Page 16 of What's Left of Me

“Shit.” JJ plopped on the chair beside me. “So when Phoenix said he saw that girl, Jennifer, in the shed with him being removed, she was being killed, and frozen?”

I nodded. “And the man that was in there with him hasn’t even been discovered yet, which we know because Phoenix didn’t identify him to Rose the other day.”

“What else did you find?”

I scrolled a bit and pointed. “Each person was embalmed with an alcohol-based solution; then the bones were likely broken. They were all strangled as cause of death.”

“So the kind of embalming fluid matters?”

I turned to JJ. “Actually, it does. He wanted them floppy so that as soon as they were lifted, the sound would be jarring. The sound the bones make is called crepitus. Remember, the news reported that the authorities were having trouble moving the bodies.”

“Oh yeah, that’s why?”

I nodded. “Anyway, this alcohol-based fluid is considered ‘green’ and not common at all. Seems the FBI and detectives have been in contact with the few companies who actually have their own lines. Since you have to be licensed to order it, they’ve been tracking down all the clients.”

“Any leads yet?”

“No. I mean, I don’t think so. All I see in the reports is people checking out.”

JJ scratched his head. “But how would they know? It can be some licensed funeral director. Phoenix is the only one living that’s heard his voice.”

I’d thought about that. “Yeah, I have a feeling the next time Agent Rose shows up, he’s going to ask Phoenix if any voices match up to what he heard.”

JJ whipped his head in my direction. “That could scar him further.”

“That’s why we’re going to have to talk to Aziza and give her a heads-up…as well as Hazel and Phoenix.”

JJ sat back with a heavy sigh. “We need a family meeting. Everyone needs to know what you’ve found and what we think is coming.”

He was right, and I’d been prepared to call one once I’d gathered everything I could. But Agent Rose wasn’t going to holdoff on any of this—and the more time we had to prepare Phoenix, the better.

“Okay, let’s see what everyone’s schedule is and set it up.”

JJ stood and patted my shoulder. “This wasn’t so stupid after all, Noel.”

I smiled. “Thanks, JJ.”

CHAPTER TEN

Noel

Everyone wasable to make a family meeting the following afternoon. JJ suggested Aziza come by before we all gathered so we could discuss our findings with her. Phoenix needed a heads-up, but I had no idea how to do that. Should she be the one to tell him? Would it be better to do it in a group setting?

I was sitting outside, drinking coffee, when the back door slid open and Aziza stepped out.

“Hi, Noel. JJ said to come out here and talk with you.”

“Hey, yeah. Did you want coffee or anything?”

She smiled and took the seat beside me. “JJ offered, but I’m good. What’s going on—is it about Phoenix?”

“Yeah.” I explained to her what I’d discovered, and to her credit she didn’t remark on how illegal my methods were.

“You’re worried that if Phoenix hears all you told me, he could spiral?”

“I am, but the other part is that JJ and I think Agent Rose is going to ask him to listen to some voices of possible suspects in the case. Since he’s the only one who’s ever heard his voice. Wethink Phoenix should be warned, but how can we do that without telling him everything?”

Aziza nodded, her eyes never leaving mine. “You’re all very thoughtful when it comes to Phoenix’s well-being, and I appreciate you bringing this to my attention prior to talking to him.”

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