Free Faces of Evil [4] Rage by Debra Webb Page A

that sentiment earlier today,” Leeds said. “Unfortunately, some of the toxicology can’t be rushed and will require time, which will, in turn, delay issuing the official final report.” He held up both gloved hands to halt the protest she’d started to launch. “But we’ll do everything possible to have a preliminary report on our physical examination findings late tomorrow.”
    “I can’t ask for more than that.” Jess felt relieved. She hadn’t expected this level of cooperation after last week’s Chandler case and the head butting between her and Deputy Chief Black. With Black’s seniority in the department, the coroner’s office had leaned in his direction when it came to choosing sides.
    Sylvia Baron peeled off her gloves. “Since I intercepted you on your way to lunch, Chief Harris, why don’t I make it up to you by taking you to my favorite sandwich shop down the street?” She produced a credible smile. “I’m certain you’re as famished as I am.”
    Under the circumstances Jess wasn’t sure her appetite would return anytime today and she did have that briefing with Burnett at five thirty. She shouldn’t take the time… Burnett hated waiting as badly as she did. But she couldn’t resist the opportunity to learn why Baron had barged her way into this case. “You have a deal, Dr. Baron.” Jess turned to Harper. “Sergeant, why don’t you carry on and I’ll meet you back at the office at five or so.”
    Harper gave her a nod. He’d been on his way to talk to his gang contacts when she’d diverted him here.
    Before he could be on his way, Jess snagged him by the sleeve of his jacket. “And, Sergeant, don’t forget what we talked about.”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    Daniel Burnett was Birmingham’s chief of police but he had no business checking up on her via her detectives. She’d warned him about that already. Since giving Burnett what for hadn’t done any good, she’d spoken to both Lori and Harper about her feelings on the situation. She made a mental note to ensure Officer Cook got the same lecture. She had her own way of doing things. Having Burnett all up in her business cramped her style.
    Jess tucked her glasses into her bag as she followed Dr. Baron to her office. The room was smaller than she’d expected. Seemed to Jess it should have been considerably larger to house such an enormous ego.
    Small or not, the lady had her prestigious diplomas and awards adorning the walls. Each was framed in rich wood and surrounded by regal matting. Her desk sported a nameplate, a crystal vase with a single long-stemmed white rose, and the surface was totally free of any clutter whatsoever. Reminded Jess of Burnett’s desk. Maybe they taught neatness skills at that fancy private school he and all his pals had attended.
    Jess sure never got classes like that at her school. Not that she would have paid attention anyway. Her sister had always been the studious one.
    The doctor’s wall of pride had Jess wondering why a woman of such means would go into the business of dissecting the dead. Jess spent most of her time studying the dead as well, but that was different. Since she had never been rich or the daughter of a senator her options had been somewhat limited.
    Dr. Baron removed her lab coat and turned to Jess as if she’d read her mind and realized her mistake. “I don’t actually have time for lunch, Harris. I wanted a moment of your time in private.”
    Well, well. Seemed Jess wasn’t the only one who had a nosy boss.
    “And here we are.” She propped a smile in place. “What’s on your mind?” So much for lunch. Or manners, for that matter. The doctor couldn’t have talked and eaten at the same time?
    “Yesterday Gabrielle Grayson called me.”
    Now there was a revelation Jess hadn’t expected. “Were the two of you friends?”
    Baron laughed. “Hardly. I hadn’t spoken to her since the day she tried to apologize for fucking my husband.”
    There was that. “If you hadn’t