Chapter 17Opening her email, Sandra examined an item newly in from the M.E. It was his preliminary report and she confirmed the findings were consistent with the initial indications. Water was in Carson's lungs and the cause of death was drowning. There was a severe gash to the back of his head and considerable bruising to the torso. The report made it clear that the injuries had been sustained prior to death and they would almost certainly have completely incapacitated the victim. The head wound was profound and, left unattended, it would likely have led to death, but in this instance it hadn't killed him. Being immersed unconscious in the flowing waters of the Clyde had taken its toll first. The overall impression corroborated the theory of Carson taking a beating on the Tuesday evening,
