Chapter 2 Summary

Dr. Scarpetta arrives at the Medical Examiners office, located in what the doctor refers to as the "Hospital for the Dead". The office is located next to an abandoned railway station where remnants of the station appear to have been left exactly the same way as on the day of its last use.

Waiting for Scarpetta is Neils Vander, a fingerprint examiner. Because of a new order put in place by Scarpetta, Vander is required to be present whenever there's a sign of another strangulation victim.

Scarpetta calls home to speak with Bertha, the housekeeper, and to check in on Lucy. Lucy is still asleep. Scarpetta feels guilty because she and Lucy had plans to visit Monticello, plans that were ruined by the murder.

Scarpetta and Vander drink coffee while waiting for the laser to warm up. The laser can detect fingerprints and...