Chenard

Chenard recalled what Bockem had told him, sounding conciliatory at the end of their last, somewhat tense conversation: “If my plans hold, there will be more than a single additional offering.”

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Skin Deep Jerome Preisler 2010

Teased by those words, Chenard had been unable to keep from wondering what the mentioned offerings might be.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Skin Deep Jerome Preisler 2010

Then, late Sunday morning, Chenard learned which pieces Bockem had gotten hold of.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Skin Deep Jerome Preisler 2010

“My apologies for the disturbance, should I have caused one,” Chenard said.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Skin Deep Jerome Preisler 2010

Chenard produced a handkerchief from his lapel pocket, unfolded it, and dabbed a glistening spot of perspiration off his brow.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Skin Deep Jerome Preisler 2010

Across the table from him in his atrium, Chenard deeply inhaled the perfume of his cultivated orchids, savoring it perhaps for the final time as he took the skins in their tubes and brown paper wrappings.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Skin Deep Jerome Preisler 2010

He had time enough to give Chenard a brief quizzical glance before the doors were flung open and a bullish man in a dark blue suit stepped through, followed by several others in police uniforms.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Skin Deep Jerome Preisler 2010

Ray grinned as they left the gate behind and made the turn curving toward the lakeside estate of Pierre Chenard.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Skin Deep Jerome Preisler 2010

The PDA in one hand now, Chenard reached for his tea with the other, sipped, and delicately replaced his cup in its saucer.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Skin Deep Jerome Preisler 2010

Chenard trilled again, like a cat eyeing a nest of pink infant squirrels.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Skin Deep Jerome Preisler 2010