Drownings

(part five)

Mrs. Blaney, her hair in barrettes, and not one to rise from her chair, gave McAlley the downturned mouth of prior knowledge—the expectation this Mr. Swan would possess his share of it, and that there was little to be done.

“There’s just been a call in, about another. Was that coincidence?”

McAlley took a seat. “You’ve only yet spoken over the phone…”

“With your Mr. Herbertson.” Strong nod.

“No one has looked at any of the photos.”

“Oh, do you mean…of the first lot? If you’d like. There isn’t precisely…” This, moving papers around, wiggling a mouse to light her screen. “A line of separation. We have a dozen of these drownings.”

“Obviously, only what concerns Bitterroot,” Faia said. “Their clothes had no metal fasteners.”

“And why is that? For the sort of work you do?”

“Magnet.” McAlley spoke. Faia had divined, and this seemed the only logical thrust.

“Come round then, you can view the photos here. But I warn you.”

“No need.”

Three stacked windows bloomed onscreen.

“I confess, I’m not in Herbertson’s department. I’ve got Carmadge down…” McAlley patted pockets. “Dustin is one of my own lads, so the name comes to mind. Here.”

He laid the ID under her eyes.

“Young,” she said. “I think it isn’t possible. But look, if you can stomach it.”

He looked, and with forgivable delicacy, glanced away here and there. He gestured for Faia to have her turn. No instruction for his trustworthy angel; they would compare notes to prove their memories matched, on all proper nouns discernable among Mrs. Blaney’s papers, the password posted on her monitor, anything a shy side-eye’s view of her bulletin board offered…besides restaurant menus.

“And Dustin’s dentist?” Mrs. Blaney said.

“That, we’re hoping to learn. All suicides?”

“Misadventure. Probables…but it takes more, doesn’t it?”

Her peeve, he ruminated, when they’d got clear of Mrs. Blaney, and were making for a lunch spot, betokened some disappointment in Herbertson. Herbertson had claimed he knew nothing of these people, was only following protocol, a task he implied was beneath him…

Faia, walking next to McAlley, entered things into her phone. McAlley ducked inside Lolo’s, a preference of Mrs. Blaney’s. Like the mortuary, the outer room sat devoid of both custom and staff. He eyed the counter length for a bell.

5

Drownings

Drownings (part six)

(2021, Stephanie Foster)