Louise(P.S. Winn) Chapter 1

Sometimes in life, the bridge that needs to be built is a major undertaking. One that takes more than one person who joins in on the building.
In the refugee city of Dansville, built on the outskirts of the larger city of Hanford, some strange things are going on. The place was really more like a camp than a city, but to the few who lived there, it was home.
Louise Chapman is one of the people who have made the place her home. At sixty five, Louise could be considered old in Dansville. With no way for the people to get good medical attention and no money to afford medications, the people of Dansville are lucky to live into their fifties. Even if the residents, by some miracle, found a doctor willing to treat them, years of living in a poor neighborhood had created too many diseases.
Louise Chapman is fairly new to the place. She accidentally found what could only be called a refugee camp two years ago.
She had actually stumbled on the place by accident when she’d gotten off on the wrong bus stop. Until two years ago Louise had never even been on a city bus. Of course, until her husband had died a year before the bus fiasco, there were a lot of things Louise hadn’t done.
She hadn’t taken care of household finances, so she had no idea her husband was better at spending money than at making it.
Daniel was a wonderful, loving husband. He took good care of Louise. So, when he died, Louise was devastated. After twenty years of marriage, she also found herself destitute. She had no idea everything in their home and even the house itself was ready to be repossessed. Not until people began calling and then showing up at her door, after her phone was disconnected, and demanding payment.
Her parents were long dead, as were Daniel’s. The couple had never been blessed with children and no one Louise had once called friend wanted anything to do with the now penniless woman.
Taking the bus, for the first time, and headed for the health and human services office, hoping for, at the very least, some food stamps, Louise found something very different.
She found she had stepped into a nightmare.
This is the story Louise found herself in the middle of two years after her arrival and how it took a lot of people working on a bridge of understanding and friendship to change things.

Chapter 2

Walking through the dark alley, Louise Chapman felt someone behind her. Clenching the shopping cart she used to hold her belongings tighter, Louise moved faster. She knew if she could reach the fire, she would be okay. That’s where her friends were. Miguel Ortiz and Oscar Steinman had been the first people Louise had met back two years ago when she arrived in Dansville. It was those two men who had found Louise, lost and confused. They had listened to her story and then took her under their wings. At the time, all Louise had with her was her purse. It didn’t carry much either.
Miguel and Oscar had rounded up some clothes, a pillow and a tattered blanket. They found her a hidey hole, protected from the weather, and let her rest.
At the time, it was spring, like now, and the weather had been fairly warm. Louise’s new home kept out the rain and then the heat that came with the summer sun her first year in Dansville. She also found the place, really an old boarded up tunnel that led to a shut off water main, helped stave off the cold in the winter.
Now, after two years of scavenging, Louise’s hidey hole looked more like a comfortable living room. Miguel and Oscar had helped her drag a loveseat from the nearby dump. Louise used it as both a place to sit and as a bed for lying on.
Now, scurrying as fast as she could away from her follower, Louise sent up a silent prayer to live to see her place once again. Louise was scared. She had an idea who might be behind her and closing in. Everyone in Dansville knew about the strange killings. The demented murderer the cops and the papers were calling the Beggar Butcher. Not that anyone living in Dansville received a paper on the day it was published. Someone was always able to snatch one from the garbage that was only a day or two old and pass it around. It wasn’t like any of the residents struggling to get by needed to read about the murders. They were the ones who found the bodies. The Butcher always cut off body parts and left them laying in a different spot from the victim.
Everyone Louise knew was scared and that’s why she never should have tried to go to the dump alone and this late in the day. Right now, Louise only hoped she would live to regret that decision.
As she was thinking that, Louise let out a breath of relief. She could just make out the shadows of a few people gathered around a large metal barrel. The flames, although easily seen, weren’t enough for her to make out any features of those standing by the warmth of the fire. It didn’t matter, if they were at the fire, they were friends.
Louise moved faster, her tired legs protesting. Pushing her cart, she could already feel the evil presence that had been behind her slipping away.
She smiled as she got closer and recognized Miguel and Oscar.
It was Miguel who moved away from the barrel first when he saw Louise headed toward him. “Where have you been? We’ve been worried sick about you.”
Oscar was just a step behind Miguel. “Louise, you know better than to go off on your own.” Staring at Louise, Oscar saw the fear in her light blue eyes. Oscar’s own brown eyes frowned. “What’s wrong, did something happen?”
Louise shook her head of gray hair. “I’m not sure. I thought I felt someone following me. I was too scared to look back. When I got close to home and saw the fire, it was like the presence disappeared. Oh my word, it’s good to see both of you.”
Oscar stepped forward and took the shopping cart while Miguel moved close and slipped an arm around Louise’s slender shoulders. Although Miguel was only five foot six, he seemed tall next to the five foot Louise. He gave her a reassuring smile, his dark eyes full of compassion. “Let’s get you over to the fire. Where did you go anyway?”
Looking over to make sure Oscar was pushing her cart alongside them, Louise smiled. “I went to the dump. I found a lot of good things. I didn’t realize how late it was until it was already beginning to get dark.”
The three friends made their way to the barrel where the fire was burning. Louise frowned at the tall man standing there. He wasn’t a resident she had seen before. Seeing the look, Oscar smiled. “Louise, this is Kirk, he ventured into our city today.”
The man was at least four inches taller than Oscar’s five foot ten. When he smiled at Louise, she saw he had bright green eyes under a mop of red hair. “Hi Louise, Oscar and Miguel only have good things to say about you.”
Smiling, Louise nodded. “It’s nice to meet you and if these two know what’s good for them, they better say good things about me.”
As the four got to know each other better, a pair of dark eyes kept close watch on them from a half block away.

