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Lessing returned to the sheriff's office with the sword wrapped in newspapers and a cardboard outer box. It would not cut anyone and would not arouse suspicion. The desk clerk rang Saracena's office and she came to the front desk to admit him.
"Good news. I found his next of kin is a cousin who lives here in town. He was notified of the death and has made arrangements for a simple funeral as it is not clear yet how much money is available. The cousin is named Gordon Keene. I thought we might go by and talk to him if that is alright with you. So far there has just been a deputy to go out and notify him of his cousin's death and verify that he was the next of kin."
"Have you called Gordon yet?"
"Yes, right before I came to the front desk for you. He said he would be home all afternoon. He is agreeable to my coming by. I don't know if he will want to talk in your presence so you should be prepared to wait in the car. But I will encourage him to talk to you as you seem to know about as much about Lane as anybody."
"Fine, let's go."
Epay Stories - German Officer's Sword - Used Page 4