Toxic Tales of Sin

By Pat Booth-Lynch

In Toxic Tales of Sin, you’ll find a series of mysteries dealing with the serious but illusive topic of homicidal poisonings. Surprisingly, a contingency you most likely have not contemplated regarding ingested toxins is that they may be intentionally initiated by a member of your circle of acquaintances or even a family member. Many find this statement a shocking revelation. On the contrary, the facts indicate that health organizations report an incomprehensible number of such deadly actions occurring every day by devious individuals who are determined to harm you.

This work is meant to alert you to such incredulous descriptions of cunning and secretive means of executing lethal acts by presenting them in fi ctional tales of mystery so as to bring to light not only the details regarding the symptoms one may encounter, but to dramatically emphasize the emotional chaos and physical pain victims face in these tormenting situations. In one particular mystery, that transpires in Australia, photographs are integrated into the text, thus amplifying the readers’ sense of being part of the story. To be sure, mystery afi cionados will enjoy the process of solving these conundrums, which pose puzzles that are meant to stimulate the intellect and leave a lasting impression.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 23, 2017
• ISBN: 9781524591786

Pat Booth-Lynch

Pat Booth Lynch considers her life a true adventure. She’s discovered the joy of traveling to exotic places, engaged in a rewarding corporate career, developed talents that have expanded her horizons, raised a talented daughter, Kyle, and has been married to a dynamo of a husband Jack, who has made the journey seem like a trip to a candy store. Currently, while living in Florida, she’s involved in writing thriller novels, namely Blood Pearls and Blood Image as well as short stories that have won awards, some of which are highlighted in an anthology titled, Tales to tease the senses. When she’s not pounding our provocative stories or managing her Ease-on Apparel Corporation, you’ll find her traveling to those far away places with the strange sounding names in search of that next adventure.

Book preview

Copyright © 2017 by Pat Booth-Lynch.

Cover Illustration, Interior Illustrations and Photographs by Pat Booth-Lynch

Editor - Jean D’Anna Burmeister

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 06/06/2019

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Table of Contents

Part 1

Dark Secrets Revisited

Part 2

Deadly Deception

Part 3

Venomous Intent

Part 4

Who would have guessed?

Part 5

Seething Undercurrent

Part 6

Dissolution of Trust

Part 7

Echo Knows Best

Dedication

I dedicate Toxic Tales of Sin, posthumously, to my dear friend and editor Jean D’Anna Burmeister, who was the most sincere, loyal and compassionate individual I have ever known. I thank her for her friendship and expertise. She will never be forgotten. Godspeed dear friend!

Additionally, I’d like to thank my Jack, for his endless love. He’s always been my haven in a storm, my rock and my selfless supporter. There aren’t enough grandiose adjectives in this world to define this extraordinary man.

Preface

Let me begin by offering my heartfelt appreciation to several prominent medical professionals for their encouragement in the preparation of this work, namely Dr. Peter Curcione, Dr. James Barringer, Dr. Marie Gale and Dan Delmont PA-C. Such encouragement was the leaven that raised my spirits and helped bring this project to fruition.

Within these pages, you’ll encounter warning signs of seven different substances that can lead to serious health issues including disability and the possibility of death, if specific symptoms are left untreated. Even though homicidal poisonings appear to be a radical concept, be conscious of the fact that they are well within the realm of reason. Surprisingly, a probability that you most likely have not contemplated regarding such ingested toxins is that they might have been intentionally initiated by a member of your circle of friends, acquaintances and/or even a family member.

Many may find this above-mentioned statement a shocking revelation. On the contrary, the facts indicate that health organizations report an incomprehensible number of such deadly actions take place each day by devious individuals who are determined to harm you. Yet they are often ignored.

It is my intent in this venue, to identify some of these specific toxic substances and symptoms related to each, so as to warn you of the peril therein of ingesting them and overlooking the aches, pains and distress that may ensue.

In general, the text herein is in no way to be interpreted as a definitive medical reference on homicidal poisonings. Rather than portraying such precipitous actions in a clinical manner, including a delineation of charts and statistical data as would be expected in a non-fictional accounting, this author has chosen to incorporate the incredulous descriptions of cunning and secretive means of executing lethal acts in fictional tales of mystery so as to bring to light not only the details regarding the symptoms themselves, but to emphasize in a more dramatic fashion, the emotional chaos as well as the physical pain victims face in such tormenting situations.

These stories stand out like photographs on a memory card or a flash drive, color and emotions that linger long after reading or viewing. In essence, they tend to capture one’s imagination.

