Formula for Murder Page 4

  Normally she would have introduced him to more of the faculty and let him chat with the lunchroom diehards, but she’d had some questions for Burrows and this invitation was a godsend.

  “What happened with your car?” she asked innocently.

  “The prognosis isn’t in yet. I’ll hear later.”

  She polished off the last lettuce leaf and stood impatiently while he wolfed down half a sandwich. Detective Burrows and she were old pals but he noticeably bridled whenever she got just a little bit involved in one of his investigations. This crime was on her home turf, one of her professors, and she wasn’t inclined to back out.

  Burrows rose and arched his back into a leisurely stretch when they entered; offered a handshake for Nick and a nod for Kat, only raising his eyebrows at her presence and not pushing the issue.

  “Sit,” he said and waved towards the chairs in front of his desk before reseating himself. He spoke directly to Nick. The good ol’ boy network or something. Or maybe it was just professional courtesy. No reason for her to get miffed yet. Besides, he hadn’t told her to leave. Richard had bounced Katharine on his knee when she was a child and had difficulty seeing her as a professional, especially since she’d been involved in a recent investigation where she was in danger. She also helped solve the case, which was probably even more difficult for him to accept.

  Burrows explained that it looked like Professor Charles Abbott died of cardiac tamponade. She knew a little about it but was happy for the mini-lesson in cardiology he provided.

  “The heart throbs inside its fibrous or pericardial sac. The stab wound through the anterior chest, or front of his upper chest can result in cardiac tamponade relatively quickly if not found and drained. The sac fills with blood. It doesn’t take a lot of blood before the pressure makes the heart’s pumping job much more difficult. Eventually, as it continues to fill, the heart is literally squeezed to death.”

  “So that’s why his neck veins were so enlarged when they found him,” Kat said.

  Always amazed at her perception, he merely nodded and rolled his eyes. “If you knew last night, why didn’t you tell us?”

  “I didn’t know! I just noticed the neck!”

  Detective Burrows grimaced and said, “OK! OK! You know how I feel about you getting involved in my investigations, but your perspective would be helpful this time around. I’d like to give you a list of names and have you provide any information and insights that you can. No exploring on your own, right?”

  “Richard, you’re coming through loud and clear,” Katharine acquiesced in a limited way, hoping he wouldn’t notice she hadn’t committed herself to anything.

  She kept her eyes averted by starring at her foot. She’d crossed her legs and bobbled the shoe off the heel rhythmically. These four-inch spikes would be ideal for slamming through Richard’s toes but he’d been close friends with her father and she reached for restraint.

  The dictator continued, his toes unaware of their luck. “These are the people we could use more information on: Abner Proserian, Sean Perry, Robin St. Clare, and any scientist who might have been after Charlie’s research or jealous of his success.”

  The list included names of several students Kat didn’t know.

  Burrows continued, “We’ve got people looking through Professor Abbott’s research files, trying to determine if everything is there.”

  Concerned that this investigation would reflect poorly on the university, Nick sought assurance that Burrows intent was not to blame lax security on campus for the murder. The detective made no promises, but salved Nick’s bureaucratic anxiety by saying he didn’t see it so far.

  “We’ll be happy to contribute in any way we can, detective. Is there anything in particular that you’re looking for?” Nick said.

  Richard paged through his notes. Kat interrupted, “Did you find his journal? Any word of threats beforehand or bribes or maybe outright requests to purchase his information?”

  Richard’s balding head jerked up. “Katharine, those are our questions. You provide the answers. That’s how it’s supposed to work around here, in case you’d forgotten!”

  “OK, but I’ll never forget when he said, ‘We’re going places with this project. It’s taken me years but I never let go of an idea. I’ve researched this every which way and my findings are impeccable.’”

  She added, “Charlie was his own biggest fan. He waited impatiently for admiration and when it didn’t come he provided his own. Would have toasted himself if he could. I just wanted to eliminate the project as the cause if you were able to.”

  Richard begrudgingly offered, “We found numerous notebooks — none labeled journal.”

  Kat explained about the sacrosanct journal that every scientist keeps on a project. Professor Abbott acted digitally challenged in the past. She doubted if all his notes were computerized and said so. When Burrows said they’d found nothing of that nature in the lab, office or apartment, Katharine promised to ask around.

  Nick contently observed and absorbed the by-play between the two. He remained intense and thoughtful, watching the sparks fly as Kat clashed with Burrows.

  “Who have you already asked about the journal?”

  “Those on the list I gave you.”

  “They seem to be the right one’s to start. There are a couple of others I can ask and I’ll get back to you. Fair enough?”

  Kat inched forward in her chair. “Do you suspect any of them?”

  “Katharine, you’re overstepping your bounds again!”

  Nick offered a quick defense. “In this case it might be a fair question. You want her to check with people about the journal. I’m sure you don’t want her inadvertently fencing with the killer.”

  Burrows snorted, “If it was verbal there’d be no concern; Katharine can talk circles around the best of them. But I suppose you’re right, even though we haven’t cleared many people for certain. I’ll tell you this: Simon Santora has an ironclad alibi which also happens to clear many of the chemistry students.”

