Ramona had passed out, her head tilted awkwardly to one side. Sam felt for a pulse before gingerly pulling the tape away from her mouth. Celeste"s coffin lay nearby, so he instinctively pushed away the lid and reached in. Pressing his fingers against her neck, he felt only the stillness of death.
He scanned the interior of the room. The walls were coated with a film of dirt and oil; and the pervasive stench of fish was sickening. Several battered chairs were flush against the wall as if refusing to gaze upon the ugliness of the surroundings. There were traces of blood on the floor along with a collection of debris, ropes and bloody bungee cords. Rolls of duct tape and blood-stained rags were piled near the door.
A stained laundry sink, vanity and toilet had been installed in one corner w
