How I hate being shackled by one-sided description. When there are
two main protagonists in a scene - why not give them equal
share?
Hopefully, I got this extract right?
She
saw Professor Archibald Deacon pulling a face, peering through
horn-rimmed glasses at the obtrusion to his world. ‘How nice to
see you again, Jackie. What is it? Third time this
month?’
Thank God it was him under the white suit. For
pathologists, Archie wasn’t a bad sort. They were on friendly
terms, unlike his deputy, the ice-queen. She-who-must-be-obeyed
was a different kettle of fish. ‘Keeps me out of mischief and you
in a job.’
‘Kit yourself up, then. All freshly laundered.’
He pulled at his white sleeve to show her. ‘Non-biological Scurf
removes nasty human excretions quicker than any other powder.’ He
pointed to the tent. ‘You know the
ropes.’
Jackie did. Practice makes perfect. The ghoul
newcomer followed Archie around, watched him hum and ha all
knowledgeably as he carried out a quick biopsy. ‘Well?’ she
asked.
Archie wasn’t going to be hurried. He bent over
the body and started to scrape. ‘All in good time, my dear.
Forensic science is an art.’ He picked off a maggot and examined
it. ‘But I can tell you one thing. She wasn’t murdered here
and...’ he stopped, rephrased it. ‘Stating the obvious maybe, but
if you want peace and quiet, this place is
ideal.’
Jackie swatted off a fly. ‘God, it stinks to
high heaven. Can we bag her up then, before the whole place is
swarming with these buggers.’
‘And that’s another thing. Putrefaction is just
setting in. See these maggots. They’re living in luxury. You want
date of death? About four or five days is my best
guess.’
Which would not be good news for
Carol.
Can anyone simplify HOW to approach this - any technique tips would
be welcome.
