| General Fiction posted July 29, 2024 | Chapters: |
Prologue -1- 2... 
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Prominent businessman found dead
A chapter in the book Spirited Justice
Murder on Fifth Avenue
by Begin Again
Detective Matthew Donatelli staggered into the morgue, where the potent smell of antiseptic hit him like a brick wall. His head throbbed with each step as he navigated the cold, sterile room illuminated by harsh fluorescent lights. After drowning his sorrows in a fifth of whiskey the night before, he was paying the price.
Dr. Rosa Galotti, with her tools spread across the metal cart, was about to begin the autopsy of the late Arthur Beckett, a distinguished lawyer. His body lay on the metal table, a nasty gash visible on his temple. She glanced up from her paperwork and raised an eyebrow at Matthew's disheveled appearance. "Rough night, Detective?"
Matthew managed an unintelligible grunt as he tried to focus his bloodshot eyes on the file in front of him. "Just another night," he mumbled as he rubbed his temples.
Adding to the detective's miserable morning, the morgue door creaked open, and in walked Danielle Mason, a vision straight out of a noir film. She twirled into the room in her vintage 1940s outfit — a knee-length navy-blue polka dot dress with a cinched waist, a small beret, and polished low-heeled shoes, exuding an air of morning freshness.
A song rolled off her tongue. "I'm singin' in the rain, just singin' in the rain." She twirled her umbrella with a practiced flair, scattering tiny water droplets everywhere like a dog shaking his fur.
"What a glorious feeling! I'm happy again. I'm laughin' at clouds, so dark up above."
Dr. Galotti's eyes widened, perplexed by the woman and her impromptu performance. "Uh, what on earth?"
"Good morning, everyone!" Danni exclaimed, striking a theatrical pose. "Hope I'm not too late for the party."
She closed her umbrella and offered an unapologetic smile. "Traffic was atrocious, and my coffee took a detour from cup to mouth." She glanced at the stain on her blouse but hastened on. "You really need a place to put these wet umbrellas." She quickly leaned it against the wall.
Rosa Galotti rolled her eyes at Danni's antics but couldn't suppress a smile. "I'm afraid the theater is one block down from this building. This is the Metropolitan Police Department Morgue."
"Forgive me. There wasn't time to change from my last gig." She studied her dress. "Though it leaves one feeling perky on a rainy day." Danni drifted closer to the autopsy table. "If you are Dr. Galotti, then I am in the right place, per my instructions."
"You are here for the autopsy?" Rosa's eyebrow shot up. She had her doubts this woman should be there, but Matthew was not contributing anything to help with the situation.
"My orders came on the fly, but I'm sure this is it." Danni proudly flashed her badge and smiled. "You've got something or someone for me to study under that sheet."
Rosa shook her head and replied, "I do. If Detective Donatelli would care to join us, I'll introduce you to Arthur Beckett. The doctor raised her voice, "Detective!"
Dr. Galotti's voice jarred Matthew back to reality. He opened his eyes and turned toward Danni. He squinted in confusion, and then recognition settled in, moaning, "Not you, again?"
Danni froze mid-step, and all thoughts of singing vanished from her head. She spun around. "Detective Donatelli! I wasn't aware —"
He glared at her and growled, "Neither was I."
Sparks of unresolved history crackled in the air. Any remnants of last night's fog lifted from Matthew's brain.
Danni recovered first. "Aren't you supposed to be solving the mysteries, not watching the action unfold at the end of a doctor's scalpel?"
Matthew raised an eyebrow. "Danielle Mason, quick with the snappy retorts as always. What brings you to our fair city?"
"Oh, you know, just trying to expand my horizons. And apparently, my tolerance for formaldehyde."
Dr. Rosa Galotti interrupted their exchange. "Since this is my morgue, would someone like to tell me who this young lady is and why she is dancing in my sanctuary?"
Matthew cleared his throat. "Sorry, Rosa. Let me introduce you. Please meet Danielle Mason."
"Danni! I prefer Danni." She glared at Matthew, then added, "Pleased to meet you, Dr. Galotti."
"Likewise, I am sure. Are you someone new to our staff? I don't recall seeing you before, though it's evident that our resident detective, with his glowing personality, is familiar with you."
"I've been here a time or two. I rotate between jobs, landing wherever my services are needed."
