The Electrician's Code Read Free Page A

to. Old women were huddled debating who had seen the most from their planter-covered windows and discussing the theories they had in which to enlighten the police.
    “Are you the SIO?”
    Theo turned around to face a short, pudgy uniformed officer whose blond hair was cropped short. “I am.”
    He took out his warrant card and displayed his credentials. The young officer just stood there.
    “And who are you?” asked Theo.
    “I’m PC Barry Borders. I was the first to arrive on scene, but I didn’t touch the body, and I made sure no one else touched the body. To make sure there were no other victims, I entered the house, but I didn’t touch anything there either—except the door handle, I had to touch the door handle, but I used gloves. No one was inside. The deceased is Maddock Tipring, sixty-two. I don’t really know how he died. Perhaps he had a heart attack while fetching the newspaper. But, I didn’t touch the body.”
    “That’s perfect, Borders. Good job.”
    Just then, a small child of around eight years brushed past Theo’s leg. With a swift grab of the school bag attached to the boy’s shoulders, Theo yanked him back.
    “Sorry, sir,” said another officer who was running after the boy.
    Bending down to meet the boy at eye level, Theo asked, “Where is your mum, lad?”
    The wide-eyed boy pointed in the direction of a woman intently capturing the scene on her mobile phone camera. Theo dragged the boy to his mother and confiscated the phone out of her hand. “Are you the crime scene photographer?”
    “No—”
    “Then I suggest you do your job which is taking care of your son. He is yours, I presume?”
    “Yes. I’m sorry,” she replied roughly, drawing her son near to her. Theo handed her phone back.
    “Are you trying to traumatize your son? You understand your son almost saw a dead body? Do you know what happens then?” Theo continued as the woman shook her head, “They grow up to be teenagers with emotional problems, and when life doesn’t turn out for them like they think is fair, they blame their mothers, who they guilt into spending lots of money to support them for the rest of their miserable lives. Can you afford that? If not, try taking more care of you son. Thank you.” He returned to the dead man.
    “Were there any witnesses, Borders?” asked Theo.
    “Ah, no sir, but we’re questioning the neighbors and bystanders now. So far no one has heard or seen anything. No one even heard him scream. Maybe he couldn’t, I don’t know. Apparently, though, his neighbors say it was his habit to pick up the newspaper every morning. According to the nurse, it was something he wanted to do for himself. Made him feel useful, I suppose. As you can see, he is . . . was disabled.”
    “Yes, I think I can see,” Theo said, ignoring his comment. “Who found the body?”
    Looking down at his pad, the officer replied, “A Mr. Carlin Dowridge. He was walking past the house on the way to work, saw the body, and called the police from his mobile. He says he only touched the body to check for a pulse.”
    “Where is Mr. Dowridge?”
    “He had to be at work by eight because he works at a local school, but I made him stay in case you wanted to talk with him, and I wrote down all his information.” He held his notebook in Theo’s face.
    Theo pushed the notebook aside. “What time did the witness notice the deceased?”
    “About a quarter to eight. He said he almost didn’t notice him because the bushes hid him. When he walked past the fence, he noticed the Zimmer frame. I guess that was when he saw the body. Thought the man had a heart attack or something.”
    “Does he live nearby?”
    “He lives on this road by but two streets down.” Borders pointed in the direction. “He gave us his address.”
    “Did he enter the house?”
    “No, I don’t think so. He said the man looked dead—with all the blood—and so after he rang the police, he just waited and that was all.”
    Theo