As motives for these malicious actions, I herein cite the well-known Seven Deadly Sins i.e., Wrath, Lust, Envy, Greed, Pride, Gluttony and Sloth. Simply put, they relate to cases of jealousy, hatred, envy, greed and lust for not only human contact, but for power. In order to portray the dark side of these hateful occurrences, you’ll find one or more of the sins incorporated into each mystery in this collection.

Lord Chief Justice Edward Coke, who died in 1634, wrote, Of all felonies murder is the most horrific, of all murders poisoning is the most despicable, and of all poisonings lingering is the worst.

Take note of this profound and timely quote, for his words ring as true today as they did then. I wish also to emphasize that these fictional tales are not meant to alarm or to raise anyone’s state of apprehension. They are defined only in an attempt to denote the symptoms of deadly deeds so as to prompt action by seeking treatment as soon as possible.

In brief, if per chance you’re suddenly afflicted with health problems and find yourself in physical distress, seek a solution. If you and your health care professional are unable to resolve the issue, be resolute in your determination to uncover the cause, for your pain and suffering may be the by-product of the actions of a person who is within arm’s reach. The answer to your dilemma could be closer than you think. The often referred to adage, Why I’d trust he or she with my life, may well be a delusion. Instead, be watchful. Those around you may not be as innocent as you think!

Pat Booth-Lynch

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Part 1

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Dark Secrets Revisited

This tale is, indeed, most bizarre with

twists and red herrings that bring into

play happenings from the past that,

when seen in context, are still relevant

today!

Katherine Cromwell was, to most who knew her, an attractive, articulate woman who recently assumed the operation of an import company her father owned prior to his recent death. Seeing as how she was an accomplished interior designer in her own right, with a pedigree that stretched back to the Throne of England, she had no difficulty taking over the responsibilities as president of Cromwell Imports, LLC, a unique business situated within the Merchandise Mart in the heart of Chicago’s Loop.

Money had never been a problem for Katherine, but finding a husband who suited her privileged lifestyle had eluded her for years. It wasn’t until she attended an open house at an antique museum in Wilmette, Illinois and met the well-spoken curator, Matt Elliott, that she felt a glimmer of hope in discovering the thrill of romance in a relationship with someone who could fill the void in her heart. They soon married and together they shared a union filled with passion and a wealth of fascinating exchanges of interest in the arts and sciences.

Katherine was in her early fifties and rich by anyone’s standards, while Matt was ten years her junior and the son of a small Southern Wisconsin farming family who specialized in producing the State’s prized goat cheese. Yet the age disparity and the difference in their social status didn’t seem to be a problem for either one of them. The only significant point of contention that periodically rose to the surface was Katherine’s temper, which she fervently tried to control. Matt took that particular problem in stride, for he had deep feelings for this woman who had shown him a side of lovemaking that he had never experienced. He truly believed that she cared deeply for him.

In turn, it seemed that Katherine admired her husband’s confident persona and his sterling reputation in the field of archeology. In like manner, she was charmed by Matt, for he was urbane, witty and handsome with an ever present twinkle in his eye that gave him a mischievous youthful look. He had worked his way through college and subsequently forged his way up the provincial ladder of success by hard work, a mastery of the English language that bordered on eloquence and, of course, a fair amount of good luck. All that effort had culminated in a highly sought after position as curator of The Musée de l’Antiquité, with its prized historical collection of antiques.

Since the museum was located in Wilmette, Illinois, an affluent northern suburb of Chicago, some distance from their high-rise condominium on Chicago’s lakefront, Matt chose to reside in an apartment in Wilmette during the week. That separation between Katherine and her husband hadn’t caused a conflict in their marriage to date, for Katherine’s lengthy business trips were such that she was sometimes absent from their condo more often than Matt, who usually returned each weekend to enjoy their luxurious fortieth floor residence with its magnificent sweeping view of Lake Michigan which harbored the colorful yachts and sail boats that dotted the shoreline.

However, Matt had not only spent the past weekdays in Wilmette, but also the last two weekends as well, preparing for an upcoming event at the museum. His continued absence was having a disturbing effect on Katherine, for the placid picture of a loving twosome had been clouded, as of late. When Matt did return to their condo, his wife seemed moody and melancholy.

He reasoned that Katherine’s recent depression may have been brought on by his absence. Then again, he thought perhaps her recent visit to the doctor had something to do with her malaise. When he asked her about her doctor’s appointment, she assured him it was merely an annual check-up. Matt hadn’t pressed the issue, reasoning that it might have to do with her aging, a topic she refused to discuss. He only knew that things had been a bit strained between the two since he began to prepare for the museum showing that included an on loan acquisition of a number of historical treasures from the shipwrecked galleons discovered off the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, namely the Nuestra Senora de Atocha and the Santa Margarita, ships that sank during a hurricane on September 6, 1622.