The doctor smiled. "That sounds interesting. I've never heard of rotating detectives. It must be something new."
"Quite new, actually. I think my grandmother's best friend was the first." She glanced at Matthew, wondering if he would enlighten the good doctor or if she should.
He inhaled sharply and moved toward the doctor's table. "Miss Mason —"
"Danni."
He shot her a look meant to stop her in her tracks. "You don't have to make this more difficult than it is."
"Me — difficult? You're so unkind. I never understood why Eleanor spoke so highly of you."
He mumbled some unintelligible words under his breath and then started again. "The department has had the pleasure of Danni working with us several times. Her — unique skills — have proven very helpful in solving a few cold cases."
"What he's dancing around — excuse the pun — is that I am a ghost."
Rosa's eyes widened. "A ghost? I know this isn't April Fool's Day, so what's the joke?"
"No joke." Danni pirouetted. "I'm an honest-to-goodness ghost."
All Detective Matthew Donatelli could do was moan.
Danni smiled at Rosa. "Not everyone can see me, but since the detective and I work so closely and you will be involved, I thought it might be beneficial to introduce myself."
"I work with dead people for a living. They don't talk to me, well, not verbally. We communicate physically."
"I'm different from your usual cadaver."
"So, after all my years as a professional medical examiner, you want me to believe I am now communicating with a dead person — a ghost?"
Sensing this conversation was swirling down the drain fast and furiously, Danni took matters into her own hands. She raised her finger, lifted the scalpel from the table, and floated it in front of the doctor. As Rosa's eyes flashed to Matthew, Danni disappeared, reappearing by Rosa's side. She shrugged. "I'm a ghost."
Wide-eyed, Dr. Galotti picked up her scalpel. "A ghost! Okay, sure. Why not?" Muttering to herself, she added, "This should be interesting."
Danni's eyes fell on Arthur Beckett's head. She winced at the sight of the gash. "Oh, how dreadful! Poor Arthur."
Rosa glanced at Danni, still unsure of what was happening. "After the first second, he didn't feel a thing."
"Not exactly what I had in mind for my first morning back."
Matthew smirked. "First time?"
"It's my first time at an autopsy, yes. But I've seen my fair share of—" Danni hesitated before saying bodies. "Well, let's just say I've had some wild science experiments."
"You sure you're up for this? Autopsies aren't exactly dinner party conversation."
Refusing to be shut down by Donatelli, Danni offered him an angelic smile. "It's a good thing I skipped breakfast. Besides, I dealt with worse. Have you ever dissected a frog in high school? This is just bigger, a less jumpy version."
He shrugged. "If you say so. Just try to keep your coffee down. Rosa doesn't like messes in her morgue."
Danni smirked. "Can't be too strict. She let you in, didn't she?" She grinned and added, "I'll do my best!"
As Dr. Galotti pulled back the sheet covering Arthur, Danni's eyes widened in horror, her hands flying to her mouth. "Oh, my stars!" she exclaimed, her voice rising an octave. "That is — well, I never — maybe —" Her eyes widened with shock. "In my day, women didn't see such things!"
Rosa stifled a laugh while the detective tried to suppress a grin. "Welcome to the modern world, Danni."
Donatelli grinned. "Can you put your eyes back in their sockets and show Rosa your unique skills?"
Visibly shaken, she composed herself and moved closer to examine the body. "Well, this is certainly — an experience," she said, her voice trembling slightly. She leaned in, scrutinizing the gash on Arthur's temple. "This wound — it's precise, almost too precise. It reminds me of something I saw during the war."
Rosa looked intrigued. "The war?"
Matthew, trying to bridge the gap, sputtered. "Danni means it's like wounds she saw when she studied the Vietnam War. Someone with surgical knowledge did this."
Rosa nodded. "A strong possibility. So, we're looking for someone with medical expertise."
"Given Arthur's prominence, it must be someone who had access to him, someone he trusted."
The morgue door swung open, sending Danni's umbrella clattering to the floor. Three pairs of eyes turned toward the noise.
Danni vanished from sight, sensing Naomi's presence and knowing she needed to stay hidden. She floated invisibly, watching the interaction closely.
Naomi Henderson entered the room with an air of unshakeable confidence. Her impeccably tailored suit and cool demeanor drew the tension in the room tighter.
"Matthew," Naomi greeted him with a curt nod.
