BECOMING ZERO, by James A. HearnTexas oil executive Roger Dubose was dead. The medical examiner had ruled his sudden demise as “natural,” and to any outside observer, this was true.
But Professor Arnold Pugmire knew the truth: it had been murder. A perfect murder, with thousands of accessories who told no tales.
After the last guest departed Dubose’s wake, Pugmire closed the front door to the Dubose mansion and giggled. What a magnificent day it had been! Feeling the press of Amanda Dubose’s hand as they’d listened to her husband’s eulogy. Seeing Dubose’s coffin lowered into a dark grave. Listening to condolences during the wake.
Laughing again, Pugmire locked the front door and went looking for Amanda. He found the widow in her library, lounging on a divan by a gas fireplace. Pugmire s
