EXCERPT: "Triple Cross Killer" by Rosemarie Aquilina
Read an excerpt from chapter 2 of TRIPLE CROSS KILLER by Rosemarie Aquilina.
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TRIPLE CROSS KILLER by ROSEMARIE AQUILINA
EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER 2
Dr. Milano’s sharp Italian jawline stiffened as his gloved hands unzipped the black body bag. “Strangulation, very little struggle. The old man didn’t have much of a chance. Based on the body temperature only a few hours passed before he was found; there was no decomposition, no skin slippage; except for his neck, he is visually intact. Not much under the nails, but we scraped them before we bagged the hands. We’ll do what we can to find DNA from his assailant.”
“Anything you’ve seen before? I mean related to another case?”
“You know I stand mute.” The doctor straightened and made a note. “Autopsy tells the story. You like conjecture.”
“Even for a bottle of my family wine?”
“You drive a hard bargain, Mendoza. Argentinean wine is my favorite.” Dr. Milano put demonstrative hands around his own neck. “Strangulation is a crime that takes strength and leverage—”
“Meaning—”
Dr. Milano interrupted Abel. “That crime in particular is quick, clean, and very personal.”
Abel’s partner, Rabbit, entered, tousled dark hair, wearing jeans and a stained, worn jersey, looking like he’d just been disturbed from a Sunday football game. “Victim was wearing a dark-brown, possibly handmade, rosary. A strong, silk-type cord around his neck is in an evidence bag. Thought you two would want to take a look at it once I’ve tested it.”
“Was the cord used in the strangulation?” Rabbit zipped open his notepad.
“No ligature marks. Point is, daughter was surprised by the rosary and she didn’t recognize it as one of hers from the house. She said her father wasn’t a believer, that it was her mother who raised her in the church. Bagged and tagged it and watched her surprise while I did it.” Dr. Milano sounded weary. “One more thing—ever heard of the Kissing Bug?”
“Yeah, deadly, bloodsuckers. AKA Assassin Bugs. My wife makes monthly donations to the Orkin man trying to rid us of them.” Rabbit squinted. “Why?”
Dr. Milano eyed each of them. “Formal insect name is Conenose or Triatoma, currently found in only four states, including Florida. I found a few dead ones inside the old man’s shirt. They are bagged.”
Rabbit winced. “Gross.”
“Told the family to get the house sprayed after you release it back to them. I can’t tell if he’s been bitten or not.”
“Infestation?” Rabbit frowned, unsettled. He scribbled a note.
“No idea. Family was unaware.” Dr. Milano cast his eyes around the room. “They show as the sun sets, attracted to the light in homes.”
“Do these creatures have anything to do with the murder, maybe crime-scene dressing?” Abel scratched his head.
Dr. Milano arched a brow. “Your job.”
BOOK INFO:
TRIPLE CROSS KILLER
By Rosemarie Aquilina
Fiery Seas Publishing
December 5, 2017
Thriller
Have you ever wondered what really happens to Santa Claus letters? In Detroit and Sarasota some children’s letters are diverted and reviewed by Nick Archer, a religiously obsessed, narcissist. Nick responds, leaving a trail of devastation in the two cities.
In Detroit, co-ed partners and wise-cracking lovers, detectives Jaq McSween and David Maxwell, team up with Sarasota detectives Abel Mendoza and his partner, Rabbit, to find this daunting killer.
When Jaq’s friend, the lovely nurse, Rita Rose, takes a chance on love again, she gets caught in Nick’s web. Working with the ME, she joins in, adding her perspective when events take a sinister turn.
Can this diverse team of characters pool their insights, barbs, and taste for bad food to save Rita when she discovers the final clues or will she become the next victim?
AMAZON ~ BARNES & NOBLE ~ KOBO ~ iBOOKS
Rosemarie Aquilina is the mother of five children. Elected as a 30th Circuit Court Judge serving in the General Trial Division, after having served as a 55th District Court Judge in Mason, Michigan, she takes pride in public serve.
In 1986, Judge Aquilina became the first female JAG Officer in the history of the Michigan Army National Guard, she retired in 2006 with twenty years Honorable Service. She is an adjunct law professor at both Western Michigan University—Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Michigan State University College of Law and has earned teaching awards at both institutions.
Judge Aquilina is the former owner of Aquilina Law Firm, PLC, and former host of a syndicated radio talk show called Ask the Family Lawyer.
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