The Theory

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I had managed to locate the
right hand.
Buried under the
old
wych
elm
under piles of dirt.
I had my detectives
transport it to
Webster.

I had arrived to the morgue an hour later,
with an additional hour
w
a
i
t
i
n
g
for James to finish with his
results.

Just as I was about to leave,
James stuck his head out
through the doorframe and
ushered me in.

The strong smell of chemicals
mixed with my paranoia,
made the place smell like
decaying
flesh.

"Robert, are you certain you wish to
know my theory?"
I was certain I didn't want to.
But, this girl deserves some
justice.
So, I nod my head.
"Well, since you found the hand
under the
old
wych
elm,
I came to one
possible-"
He emphasizes 'possible'
"conclusion."
I am getting rather impatient
"Well, James? What is it?"
I snap back, surprised at my own tone.
But James carries on as if he hadn't even heard it.
"I think she was involved in a cult."
I am taken aback by this comment. James clearly
sees this, so he proceeds to explain
why he had come to such an assumption.
"Think about it, Robert. A hand sawn off.
Buried under the tree?"
I stare at him with blank eyes.
"Have you heard of The Hand of Glory?"
I let out a gasp. Yes, of course,
it all makes
sense
now.
"James, do not say anything yet."
I didn't want the press
butchering
this case.

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