Slipknot by Priscilla Masters Page B

metallic object unless the bedding was covering it at the time of impact.’
    Sullivan continued.
    ‘The same goes for the injury to the occiput which looks as though he fell backwards from standing. And as for the shin injury – I can’t see that being caused by the same impact. It’s so much more severe than the other injuries. I think it was a kick sustained a few hours before he died.’
    Sullivan eyed Randall. ‘You could ask the prison warders whether they moved the bedding.’ Randall nodded.
    ‘It could explain the injuries as all being caused at the timeof hanging although…’ Sullivan’s eyes drifted round the room.
    ‘I take it there was no resisting arrest?’
    Randall shook his head. ‘Does he look the sort of guy who could resist a couple of six foot PCs?’
    They all shook their heads.
    ‘So what are you saying, Mark?’ Martha asked.
    ‘Well. The cause of death was hypoxia due to asphyxia. That’s all I can say with certainty.’
    ‘You mean the ligature round the neck?’
    ‘Was almost certainly the cause of the asphyxia. I’ll put it more clearly. He died from the hanging and not from the other more minor injuries. But there is evidence of assault.’
    ‘Almost certainly? What are you saying, Mark? That it’s a potential
homicide?
’ Randall was frowning.
    ‘No.’ Sullivan’s tone was still careful. ‘I’m saying that I know what the cause of death is. What I don’t know are the circumstances that led up to the asphyxia. I don’t know how to explain all the injuries – even the minor ones on his face and on the back of his head. Put it like this. I’d prefer it if they weren’t there. Maybe there’s a simple explanation. It’s possible that his cell mate knocked him about a bit. Look, Alex,’ he appealed, ‘too many pathologists go for dogmatic statements that they’re in no position to make. I’m just saying what can be borne out by science. That’s all. And we can’t ignore the shin injury which was delivered with some force. He could have knocked against something – maybe the transfer van went too fast round a corner and he fell off his seat. It could explain the occipital bruising and even the shin injury but it’s probable that someone kicked him. Hard. It’s a typical footballer’s injury if they’re not wearing shin guards.’
    Martha winced.
    Mark Sullivan continued. ‘All I’m saying, Alex, is that you probably need to ask the prison warders a few things. Clarify matters. That’s all. I’m not pointing a finger of suspicion. We all want the same – surely?’ He glanced briefly at both their faces. ‘To be sure that we reach the right verdict.’
    Alex’s frown deepened. ‘This is turning out to be even more tricky than I initially thought,’ he said. ‘I thought I was just up against a criticism from the more liberal members of our society for our penal system. What you’re giving me is a mystery.’
    ‘Forensics may be a science,’ Mark countered. ‘But it isn’t always as exact as we might wish.’
    Alex gave a deep sigh. ‘How can we conduct an enquiry if we don’t even know what happened?’
    ‘Well – whatever,’ Martha said briskly, ‘I think it would be a good idea if I spoke to the boy’s mother this afternoon. The earlier the better. I’ll open the inquest next week and we can adjourn it pending police enquiries.’
    ‘I suppose so,’ Alex said reluctantly, ‘though I’d have loved closure. But if you’re not happy, Mark?’
    They both knew he was inviting Sullivan to modify his verdict and they also knew that Sullivan wouldn’t do that, never had done it. He took some time to reach his conclusion but once he had he would stick to it. In fact his pedantic nature was one of the ingredients that had earned him their respect. Counter-balanced by his drinking habits.
    The three of them exchanged looks. Martha voiced their thoughts. ‘I don’t need to remind you. Not a word of this goes outside here. If the Press get even