Oh no. I was told not to wake them until Friday. This is Wednesday
It is Wednesday Story Day again and last week Andrew (retired M.E.) and Larry agreed to give Perry (current M.E.) some direction on evidence preservation as well as contact the IT department and the forensic team. The idea is to see if there is the possibility of the existence of a backup file of the Sandusky autopsy report. This is the only way Andrew can substantiate his claim that he made an entry in the record that is no longer there on the hard copy. I see Andrew has headed off to talk with the IT department. Let’s stick with Larry as he has a discussion with Perry.
“Excuse me Perry, but do you have a minute?”
“Of course, detective. What can I do for you?”
“As you know, there seems to be a missing soft copy of the Sandusky autopsy report, and I want to make sure nothing else goes missing from this department.”
“Speak plainly detective. Do you think I had something to do with the missing file?”
“Oh, no of course not. You weren’t even here when the file disappeared. I’m curious as to why you would say such a thing?”
“Well, I get the feeling that you suspect something is all.”
“Yeah, well I think most people get that feeling around me. I am suspicious by vocation remember?”
“Understood, but I think there is a little avocation in there as well.”
“Okay, you got me. I’m totally suspicious of everyone.”
“So, what did you want to talk to me about?”
“We need to set up some safeguards to make sure no other files go missing. We also need to preserve all the information currently on hand in the Sandusky file.”
“Okay, that makes sense. How do we accomplish this goal?”
“We start by putting all your files in a protected space on the mainframe. We need to make sure you are the only one who can access that space.”
“I think our IT department can handle that.”
“Yes I hope so. Andrew is talking to them now.”
“What else?”
“I think you should get files that lock and not allow access unless people sign the material in and out.”
“Our file room has a lock on the door. Will that suffice?”
“it will if you have control over who has a key.”
“Yeah, that’s a problem. That door has been there a while and no telling who has a key.”
“Call maintenance and get the lock changed. Get as few keys as necessary to run your department.”
“Okay will do. I don’t think too many people need access to the files anyway.”
“Okay good. Also, my CSI team will be arriving shortly.”
“CSI? What are they going to do?”
“I want to dust the files and the servers. Just a sweep to see if there are any strange fingerprints or stray evidence lying around. I will need a list of anyone who has gone into the files recently.
“I thought the file was compromised then years ago.”
“Very true but I still want to see if there are any interlopers putting their hands where they don’t belong.”
“Ah very good. I like your precautions.”
“Thank you, Perry. Suspicious remember.
Fiction Favorites 
He definitely has a lot of angles covered. Suspicion is paying off for him.
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I think so. Thanks, Charles. 🙂
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It looks like Larry is going to tighten up access to the files considerably. I’m guessing he’s going to come across some surprising evidence soon. A good installment, John. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks, Suzanne. I hope you are right. 😀
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Being a suspicious person myself, I enjoyed this. 🙂
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Reminds me of the song, Suspicion. Will be in my head all day. Thanks, Jill.
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And Suspicious Minds, too! 🙂
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Yeah, I meant Suspicious Minds. Thank you
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Great detail, John and some wise decisive action.
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Thanks, Keith. 🙂
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Good precautions are being taken, John. “Suspicious” yes, of everybody. I know that feeling.
The first time I looked at that picture at the top, I thought the girls had a body to bury.
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Ha haha.
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Suspicious until proven otherwise – I like Larry’s style.
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Yup. Reminds me of my last boss.
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Love the photo – The dog days of summer! 🙂 I think Larry is right to suspicious of everyone – heck, maybe even Andrew. 🙂 Good segment, John.
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I think no one is above suspicion, Jan. Thank you.
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Larry is putting this house on lock down, and he’s serving notice to everyone. I like it. This is a modern day tale woven in the style of Arthur Conan Doyle!
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That is a big compliment, Marc. Thank you
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True stuff.
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Here hold this end of the truth cord. We’ll see if you are telling the truth or not. (I can’t handle the truth)
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My end of the cord is flashing green. Which means go. Which means TRUTH. And so, yanno . . if you need to talk about this not being able to handle the truth thing? I could probably get ya Jack’s number . . .
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Thanks. I do have a problem with compliments. That is just me though. 😀
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Uh huh . . oh most definitely. Ain’t nobody else I know who has such an affliction . . .;)
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😀
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Good episode, John. I relate to Larry’s suspicions, so I’m really enjoying this story. 😊
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Thank you, Gwen. I’m glad you like it.
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Going out on that proverbial limb here, but I’m guessing it’s the fifth cousin of Hymie Phartzengiggle who worked a case with Larry back in 2007 as a special counsel for Rupert Padonia in Hard Rock, Texas, who was the common-law wife of the deceased victim in a ten-year old cold case that was finally solved by Larry’s half-brother after the victim’s body was exhumed, then kidnapped by a strange man with a long black beard who was an indian of Cherokee descent in Appalachia near the Kentucky border…that’s my take-away! Whatta ya think, boss? ♥♥♥
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Billy Ray, that was hysterical!
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He is a complete stitch. 😀
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LOL. This was great. I think this might be your next book.
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Well, it’s about time somebody put some security precautions in place! Let’s hope they’re not too late though. Love the photo of the girls — nothing like snoozing ’til Friday, ha!
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Thak you, Debbie. If only, right?
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I like that Larry is taking charge and getting down to business. It will be interesting to see that the CSI team turns up. Good developments, John!
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Thank you, Mae.
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Love the picture:)
Being suspicious does seem to pay off…
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It does. Just think of the IRS investigations.
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Suspicion is a good trait for an investigator, and a reader of John Howell stories.
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Thak you, Craig
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Hmmmm….. I expect Larry’s CSIs will turn up something. I wonder if ghosts can leave fingerprints…? What kind of mark would ectoplasm leave?
I’m on the hook, John. Looking forward to next time. Hugs!
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Ectoplasm prints? I’ll have to research that, Teagan. Thanks. Have a super day.
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You know my inner research geek couldn’t leave that thought alone. I’m emailing you something. 😉
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And thank you so much for it. Hugs.
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I’m still suspicious of Perry. I think Larry is, too… and suspicious of everyone else.
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He has been looking at me in a strainge way as well. Thanks, Jennie. 😀
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That is hilarious!! 😀
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😀
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