Breathe in the Air

Dr Valerie Cullen is found dead, holding a syringe, and colleague Dr Plant suggests suicide, telling Gently that she was depressed at the onset of motor neurone disease. Estranged husband Andrew, also a doctor, agrees but when he finds Valerie's office ransacked and her dog killed Gently suspects foul play with Andrew the likely culprit. Valerie was a popular visitor to Norman, an unofficial patient dying of emphysema contracted from working at an asbestos factory where Andrew was the medical officer. Given that other workers have also died Gently suspects that Valerie was attempting to expose criminal negligence at the factory and somebody was out to prevent her. At the same time Bacchus is thrilled to hear that he has been promoted to inspector but sad to learn that Gemma has gone back with Nunn and is moving to London with him. Written by don @ minifie-1