Hades by Russell Andrews

gate and the door and Evan’s tone when he called.”
    “What tone? I thought you said he just seemed lonely.”
    “Yes. But it seemed more urgent than usual. More pressing than usual.”
    “But you didn’t ask why?”
    “No. It didn’t matter. I figured I’d find out when I got here.”
    Justin nodded, then nodded a second time for Bannister to continue with his story.
    “When nobody answered the door, I opened it and went inside.”
    “No one was here?”
    Bannister shook his head.
    “The couple who worked here?”
    Bannister shook his head again. “No. The house was empty. At least I didn’t see anyone. I called Evan’s name a couple of times, then I thought that maybe he was taking a shower or something. So I—I went upstairs. And saw him.”
    “How long before you called the police station?”
    “Immediately. Well, I don’t know how long I stood there. I mean, I couldn’t believe what had happened, what I saw, but I don’t think it was more than a few seconds. And I didn’t call the station, I called 911.”
    “Did you ask for an ambulance?”
    Bannister looked startled at the question. “No. The police. I said there’d been a murder.”
    “Did you check Evan to see if he was alive?”
    The same flash of confusion—Justin thought that this time it might have been embarrassment—crossed Bannister’s face. “No,” he said quietly. “I . . . He was dead. He was clearly dead. My god, it was so horrible. I couldn’t bring myself to touch him, to get close. I just couldn’t.”
    “I understand,” Justin said. “What did you do until Officer Jenkins arrived?”
    “Nothing. I came downstairs . . . I couldn’t stay in that room . . . and I just sat. I felt dizzy—I may have even passed out for a few moments.”
    “You didn’t move around the house?”
    “No. I just sat on the couch.”
    “Were you planning on going back to the city tonight?”
    “No. I was going to stay here.”
    “In the house?”
    “Yes.” He glared over at the ever more inebriated widow. “I stayed here sometimes when she was . . . out. I don’t know what I’m going to do now.”
    “I’d appreciate it if you’d stick around until tomorrow morning, in case we have some other questions.”
    “But I can’t stay here.”
    “No. Officer Jenkins’ll find you a hotel in East End Harbor. I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to drive tonight anyway.”
    “Yes. I mean no. I mean, yes, I’ll stay and, no, I don’t want to drive back.”
    “An ambulance should be here soon. So will another officer who works with me. And I’m going to get a crime scene unit over here as quickly as I can get one. As soon as the officer arrives, Officer Jenkins will get you settled. I’d appreciate it if you’d come to the station by nine tomorrow morning so we can see if there’s anything else you might be able to help us with. It’s possible that the media’ll get hold of this story very quickly. They’ll probably want to talk to you. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t talk to them. At least not yet.”
    Bannister nodded. He’d used up whatever strength he’d regained and looked ready to slump over again. Justin stepped over to Abby, touched her lightly on the elbow, quietly said, “Let’s go. I’ll get you settled, too.” But before he could steer her to the door, Gary Jenkins cleared his throat, looking uncomfortable.
    “Um,” the young officer said, “could I just talk to you for a second, Chief?”
    The two men walked over to the foyer and Justin waited for whatever Gary had to say, but the younger cop just looked more and more on edge. Justin finally had to say, “What is it?” and Gary turned a slight shade of red.
    “I’m trying to learn, you know? Learn what to do, I mean. Although, Christ, I hope I never have to deal with anything like this again.”
    “What do you want to know?” Justin asked.
    Gary lowered his voice, almost to a whisper. “Taking Mrs. Harmon upstairs . . . to