blackbird by Gina Frisken

The black flip notebook contained O’Farrell’s composed handwriting. The date and time of his arrival to the crime scene noted at the top of the page. O’Farrell took notes of what he saw and heard, not what he thought. The two other detectives, new to the force, left the flat, one checked the soles of his shoes and the other reached for his handkerchief. O’Farrell steadied his hand as he wrote the infants’ names.

 

A turn of the page and Klaus’ last day revealed and scrutinised for clues. Heike’s day was no different to any other.

 

In the middle of the notepad, O’Farrell mapped the room. It was unusual not to find a suicide note. He expected to see one on the table by the door or next to the bed. He closed his notebook. 

 

The homicide photographer left the flat, but the photos were never developed. Police never process photographs on suicides.

 

The autopsy revealed Heike was five months pregnant.