"Naomi," Matthew replied, his tone flat.
Her eyes focused on the body on the table. "Poor Arthur. What a tragedy."
"Ms. Henderson," Matthew said, "you were still in contact with Mr. Beckett?"
Naomi's gaze turned to the body on the table. "Yes, since they dropped all charges in his case, he remained at the firm."
Danni, invisible and hovering near Naomi, whispered to Matthew, "She's hiding something."
Dr. Rosa Galotti interjected, her voice steady. "Ms. Henderson, when was the last time you saw Arthur?"
"Last week," Naomi responded coolly. "He was preparing for an important case and was under a lot of stress."
Rosa's gaze narrowed as she continued, "Stress is one thing, but it doesn't explain a precise gash to the temple."
Naomi's face remained impassive. "Of course, Doctor. Just stating the facts."
"Then, Ms. Henderson, do you have any insights into why someone would want to murder Arthur Beckett?" Matthew pressed.
Naomi's eyes met Matthew's, her expression carefully controlled. "Detective, that's your job, isn't it? But my first guess might include you."
"We must be auditioning for a comedy hour today." Matthew snarled and walked away, putting space between him and Naomi. "If you have any information that might help, it would be appreciated."
Danni floated closer to Naomi, her ghostly form nearly brushing against her, mumbling in her head. "Something doesn't add up here."
Naomi felt a chill, and her gaze flickered briefly toward Danni's invisible presence but quickly returned to her composed mask. "I'll leave the investigation to you, Detective. If you need anything from me, you know where to find me."
"Of course — you were still rooming with Arthur, weren't you?"
Naomi turned away with a huff, her back stiffening as she walked toward the door.
Matthew muttered, "We're not done yet."
Naomi's sharp retort carried over her shoulder, "Oh yes, we are!"
After Naomi left, Rosa glanced at her vacant spot. "What was that about?"
Danni reappeared, her expression stern. "I don't trust her. She's hiding something."
Matthew rubbed his temples, feeling his unresolved past with Naomi. "We have history, Naomi and me. Let's just say our past was very — intense."
Rosa raised an eyebrow. "Intense? Do I need to worry about this becoming a soap opera?"
Matthew sighed. "Let's stay focused on the case. Naomi is a professional. Whatever happened between us won't affect the investigation."
Danni's gaze softened. "Matthew, if you need my help, I'm here."
Matthew nodded. "Thanks, but no thanks. I don't need you messing with my relationships. Let's dig deeper into Arthur's life and see what we can uncover."
Danni's ghostly presence shimmered with resolve. "I'm ready to work." Her mental notes included the verbal battlefield between Matthew and Naomi and her history with the deceased.
As Rosa began the autopsy, Matthew and Danni exchanged looks. The case was just beginning with no leads, and they would need every bit of Danni's ghostly insight and Matthew's detective skills to unravel the mystery of Arthur Beckett's death.
A First Book Chapter contest entry
Detective Matthew Donatelli staggered into the morgue, where the potent smell of antiseptic hit him like a brick wall. His head throbbed with each step as he navigated the cold, sterile room illuminated by harsh fluorescent lights. After drowning his sorrows in a fifth of whiskey the night before, he was paying the price.
Dr. Rosa Galotti, with her tools spread across the metal cart, was about to begin the autopsy of the late Arthur Beckett, a distinguished lawyer. His body lay on the metal table, a nasty gash visible on his temple. She glanced up from her paperwork and raised an eyebrow at Matthew's disheveled appearance. "Rough night, Detective?"
Matthew managed an unintelligible grunt as he tried to focus his bloodshot eyes on the file in front of him. "Just another night," he mumbled as he rubbed his temples.
Adding to the detective's miserable morning, the morgue door creaked open, and in walked Danielle Mason, a vision straight out of a noir film. She twirled into the room in her vintage 1940s outfit — a knee-length navy-blue polka dot dress with a cinched waist, a small beret, and polished low-heeled shoes, exuding an air of morning freshness.
A song rolled off her tongue. "I'm singin' in the rain, just singin' in the rain." She twirled her umbrella with a practiced flair, scattering tiny water droplets everywhere like a dog shaking his fur.
"What a glorious feeling! I'm happy again. I'm laughin' at clouds, so dark up above."
Dr. Galotti's eyes widened, perplexed by the woman and her impromptu performance. "Uh, what on earth?"
