Murder by Testimony: Digger Collins Mysteries, #3

By A.M. Holloway

Digger drives by the car accident scene of a friend. He knows in his heart that this was no accident. So, when he couldn't let the scene go, he asked FBI Agent Watson for help.

Once they joined forces, Watson found a series of murdered scientists who died in a similar manner to Digger's friend. This spurred Digger to find the truth. While searching for the reason for the killings, Digger finds a file, and everything makes sense until a photo falls free.

Who is the girl in the photo?

The deeper they dig into the deaths, the more they become a target.

With Watson lying close to death in a hospital room, Digger must finish this case.

Can he find the answers he needs to satisfy his burning question: Why would one's testimony lead to murder?  

• Language: English
• Publisher: A.M. Holloway
• Release date: Feb 18, 2024
• ISBN: 9781956648157

Book preview

Prologue

Lights flashed, and sirens blared as police cars raced past my car on the way to who knows where. To my dismay, my trip home took me by the crash scene, and my stomach clenched at the sight. The impact scattered debris across the intersection.

I settled in for the wait and thought about my latest symposium that had finished a few hours ago. These conferences, which started with just a few scientists, have grown into a massive undertaking. And now, those same scientists have become friends, regardless of our home state. We chatted while we loaded our vehicles and said our goodbyes as we headed for our homes. Our time apart would be short since our next conference was in New York, only four weeks away.   

The crash of a dark blue vehicle appeared strange as I stared at the wreckage. Is that a dark blue Corvette? I know someone who drives a car like that. There’s no way it could be him because I just saw him in the parking lot. Ivan Meirs pulled out of the lot before me. It can’t be him.

Since my car sat in traffic, I dialed Ivan Meirs’ cell through my vehicle. His phone forwarded me straight to voicemail. I left a message with an odd feeling I wouldn’t receive a return call.

Somehow, I needed a closer look at the vehicle driver. I watched the ambulance pull to the left side of the mangled vehicle. The EMTs jumped out of their truck and ran to help the driver. As I continued to stare, I thought I could glimpse the driver when the rescue workers loaded him into the ambulance. My car inched forward as the traffic moved in slow motion.

Minutes passed as they treated the driver. What’s taking so long? Then, I witnessed a rescue worker unfold a white sheet, which only meant one thing.

An arm slid from under the sheet as they wheeled the gurney to the waiting ambulance. I gasped aloud when I saw Ivan’s favorite watch sitting atop his wrist.

Chapter 1

My job as a forensic scientist requires my ability to discuss death, but not my ability to witness it. So as I sat in my car, my brain wouldn’t function. Horns blared behind me, and a person knocked on my car window before realizing the road in front of me was clear.

Shock treats people in different ways. Some stop functioning while others act out. I, for one, stopped everything. My mind was empty. What caused Ivan’s accident? Something or someone caused it. That much I know because there’s no way Ivan drove reckless enough for that much damage and, indeed, not death. We hadn’t cleared the downtown area yet, so how could he have had enough speed for the accident to have been that severe?

My trip from Boston back to New Hampshire was surreal. I kept seeing Ivan’s accident in my mind. As I drove, my stomach growled, reminding me to eat. After exiting the highway, I found a convenient drive-thru and grabbed a bite of food and a large soft drink. Once I concentrated on my health, I decided I was thirsty rather than hungry. During my drive, I ate a little and drank a lot. My brain seemed clearer now that I was closer to home. Today is Sunday, and I still need to review my notes for tomorrow’s classes.

At home, my focus turned to my classes. We were nearing the semester’s middle, and I needed to prepare for mid-term exams. The exams were in two weeks, and I would see Ellie on Saturday after my exams concluded on Thursday evening. I was excited to see her. She’s finishing her semester, too, so the timing was perfect this time. Unfortunately, sometimes, our schedules didn’t align, and we had to miss our visits.

Once I laid my head on the pillow for the night, my mind wouldn’t stop turning. Flashes of Ivan’s car turned to Ellie’s smiling face, then back again. Finally, sleep caught me around two in the morning with an alarm for 5:30 AM. So much for a good night’s sleep.