  Kat looked interested. “How so?”

  Burrows hunkered back in his chair and explained. “That night was the monthly American Chemical Society meeting. Santora’s the advisor. They had a speaker. It accounts for Santora and most of his and Professor Abbott’s students.”

  She wandered around his office as he spoke. Spying the replica of the full-rigged sailing ship displayed with pride on the shelf by the door, she stopped to examine the rigging. With a couple quick strides Richard was at the door, fearing disaster was imminent.

  She recognized his concern and sat down. “It looked interesting.”

  “It’s very interesting and will remain so only if it’s in one piece!”

  “There isn’t really a ship called Pandora, is there?”

  “That’s what I named it when you first came to my house with your father. You were three. I brought it to the office shortly after. I wanted to keep it in one piece.”

  “Uh-oh! I don’t think I want to know more.”

  Burrows returned to his tale now that he knew his ship was safe. “What’s even more interesting was the fact that the meeting also accounts for Kauffman’s whereabouts.”

  “Nick asked, “Who’s Kauffman?”

  Burrows beat Kat to the answer, “The student assigned to prepare the lab work Professor Abbott was doing when murder interrupted him.”

  Nick frowned. “So Kauffman attended the meeting and just forgot about his work?”

  “Actually, he was relatively responsible about it. He’d made arrangements with Simon to get the key after the meeting and complete his work. When he got there the place was cordoned off and the officer took his statement.”

  Kat sighed in frustration. “So we know why Charlie was there. Now we just have to find out why he was killed.” She saw that Detective Burrows was about to jump on her, probably about the “we” and beat him to the punch with another question. “Why wasn’t Charlie at the meeting?”

  He n
odded, showing he thought it a fair question. “Not everyone attends every meeting. Proserian does sometimes but wasn’t there last night according to Santora. Charlie never attends. Apparently it was beneath him or something.”

  Kat switched gears quickly after digesting that. “What do you have on Abner and Sean?”

  “You know them both, I take it?”

  “I don’t. Will someone fill me in?” Nick politely wrested the conversation back into his court.

  Kat obliged. “Abner Proserian’s the chemistry professor I mentioned to you, who was turned down for tenure recently. Charlie’s doing. Abner’s a nice guy, but I don’t know how he’d react if crossed.

  “I can’t tell you much on either. It appears Abner was threatening Charlie’s status by his reputation for sincere teaching and meticulous research. Rumor has it the bid for tenure was unjustly denied. I’d say Charlie was scared and resentful. Don’t honestly know enough about Abner to say what he’d do.”

  “Fair enough. What about Sean?”

  “He’s a science major, leading to med school. I even know less about him than about Abner. Why is he on your list?”

  Detective Burrows looked away, hesitating to give up any information, but apparently decided he might get more in return if he cooperated.

  “Charlie was failing Sean. Even though the semester was barely started it looked bad for Sean. His grades were so low it looked like Charlie was going to kick him out ahead of time. Wasn’t even going to let him try and catch up.”

  Kat promised to explore that angle with students she knew. Nick promised he’d keep Kat out of trouble and Burrows showed them out with a grumble and a nod.

  She dropped Nick off at the university where he had to handle details about getting his car repaired and find out where he’d be living. She’d deal later with the sharp sense of loss she felt as he left.

  Later they monitored the campus forum. The news had more shock value than real grief potential. Charlie was well-known but not well-loved. Kat’s face grew pensive as she surveyed the area. She tried to spy any strangers in the midst of friendly faces.

  All of a sudden she felt hunted, but couldn’t see anyone staring at her, let alone taking aim. There were hundreds of students, faculty, and staff in attendance. Kat scanned the crowd, realizing there was no way to recognize the killer, but the prickly feeling didn’t leave as she stood back and waited for the program’s end.

  She studied Nick. His presentation held the attention of the subdued crowd, aided by his engaging mouth and compelling eyes. His bearing was forceful, yet soothing. She saw more than one female student in awe of his well-toned body.

  Kat and Nick met later in the day as planned. She introduced Shelley, who gave Nick a brief run-down on her current publications projects. Kat delivered him to security where he picked up his key for the on-campus apartment kept available for guests. The president said he could stay there while apartment hunting. After introducing him to security personnel, she showed him the apartment and they went out to dinner. She picked a local restaurant that was somewhat off the common student pathways to insure a little peace with the meal.

  Over wine they discussed the investigation, discovering some questions that were unanswered and she agreed to pick him up the next morning and go to the site of the murder in quest of answers. Kat delivered him and his suitcases to the campus apartment. The horizon settled into a murky overcast evening as she made a restless drive home. Frustrated by the lack of progress in the investigation and her growing uneasiness around Nick, Kat was glad she hadn’t lingered at his apartment. She wasn’t sure if her increased tension was due to a murder so near, or Nick, and she was too tired to examine the issue that night.

  Morning brought more enthusiasm and fewer concerns. Their first stop was to pick up his car. She noticed it carried a new wax job. He stroked it lovingly down the side and communed under the hood for a few minutes before following behind her to work.

