DESCEND INTO THE ABYSS

when Red Simmons, a local oilman nineteen years her senior, had been carried into the ER with a myocard

, of course, but he came to know her much better during Red's years in heart failure. And what he learned was that Red truly loved "hi

$6.5 million. That was big money in Natchez, but it meant little to Chris

discuss my wife with you. But I will tell you this. Thora

She's very

some lucky investments. But the real issue here is legal. We both signed a prenuptial agreement before we marrie

. "I didn't know that." He smiled. "

r her, in that moment, he was not even there. Her face was more

suddenly. "What happens

this, he felt a hollown

at that point. And those override th

es your

ts you made?" Chris looked at t

s get a ni

ood. And

t all." Morse's eyes flashed with

liste

rs. What would be the point? Kill

at the narrow window set in the top of the wall. "Peop

lliona

very day for reasons other than money. How well

y damn

That'

g to dislike Agen

murdered her first

ed. "I didn'

ut Red Simmons had a long

, he

wledge of events w

y was done," s

not suggesting that one s

ed this idea with a

Whoever's behind these mur

, Agent Morse? A professional a

y reserved man with a massive ego. He had no formal medical training, but he was an enthusiast

and said, "This is nuts. I mean, what

lp

ird time you've said this to

agent. We're spread pretty thin on these kinds of cas

d deep into

re, and passion. But he

read in the eyes of those patients who

isn't it?" he said slow

omeone, you also deprive

back into the courtroom by trying previously acquitted Ku Klux Klan killers for violating t

ight? Doesn't that create some sort of conflict? I'm not supposed to treat family

or the first time. "We don't have time to get deep into this, Dr. Shepard. I'll speak to you again soon, but I

e would

planning t

you saying someone mi

annot be seen tog

just walk out of here. Are you giving me protection? Are

is, since criminals tend to stick to patterns that have been successful in the past-then your death will have to loo

question of food and drink. You shouldn't eat or drink at home for a w

kidding,

th, I think we have some working rooms, as far as time is concerned. Your wife

ghter. "That's a huge comfort, Agent Mors

e plans to be out o

ook hi

d sign." Morse pick

rite me that pr

ha

Levaq

scribbled a prescription for a dozen antibiot

it. That's the way we catch most criminals. St

ferences I can check. All you did was show me an ID that I wo

can't do anything that could possibly tip off your killer. Your phones may be

a long time. He wanted

istakes, Agent Morse. What'

ough of its own volition. "I didn't look before I leap

ry. Who

problem. I'm sorry to be the one to turn your life upside down. I really am. But if I ha

aut smile. "I'll contact you again soon. Try not to freak out. And

orridor toward the waiting-room door. Her stride

ehind him, startling hi

mumbled. "Honey

huh? I didn't see any we