“Okay, let’s skip ahead. What else can you tell me, detective? I have seen the death certificate. I’ve also read the autopsyreport. It shows that you and your partner were in attendance at the autopsy.”
“That’s right.” Jansen puffed out his chest, and crossed his arms, his whole posture proclaiming his aggravation. “It’s required that police and/or a detective be present for the autopsy of all suspicious deaths. With the multiple stab wounds and the slit throat, Dawkins’ death was definitely not accident or caused by illness. So, yeah, I was there.”
“Have you attended many autopsies before Mr. Dawkins’?”
Jansen nodded, “Yeah, I’ve seen my fair share.”
“Did you notice anything you’d classify as unusual about Steven Dawkins autopsy?” Gage couldn’t wait to hear how Jansen tried to twist the autopsy findings. Oh, not the actual medical findings by the coroner, but how short the amount of time was on the official report.
Jansen shook his head. “Don’t think so. Honestly, it seemed like every other autopsy to me.”
“I see. Would you happen to have a copy of the autopsy report, detective?”
“Yes, it’s in my file.” Jansen fiddled with the papers, and pulled out the autopsy report. “It’s right here.”
“Perfect. Have you read it, looked over the official report?”
“Of course.”
“I’ve read it, too, detective, and something stood out for me. Jumped right off the page, you might say.”
Jansen started flipping through the pages of the report at Gage’s words, his frown growing more and more pronounced. “What? I’m not seeing anything.”
Gage sighed. “Look at the time, detective. At how long the autopsy took from start to finish. Thirty-five minutes. Now, I might not have any kind of medical training, but I’ve been an investigator long enough to know that an autopsy on a suspectedhomicide case takes a heck of a lot longer than thirty-five minutes, Wouldn’t you agree?”
All the color leeched from Jansen’s face as he started at the autopsy report. “That can’t be right. I was there and it definitely took more than thirty-five minutes.”
“Did it? Are you sure? It’s right there in black and white, thirty-five minutes.”
“I’m telling you, it has to be a mistake. I’ll call over to the medical examiner’s office and bring it to their attention.”
“That’s already being handled. I simply wanted to verify that thirty-five minutes was correct.” Gage watched Jansen closely, noted the nervous swallow, his Adam’s apple bobbing each time.
“I don’t remember looking at my watch, but I’m absolutely sure it took longer than thirty-five minutes. At least an hour longer than that. Let me check with my partner, he attended with me.”
“I’m sure it will all be figured out. I do have another question regarding the night, or rather morning you interrogated Mrs. Dawkins. Did you notice anything—off—about her behavior? Did she seem possibly disoriented or not responding in a normal manner? Were her eyes glazed perhaps?”
“What are you implying?”
“Detective, I’m not implying anything, I’m simply looking for facts and evidence. We both know it’s evidence the prosecutors want and need to make a case to present to a Grand Jury. What other evidence have you procured in Steven Dawkins murder investigation?”
“Look, I know how to do my job—”
“Of course you do, Detective Jansen. Otherwise, I’d have a team in here right now taking over the case. You and I both know a case like this can make or break a career. Steven Dawkins was a big deal in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as well as the state. His company is worth billions of dollars. From all I’ve heard, you’rea good detective. I’m simply dotting all the I’s and crossing all the T’s because it’s my job, especially since I have to answer to people above me in the food chain. You know what I mean, right? They are already asking me about Dawkins’ business partner and Gustavo Sandoval of Sandoval Enterprises. They apparently were working on some type of merger or business meeting of the minds. I haven’t had a chance to talk to either yet. Maybe that’s something you could look into?”
Jansen’s head bobbed like one of those dolls you see at the carnival, and Gage knew he’d at least lit a fire under Jansen. He’d start digging, and if Gage played his cards right, he could point Jansen toward a different suspect. There were other people who clashed with Dawkins in business, including his partner, Donald Blackthorn. Toss Gustavo Sandoval into the mix as well, and you’ve got reasonable doubt that Suzanna had killed her husband.
“Jansen, if you don’t mind, I’d like a copy of anything you can provide to give to the New Orleans cops. They might be interested to see if anything ties in with the kidnapping attempt on Mrs. Dawkins a few days ago. They have one person in custody, but they are aware there is a second still loose. I’d love to see if there’s any kind of a connection.” Bas grinned as he added, “I love pulling all those loose threads, unraveling alibis, and really don’t mind getting my hands dirty.”
Jansen looked at Bas. “Who are you again? I know Newsome said you were a colleague, but…”
“Sebastian Boudreau. My friends call me Bas. I work for Carpenter Security Services. You might have heard of us. I’m currently on assignment as Mrs. Dawkins bodyguard.”
“Bodyguard?”
“Yep. I was hired right after the kidnapper was arrested. He’d apparently been stalking here ever since she arrived in NewOrleans. Possibly before, which is why I’d like to give NOLA PD your notes.”
Jansen sighed and gathered up his papers. “I’ll get that for you. Leave me your email address.”
