Phosphate Rocks Chapter 30: The Brass Washer

The clock has moved on when the detective inspector returns to the interview room. 

‘Any news?’ John asks. ‘Did you find Fraser Docherty?’  

‘We’re working on it,’ she says. ‘What about the other things? Anything else here linked to Fraser?’ 

John surveys the remaining objects and shakes his head. ‘Nope.’ 

She picks up a dull gold disc with a hole through the middle. 

‘Anyone else who suddenly vanished?’ she asks. 

John takes the metal ring from her and sniffs, hoping to retrieve the familiar pungent hit. Nothing. Not even a whiff. No trace of ammonia detectable. 

A few years ago, John tried to buy ammonia from a high-street chemist, searching through the shelves, desperate for a quick hit to clear his cold. The pharmacist laughed at his request and offered him Olbas Oil or Fisherman’s Friend Extra Strong Lozenges instead. Eucalyptus cleared his sinuses; menthol made his eyes water, but neither evoked the same memories. 

He catches the detective staring at him and raises his nose from the brass washer. 

No smell, but plenty for the eye to see. John holds the thick ring up to the light. He slips a pinkie into the centre and nods as fine green crystals tumble onto the desk. 

Copper nitrate. Just as he guessed.