“You’re worthless,” he said.
He got into bed, but couldn’t sleep and got up again. It was 4 a.m. and Newf followed him downstairs, whining to go out. He decided to take her along—not that she’d be worth a damn if the red dog were still hanging around. But it wasn’t. She settled into the passenger seat, went to sleep, and began snoring.
The DNR office in Marquette was dark and he let himself in with his key. The captain’s truck was parked in the lot, which didn’t surprise him. The captain’s hours and rhythms were as erratic as his own.
He went to his cubicle, told Newf to take a nap, and turned on his computer to check e-mail.
Captain Ware Grant appeared in the opening to his cubicle, a bottle of Jack Daniel’s and a folder in one hand, two glasses in the other. “I didn’t expect company tonight,” the captain said.
“Couldn’t sleep. Things rolling around in my mind.”
Grant set the glasses on the desk and poured a couple of fingers in each. “Ice dilutes.” He eased a glass over to Service. “Does your dog suffer insomnia as well?”
They sipped in silence. The captain pushed the manila folder across to him. “The lab results,” Grant said. “The fax came in after you left.”
Service opened the folder and read the summary.
Genetic testing verifies that hair samples, USF&WS—MI-4128–205 #B.1–3, are those of Selenarctos thibetanus (protected under Appendix I, CITES). S. thibetanus (Asiatic black bear) is indigenous to a variety of transasiatic climates and habitats, north to south in the east and west. The status of bears in heavily populated central China is unknown. While S. thibetanus is widespread, there has been minimal scientific study of the species and there are little reliable data about basic biology, etc.
NOTE 1: USF&WS has previously examined only one sample of S. thibetanus exhibiting the light color of MI-4128–205#B.1–3. It has been theorized that this may represent an unknown color phase of S. thibetanus, or potentially (but unlikely) a previously unknown species of ursus. The previous sample was collected in Cambodia, and has been attributed to, but not confirmed as, a “golden” or “blond moon” bear.
NOTE 2: Tests confirm that galls in sample MI-4128–205 #sA.1–2 are that of Ursus americanus; all hair samples in MI-4128–205 #s B.1–3 are S. thibetanus.
CITES was the acronym for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Appendix I listed endangered species and allowed no international trade. He knew from previous experience that North American black bears were in the less restricted Appendix II, which annoyed the hell out of wildlife managers. Not all states banned the sale of bear parts, and those that didn’t served as havens for sellers and buyers.
Service looked up from the report to find the captain staring at him. “The historical intersects between you and complex cases remain unparalleled,” Grant said.
“I don’t pick the cases,” Service said. “Especially this one.” He had been visiting Gus when this one landed on him.
“That’s what makes it extraordinary.”
“A blond moon bear?” Service said shaking his head. “Live from the Upper Peninsula, it’s the Twilight Zone.”
Captain Grant flashed a rare smirk. “I have faith in your abilities, Detective.”
Service opened a pad of yellow lined paper and began making notes.
FACT: Professor Harry Pung found dead at fish house, Hancock.
FACT: Pung poisoned with cyanide in chocolate-covered figs. COD confirmed by autopsy. Case classified homicide.
FACT: Two bear galls discovered in same package with the figs. Galls confirmed by USF&WS as U. americanus, our blackie.
FACT: Bear scat and hair found in victim’s vehicle, species now verified as Asiatic black bear (but possible golden/blond moon bear, new species/color phase?). Different than our blackie.
FACT: Hair samples recovered at Harry Pung’s rental home in Houghton, and at stainless steel cage in rented cabin on Lac La Belle. All hair samples confirmed as from an Asiatic black bear.
FACT: Lac La Belle cabin rented by Harry Pung.
CONCLUSION: The bear in Pung’s vehicle was also in the rented house and cabin.
QUESTION: Did Pung possess and move these animals willingly?
QUESTION: Boat used to move bear from Hancock?
FACT: Second body discovered at house on shipping canal in Houghton.
FACT: Prints, documents, and immigration records confirm second body as that of Terry Tunhow. One witness confirms identity: Maggie Soper, the landlord.
FACT: A second witness (Enrica) says body is not Terry Pung, but a Korean student who was in her classes under the name of Terry Pung. Witness claims to have met the real (another?) Terry Pung.