In Death 21 - Origin in Death

out of a dream. "Excuse me?"
    "What time did your neighbors come over?"
    "At six, I think. At around six or a little before, and they stayed, they stayed for dinner. I wanted the company. Will likes to be alone when he's stressed or upset, but I like company. We had dinner, about seven, and the kids went to bed at nine. We played cards. Three-handed bridge. Don and Hester and myself. Then they called-the woman, I can't remember her name. She called and said I needed to come home. Hester stayed with the children for me. My children."
    ''What was your husband stressed about?"
    "His father. His father was murdered. Oh God." Her arms crossed over her belly. "Oh God."
    "Did your husband feel endangered? Threatened? Do you know if anyone made threats?"
    ''No. No. He was grieving. His father. Of course, he was grieving and upset." Avril cupped her elbows, rubbed her hands there as if chilled. "And he felt... I'm sorry, but he felt you weren't doing a very good job. He was angry because he felt you were somehow trying to compromise his father's reputation."
    "How was I doing that?"
    "I can't say. I don't know. He was upset and wanted time alone."
    "What do you know about his work?"
    "His work? He's a surgeon, a very skilled and important surgeon. The facilities at the Center are among the finest in the world."
    "Did he discuss his work with you? Most specifically his private project and research?"
    "A man with such a high-powered and demanding profession doesn't like to bring that work home night after night. He needs a sanctuary."
    "That doesn't answer my question."
    "I don't understand the question."
    "What do you know about projects your husband and father-in-law kept off the books, so to speak?"
    There were still tears but they were just glimmering now, blurring the eyes, the voice. "I don't know what you mean."
    "I'm interested in a long-term private project, one your husband and your father-in-law have been pursuing, actively. One that would require extensive facilities-in or outside the center. One that involves treatment of young women."
    Two tears spilled over, and for a moment, just an instant, those lavender eyes were clear. Something was in them, something sharp and cool. Then it was gone, wavering behind another shimmer of tears.
    "I'm sorry. I don't know anything about it. I wasn't involved in Will's work. Are you saying you think his work is somehow responsible for his death?"
    Eve changed tacks. "Who has the security code for this house?"
    "Ah ... Will and myself, of course. His father-his father did. The domestics."
    "Anyone else?"
    "No. Will was very cautious about security. We changed the codes every few weeks. A bother," she said with the barest hint of a smile. "I'm not very good with numbers."
    "How was your marriage, Mrs. Icove?"
    "How was my marriage?"
    "Any problems? Friction? Was your husband faithful?"
    "Of course he was faithful." Avril turned her head away. "What a terrible thing to ask."
    "Whoever killed your husband was either let into the house or knew the codes. A man, under stress, might send his wife and children out of town for a day or two in order to spend time with a lover."
    "I was his only lover." Avril's voice dropped to a whisper. "I was what he wanted. He was devoted. A loving husband and father, a dedicated doctor. He would never hurt me or the children. He would never stain our marriage with infidelity."
    "I'm sorry. I know this is difficult."
    "It doesn't seem real. It doesn't seem possible. Is there something I should do now? I don't know what I should do."
    "We'll need to take your husband's body in, for examination."
    Avril winced at that. "Autopsy."
    “Yes.”
    "I know you have to. I don't like the thought of it, of what will happen. One of the reasons we rarely discussed Will's work was because I don't like the thought of the ... the cutting and lasering."
    "Squeamish? A doctor's wife-and a woman who likes crime drama."
    There was a hesitation before that ghost of a smile. "I guess I like the end results, but could do without the blood. Do I have to sign anything ?"
    "No. Not now. Is there anyone you'd like us to call for you? Anyone you’d want to contact?"
    "No. There's no one. I have to get back to my children." Her hands came out of her lap, pressed to her lips as they trembled. "My babies. I have to tell my babies. I have to take care of them. How will I ever explain?"
    "Do you want a grief counselor?"
    Avril hesitated again, then shook her head. "No, not now. I