A Murder Mystery

“Like 72 degrees?”“Indeed. Much like Ms. Coteni’s home. Thermostat set at 72 degrees.In physics, they call this the ambient temperature. It works well whenthe ambient temperature is stable, say, like in a room with athermostat. Keeps it consistent, predictable.” Professor Skandi nolonger spoke impassively. His passion for teaching was a part of himnow, after all of those years. He sensed an awakening in Eddie – adawning comprehension.“In fact,” continued the professor, pacing back and forth before thechalkboard, “I am willing to bet that her home was 72 degreesFahrenheit when she called you at 11:15 PM. That it was 72 degreeswhen you arrived at 11:45 PM. That it was 72 degrees when you called9-1-1 at 11:46 PM. That it was 72 degrees when the police arrived at11:50 PM. That it was 72 degrees when the coroner arrived at midnightto fill out his report. That it was 72 degrees when you were broughtto this room, in hand cuffs, shortly after midnight. Not the 98.6degrees that was Nina’s original body temperature before her untimelydemise.”Pause.Still paused.Awkward.