บท 70: Chapter 70: Pills
"Angela, you have two choices now. I can negotiate with Detective Calderon, who is in charge of your case, and you will have 24 hours before the case is officially handed over."
"I choose the first option."
Angela agreed immediately before Chief Gray could mention the second option. As a veteran patrol officer, she had been to many crime scenes, but patrol officers usually only protected the scene and did miscellaneous tasks. Now, having finally become a reserve detective, this was a rare opportunity.
"I'll assist Detective Angela."
Jack volunteered as well. He had recently acquired entry-level forensic skills and didn't want to miss this opportunity to handle a violent home invasion.
Chief Gray nodded, "Tell me about your findings."
Jack took out a small notebook. After Christine and her husband's emotions had stabilized, he and Angela had conducted an initial inquiry.
"According to the couple's description, there were two perpetrators, both wearing ski masks. They were white males, possibly Hispanic, around 5'9" to 5'11" (175 cm to 180 cm), with medium builds."
"The assailant who attacked Mrs. Christine was wearing white sneakers with a red triangle pattern. We have reported this information to the command center, and they will issue a wanted notice."
Chief Gray looked satisfied and was about to leave when he thought of something and asked the two.
"Is there anything else the forensic team should be aware of? They're very busy today and won't arrive at the scene for about two hours."
"Uh..."
Jack looked at Angela, who gestured towards the door. Realizing what she meant, he said, "The visual doorbell's camera is covered with electrical tape. They might be able to collect fingerprints from it."
Chief Gray nodded again in satisfaction.
"I'm going to speak with the victims and persuade Mrs. Christine to undergo a forensic examination. I suggest you start investigating the scene before the forensic team arrives, but be careful not to cause any damage."
Returning to the second-floor crime scene, Jack and Angela felt a heavy weight in their hearts. A young life had ended before their eyes. Even though the victim was a stranger, the inherent human empathy made them feel sorrowful.
Angela put on rubber gloves and lifted the deceased's right arm. Jack was surprised to find another bullet hole above the elbow joint.
He quickly checked the bullet hole on the back of the body. From the damaged clothing, he could see that the hole was larger, and the surrounding skin had a star-shaped pattern, which suddenly made him understand.
"This is an exit wound, meaning the bullet entered through the elbow joint, traveled along the humerus, and exited through the back, severing an artery and causing him to bleed to death."
Angela gave him a strange look. "Are you trying to compete for the detective position? When did you start studying forensic medicine?"
Jack habitually wanted to scratch the back of his head but realized he was wearing rubber gloves and had just touched the body.
"I read a few forensic medicine books during my vacation. Dr. Temperance Brennan has a fascinating book on human bones that I recommend you try."
Angela shook her head and sighed. Her partner was not only good-looking and capable, but their teamwork over the past few months had surpassed any previous partnership she had. Unfortunately, he was too driven.
It had taken her nearly ten years to barely qualify for the detective position, while he had been in the LAPD for less than six months and was already seen as a rising star. In at most two years, with enough experience, he would naturally become a detective.
What was most frustrating was that she couldn't feel jealous or accuse him of gender bias because his hard work and progress were evident to the entire precinct.
However, Angela's competitive spirit was strong. She pointed to the liquid flowing from the deceased's mouth, "What's the deal with the fluid coming from his mouth?"
Jack hesitated, unsure, "Pulmonary edema secretions?"
"The cause of pulmonary edema?"
Jack was stumped; this was beyond his expertise.
"Bronchitis or opioid addiction." Angela smiled victoriously.
"If it's the latter, this case just got interesting."
Jack murmured, his eyes scanning the bedroom.
Angela subtly blocked a certain angle with her body and continued questioning.
"Care to share your thoughts?"
Jack complied, presenting his views one by one.
"There are no signs of a struggle here, nor was the place ransacked. One intruder was venting his beastly desires downstairs, while the other brought the victim into his bedroom for what reason?"
"If they intended to assault him, the bed is clean, and the victim's clothes are not disheveled, which doesn't make sense."
Jack suddenly had a flash of inspiration, "Is it possible that the perpetrator knew the victim? They bypassed the master bedroom, which might have valuables, and instead went to the son's bedroom because it had something they needed."
Angela smiled slightly and stepped aside.
"Like a prescription drug."
Behind her, on the floor by the wardrobe, lay a small pill.
Jack took a step forward and noticed that the side panel of the wardrobe was slightly raised. A gentle push revealed several identical white pills scattered between the wardrobe panel and the drawer.
Angela took out her phone and snapped a couple of photos of the spot.
"We'll need the forensic team to analyze this, but I can tell at a glance that this is OxyContin."
Jack's sympathy for the victim diminished considerably.
OxyContin and fentanyl are two of the most common and abused prescription painkillers in the USA. As opioids, these morphine-like substances are highly effective at relieving pain and inducing euphoria, but they are also highly addictive.
For well-known reasons, these drugs, originally intended only for end-stage cancer patients, are widely misused to a staggering degree.
To make an interesting comparison, if a person in China catches a cold, they might first think of drinking hot water, covering themselves to sweat it out, and if symptoms are severe or a fever persists, they go to a hospital or clinic for cold or fever medicine. Resting for a few days usually resolves it.
Some might experience mild complications, like throat inflammation, due to their constitution, and the doctor would prescribe some anti-inflammatory drugs and possibly an IV drip for a few hours, leading to a quick recovery.
Most people follow this procedure, and the cost is generally low. Even without insurance, treatment expenses are usually affordable for the average person.
But in the USA, the process is different.
The chances of getting onto the Three Rivers' recommendation list are slim; we fell short by 1000 reads. However, the book is still being published. I hope you continue to support me so I don't end up forgotten.
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