Peggy didn’t have a chance to assure her she could handle it. When they walked into the spotless lab, there were people walking back and forth, some stopping to talk to Mai. The lab area was huge. Mai pointed out various aspects of what they could do with evidence that was collected. A new DNA processor stood proudly in the center of the room.
“We still don’t have all the resources the state crime lab has in Raleigh,” Mai explained as they passed a shower for washing off chemicals. “But we’re finally catching up. We handle evidence here from several counties besides Mecklenburg. Hundreds of cases come through here, everything from burglaries and shoplifting to rape, arson, and homicide.”
“You must be the infamous Peggy Lee.” A tall, stout man in a white lab coat joined them. He wore heavy glasses that were reminiscent of the ones so popular in England thirty years ago. He held out a hand to her. “I’m Dr. Harold Ramsey, Chief Medical Examiner for Mecklenburg County.”
“I don’t know about the infamous part.” Peggy put her hand in his and squeezed. “But the name is right. How do you do, Dr. Ramsey? I’ve heard a lot about you.”
He ran a hand across his thinning dark hair that was swept forward to cover an obvious bald spot on top of his head, then held his hands behind him and rocked back on his heels. “You know, you’re alternately a devil and an angel around these parts, depending on the day and the person speaking. You don’t sing, by any chance, do you? There’s no real connection between you and the other Peggy Lee, is there?”
“No, I’m afraid not. I didn’t even come upon the name until after I was married. My husband used to beg me not to sing in the shower.”
He nodded. “That’s right. Wife of Detective John Lee. Mother of Officer Paul Lee. Any other relatives on the force?”
“Not that I know of. Really, two is more than enough. I did everything I could to discourage my son from taking the badge after his father died. But you know how it is when you’re young, Dr. Ramsey. You see everything in black and white.”
“I thought everyone saw everything in black and white at all ages, Mrs. Lee.” He peered at her quizzically down the length of his broad nose. “I know I do. I thought it might be a common failing.”
“I’m sure it comes in handy with your job. But life has taught me there are colors, shades, variances, as well. I wanted Paul to see that.”
He laughed. “Maybe he will someday. In the meantime, I believe you have some samples for me. Horse Chestnut honey. Killing someone with honey! What a concept!”
“We don’t know yet if it was deliberate or an accident, do we?” She gave him the samples. “I collected these from various places. You’ll see the locations marked on the slides. I’m not sure how they’ll help you in this case.”
Dr. Ramsey set one of the slides in place on his microscope and stared into the lens. “They give us a source of reference, actually. You’re a respected botanist. I’ve read some of your work on botanical poisons. I think we can use you as an expert witness on this case. Are you up for that?”
Mai looked at her, too, encouraging her with her large, almond-shaped brown eyes. Peggy wasn’t sure what to say. Not that she believed her testimony about the honey would have any impact on Beth, since her friend wouldn’t be on trial. But what if she was wrong? What if she couldn’t help Beth prove her innocence? Would she want to face her across a courtroom giving evidence for the prosecution?
“I didn’t realize it would be such a difficult decision.” Ramsey continued to look at the sample under the microscope. “Surely you’ve done it before?”
“Not really.” Peggy looked away from Mai. “I’ve answered some questions about poison for one or two police departments, but I’ve never testified in court.”
Ramsey looked up and focused on her. “Let’s say I won’t call you unless it’s necessary. Would that work?”
“I suppose so. It’s not that I don’t want to help. It’s just that—”
“Yes, I know. Your friend.” Ramsey put another slide on the microscope. “I know about your personal involvement in the case. But sometimes, we have to put our personal feelings aside in the pursuit of justice. As the widow of a police detective killed on the streets, you must agree.”
She took a deep breath. From the corner of her eye, she could see Mai. She was pleading with her eyes not to make a scene. She was afraid it was too late for that. No wonder the poor girl didn’t like the ME. He was an obnoxious man! “I don’t think I can be your expert witness in this, Dr. Ramsey. I wouldn’t be pursuing justice if it didn’t involve my personal feelings and my friend. I don’t believe she killed her husband. I’m sure she’ll be exonerated. And that has nothing to do with my husband’s death, though I appreciate your tact in reminding me.”
Ramsey swiveled back to her, taking off his glasses to look at her. “The lieutenant may feel differently. I contacted Elmwood Farms this morning. There haven’t been any other cases of poisoned honey reported to them. It looks like this is the only one.”
Peggy took the information in stride. “That doesn’t make Beth guilty of anything. A hundred other people could have put that honey in the basket. Including their housekeeper. And Park was eating it before he got back from Philadelphia.”
“Can you prove that?”
“Not yet. But—”
“I’m sure you know as much about the process as I do, Dr. Lee. I hope you’re right, and your friend isn’t guilty of this. But I believe your conclusion about the honey and the pollen we found in Mr. Lamonte’s system is correct. I’m going to hand over our findings to the lieutenant and the DA’s office. Good luck to you. Thank you for bringing in the slides. I’ll have Mai call you if we need you again.”
Ramsey went back to study the slide. Peggy realized she’d been dismissed when Mai gently took her arm to lead her out of the lab. Annoyed, she stood her ground. “Is that it?”
He looked up from the microscope, one dark brow arched. “Yes. Unless you have some other crucial evidence to share.”
“Not really, but—”
“Then I have to get back to work.” He frowned at Mai.
“I came all the way over here for you to tell me what I already knew,” she challenged.
He shrugged. “I’d be willing to share more, but you obviously aren’t interested in working with us because of your friend’s supposed innocence. Good day, Dr. Lee.”
“Good day, Dr. Ramsey!” She huffed and strode quickly out of the lab with Mai trailing after her. “You were right about him. He’s very annoying!”
They paused in the hall, Mai twisting her fingers together as she looked at Peggy. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know about him contacting Elmwood Farms. It sounds bad for your friend.”
“That’s all right. As you said, you deserve this promotion. Don’t do anything to jeopardize it. We’ll find our way. I’ll talk to you later.”
Mai reached over and hugged her quickly. “I have to go. I hope it works out.”
Peggy hugged her back. “It’ll be fine. You’ll see.”
But on the way over to the Potting Shed in the taxi, Peggy wasn’t so sure. Someone gave Park poisoned honey. With the information from Elmwood Farms, that meant Park was the only one. Beth had the opportunity to add the poisoned honey to the jar Park brought home from the hotel. She had the motive of ten million dollars and her husband sleeping with his ex-wife.
Except for the gray look to Park’s face in Philadelphia, Peggy might be tempted to suspect Beth as well, at least on an objective level. She looked like a good suspect in theory.