Diane took out the envelope of photographs and the fingerprint card from the conservation lab break-in.
“One of the labs was broken into a few days ago. They upset a lot of supplies and emptied drawers, but nothing was stolen, so the police here really can’t do much. I took some fingerprints. I was wondering if you could run them for me.” She handed him the envelope.
“That shouldn’t be a problem. Sounds to me like you have some vandals running around the place. I can’t stand people whose only mission in life is to tear up other people’s stuff. It’s as bad as stealing. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“Yes. This concerns Frank and what happened to him.” Diane laid out the whole story of the skeleton, the Boones, the attack on her and then Frank.
“Yes, you mentioned in the hospital that you were attacked, or someone did. You think all this is related?”
“Either that or a lot of coincidences.”
“Yeah, too many coincidences.”
“I’ve analyzed the skeletal remains, and this is what I came up with.” She took her laptop and plugged it into its docking station, called up her report and printed it out.
She cast a glance at the laptop Kenneth had sent, which was sitting on the table. She hadn’t even tried it yet. In fact, she’d forgotten that Dylan Houser was bringing it over. It must have been brought when she’d been out, which lately was entirely too much. She should at least give it a try. Her absence from the museum was weighing her down.
The page came out of the printer, and Diane handed it to Ben.
“This is what we think we know about the remains. I make it clear in the report what’s observation and what’s simply possibilities.”
Ben read the report and whistled. “This seems pretty thorough to me. Didn’t know you could get this much stuff from bones.”
“We haven’t found the skull yet, unfortunately. That could tell us a lot more.”
“Frank said you’re a forensic anthropologist. I didn’t know museums had them.”
“Many have forensic units. Museums are often repositories of skeletal collections, so a lot of research goes on in them. I’d like to try to match up this information with a missing person.”
“I’ll put it out. Not every place in the country, or even Georgia, will see it right away, but who knows? We might get lucky.”
“I hope so. I think this might be the key to everything.”
“All we can do is try.” He stood. “Nice museum you have here. I might bring my wife and kids when it opens up.”
“Please do. We’re very proud of it. Your kids will especially enjoy it. Many of the exhibits are designed for kids to interact with.” She rose and shook his hand. “And thanks so much for coming.” Diane walked him through Andie’s office and to the door, grateful for help.
“I’m going to get some work done,” she told Andie. “So unless it’s an emergency. .”
“Sure. I’ve got a letter from Leonard Starns. He’s quit.” Andie sounded incredulous, astounded that anyone would quit a job there.
Diane would have smiled at Andie had she not felt so angry with Leonard. She’d be willing to bet it was his key used to gain access to the conservation lab. But if that were true, what was the purpose of the fake break-in? She thought it had to do with the bone, but why didn’t they break in the faunal lab? That would be where they would expect bones to be stored-or her office.
“You think he’s sick?” said Andie. “He’s had to miss work the last couple of evenings.”
“Is he due another paycheck?”
“Yes, payroll’s going to mail it to him.”
“No. Go tell them to call Leonard and tell him he has to come pick it up from you. Then bring it to me.”
“Is there something going on?”
“Maybe. There seems to be a lot going on. I want to see Leonard before he quits. Oh, Chanell Napier’s going to drop by. Send her in when she comes. She’ll need some paperwork. I’m promoting her to head of security. Also find out about training slots at the GBI police academy to send her to.”
“Will do,” said Andie, reaching for the phone book.
Diane started back to her office. “Oh, Dylan Houser’s been assessing our interactive computer needs. How’s that going?”
“Well, I think he’s been to all the departments. He said sometime next week he’d like to make a presentation to you and all the upper management. Speaking of which, Donald has been looking for you. He’s been complaining that you are never around.”
Diane sighed. “Next time he comes over, show him in. Has the snake been found?”
Andie laughed. “Donald makes you think of snakes? As far as I know, it’s still loose.”
“Tell the herpetologist that I’ve rethought the idea of live examples. I don’t care what they’ve built to accommodate them. We aren’t a zoo, and I shouldn’t have said yes. Bad decision.”
“I’ll do it. He’s going to be disappointed. He’s got this terrarium built that just about encircles the room.”
“I know, I’ve seen it. But I don’t want any more live animals. I’m having enough problems with the people.”
Diane went back to her desk and pulled out the new computer that Dylan Houser brought from Kenneth Meyers. Fairly soon he’d want a report about it. The computer was a model he called ToughLove DLX. Tough love. She couldn’t imagine how guilty Louise and George must have felt, how they must have regretted asking Star to leave home. In her wildest imagination she couldn’t see tossing Ariel out. But she had to admit, she’d never walked in the Boones’ shoes. But still. .
She focused her attention back on the computer. She took it out of its case and opened it up. Kenneth said it was designed for field work. He wasn’t kidding. A 3.2 gigahertz processor, shock-protected 120 gigabyte hard drive, global-position satellite receiver, dust-and water-resistant, a ton of software, sleek black, and all in a hardy magnesium case. She turned it on. Fast boot up. She liked it. Kenneth knew how to tempt a woman. She’d have to show this to Frank. Frank. She started to reach for the phone and call the hospital to see how he was, but stopped herself. Linc would call if there was any news.
She looked at several of the programs Kenneth had installed-word processing, graphics, maps. There was plenty of room to put her specialized software on it.
She heard Andie talking to someone in her office. She didn’t recognize the voice, but someone wanted to see her and they weren’t taking no for an answer. She got up to see who it was.
Chapter 39
“I’m sorry, Dr. Fallon,” said Andie. “I told him you didn’t want to be disturbed.”
Dylan Houser stood in front of Andie’s desk, arguing with her. “Dylan,” said Diane. “I don’t have time to talk about the computers now. I realize I’ve been putting you off for. .”
He stood with his hands in his pockets, looking sheepish. It was not a look she imagined he had very often. “It’s not about that. It’s personal. I am sorry, but it won’t take long.”
“All right, come in.” Diane stood aside as he entered. She closed the door behind him. “What’s this about?” She hadn’t meant to sound short, but she was feeling the need to get some work done.
“It’s about Alix and Melissa.”
Diane sighed, deeply regretting getting involved. “That’s none of my business. I shouldn’t have interfered in the first place.”
“Perhaps,” said Dylan. “Or perhaps not. I just want to set the record straight about Alix. She’d never tell you herself.”
Diane waited.
“I know all this sounds strange.” He shook his head. “And I know Lacy and Emily told you their version. Maybe they believe it and maybe they don’t. Frankly, I don’t know them very well.”