"Robert Stevens. Age 78. Body temp is 92 degrees. Puts time of death approximately 8 to 10 hours," Jordan reported as she began the internal examination of one of the senior citizens.

"If all of these end up being heart attacks," Bug complained as he cut open another body, "someone is gonna have to pay."

"Lily said the director of the home was a little suspicious, Bug. We just might have a murder case on our hands," Jordan argued sarcastically. "Won't that be fun?"

"Yeah, right. This guy just wanted to make room for a few new residents." Bug broke open the rib cage. "But everything is so inconsistent. There is evidence of liver disease with this one. His skin is so jaundice, he looks like a lemon."

"Well, no signs of liver malfunctions here," Jordan concluded. "But there is extensive gastrointestinal damage." She began removing sections of the small intestine.

"That can be attributed to various diseases," Bug commented. "Cancer, Crohn's. Given the man's age, the damage could have been laying in wait for years until the intestines ruptured."

Jordan examined the bowels, noting abnormalities. "Hey Bug. Come look at this."

Bug put down his victim's liver and wandered towards the other gurney. "What do you make of this?" Jordan asked as Bug leaned over to look at several worm-like specimens attached to the lining of the intestine. He grabbed a pair of tweezers and extracted one of the white worms.

"Blow fly larvae," he announced, taking the sample over to a microscope. "But that's strange. Blow fly larvae have an incubation period of 3 days. To be found in the intestinal tract would have taken over a week. These people have only been dead, as far as we know, for 12 hours – maximum. It doesn't make sense."

"How does someone attract these things?" Jordan inquired, peering over Bug's shoulder at the monitor projection of the larvae.

"There are types of blow flies that are commonly found in the New England area. This fellow here looks like a Phaenicia sericata, commonly known as green bottle flies," he said, adjusting the focus of the microscope. "These are usually drawn to a body with open sores like a gunshot or stab wound. Some times if a body has been in an open area for an extended period of time, decomp attracts them. But rigor has barely set in with these people and there are no open sores or cuts."

"Maybe a scientific abnormality?" Jordan suggested, not quite believing it herself.

"Not usually. But where there is one group of these larvae, there is typically more," Bug replied, looking over to the remaining bodies.

Jordan shrugged, picking up a scalpel. "Only one way to find out."

XXXXX

"We have five bodies… all infested with blow fly larvae," Jordan reported as the three senior MEs strolled through the hallway. "But all seem to have separate causes of death – Mr. Stevens, a ruptured intestinal tract. Mr. Fitzgerald – heart attack."

"Mr. Givens – liver failure and the two women, Mrs. Cowen and Mrs. Tanner both died from massive strokes," Bug continued as they stepped into the break room. "None of them have open wounds of any type."

"I checked with the Boston health department," Nigel said, pouring himself a cup of coffee. "Our break room probably has more health code violations than this care home."

"Just because there are larvae doesn't mean the facility is unclean," Bug argued, grabbing a Danish from the counter. "You can have infestation in a hospital if you leave the body long enough…"

"Heshy?" a female voice called from behind the trio. Bug whirled around to see his parents standing in the doorway with Lily looming behind, a regretful look on her face.

"Mom! Dad!" Bug said, mustering up an enthusiastic hello. "What are you doing here?" He crossed the room to give his tiny mother a hug. "You weren't supposed to be in until Thursday."

"We decided to come early," Bug's father said, his accent strong. "Spend some time with our son."

"That's great," Bug replied, sounding less than believable.

"It really is," Jordan piped up, stepping forward. Bug looked at her viciously, knowing what she wanted but refusing to give in to her.

"Heshy, aren't you going to introduce us to your friends?" Bug's mother inquired, smiling sweetly at her son.

"Oh, of course," he said, exasperated. "Mom, Dad… this is Jordan, Nigel and I think you've met Lily." As Bug pointed out each individual, it was apparent that he just wanted to flee. "Everyone, this is my Mom and Dad."

"Mahesh…" his mother scolded. She politely turned to the group. "Please call me Kanchana. And this is my husband, Vikram."

"It's a pleasure," Jordan ensured, extending her hand. "When Bug told us his parents were coming, we were thrilled to finally get to meet you."

"I am just happy to meet Heshy's friends. He has told us so much about all of you," Kanchana gushed, shaking Jordan's hand. "And such a pretty girl you are, Jordan."

"Mom," Bug warned, watching Jordan smile innocently. "Maybe I should show you around…"

"Actually, we would like to go home and rest. The flight was very long," Vikram requested.

Horror washed over Bug's face. "Ah, no… not just yet. Um… maybe we should get you some thing to eat first," he backpedaled. "You must be starving."

"Oh yes," Nigel stepped in to save his friend. "We get these brilliant pastries from down the street." He ushered them towards the open boxes on the counter.

Lily followed them into the room, giving Bug a reassuring smile. "They seem nice," she said to him, trying to calm Bug's anxious look.