"Good morning, everyone!" Danni exclaimed, striking a theatrical pose. "Hope I'm not too late for the party."
She closed her umbrella and offered an unapologetic smile. "Traffic was atrocious, and my coffee took a detour from cup to mouth." She glanced at the stain on her blouse but hastened on. "You really need a place to put these wet umbrellas." She quickly leaned it against the wall.
Rosa Galotti rolled her eyes at Danni's antics but couldn't suppress a smile. "I'm afraid the theater is one block down from this building. This is the Metropolitan Police Department Morgue."
"Forgive me. There wasn't time to change from my last gig." She studied her dress. "Though it leaves one feeling perky on a rainy day." Danni drifted closer to the autopsy table. "If you are Dr. Galotti, then I am in the right place, per my instructions."
"You are here for the autopsy?" Rosa's eyebrow shot up. She had her doubts this woman should be there, but Matthew was not contributing anything to help with the situation.
"My orders came on the fly, but I'm sure this is it." Danni proudly flashed her badge and smiled. "You've got something or someone for me to study under that sheet."
Rosa shook her head and replied, "I do. If Detective Donatelli would care to join us, I'll introduce you to Arthur Beckett. The doctor raised her voice, "Detective!"
Dr. Galotti's voice jarred Matthew back to reality. He opened his eyes and turned toward Danni. He squinted in confusion, and then recognition settled in, moaning, "Not you, again?"
Danni froze mid-step, and all thoughts of singing vanished from her head. She spun around. "Detective Donatelli! I wasn't aware —"
He glared at her and growled, "Neither was I."
Sparks of unresolved history crackled in the air. Any remnants of last night's fog lifted from Matthew's brain.
Danni recovered first. "Aren't you supposed to be solving the mysteries, not watching the action unfold at the end of a doctor's scalpel?"
Matthew raised an eyebrow. "Danielle Mason, quick with the snappy retorts as always. What brings you to our fair city?"
"Oh, you know, just trying to expand my horizons. And apparently, my tolerance for formaldehyde."
Dr. Rosa Galotti interrupted their exchange. "Since this is my morgue, would someone like to tell me who this young lady is and why she is dancing in my sanctuary?"
Matthew cleared his throat. "Sorry, Rosa. Let me introduce you. Please meet Danielle Mason."
"Danni! I prefer Danni." She glared at Matthew, then added, "Pleased to meet you, Dr. Galotti."
"Likewise, I am sure. Are you someone new to our staff? I don't recall seeing you before, though it's evident that our resident detective, with his glowing personality, is familiar with you."
"I've been here a time or two. I rotate between jobs, landing wherever my services are needed."
The doctor smiled. "That sounds interesting. I've never heard of rotating detectives. It must be something new."
"Quite new, actually. I think my grandmother's best friend was the first." She glanced at Matthew, wondering if he would enlighten the good doctor or if she should.
He inhaled sharply and moved toward the doctor's table. "Miss Mason —"
"Danni."
He shot her a look meant to stop her in her tracks. "You don't have to make this more difficult than it is."
"Me — difficult? You're so unkind. I never understood why Eleanor spoke so highly of you."
He mumbled some unintelligible words under his breath and then started again. "The department has had the pleasure of Danni working with us several times. Her — unique skills — have proven very helpful in solving a few cold cases."
"What he's dancing around — excuse the pun — is that I am a ghost."
Rosa's eyes widened. "A ghost? I know this isn't April Fool's Day, so what's the joke?"
"No joke." Danni pirouetted. "I'm an honest-to-goodness ghost."
All Detective Matthew Donatelli could do was moan.
Danni smiled at Rosa. "Not everyone can see me, but since the detective and I work so closely and you will be involved, I thought it might be beneficial to introduce myself."
"I work with dead people for a living. They don't talk to me, well, not verbally. We communicate physically."
"I'm different from your usual cadaver."
"So, after all my years as a professional medical examiner, you want me to believe I am now communicating with a dead person — a ghost?"
Sensing this conversation was swirling down the drain fast and furiously, Danni took matters into her own hands. She raised her finger, lifted the scalpel from the table, and floated it in front of the doctor. As Rosa's eyes flashed to Matthew, Danni disappeared, reappearing by Rosa's side. She shrugged. "I'm a ghost."
