After having quietly staged two of his victim’s deaths exactly as they died in the books inspired by their crimes, Detective Billy Poe has laid claim to these and two other murders. By leaving signed messages with quotes from the murder victims’ corresponding books on their bodies, Poe warns that no criminal who unjustly walks free is safe from judgment and execution.
But how is it that a fictional man can kill? The answer lies in the very real person who hides behind the pseudonym. Yes, E. A. Dupin’s name is as fictional as his characters. Should the name Poe fail to hide his deeds, Dupin can rely upon his carefully constructed alias to protect him. According to an unnamed source, even the police don’t know who Dupin is.
The police have attempted to keep this information from you, going so far as to pressure journalists to remain quiet while the police investigate. But with a fourth murder now having been committed without any progress, theCincinnati Commercialbelieves it is your right to know that Dupin is a menace to society.
In an effort to succeed where the police have failed, the families and theCincinnati Commercialare offering a $100 reward for Dupin’s identity and location. Submit any information you have to theCincinnati Commercial, care of Eugene Clemens. If your information leads to the author’s identity and arrest, then the reward will be yours.
Beware, E. A. Dupin. The people of Cincinnati are on the hunt.
Drawing her breath was impossible. It didn’t make sense. Did no one realize Dupin couldn’t be the murderer? Obviously not, because Cincinnati had declared a manhunt. For her.
A knock at the door startled her.
Were they here for her already? Her best friends would never betray her, but had her publisher discovered her identity and turned her over? It was ridiculous to jump to that conclusion, but she couldn’t stop the shake in her hand as she opened the door.
Officer Hall stood waiting.
Lydia clutched the doorframe, suddenly weak in the legs.
The law had come for her.
“Are you unwell?” He stepped closer, though he seemed uncertain as to how to assist.
She straightened. “I’m well enough.”
“Are you certain?”
“Quite.” If this was it, she would go with dignity. “Are you here for me?”
“Yes and no. Is your father home?”
That wasn’t the answer she’d expected. Did he wish to notify Papa before taking her in?
She feigned a smile. “Not at present, but he should be soon. Would you like to come inside and wait for him?”
“I suppose I have no choice.”
She showed him to the parlor and laid the paper on the table. Though she offered him coffee, he declined. The plush seat, however, he accepted.
For a moment his eyes dipped closed, and the evidence of exhaustion appeared in the dark circles beneath his eyes and slump of his body.
Some of her anxiousness eased in light of his obvious need. The poor man. She should drape a quilt over him. No doubt he’d be out within seconds.
Officer Hall must have had similar thoughts of sleep, because he jumped to his feet and moved to where he had nothing to lean against.
“May I relay a message to my father so you can return to your duties?”
Or bed.
Hopefully he wasn’t working the night shift. If so, he might collapse somewhere or be overtaken by crooks.
He massaged the bridge of his nose before conceding. “I suppose Dr. Pelton can verify it with Superintendent Carson if he doesn’t believe you.”
Verify it? Like she was untrustworthy? How ridic—
Guilt pierced her conscience. Of course Officer Hall wouldn’t consider her trustworthy. He only knew her as a criminal.
Officer Hall continued. “All charges have been dropped and the payment for the goat accepted. Another officer is delivering the goat and informing Miss Plane.”