When the alarm sounded, I barely remembered the day of the week. After showering, I had to rush to make it to class on time, feeling more like a kid than a professor. My discussion topic is forensic anthropology today, and that’s my specialty. I always look forward to discussing forensic anthropology. Some of my students bring up past cases where I helped the FBI bring a murderer to justice, like Montana’s last one. Those moments make me proud of what I do and love.

Class time flew by today, with students participating in discussions over bone recovery techniques. As part of the study, students recovered actual human bones from different soil types, as each type requires a unique recovery method. For example, removing a bone from sandy soil differs from removing it from red clay, proving my experiment.

While packing my bag, my cell phone rings. I plucked it from my pocket and answered the caller. Digger, here.  

It’s Ellie, Digger. I didn’t hear from you last night, and it concerned me. How was your trip?

I stammered because I forgot to call Ellie last night. How could I forget something important? She is the most person in my life. The symposium went off without a hitch. But something troubling happened on my trip home.

Oh no, Digger. Are you okay? Ellie questions.

Yes, I’m fine. But a friend, Ivan Meirs, perished in a car accident, or I think he did. It was the strangest thing, too. We left our hotel driving home when the accident happened just beyond a downtown intersection. I watched the EMTs load Ivan into an ambulance, but they covered him with a white sheet.

That’s awful, Digger. I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember you and Ivan were friends for years. If there’s anything I can do for you, let me know. I’m only a few hours away. How Ellie expressed sympathy for Ivan’s passing made me want to hug her and hold on to her forever. She has a way of words that calms me when I need it most.

Several days passed before I received a call informing me of Ivan’s passing. The caller told me Ivan’s funeral would be in upstate New York for family only because of the weather. They’re expecting a heavy snowfall in the coming days. The family will have a memorial for him for his friends and colleagues in the spring.

I guess the call solidifies what I already knew. Ivan died that dreadful day. Somehow, despite my conversation with Ellie, I still held onto a thread of hope for his survival. But the call took that away.

Life goes on after another’s death, even if you want to climb into a hole. I catch myself looking at my phone for missed messages or calls from Ivan. Like people say time heals. I guess I will eventually stop checking.

So, exams are next on my schedule, with only three days to complete the tasks. So, I work night and day preparing for what I feel is an adequate exam. Something that is not too easy and not too hard, but it makes a person think before answering. Just the way I should present a test.

Over the next week, Ellie and I talked several times. We were both eager to see the other and looked forward to our weekend getaway to the shore. The weather hasn’t turned over to spring yet and wouldn’t for a few months, but walking on the beach is always pleasant. Then we can retreat to our cottage and snuggle up next to the fireplace.

The winter days creep by as darkness falls too early for me. I sit in my university office, grading the last of my mid-term exams, which I’m eager to finish. This step puts me closer to seeing Ellie. Over the past several days, I’ve worked on exams and prepared new material for my next conference in New York. With Ivan dead, I’m not sure who is replacing him. Ivan’s specialty was DNA. He developed DNA tests that police crime scene labs use today. Maybe the conference organizer has made alternative plans.

Anyway, I feel great about stepping away with Ellie for a few days since I planned and submitted my mid-term grades for the semester. One half of a semester to go, and this year will be in the books.

My computer alerted me to a new email, so I clicked it open. The message was sad as it expressed condolences for Ivan’s death from the conference organizer. However, the organizer stated the New York conference would continue as scheduled, and they’re working diligently to replace Ivan with another speaker. An announcement is forthcoming.

Just when I think I rounded the corner of grief, somehow it takes over again. Can I go to the New York conference without Ivan? I’ve never attended one without him. Ivan is the reason I’m a part of these conferences. He talked me into joining. Now it’s time for another hard decision.

After the email, the flashes of the auto accident return. Has anyone considered the accident strange? I still can’t fathom why Ivan’s accident occurred. It makes little sense. Oh well, that’s in the past—time to look forward.

Tomorrow, I’m driving to Ellie’s, picking her up, and then going to the shore. So, I spend my night preparing clean clothes and packing my bag for the trip.

I awoke before my alarm because today Ellie was waiting. Today’s drive is less than three hours, and from Ellie’s place in Rhode Island, we can be on the shore in another two hours. The sky is bright blue with thin wispy clouds floating along. I can only hope the weather on the shore is the same. But Ellie taught me to prepare my travel bags with clothes for dry and wet weather.