Wide-eyed, Dr. Galotti picked up her scalpel. "A ghost! Okay, sure. Why not?" Muttering to herself, she added, "This should be interesting."
Danni's eyes fell on Arthur Beckett's head. She winced at the sight of the gash. "Oh, how dreadful! Poor Arthur."
Rosa glanced at Danni, still unsure of what was happening. "After the first second, he didn't feel a thing."
"Not exactly what I had in mind for my first morning back."
Matthew smirked. "First time?"
"It's my first time at an autopsy, yes. But I've seen my fair share of—" Danni hesitated before saying bodies. "Well, let's just say I've had some wild science experiments."
"You sure you're up for this? Autopsies aren't exactly dinner party conversation."
Refusing to be shut down by Donatelli, Danni offered him an angelic smile. "It's a good thing I skipped breakfast. Besides, I dealt with worse. Have you ever dissected a frog in high school? This is just bigger, a less jumpy version."
He shrugged. "If you say so. Just try to keep your coffee down. Rosa doesn't like messes in her morgue."
Danni smirked. "Can't be too strict. She let you in, didn't she?" She grinned and added, "I'll do my best!"
As Dr. Galotti pulled back the sheet covering Arthur, Danni's eyes widened in horror, her hands flying to her mouth. "Oh, my stars!" she exclaimed, her voice rising an octave. "That is — well, I never — maybe —" Her eyes widened with shock. "In my day, women didn't see such things!"
Rosa stifled a laugh while the detective tried to suppress a grin. "Welcome to the modern world, Danni."
Donatelli grinned. "Can you put your eyes back in their sockets and show Rosa your unique skills?"
Visibly shaken, she composed herself and moved closer to examine the body. "Well, this is certainly — an experience," she said, her voice trembling slightly. She leaned in, scrutinizing the gash on Arthur's temple. "This wound — it's precise, almost too precise. It reminds me of something I saw during the war."
Rosa looked intrigued. "The war?"
Matthew, trying to bridge the gap, sputtered. "Danni means it's like wounds she saw when she studied the Vietnam War. Someone with surgical knowledge did this."
Rosa nodded. "A strong possibility. So, we're looking for someone with medical expertise."
"Given Arthur's prominence, it must be someone who had access to him, someone he trusted."
The morgue door swung open, sending Danni's umbrella clattering to the floor. Three pairs of eyes turned toward the noise.
Danni vanished from sight, sensing Naomi's presence and knowing she needed to stay hidden. She floated invisibly, watching the interaction closely.
Naomi Henderson entered the room with an air of unshakeable confidence. Her impeccably tailored suit and cool demeanor drew the tension in the room tighter.
"Matthew," Naomi greeted him with a curt nod.
"Naomi," Matthew replied, his tone flat.
Her eyes focused on the body on the table. "Poor Arthur. What a tragedy."
"Ms. Henderson," Matthew said, "you were still in contact with Mr. Beckett?"
Naomi's gaze turned to the body on the table. "Yes, since they dropped all charges in his case, he remained at the firm."
Danni, invisible and hovering near Naomi, whispered to Matthew, "She's hiding something."
Dr. Rosa Galotti interjected, her voice steady. "Ms. Henderson, when was the last time you saw Arthur?"
"Last week," Naomi responded coolly. "He was preparing for an important case and was under a lot of stress."
Rosa's gaze narrowed as she continued, "Stress is one thing, but it doesn't explain a precise gash to the temple."
Naomi's face remained impassive. "Of course, Doctor. Just stating the facts."
"Then, Ms. Henderson, do you have any insights into why someone would want to murder Arthur Beckett?" Matthew pressed.
Naomi's eyes met Matthew's, her expression carefully controlled. "Detective, that's your job, isn't it? But my first guess might include you."
"We must be auditioning for a comedy hour today." Matthew snarled and walked away, putting space between him and Naomi. "If you have any information that might help, it would be appreciated."
Danni floated closer to Naomi, her ghostly form nearly brushing against her, mumbling in her head. "Something doesn't add up here."
Naomi felt a chill, and her gaze flickered briefly toward Danni's invisible presence but quickly returned to her composed mask. "I'll leave the investigation to you, Detective. If you need anything from me, you know where to find me."
"Of course — you were still rooming with Arthur, weren't you?"
