The Halls of Death

"Andy, this is Roger. Campus Police just called. There has been a tragedy. Howard shot himself in his office last night. They need someone to be on the scene, and it will take me quite a while to get there. Can you go in right away, and I'll meet you as soon as I can?"

"Howard shot himself? I can't believe it!" Andy paused to gather his thoughts. "I can be there in a few minutes. Join us when you can." The Dean had not indicated whether Howard is still alive, but Andy assumed the worst. He told Diane as much as he knew, took a few hurried strokes at the lather with his razor, dressed hastily, and went to his car. A five minute drive brought him to the parking lot adjacent to the Physical Sciences Building which housed the Chemistry and Physics Departments. Although the Dean's responsibility extended to other departments as well he, too, had an office in the building. As he parked, Andy noticed cars from the Allenton Police as well as Campus Police in the lot. The protective yellow tape that he expected had not yet been put in place. A Campus Police Officer stood on duty outside the door, but he recognized Dr. Stockholm as appropriate personnel, and allowed him entry. Andy headed toward the Physics Office where he encountered a huge Allenton Officer who stopped him. As Andy started to explain why he had come to the office so early this morning, he saw Sgt. Joe March, his badge prominently displayed on his sports coat, coming down the hallway toward him.

"Well, Professor Stockholm, we meet again. The circumstances are not so jovial this time." March turned serious. "The custodian came in early this morning and found a body. The name on the door is Dr. Howard Byler. The custodian could not provide positive identification. The body seems to be that of a Dr. Byler, but would you confirm it for us, please?"

"Of course," Andy replied.

"It's not a very pleasant sight," Joe said, as he led Andy to an open door where two officers investigated. A plastic sheet covered a body on the floor. Howard's desk, which stood against the wall opposite the door, was covered in gore. Blood and tissue smeared the computer screen. The screen-saver flashed changing geometrical patterns, producing a macabre effect. One officer pulled back the blanket. Andy had to position himself to see the face without stepping in the pool of congealed blood. He felt himself shaking and becoming a little nauseous. The body of a large man sprawled across the floor, occupying much of the uncovered area. The distinctive red hair and thick neck made it unnecessary to look at the face, but Andy did anyway. He had no question. "Yes, that's Howard Byler. You never think that these things are possible until it happens close to home." Andy turned away. "It's shocking to see him this way. He looks so vulnerable now. In life he was never like that."

Andy' knees became weak, and his stomach didn't feel too well. "May we sit?"

"You tell me where," Joe said. Andy led the way back to the reception area of the Physics Department Office. They sat in the chairs where students often waited their turn to see the department chair. Andy took short, shallow breaths. He seemed almost to be in shock. He did not understand why: He and Howard had never been friends. Clearly, the method of death shocked him, as did the realization that someone -- anyone -- would actually take his own life.