"I'm in trouble."

"What?" Lily looked at him. "Why?"

Bug blushed. "Last night," he explained, not making eye contact, "I needed to relax after talking to those two." He nodded towards his mother and father. "The place is a mess."

"Bug," Lily challenged, "Your place is never a mess."

"To my mother, it will be."

She looked at him sympathetically, holding out her hand. "Give me your keys."

"What?"

"Give me your apartment keys. I don't have an appointment until 4. I can be there and back before you know it."

Bug looked at her with uncertainty and then to his parents who were devouring donuts with Jordan and Nigel. He reached into his pocket, fishing out the keys. "There is a box in the back of my closet." His voice dropped to an urgent whisper. "It has things from my mother in it that… well…"

"That only come out when the parents visit," Lily finished. "I understand. Not a problem." She patted him on the arm. "Keep them busy for about an hour. I'll be done in no time."

Bug smiled gratefully. "Thanks Lily. I appreciate this."

She shrugged. "That's what I'm here for, isn't it?"

XXXXX

As Lily opened the bedroom closet, she was not surprised to see that Bug's typical order extended to his wardrobe. All of his clothes were neatly hung; his shoes lining the floor in perfect rows. She had been to Bug's apartment numerous times, the familiar smells of curry and his cologne making her smile.

He was right. The place was a mess, at least for Bug. An obvious bender had taken place with bottles cluttering the sink and kitchen counter. She found piles of paper covering the living room floor as Bug attempted to write his impending speech in a drunken stooper. Textbooks and journals used for reference lay next to crumpled balls of unsuccessful written drafts.

Lily reached into the back of the closet, retrieving a large box, brimming with unopened gifts. Carrying it to the bed, she began to unwrap numerous trinkets and small pieces artwork from the Indian culture. All of the cards were signed from his parents, which seemed to go back several years. Trying to decide where put various items, Lily came across a small jewelry box.

Gently opening it revealed a delicate jade and gold necklace and a small printed card with the inscription: Heshy. For your bride. Love Mom and Dad. Lily quickly returned the necklace and card to the box, afraid she may have stumbled across something too precious for her eyes. She gathered up the remainder of the items and hurried out to the living room to display them.

Bug's tastes were fairly plain; his apartment contained very few personal effects. Lily placed a statue beside the framed group photo she had given to him for his last birthday. It was taken at Max's bar during one of their common 'social' functions and was Lily's favourite. Bug had a drink in his hand, raising it to the camera while his other arm was around her shoulders. Nigel's head poked between them while Jordan tried to piggy back Garret, failing miserably. Woody was crouched in front of the group, unaware of the hi-jinks behind him. Lily giggled in spite of herself, placing another knick-knack on a shelf. It was amazing what a little alcohol could do to some people.

As she put away the remaining papers, Lily heard the door handle jiggle and Bug appear from the other side. Lily shoved the drawer closed and smiled innocently as everyone entered, surprised to see her.

"Mahesh?" Bug's mother questioned with shock.

"Ah, Lily!" Bug looked at her anxiously. "I thought you would be finished by now."

"Finished what?" Kanchana inquired, her disapproval apparent.

"Ah… Mom… you see… Lily is… ah…"

"I'm his cleaning lady," Lily finished quickly. "I clean apartments here and there."

"Clean apartments?" Bug's father interjected. "But I thought that you worked with Mahesh… at the morgue."

"I do," Lily reassured, lacking her own assurance. "But… I do this on the side. To make a little extra money."

"Ah," the parents both nodded with little belief.

Lily took this as the best time to take her leave. "I guess everything is in order." She grabbed her coat, making her way to the door.

"Mahesh," Bug's mother began. "Aren't you forgetting something?"

Bug simply stood there, dumbfounded.

"Aren't you going to pay the poor girl?"

"Oh… right…" Bug rushed over to the door, grabbing his wallet from his pocket. He stared at Lily. "How much do I owe you?"

Lily patted the wallet. "Don't you remember? You pay me the beginning of every month."

"Of course… That's right." Bug smiled innocently, turning to his parents. "I pay her at the beginning of the month." A look of displeasure was on both of their faces as the two parents began taking their luggage into the bedroom.

"I stopped by the grocery store," Lily whispered, watching the other couple struggle with the bags. "I figured you might need some things." She handed him the apartment keys. "Oh! I picked up some of that cumin bread that I know you like. I hope your parents have the same tastes."

Bug smiled in relief. "I forgot about the fridge." He wrinkled his nose. "Thank you Lily. I owe you one."

"Trust me. I'm keeping track," she responded as Bug's parents returned to the living room. "Nice to meet you again Mr. and Mrs. Vijayaraghavensatyanaryanamurthy," Lily said with perfect pronunciation. "I'll see you tomorrow, Bug." She left, leaving Bug's parents more than a little stunned.