Chapter 3

While Louise, Oscar and Miguel were sleeping in their makeshift homes, Kirk Leland slowly walked away from Dansville. When he got three blocks away he made his way to an old blue Chevy parked on the side of the street. Once safely in the car, he reached under the seat and pulled out his cell phone and called his partner Jerry Bagwell.
Jerry picked up the phone before the first ring had finished. “Kirk, what the hell took you so long? I’ve been sitting here waiting. I expected a call hours ago.”
In the car, Kirk was smiling, his green eyes dancing with humor. “Sorry mom, I didn’t realize you couldn’t get to sleep without hearing my voice.”
The dark head of hair shook and the brown eyes narrowed. “Very funny Kirk, you are my partner you know. What would the Captain say if he knew you didn’t check in until now? I knew I should have talked the Captain into letting me go with you on this stake out.”
Kirk sighed. “I’m sorry and no you shouldn’t have come with me. I’m lucky they let me in. The people of Dansville are already suspicious of new comers. Just think how wary they are now that the Butcher is killing someone every week or two.”
Knowing Kirk was right, Jerry nodded. In the last two months there had been six deaths in Dansville. “Okay Kirk, so have you found out anything yet?”
With a shake of his head, Kirk looked out the car windows to make sure no one was around. “Not yet, I did make two friends earlier and then a third tonight. Something happened to scare her. She said she thought she was being followed. Luckily, she wasn’t touched. I think the Butcher is around though. This place is easy pickings for him. These people barely have food, let alone some kind of weapons to protect themselves. They seemed to accept me as just another person down on their luck. In fact, I better get back before they realize I’m not sleeping.”
Jerry laughed. “How is that cold, hard ground? Personally, I’m headed right now to my king size bed for a good night’s sleep.”
Kirk rolled his green eyes. “Not funny, next time we get an assignment like this, I’ll stay home and you can go in.”
Jerry smiled. “Sleep tight partner.”
Hanging up the phone, Kirk slipped it back under the seat. He knew he should keep it with him, but he was afraid it would ring or vibrate and his secret would be out. He didn’t feel the same about the Glock twenty two pistol he had in a leg holster, hidden under his pants leg. He wanted to be secretive, but he wasn’t crazy. If the Butcher showed up while he was under cover, Kirk had no qualms about shooting the guy.
In the short time he’d spent today with Miguel and Oscar he found he liked the two men. When he met and talked to Louise, the feeling was stronger. Kirk knew a lot of cops who didn’t care about a bunch of vagrants getting murdered. He’d like to take the three he’d met and introduce them around the station without stating who they were or where they came from. He couldn’t imagine anyone not liking the trio. Being down on your luck didn’t mean you were a bad person, despite some people’s misguided prejudice.
Getting out of the car, Kirk locked it up and headed back toward Dansville and that cold, hard ground Jerry had asked about. Before he reached the spot, Miguel stepped out of the shadows. “Where you been Kirk? You should know better than to be walking around here at night.”
Kirk tried to sound casual. “I couldn’t sleep, thought I’d take a stroll.”
The brown eyes narrowed. “Try again Kirk. I saw you get in the car. Who are you and what are you really doing in Dansville?”
With a half-smile, Kirk shrugged. “I don’t know what you mean. Hey, I’m just down on my luck right now. I guess the same could be said about everyone else in this place. As soon as I can find a job and save up some…”
Miguel interrupted him. “I don’t think so. You’re a nice guy Kirk, but a damn poor liar. I didn’t think you looked like you belonged here, despite that outfit you’re wearing.”
Looking down at his second hand clothes, Kirk had to agree. When he’d picked up his outfit for this assignment he had been unable to decide what would look like it fit in. He stepped closer to Miguel and lowered his voice to a whisper. “I’m a cop. I want to catch this murdering bastard. The only way I could think of to do that was to place myself in Dansville twenty four seven. I’d really like you to keep this between us. I could see how close you are to Oscar and Louise, but if too many people know about my being here and who I am, my being undercover isn’t going to play out.”
Thinking over what Kirk said, Miguel finally nodded. “I won’t tell anyone. To tell you the truth, I’m really surprised you’re here. I know a lot of people, including the mayor of Hanford, think any investigation into the murders of a few bums is a waste of money and time. I know what most people think about the residents of Dansville.”
As Kirk stared at Miguel, he could see a mixture of anger and anguish fill the dark eyes. Kirk wondered what had brought Miguel to this place. Of course, everyone in Dansville had a story to tell. Kirk only hoped he could catch the Butcher before he silenced any more voices. Kirk shook his head. “I don’t think much of Mayor Warren Stone or his ideas. My boss sent me here to do a job and that’s what I plan on.”
Making their way back, Miguel and Kirk went to their sleeping areas. Miguel’s wasn’t far from where Louise lay sleeping in her tunnel like home. The men of Dansville made sure that the women and children were given the more sheltered areas to sleep. Single men had makeshift areas, looking more like a lean-to than an actual shelter. Most were just a piece of plywood or heavy cardboard propped up by anything that could be scrounged up.
Kirk had been surprised earlier when he had not only been shown his shelter but given an old blanket and pillow to use shortly after he had walked into Dansville and was met by Oscar and Miguel.
Now, Kirk crawled under his cardboard tent and laid down on that bed. With everything going on, Kirk didn’t think sleep would come too quickly. Despite his thinking that way, it wasn’t long after he closed his eyes that Kirk was sound asleep.

