She looked up. “Yes?”
“I’m Jenny Spencer. I own the Copper Star. I was hoping you might be able to help me.”
The woman smiled. “I’d be happy to. What do you need?”
“I’m trying to dig up information on a shooting that occurred way back in the mining heyday. I understand you’re an expert on Jerome history.”
“I’m interested in the history of the area. It’s part of my job, but I’ll admit it’s also an obsession.”
Jenny smiled. “After everything I’ve learned, I understand your fascination. I’m looking into the possibility of a shooting that might have occurred on the street in front of a bordello. I’m thinking it could have happened on Main Street, Hull, or Queen. Unfortunately, I don’t know the time frame. I’ve been told the victim died and that he was a miner.”
Evelyn laughed. “Well, that certainly narrows it down. There must be dozens of incidents that fit your description. Jerome was a notoriously lawless town.”
“I know it isn’t much to go on. I don’t know the man’s name or who shot him. I just thought something might pop into your head, something you’ve read or heard.”
“You’ve checked old newspaper articles?” Evelyn asked.
“I spent a few hours at it, but there are so many papers, printed over so many years. I didn’t even make a dent.”
Evelyn nodded in understanding. “I can’t think of anything off-hand that might help, but give me a little time. There are indices available, ways to access information by subject matter. I might be able to narrow it down, even run across an article about the shooting.”
“That would be wonderful. I don’t have a business card, but I can write down my—”
Evelyn smiled. “If you own the Copper Star, I know where to find you. Should I run across something of interest, I’ll get in touch.”
“Thank you so much.”
Jenny left the library feeling slightly better. Evelyn Dunning was clearly an expert. She prayed the woman would find what they needed.
Jenny sighed as she walked back down to the saloon. Unfortunately, even if they discovered the name of the miner and the circumstances of his death, she had no idea how to get rid of him. He was, after all, a ghost.
She imagined Cleo had already talked to Nell about it. Maybe if they all put their heads together, they could figure out what to do.
In the meantime, she would take Cleo’s advice and stay out of room 10.
* * *
Cain spent the rest of the morning in the study in his suite. Problems had come up with the Titan acquisition. He should have stayed in Scottsdale, made certain everything was in order, remained there until the deal was officially closed.
Instead, his mind had been filled with Jenny, a distraction he couldn’t afford. He’d driven back to Jerome, had a fit of jealous temper, which had never happened before, then fortunately managed to extricate himself from the mess he had made. He hadn’t returned to Scottsdale, though he should have. Now problems had surfaced, and the closing had been postponed.
He checked his watch. He was meeting Nick Faraday in the bar. His detective friend had Cain’s enemies list, but they hadn’t discussed it. Cain shut down his computer and headed downstairs.
Nick was waiting when he arrived, sitting at the bar, a rocks glass in front of him.
When Hannah walked up behind the bar to take Cain’s order, he simply pointed to Nick’s drink. Knowing Cain drank Johnny Walker Black, she poured the drink and set it in front of him; then he and Nick carried their drinks over to a table in the corner.
“This place is really looking good,” Nick said, surveying the interior, the wood paneling, the low lighting that illuminated the impressionist desert landscapes on the walls. “Looks like you’ll be finished in time for the party.”
“Unless disaster strikes. Which lately seems to be happening more and more.” He took a drink of whiskey and enjoyed the relaxing burn. “You must have gotten your invitation. Will you be coming?”
Nick smiled. “Masks, women in sequined gowns, and guys in tuxedos. Wouldn’t miss it.” He tipped his head toward the bar. “I got an invitation, but Hannah filled me in. Should make for an interesting evening.”
“The girls wanted to make a splash.”
Nick raised a black eyebrow. “The girls?”
“Politically incorrect, I suppose. Millicent and Jenny. They figured, with Halloween so close, it should be something that tied in, but had a little more class. It’s costing me a fortune. I hope they’re right.”
