Detective Eric Pederssen picks up a piece of paper and begins dialing the phone on his desk at the police station. There are shadows under his eyes. He’s had nothing to eat all day.
Nina Shetland at Ravenspond High School feels her police buzzer vibrating in her jacket pocket while she demonstrates correct handwashing to a bored grade ten health class. Mercifully, the bell is about to ring. Quickly, she gathers her briefcase and purse, smiles at the teacher, and exits. Once in the hall, she heads to the teachers’ lounge. It’s empty. She dials the police station for Detective Pederssen.
Eric picks up immediately, speaking in that clipped way he has. “We’ve traced the number you gave us from Pauline Mafuso’s phone call at lunch time.” He scribbles on the scrap of paper with a pencil; he re
