By the time Mulrooney reached Anya"s house in Naples, the crime team had swept the house thoroughly and were now outside doing another sweep. Curious passersby gathered on the promenade that circled the canal while investigators questioned Anya"s neighbors. Mulrooney looked down the canal for several minutes before entering through the carved gate that led to the patio.
The ambiance was even more beautiful by daylight. Many of the other homes were ostentatious, but Anya"s small cottage had character. He could smell the blush roses and honeysuckle that adorned the wood trellis; and he noticed a family of birds watching the action from a bird feeder on a majestic birch tree.
Just as Mulrooney was about to enter the house, he was surprised when Chief Clemente intercepted him. “Mulrooney, I"
