Marie’s call had been from a private number, but John hadn’t thought to try *69. His phone buzzed with the call.
“Manitou County Sheriff;s Department,” a voice said on the other end.
“I’m calling for a Mrs. Marie Carr,” said John. “She called and left a message for me last night?”
A moment of silencce on the line. “There is no one living here by that name.”
The phrasing immediately struck John as odd. “Of course, ma’am, but no one lives in a sheriff’s office. I would like to know if anyone or anything answering to Marie Carr has passed through your office recently.”
Another silence. “I’m going to have to refer you to the coroner’s office.”
Sensing a dead end-especially as it was a Sunday and the office was likely closed, John continued. “Please, ma’am, I just need a simple answer. I got a call and a message and I need to know what to do about them.”
An audible sigh. “Sir, are you asking me to compromise my deeply held religious convictions on the sanctity of life?”
“No, ma’am. I just want information. Information has no beliefs.”
The echo of computer keys clacking. “Very well, if you must know, an entity was booked on grave robbing charges re: the grave of one Marie Carr.”
“An entity?” John said.
“An entity,” the receptionist replied. “The matter was remanded to the Gehanna Crematorium.”
“WHAT?” Sunny shouted.
“That’s all the information I have.” The line clicked dead, going over to dialtone.
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