Ghost Peppers Chapter 6

Chapter 6

As Penelope and Tony wrapped up their day they gathered their belongings, ready to head home. Just as they were halfway to the door, the phone on Tony’s desk rang, cutting through the silence of the near-empty office. Tony glanced at Penelope, before answering.

“Detective Clifford,” he answered, and a familiar voice met him on the other end.

“Dr. Martens here. I’ve got some expedited results from the bloodwork on the Carters,” the medical examiner informed him. Tony put her on speaker, and Penny leaned closer listening in.

“What did you find, Doc?” Penny asked, her voice brimming with anticipation.

Dr. Marten calmly replied, “Both Adam and Alice Carter’s bloodwork revealed traces of Succinylcholine.”

Penny’s eyes widened slightly, and Tony’s expression mirrored her surprise. “Isn’t that…?” Tony trailed off, his mind spinning.

“Yes,” Dr. Martens replied, confirming their suspicion. “Succinylcholine is often used in medical settings to induce muscle relaxation for short procedures. It’s a potent paralytic.”

Penny’s mind raced as she absorbed this new piece of the puzzle. “So, are you saying… they were immobilized?”

“Exactly. Whoever administered it knew enough to use just enough for paralysis either before or at the time of death. It would have rendered them immobile but left them fully conscious.” The weight of Dr. Martens’ words hung in the air, and a chilling silence settled over the office.

After a few moments, Penny cleared her throat. “Thank you for the call, Dr. Martens. We’ll follow up tomorrow.”

“Take care, detectives,” Dr. Martens said before hanging up.

As Penny and Tony left the station, the lingering heaviness of the day followed them, but Penny knew she needed a change of scenery. She quickly texted Jackie about meeting at The Front Porch, hoping to take a step away from the intensity of her new role, even if just for a few hours.
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Nestled in the vibrant heart of Ogunquit, The Front Porch stood out against the evening skyline. Known for its lively atmosphere and welcoming embrace of the LGBTQ community, the establishment had been a mainstay in the area for over forty years. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and bustling, the ambient buzz of laughter and clinking glasses blending seamlessly with the lively melodies from the upstairs piano bar. Penny loved this place, its charm, its inclusive atmosphere, and the joy it brought to people.

Jackie spotted her immediately as she entered, standing near the bar with two glasses of wine. Her face softened as Penny approached, giving her one of those smiles that made Penny’s heart skip a beat.

They settled in at a cozy spot upstairs in the famed piano lounge, where a small crowd was gathered around the pianist, singing along to a lively rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Penny and Jackie joined in, laughing as they sang, their hands intertwined beneath the table.

As the night progressed, they took to the small dance floor, swaying gently to the live music, wrapped up in each other’s presence. Penny felt her cares melt away in Jackie’s arms, the weight of her cases and the day’s revelations fading into the background. The two moved close and comfortable together, with Jackie’s arms around her. Here, in the embrace of the music and Jackie’s warmth, Penny felt a deep sense of belonging and peace.

When they finally settled back into their seats, Penny nestled against Jackie, her hand resting on her partner’s thigh as they listened to the next song. In these quiet moments, amid the warmth and light of The Front Porch, Penny felt she could truly breathe as if nothing else in the world mattered.