Naomi turned away with a huff, her back stiffening as she walked toward the door.
Matthew muttered, "We're not done yet."
Naomi's sharp retort carried over her shoulder, "Oh yes, we are!"
After Naomi left, Rosa glanced at her vacant spot. "What was that about?"
Danni reappeared, her expression stern. "I don't trust her. She's hiding something."
Matthew rubbed his temples, feeling his unresolved past with Naomi. "We have history, Naomi and me. Let's just say our past was very — intense."
Rosa raised an eyebrow. "Intense? Do I need to worry about this becoming a soap opera?"
Matthew sighed. "Let's stay focused on the case. Naomi is a professional. Whatever happened between us won't affect the investigation."
Danni's gaze softened. "Matthew, if you need my help, I'm here."
Matthew nodded. "Thanks, but no thanks. I don't need you messing with my relationships. Let's dig deeper into Arthur's life and see what we can uncover."
Danni's ghostly presence shimmered with resolve. "I'm ready to work." Her mental notes included the verbal battlefield between Matthew and Naomi and her history with the deceased.
As Rosa began the autopsy, Matthew and Danni exchanged looks. The case was just beginning with no leads, and they would need every bit of Danni's ghostly insight and Matthew's detective skills to unravel the mystery of Arthur Beckett's death.
Dr. Rosa Galotti, with her tools spread across the metal cart, was about to begin the autopsy of the late Arthur Beckett, a distinguished lawyer. His body lay on the metal table, a nasty gash visible on his temple. She glanced up from her paperwork and raised an eyebrow at Matthew's disheveled appearance. "Rough night, Detective?"
Matthew managed an unintelligible grunt as he tried to focus his bloodshot eyes on the file in front of him. "Just another night," he mumbled as he rubbed his temples.
Adding to the detective's miserable morning, the morgue door creaked open, and in walked Danielle Mason, a vision straight out of a noir film. She twirled into the room in her vintage 1940s outfit — a knee-length navy-blue polka dot dress with a cinched waist, a small beret, and polished low-heeled shoes, exuding an air of morning freshness.
A song rolled off her tongue. "I'm singin' in the rain, just singin' in the rain." She twirled her umbrella with a practiced flair, scattering tiny water droplets everywhere like a dog shaking his fur.
"What a glorious feeling! I'm happy again. I'm laughin' at clouds, so dark up above."
Dr. Galotti's eyes widened, perplexed by the woman and her impromptu performance. "Uh, what on earth?"
"Good morning, everyone!" Danni exclaimed, striking a theatrical pose. "Hope I'm not too late for the party."
She closed her umbrella and offered an unapologetic smile. "Traffic was atrocious, and my coffee took a detour from cup to mouth." She glanced at the stain on her blouse but hastened on. "You really need a place to put these wet umbrellas." She quickly leaned it against the wall.
Rosa Galotti rolled her eyes at Danni's antics but couldn't suppress a smile. "I'm afraid the theater is one block down from this building. This is the Metropolitan Police Department Morgue."
"Forgive me. There wasn't time to change from my last gig." She studied her dress. "Though it leaves one feeling perky on a rainy day." Danni drifted closer to the autopsy table. "If you are Dr. Galotti, then I am in the right place, per my instructions."
"You are here for the autopsy?" Rosa's eyebrow shot up. She had her doubts this woman should be there, but Matthew was not contributing anything to help with the situation.
"My orders came on the fly, but I'm sure this is it." Danni proudly flashed her badge and smiled. "You've got something or someone for me to study under that sheet."
Rosa shook her head and replied, "I do. If Detective Donatelli would care to join us, I'll introduce you to Arthur Beckett. The doctor raised her voice, "Detective!"
Dr. Galotti's voice jarred Matthew back to reality. He opened his eyes and turned toward Danni. He squinted in confusion, and then recognition settled in, moaning, "Not you, again?"
Danni froze mid-step, and all thoughts of singing vanished from her head. She spun around. "Detective Donatelli! I wasn't aware —"
He glared at her and growled, "Neither was I."
Sparks of unresolved history crackled in the air. Any remnants of last night's fog lifted from Matthew's brain.
Danni recovered first. "Aren't you supposed to be solving the mysteries, not watching the action unfold at the end of a doctor's scalpel?"
Matthew raised an eyebrow. "Danielle Mason, quick with the snappy retorts as always. What brings you to our fair city?"
