Detective Jacobson led Gwen down the hall to an awaiting elevator. Again tears began to stream down her face.
"Do you do this often?" Gwen asked.
"Often enough, and it never gets any easier."
As they exited the elevator for the morgue, Gwen felt a cold chill cover
her body. Detective Jacobson grabbed Gwen's hand to comfort her as
they entered the chilly room. Gwen began to shiver, as truth was about
to take form with the sight of Jes' dead body.
"Are you ready?" Detective Jacobson asked Gwen as he prepared to
pull back the sheet that covered Jes.
"Yes," Gwen nodded as she wiped her face of tears.
Detective Jacobson slowly peeled back the sheet to reveal Jes. Gwen
looked on with teary eyes and a smile.
"She is so beautiful. Look at her."
Gwen cried softly as she looked over Jes' face.
"This is actually the happiest that I have seen her in a long time. I
haven't seen her smile in such a long time."
As Gwen looked on, Detective Benitez walked into the room.
"Jacobson, here is the blood work on the Jane Doe."
He said as he
extended his hand and manila folder in a lazy manner.
"Her name is Jessica Lewis," Gwen said, as she looked Detective
Benitez in his eyes.
"I beg your pardon Ms. Matthews. I meant no disrespect."
Gwen again wiped her eyes, and gave Detective Jacobson the OK that
the body being viewed was indeed Jessica Annette Lewis.
"Detective Jacobson,"
Gwen said as they headed for the elevator.
"Can you tell me something about the blood work?"
"What's that?"
"Can you tell me if Jes had HIV or AIDS?"
Detective Jacobson looked at Gwen for a moment before opening the
folder and fulfilling her request.
"No, she didn't have either."