Ellie peers out her front window, watching for my arrival. She waves at me through the window, and then she disappears so she can open the front door. When my feet step over the threshold, Ellie is in my arms. I twirl her around because it feels like forever since I’ve held her.

Oh, Digger. It’s been so long. I’ve been counting down the days for our trip. Are you ready? Ellie’s face glows with excitement.

Yes, I’m ready. Let me get your bags. As I look around the room, I notice her bags sitting on the sofa. I chuckle because Ellie is usually late packing. I’m impressed!

We load the car and jump inside. The drive to the coast was pleasant with idle small talk, since neither had brought up our work or other obligations. We spent a few hours in the cottage preparing our things and enjoying our first cup of coffee together in ages. Coffee is a passion we share. We visit small coffee shops and indulge in taste tests while scouting new stores and restaurants. The weather was beautiful, and we walked along the shoreline and into the nearest town. We talked about our relationship and where we saw us in five years. This trip was the best medicine money could buy.

While we were away, I turned off my cell phone but kept it with me if we needed it. Otherwise, it was off, as was email. On our last day at the shore, I cringed when I considered the number of waiting emails and phone messages. But I made a promise to leave it behind, and I did.

The return trip to Ellie’s was sad. We knew it would be another month or longer before we saw each other again. However, today’s technology helps us stay in contact through video chatting and cell phones, and we use both. Sometimes I just needed to see Ellie’s face.

Upon our arrival, the weather had turned dreadful in our absence. Snow and sleet pellets flew by our faces at a rapid pace. Come inside for a minute, Digger. I’ll make you a thermos of coffee to take with you.

That sounds great, Ellie. I’ll take you up on that offer. We felt the heat as we entered Ellie’s house, sighing at the warmth. While the coffee brewed, we turned on our phones and opened emails. The volume was unbelievable.

Can you believe the number of emails and messages? We were only away for two days. While scanning her emails, Ellie stopped, sucking in a breath.

What’s wrong, Ellie? I inquired, because her expression worried me.

I have an email from a conference organizer. They want to know if I can be a part of it. The next conference is in New York in four weeks. Oh, Digger, I can’t pull that off. It’s too soon.

That’s a great offer, Ellie. I’m speaking at that conference too. That’s the one where Ivan was a member. It sounds like they are asking you to replace Ivan. I explained. My pulse quickened as I wanted Ellie to accept the offer, but I didn’t want to push her.

Ellie’s head shook from side to side as this offer troubled her. I don’t know, Digger. I need to think about it. They gave me until tomorrow night to decide. That’s not a lot of time.

Think about it like this. See if they’ll let you try it out in New York. If you like it, you’ll commit. If not, no big deal. They find someone else. I suggested.

What a splendid idea, Digger. I’ll send the response now. Thanks for the idea. Ellie reached over and kissed my cheek.

I left Ellie standing at the front door with my thermos in hand. She watched me back out of her drive. The last picture of Ellie I have is her waving at me through the window.

As I drove home, the conference jumped into my mind, and the thought of having Ellie by my side was enticing. Also, it would make my life easier if Ellie were in New York, which will be my first conference without Ivan.

The weather hampered my drive, dragging it out for an hour. When I arrived home, I threw my bag on the floor and stepped into a hot shower. I wouldn’t have made it without Ellie’s thermos of coffee. Snow piles grew alongside the road as I pulled into my drive. Who knows what I’ll see in the morning?

Monday came with tons of snow, and my snowplow cranked early in the day. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have made it to school. As I walked the lot to the school building, I hoped Ellie’s answer would arrive today on her part at the New York conference. That would give me something to look forward to in the coming days. Then, my day began without a break.

Late Monday afternoon, Ellie called and gave me the news I wanted to hear. She would attend the New York conference with me, planning on driving to my place the day before the meeting. That way, we could travel to our destination together.

Over the next few weeks, I worked and readied myself for the New York conference. I wanted Ellie to love the experience and agree to join me at other meetings.