"Oh, you know, just trying to expand my horizons. And apparently, my tolerance for formaldehyde."
Dr. Rosa Galotti interrupted their exchange. "Since this is my morgue, would someone like to tell me who this young lady is and why she is dancing in my sanctuary?"
Matthew cleared his throat. "Sorry, Rosa. Let me introduce you. Please meet Danielle Mason."
"Danni! I prefer Danni." She glared at Matthew, then added, "Pleased to meet you, Dr. Galotti."
"Likewise, I am sure. Are you someone new to our staff? I don't recall seeing you before, though it's evident that our resident detective, with his glowing personality, is familiar with you."
"I've been here a time or two. I rotate between jobs, landing wherever my services are needed."
The doctor smiled. "That sounds interesting. I've never heard of rotating detectives. It must be something new."
"Quite new, actually. I think my grandmother's best friend was the first." She glanced at Matthew, wondering if he would enlighten the good doctor or if she should.
He inhaled sharply and moved toward the doctor's table. "Miss Mason —"
"Danni."
He shot her a look meant to stop her in her tracks. "You don't have to make this more difficult than it is."
"Me — difficult? You're so unkind. I never understood why Eleanor spoke so highly of you."
He mumbled some unintelligible words under his breath and then started again. "The department has had the pleasure of Danni working with us several times. Her — unique skills — have proven very helpful in solving a few cold cases."
"What he's dancing around — excuse the pun — is that I am a ghost."
Rosa's eyes widened. "A ghost? I know this isn't April Fool's Day, so what's the joke?"
"No joke." Danni pirouetted. "I'm an honest-to-goodness ghost."
All Detective Matthew Donatelli could do was moan.
Danni smiled at Rosa. "Not everyone can see me, but since the detective and I work so closely and you will be involved, I thought it might be beneficial to introduce myself."
"I work with dead people for a living. They don't talk to me, well, not verbally. We communicate physically."
"I'm different from your usual cadaver."
"So, after all my years as a professional medical examiner, you want me to believe I am now communicating with a dead person — a ghost?"
Sensing this conversation was swirling down the drain fast and furiously, Danni took matters into her own hands. She raised her finger, lifted the scalpel from the table, and floated it in front of the doctor. As Rosa's eyes flashed to Matthew, Danni disappeared, reappearing by Rosa's side. She shrugged. "I'm a ghost."
Wide-eyed, Dr. Galotti picked up her scalpel. "A ghost! Okay, sure. Why not?" Muttering to herself, she added, "This should be interesting."
Danni's eyes fell on Arthur Beckett's head. She winced at the sight of the gash. "Oh, how dreadful! Poor Arthur."
Rosa glanced at Danni, still unsure of what was happening. "After the first second, he didn't feel a thing."
"Not exactly what I had in mind for my first morning back."
Matthew smirked. "First time?"
"It's my first time at an autopsy, yes. But I've seen my fair share of—" Danni hesitated before saying bodies. "Well, let's just say I've had some wild science experiments."
"You sure you're up for this? Autopsies aren't exactly dinner party conversation."
Refusing to be shut down by Donatelli, Danni offered him an angelic smile. "It's a good thing I skipped breakfast. Besides, I dealt with worse. Have you ever dissected a frog in high school? This is just bigger, a less jumpy version."
He shrugged. "If you say so. Just try to keep your coffee down. Rosa doesn't like messes in her morgue."
Danni smirked. "Can't be too strict. She let you in, didn't she?" She grinned and added, "I'll do my best!"
As Dr. Galotti pulled back the sheet covering Arthur, Danni's eyes widened in horror, her hands flying to her mouth. "Oh, my stars!" she exclaimed, her voice rising an octave. "That is — well, I never — maybe —" Her eyes widened with shock. "In my day, women didn't see such things!"
Rosa stifled a laugh while the detective tried to suppress a grin. "Welcome to the modern world, Danni."
Donatelli grinned. "Can you put your eyes back in their sockets and show Rosa your unique skills?"
Visibly shaken, she composed herself and moved closer to examine the body. "Well, this is certainly — an experience," she said, her voice trembling slightly. She leaned in, scrutinizing the gash on Arthur's temple. "This wound — it's precise, almost too precise. It reminds me of something I saw during the war."
Rosa looked intrigued. "The war?"