  The murder scene was still closed off. They noticed students gathered around the door that sported a sign saying classes would be held in another lab indefinitely. The sign, the rumors, and the info from those who had attended the campus drew curiosity. Students took turns peering in the window of the door. When Kat and Nick appeared, they scattered, rushing to classes. Nick decided no way would they sneak under the tape to investigate inside with so many students around. They discussed other angles of pursuit. One of the students lingered. Robin knew Katharine casually because they both spent so much time in the building. He decided he needed to talk with her but then he noticed Nick and backed off.

  Robin was in a quandary. Should he tell the police he was there that night? And almost definitely heard what was happening even though he didn’t know it at the time? He sure didn’t want to get Kelly in trouble for being in the labs. Of course, it was completely his fault. He’d begged her to come. Of all times for this to happen. He’d just started the semester with a new project and a cranky professor. The project was new to him, not to Professor Abbott. But he’d made a possible breakthrough already. And now the professor was dead. The project was probably dead too. Where did that leave him? He not only needed the experience but the credits. He’d normally talk to his advisor, but his advisor was Dr. Abbott and he’d just been killed.

  On the other hand, he certainly didn’t see the killer, other than a shape as he walked by his lab door on the way out. He didn’t think the killer had seen them either. At least he sure hoped not, at least not to recognize. He had hoped to confide in Katharine. Not that he knew her that well, but he figured she would play it straight with him, and it was sure safer than going to the dean or the police. He would try to talk with her later. Meanwhile he’d better contact Simon Santora, chemistry chair, and try to salvage his life.

  Chapter 6

  An exceptionally high percentage of scientists, composers, authors, and mathematicians write with small sized letters—logical, since these types of professionals spend a good deal of time in deep concentration.

  “Handwriting Analysis, Putting it to Work for You”

  by Andrea McNichol

  It wasn’t eavesdropping. Not exactly.

  Kat leaned casually against the doorframe outside Abner’s office. She hunched over, staring at the floor as if lost in thought, but listened avidly to the conversation between Abner and Robin while waiting for Nick.

  Kat didn’t know Abner well. He was good looking in a cerebral sort of way. His dark conservative clothes complemented an eternally apologetic expression and he was precisely groomed. His husky chuckle carried with it a basic sense of honesty that appealed to her. It led her to a neutral stance.

  She was intrigued to hear how Abner dealt with what appeared to be a very highly-strung and volatile student, from the sound of Robin’s rising voice. Was he angry? Or was that just apprehension overwhelming him? It quickly became apparent that Robin was a student who worked with Charlie on the research project. No wonder he was upset. His whole honors project died with Charlie. Or so he feared.

  She knew Robin slightly and could understand his concern with completing the project. She remained in the corridor and tried to look to anyone passing by like she wasn’t paying attention.

  “Dr. Prosnerian, you’re my only hope. Dr. Santora said you were the only one who could help me continue my project, even alter it if we had to, but please help me finish.”

  Abner spoke quietly and Kat had difficulty hearing.

  Robin’s response was louder, the tension strengthening his voice. “I need the experience, and the credits, and I was banking on a great honors project to get me into grad school.”

  Robin’s voice rose in volume and despair as he concluded, “I lose it all if you won’t help me finish!”

  Kat thought Abner showed amazing calm as he gently soothed Robin’s fears and worked out a plan where they could continue the work begun with Charlie. Maybe Abner was used to the volatile student mentality but she was impressed with the composed manner he ex
hibited while dealing with Robin. Could this man have really killed anyone?

  She didn’t have time to fill Nick in. He arrived as Robin left and they entered Abner’s office. As soon as they mentioned Charlie, Abner became irate and vented about the personal animosity between the two of them. It was Charlie’s fault, of course. Then he veered off into deploring Charlie’s archaic scientific methods.

  “Would you believe he made me fight my first six months to get consideration for a scientific instrumentation network? It would link all the science department computers to the instruments such as the nuclear magnetic resonance or gas chromatograph equipment. This setup would advance the science departments exponentially.”

  “What exactly are we talking about here? The university already installed a network for computers. Isn’t that enough?” Kat questioned.

  “No, this is beyond that. With this system, all of the science instruments would be linked to a computer. All the data collected would be stored in the computer. A great deal of time is spent analyzing that data once the actual information is collected.”

  “If I recall, that’s where all the late nights came in,” Nick commented.

  He was standing where the light brought out the fantastic blue of his eyes. Her mind wandered as she tried to pin down the color, somewhat like periwinkle flowers on a summer morning, she thought. She’d know that color anywhere.

  “Right!” Abner’s emphatic answer broke Kat’s reverie. He continued, “And that’s where the link becomes so helpful. It would provide students with easy access from anywhere in the science building to that data. So late at night when the labs are locked and instruments cannot be used, the student can still do their work from another computer. They have access to that data. His voice cracked as he added, “When someone is using an instrument like the gas chromatograph to determine data, another student could still be accessing their data that came from that instrument earlier.”