Mirror Lake by Juneau Black

Author:Juneau Black [Cole, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hammer & Birch
Published: 2020-10-05T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

After the excitement of the author event, the discovery of a body, and the fending off of the advances of a narcissistic wolf, it was perhaps not surprising that Vera overslept. She dragged herself out of bed, dressed quickly, and headed out to Joe’s for a large cup of coffee.

Orville and Chief Meade were leaving the coffee shop just as Vera was entering. After a trio of good mornings, Orville mentioned that he and his boss were on their way to the morgue to speak with Dr. Brodhead. He had worked all night and had the results of his preliminary report. Vera promised to join them just as soon as she concluded her business with Joe. She knew that she would not survive this day without a great deal of coffee, and perhaps an egg sandwich.

Fortunately, the line at the counter was short, and Vera joined it while breathing deeply of the delightful aroma of coffee that filled the air. She spent the time waiting in line studying the chalkboard menu with the day’s specials, and was ready with her order when her turn came.

“Good morning, Joe,” Vera greeted the moose, keeping the chitchat to a minimum since she knew that Joe was busy. Joe Jr., the moose’s son, who usually helped out, was nowhere to be seen. “An egg and cheese sandwich on a sesame bagel with the largest coffee possible. To go, please.”

“Coming up,” Joe said cheerfully. He put the order in and motioned for Vera to wait on the bench near the door. The place was already filling up, and Rosie, a mink who’d been working as a waitress for quite a while, was directing newcomers to booths and tables like a tour guide.

A few minutes later, with her breakfast clutched in one paw and her coffee in the other, Vera made her way to the morgue. She took her time so she could nibble at her bagel sandwich on the way. She wanted to appear professional when she arrived, not dripping with cheese and covered in coffee stains. Not to mention that food and forensics did not mix well.

When Vera entered the building, she went directly to the front desk where a squirrel was entering some figures into a ledger. She identified herself and said that she was there to meet with Dr. Brodhead. The squirrel stared at her for so long that Vera was afraid that she had cheese on her face. Finally, he directed her to the staircase.

“One flight down—Exam Room 3.”

Vera thanked him and made her way to the exam room where she found Orville and Chief Meade awaiting the arrival of Dr. Brodhead.

Only a few minutes had passed when the police bears and the fox heard a very distinct slithering sound coming from the hallway. This heralded the return of the coroner, who greeted all of them with great cordiality. The snake wasted no time in giving them his preliminary report.

“The victim issss a male rat,” Dr. Brodhead said. “I have

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