forensics | Keira's Place

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by Cher’ley Grogg

William Smith was a prominent lawyer and he had just secured a magnificent deal for his corporations all he needed was the signature of the representative from the other business. He made a flaring motion as he presented the fountain pen to the businessman. He said, “Sign your John Hancock here.” He pointed to the X. The man leaned over and signed ‘John Hancock’. William thought, and this man is an executive, but aloud he said, “No, I mean sign your name here.” He pressed hard on the document.

“I did.” John Hancock replied.

He is remembered for his large, flamboyant signature on the Declaration, and so “John Hancock” became an informal synonym for signature. According to legend, Hancock signed his name largely and clearly so that King George could read it without his spectacles, but this fanciful story did not appear until many years later.

My signature is not flamboyant, but it is a lot bigger than it used to be. Do you think I’ve become more creative and my signature has grown with me? I don’t write nearly as much as I used to. I type. I still do poetry longhand but the rest of the time is typing or texting.

So how is forensics and signature analysis coming together in the digital age. A new program Topaz software presents segment timing, speed of signature data and the exact sequence of movements made by the author during the original signature execution.

In chapter Twelve of “Stamp Out Murder”, James finds a letter from Farm and Brook Nurseries, about selling apple trees to Nathaniel McKeel. This reveals the secret to one of the mysteries that is working within the novel. James is good with paper trails.

“Stamp Out Murder”.