Page 17 of Forensics of a Fable

“At least for that.” Gold looked at Bel as if searching for reassurance. “Why the food, though? Why not just inject her and be done with it?”

“He cared,” Bel said. “He bathed her, clothed her, housed her, fed her. In his twisted way, he was caring for her.”

“But he killed her. How can that be caring?”

“In his mind, perhaps death was a kindness. A way of setting her free from this life.” Bel looked at Lina. “What was used to kill her?”

“Pentobarbital,” Thum answered. “Most commonly used in veterinary practices to sedate and euthanize animals, but it has been used occasionally in medically assisted suicides, so yes, in the right doses, it is lethal to humans.”

“Why force her to eat it if the dosage needs to be large enough?” Bel asked, and Gold hovered behind her with a nauseated expression. “That seems like an ineffective delivery method.”

“My guess is he heavily laced the top few bites, ensuring that a few mouthfuls would kill her,” Lina answered.

“It also gave the killer distance,” Bel said, thinking out loud. “Even if his actions were caring, making her eat the Pentobarbital instead of injecting it like the sedative points to the killer’s nature. He didn’t want to be there. He didn’t want to see her die or physically murder her. By consuming the laced porridge, Alana unwittingly killed herself, letting him believe his hands were clean. Maybe we are looking for a woman. Female killers rarely enjoy violent deaths, and by poisoning Alana Drie’s food, a woman could walk away without having to witness the end.”

“I’m no detective, but I found it odd that she ingested the Pentobarbital instead of having it injected into her arm when the killer clearly had a syringe,” Lina agreed. “You might be on to something.”

“It could still be a man,” Bel said. “But I think we’re looking for someone who doesn’t have the stomach for death. They’re capable of killing, but they don’t want to face the results of their actions. We may need to take another run at her family and friends.” Bel looked at Gold. “I hate to say it, but someone close to her would be inclined to care for her body while unwilling to watch the end.”

“I hope it wasn’t a family member,” Olivia said. “Families are the only people biologically programmed to protect you.”

“I know.” Bel didn’t mention how often the killer was a spouse or relative. “Is that all you have for us?” she turned to Lina.

“Yes, that’s it for now. I’ll call you if we find something else.” Lina shook Bel’s and then Olivia’s hands.

“Thanks.” Bel led the way back to her car, and the detectives drove to the station in silence.

“Wait.” Gold leaned across the seat and gripped her partner’s wrist as they parked, stopping Bel from exiting the car. “I... never mind.”

“It’s okay.” Bel smiled sympathetically, careful to not appear placating or condescending. “I’ve seen horrible things. I’ve had horrible things happen to me, so I’ll never judge you. Don’t bottle your emotions up. Not with this job, otherwise, they'll fester until they kill you.”

“I’m not used to this, that’s all,” Olivia admitted. “I’m not a New York City homicide detective like you. I only got the job because this is a smaller, normally peaceful town. Any homicide detective worth their salt would never apply to work here, and honestly, I have no idea what you’re doing here. To be hired by the Bajka police requires very little experience, and I assumed you and I would get bored, drinking coffee, and visiting old ladies who complained about teens prowling their property. I don’t… I don’t think I’m ready for this.”

“You want to know a secret?” Bel said gently, taking her partner’s hand. “Neither am I. Every case, I tell myself I can’t do this, but then I remember how badly the victims need me. I remember I love my job and helping people.”

“Really?” Gold’s lips curved in a soft smile. “You’re so calm, so smart. It’s like nothing bothers you.”

Bel burst into a laugh, causing Olivia to stare at her in shock. “Sorry.” She smiled apologetically. “I’ve learned to wear a stoic façade, but I can assure you, I feel just as deeply as you. And it’s okay if you realize this job is not for you. Because trust me, if you don’t love this job, if you don’t become obsessed with uncovering the truth, it will destroy you.”

“No, I want this.” Olivia nodded with conviction. “I always have, but this case? Nothing like being thrown into the deep end.”

“I understand that.” It was exactly how Bel felt when she saw the heartless Brett Lumen screwed into a life-sized chandelier. “Do you need a minute or are you okay to go inside? We should brief Griffin.”

“I’m all right. Thanks for listening,” Gold said as they left the car and walked across the parking lot. “I was actually nervous to meet you. You were from the NYPD and had seen violent crimes. I was worried you wouldn’t be nice or understanding, but you’re nothing like I expected. I'm glad we're working together.”

Bel smiled as she held the station door open for her partner.

“But seriously?” Olivia asked. “How does a detective with your resume end up in a town like Bajka?”

“I was looking for a less stressful life and career,” Bel answered, and it was Olivia’s turn to laugh. Bel tapped the scars on her neck, watching her partner’s gaze slide over the pink flesh. “After this, I wanted peace. There was an opening here, so I jumped at the opportunity. The irony is not lost on me.”

“Emerson?” Sheriff Griffin’s voice boomed.

“We just got back from the M.E.s,” Bel said as he strode toward them. “Do you have a minute to discuss the autopsy report?”

“Sure, I’ll meet you in my office in five minutes, but there’s a man here to see you,” Griffin answered.

“A man?” she asked, peering around the mountain of her boss. Eamon would just show up outside her cabin, and she didn’t know anyone else well enough. “Is he here about the case?”

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