“My experience as a student has been something unusual but I have had a never failing desire that has borne me through at last. There have been months and years of suspense and waiting and hoping and disappointment. There have been times when the heavens looked dark. But I can credit myself for only part of the victory. Had it not been for my friends I never could have done it.”
~Earl Douglass
MONDAY, JULY1, 1889•COLORADOSPRINGS
Cole bid his wife good-bye once again.
He hated leaving her for long periods of time, but this case had gotten under his skin, and he couldn’t let it go.
It wasn’t just Edwin Gilbert’s death—it was the death of several men. His count was now up to six.
The local law enforcement in each area had been eager to help—well, all except for Denver—when it came to Edwin’s death.
The thought that a murderer had gotten away with killing over and over for so long...
He gritted his teeth so hard they ached.
This wasn’t a case of bank robberies and notorious gun-toting criminals who didn’t care if their name was known. This wasn’t about men who enjoyed killing, thieving, and doing whatever they pleased. Who taunted law enforcement to catch them.
No. This case was much worse.
It was about someone smart.
Someone conniving.
Someone who kept a low profile but taunted nonetheless.
And why leave a lady’s glove? Had the killer been jilted by a lover, and this was his way of getting back?
The more he thought about it, the more his anger grew, and the less he slept at night. Why couldn’t he figure this out? Even though there had been a bit of a trail after he found out about Slim and the woman, it was cold now.
At this point, the only hope of catching this killer was...
No. He hated to even think it.
But it was true. His only chance would be to wait until...
He swallowed back the bile that rose in his throat.
Until the killer stuck again.
TUESDAY, JULY2, 1889•JANKOWSKIDIGSITE
Staring down into the quarry, Martha watched the men pack up for the day. Another long day at the site should have invigorated her, especially with how much they had accomplished, but she couldn’t let go of her anger and confusion.
Mother had left her a note Sunday evening. Anote. They lived in the same house, and the woman couldn’t have the common decency to come talk to her?
Martha pulled the paper out of her pocket and read it again.
Martha, my dear,
I think it’s best if you keep your distance from that Duncan fellow. He’s nothing but trouble. Those of the lower class always are. You are doing amazing work out at the dig; we wouldn’t want that to be hampered by a shady character in your life.
Mother
If Martha hadn’t had the refreshing time with Jacob, the note would have sent her over the edge.
The gall of the woman.
