Judge Seabury sat on the park bench alone, staring through a thin line of trees that partially hid the Elder mansion on the hill.
“Judge, why the long face?” Shane O’Conner walked up from the path to the parking area.
“You heard about Childress?”
“Sure, it couldn’t have happened to a nicer son of a bitch.” O’Conner sat at the other end of the bench with a grunt. “I’ve seen that guy working widows and divorcees for too long.”
“The master doesn’t believe those men killed him intentionally,” the judge leaned back.
“What are you saying? That they accidentally shot him three times. I find that even stranger. The bullets came from their guns, according to my source, who works at the morgue.”
O’Conner pulled out a pack of cigarettes and knocked one partially out of the top to retrieve.
“It’s wise that you keep up with things in our little world,” Seabury nodded. “However, Childress’s death creates more danger for us.”
O’Conner lit his cigarette and leaned back, ensuring that he didn’t let the smoke drift over to the judge.
“I don’t see how, but that’s not my pay grade, is it?”
The judge ignored the comment.
“There are ways to have men do your work for you. Someone told the master that they found firecrackers on the scene. Reminiscent of something that occurred at the train station when those two women left town with Mr. Dagger,” the old man smiled to himself.
“I didn’t hear about that,” the ex-cop confessed.
“Probably not, since many of the policemen don’t trust you. However, my friend at the district attorney’ office filled me in about it. One of the police interrogators discovered the rouse from one of Antonio’s associates watching the train station that day. I suggest that it’s not a coincidence.”
Blowing out a puff from his cancer stick, O’Conner chuckled.
“I love it, ol’ Dagger’s got some methods to his madness.
“Yes, and he poses a great danger!” The judge’s tone grew dark. “He’s an outsider.”
“Are you sure?” O’Conner sat up at the news.
Seabury shrugged.
“I’m not completely sure. His bloodline traces from here, but he’s turned reckless. I had a report done, and he comes from Stull Junction. You should recall that when Dagger grew ambitious about money, his methods changed. It’s happened again. He disappears, then comes back a changed person.”
“Yeah, he started taking every odd job, even giving information to Antonio and Childress. I’d say a lot of folks wanted him dead for the secrets he uncovered.” Shane said. “That’s why he surprised me when he went to you to help with that Vaugh woman.”
The judge nodded.
“I agree. It was unexpected. Now, Mr. Dagger shows he cares about those around him. I believe that’s why he removed Childress from the equation. The Master senses something is changing in the city. That’s why he’s getting involved.”
He paused briefly.
“I wonder if he’s any good at chess?”
The ex-cop grunted at the question.
“I’ve already got a friend of Mrs. Dagger on our side. When I saw Lane and Sally Vaugh driving together the other day, I planted a rumor for that Penske dame to spread. She’s just the type to keep the pressure up and cause a ruckus. Everything for Dagger will fall apart soon enough.”
The judge shook his head and sighed.
“No, the master will meet the Dagger’s. You’ll go to the house as well. I’m afraid they’ll disappear. I believe the master is afraid of this outsider.”
“I don’t believe it. He’s afraid?” Shane scoffed when he remembered the master’s cold-blooded, calculating methods.
“Not of Dagger as much as the woman. She still controls much inside this place.” The judge looked up at the sky.
“So, you’re telling me I’m taking care of this inside the house? He said both of them?” The ex-policeman took another deep puff from his smoke.
The judge nodded.
“Too bad. She’s a cute thing.”
O’Conner flipped his half-finished cigarette away.
“Damn, just when I was starting to like the guy. Oh well, I guess I’ll keep his girlfriend happy after I finish my job.”
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