by James Murray
Nolan leaned back to a cart and picked up a report folder from it. “Not long ago I had a case that I ruled an accidental overdose. The only significant aspects of that case were the purity of the heroin and the fact that it was the water-soluble hydrochloride kind. You and Vince were assigned to investigate until I ruled it accidental.”
“I recall the case,” Rosie said. “The victim’s name was Nathan Wheeler. We found the heroin in a squeeze bottle that looked like a nasal spray container. You said the bottle was significant because of the heroin’s chemical makeup and said that it was perfect for snorting.”
Nolan pointed to Rosie and grinned. “I also documented that I thought we were seeing the beginnings of a whole new heroin distribution idea. Although I think Ms. Arredondo died of a massive heroin injection, she definitely had nasal irritation consistent with snorting a powerful drug.”
“Are these cases linked?”
“The COD in both cases is a heroin overdose and in both situations the drug was unique. I reviewed Mr. Wheeler’s file this morning and I still think his overdose was self-inflicted and his death accidental. That’s how the cases differ.” Becky paused and put the Wheeler file back on the cart. She folded her arms and nodded. “Ms. Arredondo was definitely murdered. I’ve ordered a chemical assay of the heroin in both cases. I suspect they’re from the same source and that’s why I called in the DEA. We may be seeing a new street heroin here.”
Rosie turned to Special Agent Vargas, her posture rigid and her voice crisp. “You heard the doctor. The victim was murdered. I want to make it perfectly clear that this is our case.”
Refusing to be chastised, Agent Vargas spoke in a professional tone. “I appreciate your candor, Detective Young, but I hope you understand I’ll need to be kept informed on the progress of your case, especially as it pertains to the drug source. Otherwise, I’ll become more involved than you’d like.”
Rosie tilted her head and put a hand over her heart. “You have my word. We’ll be cooperative and forthcoming with the results of our murder investigation.”
“Becky, there was an IV bag at the crime scene. We sent it to the lab for analysis,” Vince said. “It was in the victim’s closet. I may be stretching here, but I wonder if that bag contained more of that same pure heroin. Could you check on the results?”
Nolan frowned, raked fingers through her red hair. “I didn’t see that listed on the investigation report but I’ll find out.”
“It’s listed on the supplemental report because I found it early on, before the forensics techs arrived. I made sure one of them dusted it for prints first before sending it off, though.”
“I’ll check with the lab. Describe it.” Nolan grabbed a notepad and pen.
“It looked like a small plastic bag you’d see hanging from a hospital IV pole. There was only a little clear liquid left in it. Whatever it was, the label said it was from a pharmacy called The Infusion Masters. We’ll check the place out once we have the analysis.”
Before Becky could finish writing her notes, Special Agent Vargas asked, “The Infusion Masters? Is that what the label had on it?”
“Why is that important?” Rosie asked.
“This may be a coincidence, but a few weeks ago we got an anonymous call suggesting that there was illegal drug activity going on in that pharmacy. I went and checked it out myself.”
“So what did you find?” Vince asked.
“Absolutely nothing. I went over their controlled drugs and their records. I couldn’t find anything unusual.”
Rosie let out a heavy sigh. “This lead’s probably another dead end.”
“Possibly, but if anything shows up in that IV bag, I’d appreciate a call.”
“As I’ve said, Special Agent, we’re always glad to cooperate with the DEA .”
