Grissom made an impression of the ligature marks on Isabel Vargas's neck, before Al began the autopsy. He needed to compare them to the necklace that Nick and Sara found in the back of the walk-in closet. After Al had completed the full autopsy they would have a better idea of the actual means of death. They were fairly certain that the cause of death was asphyxiation. Riggermortis had finally set in, telling them that death had most likely occurred about six to twelve hours previously, putting a preliminary time of death between 9:00am and 3:00pm. Of course determining time of death was always a little tricky. The movies always made it seem so easy, but in reality there were quite a few factors that affected the determination. Things like temperature, humidity, health of the victim, drug use, could affect the determination of time of death. Al would have a tox screen done and Grissom would take into consideration the environmental factors before they came to a clear conclusion. The anecdotal information taken from Delia Herrera and Dr. Vargas would help also, provided that their stories were supported by the evidence. One could never really trust the accuracy of eye witness accounts. The physical evidence was a much better witness to a suspicious death.

The door to the autopsy room opened just as Grissom finished making the impression. He turned slightly and noticed Nick walk in. Grissom gave Nick a puzzled look, "Nick, did you know you have a contusion on your forehead?"

Nick smiled slightly, "Yeah, it's half of a matched set. Sara's got one too."

Grissom tried to suppress a half smile, "How does your head feel?"

Nick winced slightly as he touched his forehead, "Sore. I think she really did give me a concussion."

A look of concern crossed Grissom's face, "Are you ok to work?"

Nick nodded, "Yeah. What do you have so far, Gris?"

A glint shone in Grissom eye, "I've taken an impression of the ligature mark on the vic's neck for you to compare the necklace to. Once Al completes the autopsy we'll have a bit more to go on."

"That's great." Nick replied. "Oh, I also bagged all the clothing in the closet we found our vic in as well as all the bedding. Sara didn't find anything in the bathroom, the housekeeper cleaned so well we don't think we're going to get much if anything."

Al walked in, "Getting the party started without me?"

Grissom looked up at the coroner who was walking in with the aid of his crutch. "Just taking an impression of the ligature marks on her neck. Al, can you put a rush on the tox screen. I've got a feeling there was something in her system, she doesn't appear to have any defensive wounds on her hands."

"You're probably right, Gil. Time will tell. I'll let you know what I find out." Al replied, preparing to begin.

Nick had a concentrated look on his face, "I don't think Sara found anything in the medicine cabinet."

Al began to answer him, "Just about any substance can be toxic in too large of a quantity."

Nick looked up, "No, I mean, it was completely empty."

Grissom raised an eyebrow, "Nick, go get Sara. I want you two to find out what pharmacy the vic used. Talk to the husband and get a list of all prescriptions he has in his name or has written in the last year. We need to find out what was in that medicine cabinet."

Nick nodded understanding, "Find the needle in the haystack."