The registry of items received from the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society Museum in Key West, Florida for the upcoming exhibit at Matt’s museum in Wilmette included a wealth of navigational tools, military armaments and cooking utensils. A number of the more prominently intriguing artifacts from the shipwreck the Atocha encompassed an intricately designed gold plate, a seven-pound gold chain, an uncut hexagonal 77.76 carat emerald, eight historically significant Bezoar Stones and a solid gold belt.

Matt and his assistant, Stephanie Goodwin, were spending long days and even a few weekends preparing for the exhibit that would host celebrities from the Chicago area. Stephanie, who was in her late twenties, had just completed her doctorate in archeology and for the past two years had been a scuba instructor on Marathon Island in the Florida Keys. The offer of an assistant’s position near Chicago had been too tempting to resist, so she had moved to Wilmette. By her demeanor, she seemed even more excited about the exhibit than did Matt. In fact, when the shipment first arrived, she was so exuberant that she couldn’t help but give Matt a forceful hug that landed both of them on the floor of the museum. She was chewing gum at the time and she almost swallowed it as Matt burst out in a fit of laughter.

That’s a hell of a way to start a project, Stephanie, Matt said as he got up and pulled her to her feet, but I like your enthusiasm. With that background of yours, you’ll steal the show!

The slight, though perceptible smile on her face, was evidence she was enjoying herself, and the two appeared to get along favorably even though the pressure of an important showing such as the upcoming exhibit was eminent.

Matt realized what a severe strain his absence had placed on his marriage to Katherine when she called him on Friday and insisted he return to their high-rise on Saturday, prior to her leaving on a business trip to Singapore. Her voice, on that call, left no doubt that her temper had gotten the best of her.

In spite of the fact that Matt was being pressured by his work load at the museum, he agreed to return in order to please her. As they discussed his wife’s business trip during their late morning breakfast on Saturday, he found that she was smoking more than usual, a nasty habit that he abhorred. He had tried to get her to quit, but to no avail. Usually she lit up no more than five or so cigarettes a day, but the count that day, per his estimate, had increased to about one every hour. Notwithstanding the fact that he was positive his absence over the past two weekends was detrimental to Katherine’s emotional state, from her comments that morning it appeared the climate at Cromwell Imports had been deteriorating as well. She spent more than a half hour expressing her dissatisfaction with her closest staff members, ones who had been on the scene when she took over the position at the helm of the corporation. She went on to say, as she coughed out a thick cloud of smoke, then stubbed out the last embers of her cigarette, that the employees were complaining about how the entire scene had evolved into a counterproductive workplace.

Paula’s slacking off in getting the monthly reports compiled, Katherine protested as her voice hit a high pitch. Because she’s so far behind in her work, I’ve even had to finalize some of the report load myself. Besides that, one of my projects had to be shelved entirely until I get back from the trip, and Tracey isn’t doing any better. It’s as if they don’t care!

Matt flashed a brittle frown while he tried to finish what was left of his breakfast.

I don’t know what’s happened to Paula? his wife rambled on, coughing as she spoke. "Though I do know that she’s going through a vicious divorce and a bitter custody battle right now, but I’ve told her repeatedly she shouldn’t bring her troubles to the office."

From what Matt could discern about Katherine’s present state of mind and her harsh criticism of both Paula and Tracey, was that the employees at Cromwell most likely were scrutinizing every word so as not to irritate their boss. Trying to be supportive yet trying to avoid having to listen to an endless list of irritating complaints, Matt volunteered an encouraging phrase, though he doubted whether or not his calming words had any effect on his wife’s mood. Then, as nonchalantly as possible, he tried to ease himself out of his chair and get another cup of coffee. That move didn’t stop Katherine from adding a last nail in her coffin of protests as she explained how she had told Paula, in no uncertain terms, that she needed the tickets and the itinerary for her Singapore flight on her desk by early Thursday without fail.

As it turned out, apparently, Paula, whose nerves were stretched to the limit, did follow through and process the needed hotel reservations in time for her boss’ departure to the Far East early Monday morning. However, she didn’t present the flight data until four-thirty Friday afternoon, leaving Katherine in a state of panic. Katherine explained to Matt that she had some harsh words for her office manager, words that even a closed office door couldn’t obliterate.

