Never Happened by Debra Webb Page B

closed the case. There’s just something I’m curious about.”
    Still looking a little unsure, he said, “He’s scheduled for the full treatment tomorrow morning. Letting you look at him wouldn’t really be—”
    He was on the verge of saying no. “I swear I won’t do anything that’ll get you in trouble. I just need to check one little thing.” She held her breath, then quickly added in hopes of alleviating any final reservations he might have, “It’s not like I haven’t alreadyseen him.” The full treatment was a no holds barred complete autopsy. Everyone got the full treatment unless the family requested otherwise.
    He checked his watch. “I don’t guess there’d be any harm. Like you said you’ve already seen him…been in the same room with him.” Their eyes locked. “Just let me make sure the cooler is…ah…clear.”
    â€œI really appreciate it.” She gave him her best you’re-my-hero look of gratitude.
    â€œI’ll be back in thirty seconds,” he promised as he backed out of his office.
    She couldn’t be certain whether he backed out because he was afraid she’d follow him or if he feared she’d disappear before he got back. A quick peek out the door confirmed her conclusion that he would probably run the whole distance to the cooler.
    Leaning against the door frame to watch for his return she couldn’t help thinking that men were like puppies—she adored them but she didn’t want to have to clean up after one on a regular basis. She liked her total independence. She didn’t have to answer to anyone. How many women her age could say that? How many others looked back on their lives and considered all they would change if given the opportunity.
    Not Alex. She wouldn’t change a thing. Sure, being alone hadn’t always been rosy, but she felt completely satisfied with who she was, where she’d been and where she was going. That was an accomplishment in and of itself.
    That big ol’ grin Henson liked to flash at her popped into her head and suddenly she didn’t feel so sure of all she’d just affirmed. She blinked away the image. She had to be hormonal. She never had this much trouble with self-doubt.
    True to his word, Cody was back in about half a minute. “This way.” He gestured in the direction from which he’d just returned.
    Alex let him lead the way though she knew the route. The few times she’d visited had been when she’d been dating another member of the esteemed staff. Way before Cody’s time.
    Cody checked the log sheet and headed for the drawer where Charlie Crane awaited two things, an autopsy and then for the state to claim his body since there was no next of kin. En route her guide pointed to a box of latex gloves stationed on a counter. Alex had them in place before Cody had rested his hand on the pull of the cooler drawer.
    With one last fleeting look at the door, he luggedthe drawer open. As if having second thoughts, he hesitated before lowering the zipper on the body bag. “Make it quick, okay? And be really careful not to…well, you know.”
    â€œDon’t worry.”
    He opened the bag that helped to keep the body fresh while in a refrigerated state.
    With the old guy’s upper torso and what was left of his head fully exposed to her, Cody backed away. “I’ll keep watch outside.”
    She nodded and he left her to her business.
    It wasn’t that Alex got any kind of thrill out of touching a dead guy, but this had to be done.
    Working quickly, she first surveyed what was left of his head. His body was nude so anything he’d had in his pockets would be beyond her reach at this point. It would take an act of congress or proof of kinship to get her hands on his personal effects.
    The right eye remained intact and exactly where it should be in its socket.
    â€œOkay,