The time came for our trip, and I was nervous and excited. Ellie arrived at my house with a smile. We loaded my car for the six-hour trip to New York. We opted to drive so we could have more alone time.

Our hotel also provided the conference location, saving us daily travel time. After supper, we walked hand in hand to our first conference meeting together. When I entered the room, I took deep breaths to settle my nerves because my eyes scanned the room for Ivan. He always saved me a seat if we came in separately. Ellie recognized my anguish and squeezed my hand.

We took our seats, and Ellie leaned into my ear, you’re fine. There’s no reason to be nervous. If either of us should be nervous, it’s me.

I nodded my head because she was correct. I’ve participated in many conferences, so this should be second nature to me. While waiting for the presentation to begin, I overheard people talking in the row behind us. They mentioned scientists’ deaths over the past two weeks. My ears perked up at the mention of another death besides Ivan.

Ellie saw my face and whispered, what’s wrong? I tilted my head toward the group behind us, and she listened to the conversation. As our neighbors’ conversation slowed, one person said Ruth's name, but they failed to offer a last name. How can I find this scientist without her last name? I could ask them, but I don’t want to come across as nosey.

With the conference starting, I jotted Ruth's name in my notebook for later. I’ll do a little computer snooping tonight while in my room. It might be more challenging than imagined with only the first name to search, but I realized it was odd if this scientist died in a car accident so close to Ivan’s.

The longer the conference lasted, the more antsy I became. Finally, Ellie placed her hand on my knee several times to slow the bounce. I shrugged my shoulders as an apology, but my insides quivered. I was so eager to bolt from this place.

Ellie took my hand once the conference ended for the night. She marched me out of the meeting hall and to the elevator. What has gotten into you, Digger? Your leg bounced the entire time we sat there.

This might be crazy, but I thought something sounded strange with Ivan’s accident and now the mention of Ruth’s accident. It makes me wonder if we’re looking at something more than a routine traffic accident.

What do you mean when you say strange about Ivan’s accident? Ellie prodded.

I paused before I answered because I hadn’t shared this. Then, I thought back to that day and stated, it was the car’s destruction. It should not have been that mangled from an impact on a downtown street. We had just left the hotel, and the traffic was heavy. There was no way for him to gain enough speed to cause that much damage.

Was Ivan’s accident a single-vehicle accident? Ellie asked.

I think so. I don’t remember seeing another vehicle. Digger replied with his eyebrows bunched. He reached to his forehead and rubbed it while picturing the accident scene.

We made it to our rooms. I’ll step into my room and grab my laptop. Open the connecting door, and I’ll join you. Oh, by the way, I need coffee. Ellie said with a chuckle.

Minutes later, two cups of steaming hot coffee and two laptops sat atop a small, round table. How on earth can we find a scientist named Ruth? Is this crazy to search? I asked.

Digger, look at it like this. If we don’t attempt it, then we’ll wonder about it. Let’s see what we can find and then decide what to do with the information. Ellie offered.

Over the next few hours, the duo searched the internet for car accidents with a victim named Ruth. Nothing pops. I don’t even know what state Ruth was in at her time of death. It would be a strange coincidence for two scientists to die in traffic accidents within that short timeframe. But, what are those odds? Digger said as he rubbed the back of his neck. Then he gulped the last of his coffee.

Ellie glanced at me. I’ve found nothing, either. If she were a scientist from the conference, would she be a professor?

I paused and considered Ellie’s question. Not all speakers at the conference are professors. Ivan didn’t teach anymore. But that’s a thought, Ellie. Wonder if I can check old rosters of conference members and find Ruth?

Sounds like the rosters might help us. Do you have them here or online?

I shook my head. No. They’re not on my computer but in a file at home. Those rosters are old too. She wouldn’t be on the list. I grumbled. The rosters changed so frequently at the beginning that they stopped preparing them.

Ellie nodded in agreement and yawned. Digger, it’s late, and we have an early start. I’m going to sleep. I’ll see you in the morning for breakfast.

Sweet dreams, pretty lady. Knock on the connecting door when you’re ready for breakfast. Ellie and I hugged before separating.

Something kept me searching. I couldn’t give it up. Those people wouldn’t have mentioned Ruth by name if they didn’t know about her accident. But I saw no way to find her without