“I’m sorry to say it is Wednesday, little one. Friday is fourteen dog days away.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we got to know the M.E. a little better. His name is Andrew, and his wife whose name begins with G passed away one year ago. We noticed that this is all very coincidental. Andrew even gave a little warning about going with the circumstances that seem to be present. Now that the two of them have their coffee let’s go listen to the conversation.

“So, Andrew tell me about the Sandusky case.”

“What do you want to know?”

“First of all, I got to get to the bottom of this missing heart business.”

“You need to be asking me some questions since I’m not certain what you mean. As a detective are you talking from a professional level or just out of interest?”

“Definitely interested but need to approach this from a professional level.”

“Okay then. I need to be careful what I say since I don’t want to mislead you. I still think it is against the law to give false information.”

“Come on, Andrew. I’m not going to nail you on false testimony.”

“When you hear what I have to say you may.”

“Let’s set some ground rules then. How about if we talk on the record for those facts you are sure of. Those that are iffy we can talk off the record.”

“Yeah, I think that will cover it. Okay, the heart was taken from the body, and there was no outward sign of removal.”

“What do you mean outward. Is there some other sign?”

“Off the record?”

“Geeze off the record already?”

“Well if you want me to answer your question.”

“Okay, off the record.”

“I think someone eliminated the heart with some kind of shockwave.”

“Shockwave? What do you mean?”

“You know how they remove certain types of gallstones?”

“No. Tell me.”

“Well you get in a pool of water, and a shock wave is sent that pulverizes the stones.”

“You think this was the same thing.”

“I can’t prove it but, yes.”

“So, this guy’s heart was blown up? How come there was no residue.”

“Ah, back on the record. There was residue which I noted in the report.”

“Andrew, there is no mention of residue heart in the report.”

“You’re kidding. I distinctly remember making the notation. I did not theorize about the shockwave but noted the missing heart by processes unknown.”

“The only thing in the report was the missing heart notation.”

“I find that hard to believe. I need to look at the report.”

“You don’t have a copy do you?”

“Well, there was one on my computer hard drive when I retired. I always made backup reports.”

“Okay then. Let’s go downtown, and you can see the original report, and maybe we can talk to your replacement about looking on the hard drive.”

“Finish your coffee and let me get ready. You driving?”

“Yes, I can drive.”

“I’ll be ready in a minute.”

Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we learned that a detective working on the Sandusky case was killed in an accident with a truck while he was on his way to church. Also, we witnessed Schmidt asking questions about Larry talking to his deceased wife. Before this confusion, Larry was going to contact the retired M.E. to determine if there is anything about the autopsy that wasn’t included in the report. I see Larry knocking on the M.E.’s door. Let’s go this should be good.

“Yeah, can I help you?”

“My name is Larry Dunfee with the Homicide Division, and I wonder if you have a few moments to speak with me?”

“Hold that badge closer will you detective. I don’t see as well as I used to.”

“No problem. Here you can hold it and the ID.”

“I assume you are a detective the way you are dressed.”

“Yes, sir. Homicide Division.”

“Yeah, that’s what your ID says too. What can I do for you?”

“Is there a place where we can talk?”

“Oh, my. Pardon my manners. Please come in.”

“Thank you. I have a case to discuss, and we should do so in private.”

“A case? Which one?”

“The Sandusky case.”

“You know I’m retired.”

“Yes, sir. After twenty-five years on the job.”

“And I never saw anything like it.”

“Like what sir?”

“Like a body without a heart and not a scratch on it.”

“That is why I wanted to talk to you. Is that possible?”

“I hardly think so. Would you like some coffee. I was just pouring a cup.”

“That would be terrific sir.”

“Call me Andrew. My name is Andrew. Sir makes me feel even older than I am.”

“Okay, Andrew. I wouldn’t want you feeling any older for sure.”

“Come into the kitchen. We can talk while I get us some coffee. You’ll have to excuse the place. I don’t get many visitors these days.”

“Looks swell to me.”

“The Mrs. would have my hide if she saw this.”

“She out of town?”

“In a manner of speaking. She passed a year ago.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry for your loss, Andrew.”

“Hit me hard. We were together for fifty years. I couldn’t believe it when she was gone.”

“I know how you feel. My wife passed a year ago as well.”

“I’ll be darned. What is the probability of two people in the same room having lost their wives a year ago? How long were you married?”

“Twenty-five years.”

“God that’s tough. At least I had more time with my Gina.”

“Gloria. My wife’s name is Gloria.”

“Both begin with a “G.”

“Hold on Doc. I’ve had enough on the fact our wives died a year ago. Let’s leave it at that.”

“As you say, Detective.”

“Call me Larry.”

“Do you take anything in your coffee, Larry?”

“Half and half and Splenda if you have it.”

“I take mine the same way. I’m sorry boy but there seems to be some kind of circumstance here, and you might as well go with it. Now, what about the Sandusky case?”