Page 42 of Feared

“Of course, we’d never say anything.”

“Nothing’s official yet, but they figure your friend was killed in the course of a burglary. Best they can tell, he interrupted the burglar.”

“Oh no.” Mary heard herself moan.

“It happens all the time. More often than you think.”

“How do they know that’s what happened?”

“His electronics were gone and there were signs of a struggle.”

Mary fell silent for a moment, imagining the horrifying scenario.

Bennie didn’t miss a beat. “How was he killed, do you know?”

“Blow to the head.”

“With what, do you know? Did they find what was used?”

“I don’t know.”

“So I assume there was forced entry?”

“Yes.”

“Poor John.” Mary shuddered to think of him fighting for his life, struggling to survive, and in the end, being killed so brutally and cruelly. John was so brilliant, possessing a magnificent legal intellect. She felt tears come to her eyes, but willed them away.

“Mary, you okay?” Detective Azzic touched her arm, his gaze sympathetic. “Why don’t you sit back down?”

“Thanks.” Mary sank into a chair.

Bennie remained standing. “Do you know if they have any suspects?”

“Not yet. It’s way early.”

“So nobody saw anybody running away or anything like that?”

“Not that I know of.”

“Do you know what time he was killed?”

“We got the call around eleven thirty. I think time of death was shortly before.”

“Do you know who found him?”

“Don’t know.”

“So any witnesses?”

“Not that I heard of, but like I say, it’s early. Something will turn up, in that neighborhood. It’s busy on a night like tonight. It’s way too soon in the investigation to speculate.”

“Are there a lot of burglaries in that part of Old City? I wouldn’t have thought so.”

“It doesn’t happen often, but it happens.” Detective Azzic shot Mary a comforting glance. “Don’t worry, we’ll lock up whoever did this to your friend. I’ll keep an eye on the case, personally.”

“Thank you so much,” Mary said, meaning it.

“Yes, thanks,” Bennie added.

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