Cause to Dread. Блейк Пирс

the bites killed the victim. It was something that the spider expert and I disagreed on, actually.”

      “Why is that? What do you think killed him?”

      “Well, Mr. Lawnbrook’s cortisol levels were much higher than they should have been. Essentially, he was basically terrified at the moment of his death – but the levels I saw were off of the charts. The heart showed massive signs of stress and trauma. I am quite certain Mr. Lawnbrook suffered a heart attack during his time in the closet. He was that frightened.”

      “Is the body still here?” Avery asked.

      “It is. I have to warn you, though…it’s a pretty grisly sight.”

      “I’ll be okay,” Avery said.

      She had nearly said I’m sure I’ve seen worse but then she tried to imagine what someone with twenty-two spider bites – three of which were deadly – might look like. The imagery from what Finley had told her about eggs being found in the nostrils and intestine did not sit well with her either. Still, she felt she needed to see the body for any other signs or clues.

      Yin led them to the rear exam room and methodically walked over to the rows of sliding cabinets. With a hefty pull, she drew out the slab that Alfred Lawnbrook was occupying. She stepped back, allowing Avery and Finley room to step forward. Avery approached the body while Finley remained close to the door, making it clear that he had no intention of getting any closer to the body.