Chapter 26

"Of course, you realize I can not authorize such action. Searching out murderers is strictly work for law enforcement," the Inspector lectured Jonathan and Jennifer. The Harts were both sitting at the little dining room table as they chatted with the Inspector and Nico. "I would much prefer you leave the questioning to those of us who trained to handle danger."

"Of course," Nico started in, "That doesn't mean we can stop you from visiting a friend you are concerned about." Once more, he turned his attention to Jennifer. "If you will permit it, we would like you to stop by the hospital to draw some blood for testing… on you both, but especially you, Mrs. Hart. You have had a couple rather close calls in the short time you have been on the island."

"Certainly, Nico." She exchanged glances with Jonathan, "This last week has been a bit tough on me for sure."

Jonathan stood, moving to usher the two men towards the door. He stopped at the small desk and picked up a notepad. "If you will give us an address, we will be sure to go directly there. I don't believe we had much planned for today, anyway. Did we, Darling?"

"Not that I can remember."

"Very well, Mr. Hart," the Inspector took the paper from his hands and quickly jotted down a name and address. "Thank you both for your cooperation this morning."

"Thank you, Inspector, Nico," Jennifer called from her seat at the table.

"Have a good day, gentlemen," Jonathan added as he opened the door.

"Good day," Nico added as he walked out of their bungalow.

The "hospital" on the island was little more than a small clinic. Their waiting room was just large enough for the Harts and a large man sleeping in the corner. "Hi," Jonathan greeted the nurse behind the desk.

Good morning. May I help you?"

"Yes. We are the Harts."

"Oh. Mr. Hart. Inspector Severac told me to expect you."

Jonathan raised his eyebrow at Jennifer. "He did?"

"Yes, sir. He lets us know when he needs lab work sent to the mainland lab for testing." She handed them both clipboards. "If you will fill these papers out, I will get you right into the lab for those blood draws."

Jennifer reached across the desk for the boards. She smiled and added, "Thank you."

Once they finished at the clinic, the Harts decided to grab a quick bite to eat before talking to Hazel. With the interruption from the investigators, they didn't get to eat breakfast; however, this was the first time Jennifer began to feel hungry that day.

Now, arriving at the King's bungalow, it was the Hart's turn to knock on a door. Only what they found was a door cracked open. Jonathan used his fingers to gently push the door open enough to see the living room was a mess. "Looks like someone was looking for something here."

"The question is," Jennifer added, "did they find it."

Jonathan looked at her, "That's not something we can just answer." He stepped into the bungalow, searching for any signs of Hazel, or whoever did the damage they were now seeing. Jennifer followed close behind him.

"Do you think she's still here?" They stepped around the overturned coffee table and saw a pair of male legs sticking out from behind the end of the couch. Jennifer caught her breath as Jonathan moved quickly to see if he could help. He turned the man to lay on his back. "That's Captain Paul," she stated when she found her voice. "Is he…"

"... He's dead," Jonathan answered before she fully asked the question. He lifted the edge of his dark jacket to reveal the gunshot wound in the man's chest.

"Oh, boy." Jennifer turned, looking around the room. "I'll find the phone and call Nico."

"I kinda wish we brought him with us."

"Yes. Or even that irritating Inspector Severac."

"Did I hear my name?"

Jennifer and Jonathan looked up to find Inspector Severac standing in the doorway. Jennifer looked at Jonathan, hoping the man had not heard all she just said. Jonathan looked back at him, "That's amazing timing you have."

"I just was thinking; if you were actually going to question her, I might want to hear a few of the things Madame King has to say to you."

"We haven't found her yet," Jonathan informed the man.

"The door was open when we arrived," Jennifer added. "We walked in to discover Captain Paul's body, and were just going to call you and Nico."

Jonathan struggled to contain his irritation with the Inspector's lack of trust, "Did it occur to you; she might not be as forthcoming with any information if you are sitting in the room?"

The Inspector completely ignored Jonathan's comment and made his way across the room to where Jonathan was still standing beside the body. "Have you figured out what he was searching for?" he asked Jonathan.

"Not yet. We have not had time to look around."

"We should do that together, then."

Surprised by the suggestion, Jennifer asked out loud, "Shouldn't we call Nico?"

"In time, Madame. I want to call him with some answers, and not just more questions."

Jennifer stepped into the bedroom and opened the closet door. "Oh, boy, Jonathan, Inspector…" she called out to the men.

"What did you find?"

"It looks like Hazel has decided to check out…" she turned, walked towards the dresser, and began pulling open drawers as she spoke. "There are no female clothes here." Jennifer pulled open the fourth drawer, and just as she was going to shut it, she stopped. "Oh, boy," she said for the third time.

The men joined her, looking in at her discovery.

"Well, that answers most of our questions," Jonathan said, looking at Jennifer.