Matthew, trying to bridge the gap, sputtered. "Danni means it's like wounds she saw when she studied the Vietnam War. Someone with surgical knowledge did this."
Rosa nodded. "A strong possibility. So, we're looking for someone with medical expertise."
"Given Arthur's prominence, it must be someone who had access to him, someone he trusted."
The morgue door swung open, sending Danni's umbrella clattering to the floor. Three pairs of eyes turned toward the noise.
Danni vanished from sight, sensing Naomi's presence and knowing she needed to stay hidden. She floated invisibly, watching the interaction closely.
Naomi Henderson entered the room with an air of unshakeable confidence. Her impeccably tailored suit and cool demeanor drew the tension in the room tighter.
"Matthew," Naomi greeted him with a curt nod.
"Naomi," Matthew replied, his tone flat.
Her eyes focused on the body on the table. "Poor Arthur. What a tragedy."
"Ms. Henderson," Matthew said, "you were still in contact with Mr. Beckett?"
Naomi's gaze turned to the body on the table. "Yes, since they dropped all charges in his case, he remained at the firm."
Danni, invisible and hovering near Naomi, whispered to Matthew, "She's hiding something."
Dr. Rosa Galotti interjected, her voice steady. "Ms. Henderson, when was the last time you saw Arthur?"
"Last week," Naomi responded coolly. "He was preparing for an important case and was under a lot of stress."
Rosa's gaze narrowed as she continued, "Stress is one thing, but it doesn't explain a precise gash to the temple."
Naomi's face remained impassive. "Of course, Doctor. Just stating the facts."
"Then, Ms. Henderson, do you have any insights into why someone would want to murder Arthur Beckett?" Matthew pressed.
Naomi's eyes met Matthew's, her expression carefully controlled. "Detective, that's your job, isn't it? But my first guess might include you."
"We must be auditioning for a comedy hour today." Matthew snarled and walked away, putting space between him and Naomi. "If you have any information that might help, it would be appreciated."
Danni floated closer to Naomi, her ghostly form nearly brushing against her, mumbling in her head. "Something doesn't add up here."
Naomi felt a chill, and her gaze flickered briefly toward Danni's invisible presence but quickly returned to her composed mask. "I'll leave the investigation to you, Detective. If you need anything from me, you know where to find me."
"Of course — you were still rooming with Arthur, weren't you?"
Naomi turned away with a huff, her back stiffening as she walked toward the door.
Matthew muttered, "We're not done yet."
Naomi's sharp retort carried over her shoulder, "Oh yes, we are!"
After Naomi left, Rosa glanced at her vacant spot. "What was that about?"
Danni reappeared, her expression stern. "I don't trust her. She's hiding something."
Matthew rubbed his temples, feeling his unresolved past with Naomi. "We have history, Naomi and me. Let's just say our past was very — intense."
Rosa raised an eyebrow. "Intense? Do I need to worry about this becoming a soap opera?"
Matthew sighed. "Let's stay focused on the case. Naomi is a professional. Whatever happened between us won't affect the investigation."
Danni's gaze softened. "Matthew, if you need my help, I'm here."
Matthew nodded. "Thanks, but no thanks. I don't need you messing with my relationships. Let's dig deeper into Arthur's life and see what we can uncover."
Danni's ghostly presence shimmered with resolve. "I'm ready to work." Her mental notes included the verbal battlefield between Matthew and Naomi and her history with the deceased.
As Rosa began the autopsy, Matthew and Danni exchanged looks. The case was just beginning with no leads, and they would need every bit of Danni's ghostly insight and Matthew's detective skills to unravel the mystery of Arthur Beckett's death.
 Recognized |
Dr. Rosa Galotti -- Morgue Medical Examiner
Danielle "Danni" Delahanty -- Ghost Detective
Eleanor Bennett -- Beloved Ghost Advisor
Matthew Donatelli -- Detective
Jenna Bradford -- Journalist and Pageant Consultant
Naomi Henderson -- Lawyer / ex-lover of Donatelli -
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. Danielle "Danni" Delahanty -- Ghost Detective
Eleanor Bennett -- Beloved Ghost Advisor
Matthew Donatelli -- Detective
Jenna Bradford -- Journalist and Pageant Consultant
Naomi Henderson -- Lawyer / ex-lover of Donatelli -
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