Working Stiff (31 page)

Izzy examines Shannon's back and announces, “It's hard to be sure with all the blood but I don't see any exit wounds. So hopefully we'll have some ballistic evidence once I do her post.”

Hurley is scratching down notes in a small spiral-bound notebook as we ease the body back into its original position, first making sure to tuck the plastic wrap sheet in place. With that done, Izzy and I secure the wrap, completely enclosing the body. Then we stand, remove our bloodied gloves, don new ones, and start taking in the rest of the murder scene.

I study the blood trail leading from the body to the porch and from there into the house. “It doesn't make much sense for the killer to have dragged her outside where she might be found sooner,” I surmise. “And the amount of blood in this trail suggests she was alive until she got to the stairs. So I'm guessing she was shot somewhere inside the house and managed to drag herself out here.”

Izzy says, “I agree.”

“But why?” I pose. “Why come out here rather than phone for help from the house?”

Hurley rewards me with a smile that makes Alison's pout deepen. “Excellent question,” he says. “Let's go inside and find out.”