Matt was more than grateful when Katherine looked at her watch and declared, Since the flight’s scheduled for a ten-thirty departure tonight, I’d better get on with my packing, for I’ve got to get to the airport by no later than seven.

Matt sat quietly, chewing on a breath mint, while she uttered an exhaustive sigh. She pursed her lips then burst out with, "You are taking me to O’Hare aren’t you?"

Of course, I will darling, Matt responded, easing himself out of his chair without looking as if he were trying to escape the scene. By the way, when are you coming home?

A week from Sunday, Katherine replied. I’ll leave the itinerary on my desk and I’ll call you when I get there. For some strange reason, she said, stopping short for an instant, I’m apprehensive about this trip and I really don’t know why, she added, puffing out a ring of smoke that floated to the ceiling. But this is the first time I’ve been in Singapore you know, and by the conversations I’ve had with one of my contacts there, I’m not sure this’ll be a rewarding trip.

Why? Matt asked.

They’re not certain of the time frame for delivery. They seem to be hesitant and that may be a problem. Anyway, I’ve got to get going. Check on lunch, will you?

Matt offered a vague nod her way when she left the breakfast room. Unfortunately, what had started out as an extremely rewarding relationship with a great deal of emotional fulfillment as well as sincere mutual interest, had recently evolved into disinterested exchanges. Matt surmised that the strain of their conflicting and responsible careers had put a damper on what he thought was going to be a lifelong love affair. He shrugged, blew out a short breath then headed for his office. Once there he called Stephanie at the museum to see how she was getting along with categorizing the items for the exhibit. As I told you, Katherine’s leaving on that business trip to the Far East and she’ll be gone by this evenin—

Stephanie interrupted. Are ’ya going to be able to get here or not?

Sure. I should be at the museum by nine. I want to see what you’ve done.

Oh, I think you’ll be surprised. I’ve got the items logged in for a portion of the east wing, and I’ll start on the rest.

Great! If you haven’t eaten by nine, how about grabbing a bite? I doubt if I’ll have time for dinner.

Good idea. I didn’t bring anything to eat and I know I’ll be starvin’.

See you then, and thanks for all your hard work. It’ll pay off. Just you wait and see. While Katherine packed, Matt spent the rest of the morning working in his office preparing the details for the flyers he had to get to the printer early the following week.

Gretchen, their live-in cook, had the luncheon prepared and set out in the dining room at exactly one o’clock as Katherine had instructed, but the two sat through a meal that included little verbal exchange. Matt tried to initiate a conversation about what seemed to be bothering her beyond the problems at work, but as usual she gave no meaningful response, and the long pauses in the conversation were uncomfortable. Was Katherine regretting the vows she took two years ago? he thought. Did she have something worrisome on her mind other than the office problem? Could it be his absence during the weekends? Perhaps time would ease her anxiety. At least he hoped so, for he was still deeply in love with the woman he’d met by chance.

As he’d planned, Matt suggested he wait with Katherine at the terminal when he parked in front of the airport entrance, but Katherine declined the offer, stating that it wasn’t necessary, for she had some work to do on her computer before the scheduled flight. So, after removing her bags from the trunk of the car and giving her a kiss, he left her with the sense that she was brooding over something. Fixed in his mind was the fact that he certainly hoped all of her pent-up emotion didn’t rest squarely on his shoulders . . . like something he had said or done.

Matt headed directly for Wilmette, taking the Outer Drive to Foster Avenue then on to Route 41. The museum was not far from the exit into Wilmette so in no time he was entering the building, calling out to Stephanie who was quick to answer with a loud, Hey! Glad you could make it.

For the next twenty minutes, Stephanie gave Matt a tour of the East wing and the presentation of items she had already placed on display. Matt couldn’t have been more pleased, and his words of praise put a beaming smile on Stephanie’s face.

You’ve earned that dinner. How about Chinese? I know of a good restaurant not far from here.

Close enough to walk? she asked, smacking her lips as she chewed away at her usual mouthful of gum.

Sure. No more than three blocks.

I’ll get my coat. How’s the weather out there? I haven’t seen daylight since seven this mornin’.

It’s a perfect fall night. Must be around seventy-five or so.

Matt set the alarm and opened the door for Stephanie, who looked up at a star-studded sky and marveled at how happy she was to be working on such an amazing project. I wouldn’t have missed this opportunity for the world, she confided while they crossed the street and headed for the restaurant.

She and Matt talked about the upcoming museum event continuously during dinner, for they both found this to be a deeply challenging yet exceedingly rewarding undertaking. An hour and a half later they returned to the museum.

Thanks for the dinner. You saved me from starvin’, Matt. With a quick wave, she turned on her heels and headed for her car.

You’re more than welcome, Matt shouted back as he, too, walked toward his car which was parked on the other side of the museum. You’ve done a tremendous job, he called out over his shoulder. When he returned to his apartment it was after ten-thirty, but he was so exhilarated by the thought of the upcoming event that he sat down in his comfortable lounge chair and reached for his remote in order to check out the late news. Just as he got settled, but before he punched in his favorite station, the phone rang. Puzzled by the late call, he first decided not to answer it, but when he heard the announcement on the ID recorder, he jumped up and hurried to take the call, for it was from Katherine. His first thought was that something had happened and that the flight had been canceled, but that was not the case.

The plane hasn’t left yet, she exclaimed. It’s been delayed.

That’s a shame, Matt said.

Not really, Katherine countered, for while I was checking through my briefcase, I noticed that I didn’t pack an ‘International Marketing Agreement Form’ that I need for the merchandise sale. I’ve got to have it, Matt. I don’t know how I missed it in packing, but someway you’ve got to get it to me by Thursday. I’ll need to have it by then if this new deal goes through.

Just as before, Matt sensed that note of apprehension in her voice, and he was quick to express his concern. Don’t worry, I’ll go to FedEx and see that it gets to you by Thursday. Where do you want it sent?

To my hotel. It’s noted on my itinerary. But in case you can’t find it, here’s the address. Have you got a pen and paper?

Go ahead, Matt responded as he pulled a pen from his shirt pocket and reached for a note pad. Go ahead. I’m ready.

It’s the Shangri-La Hotel at 22 Orange Grove Road, Orchard, Singapore 258350. Pausing, she added, Got that?

Yes, I’ve got it.

Matt, the agreement form’s on my desk. She had just finished repeating the spelling of the hotel data and the title of the marketing form when she must have heard the announcement of the flight boarding, for she anxiously repeated, Did you get that?

I did. Don’t worry, darling. I’ll see that it gets to you. Take care and call when you get there. He heard her mumble something that he presumed was an affirmative comment, but she was obviously in a hurry for he heard a click and then a dial tone. Without delay he went immediately to Katherine’s office which was directly across the hall from his and searched for the form. There were several papers on the desk, but he had no trouble finding the one she needed. He scooped it up and was about to turn and leave when he spotted an envelope that was addressed to Katherine. It was from a Doctor Meyers. He knew that his wife had seen a doctor, for she told him about the appointment, but she stated it was merely an annual check-up. However, Matt knew the name of their health care provider and this definitely was not the name on the return label. With his curiosity peaked, he reached out to retrieve the envelope. Since the seal had been broken and the flap could be readily opened, he did so, though he did feel a hint of guilt.

After reading the letter, he shook his head in dismay, puzzled by the words on the page. With care, he slipped the sheet back into the envelope and placed it on her desk.

That night he found it impossible to get any rest, yet he finally succumbed and fell into a restless sleep about 3:00 A.M. He awoke with a start and glanced at his bedside clock. It read 7:15. Oh no, he declared aloud. His head throbbed from the onset of a sinus headache as he picked up the phone to call Stephanie at her apartment. When he got no answer, he called her cell. Sorry, but I’ll be late. Believe it or not I overslept.

That’s one for the books, Matt. You’re never late, but no problem. I’m on my way now, and I’ll get started on the jewelry display.

You’re a lifesaver. See you in short order, and thanks, Stephanie! Matt hung up and hurried to get dressed. While shaving, he couldn’t help but think of the text of the letter from Dr. Meyers that he’d surreptitiously read the night before. Upset by the descriptive wording therein, he contemplated how he would deal with that revelation. Several scenarios filled his mind, but realizing that he didn’t have the inclination to deal with the matter at the time, he turned his attention to the state of the museum exhibit and all the work that still had to be done before its scheduled opening. He was overly proud of being able to acquire these rare items, and he was pleased that Katherine would be home by the Sunday before the event, for he planned to invite her as well as her staff. He was well aware that most small museums, such as The Musée de l’Antiquité in Wilmette, aren’t offered the opportunity to showcase such sought after historical pieces of history which were rarely loaned out by the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society Museum.

After arriving at the museum, he and Stephanie immediately began to sort through and place the displays that would house some of Mel Fisher’s finest show pieces, namely the jewelry. The necklaces and rings were blinding and enough to light up a room, for the gold was so brilliant it was difficult to take one’s eyes off the collection. However, while Stephanie continued with