A shrill scream woke not only Kirk, but the other residents of Dansville early the next morning. Jumping out of his bed on the ground, Kirk ran toward the sound. Before he got there, Kirk could already see a small crowd gathered around Louise. Oscar and Miguel were standing on either side of the woman. Louise was half leaned over. To Kirk, she looked like someone close to or just finishing throwing up. He stepped closer. “What’s going on?”
Shaking her head of gray hair, Louise looked at Oscar. Knowing his friend wouldn’t be able to talk, Oscar pointed off to his left and filled in for her. “In the garbage can over there. Louise found an arm. It’s covered in blood. I don’t know where the rest of the body is, but if it’s anything like the others, I’d say the large dumpster around the corner might reveal another horrendous murder.”
Stepping over to the garbage can, Kirk looked down at a bloody arm, partially covered by garbage. Turning away he ran toward the dumpster, followed by Miguel. Behind them, Oscar tried to keep others from following. “Let those two check this out. Everyone needs to stay away from there.”
Kirk reached the dumpster just ahead of Miguel. Being taller, he lifted the heavy lid and peered inside. Even if he hadn’t been able to see the body, the smell would have confirmed what was waiting for Kirk. Covering his mouth, he turned to Miguel. “Don’t let anyone near here. I have to go make a call.”
Miguel nodded and took up his position in front of the dumpster, covering his own nose and mouth.
Running out of Dansville, not caring now who saw him or if they guessed who he really was, Kirk made his way to his car. Unlocking the door, he opened it and flopped down on the seat. Reaching under it, he pulled out his cell phone and called dispatch. “This is Detective Kirk Leland, we’ve got a homicide down in Dansville. I need an ambulance and an investigation unit down here.” As soon as Kirk got the response that units were on the way he asked for Captain Monroe. While he waited for the Captain, Kirk was berating himself for falling asleep and not noticing a murder was happening close by.
When a voice came on the other end of the line, Kirk focused his attention on his boss. “Kirk, what the hell happened?”
Drawing in a breath, Kirk shared the little he knew then his voice hardened. “I need you to let Jerry come down and help me here. I fell asleep and someone was murdered. If two of us are here we can rotate shifts. That’s seven dead in two months captain.”
At his desk, Captain Monroe was hating himself for what he was about to tell Kirk. “Jerry isn’t going to be helping Kirk. In fact, our investigation and your undercover assignment is being stopped. Those orders come directly from Mayor Stone. I got the call earlier this morning.”
Bill Monroe didn’t share the fact that he was still asleep in his bed when that directive had been given in a call received from the mayor. “I’m sorry Kirk, You can hang around until the unit gets there, but then I want you in the office. You can take the time to go home and shower first.”
Kirk shook his head. “What the hell are you talking about? Didn’t you just hear what I said?”
Captain Monroe nodded. “I heard you Kirk and I’m telling you it’s out of my hands.”
Without answering, Kirk angrily ended the call and putting the phone in his pocket ran back to the crime scene. By then the crime investigation unit had pulled in and was taking over. Kirk looked over to where Louise, Miguel and Oscar were sitting on a small grassy area. He walked over to them. He stared at Miguel, seeing the curious look in his eyes and then sat down by the trio.
“I have something to tell you. I’m a cop, I came down here undercover to try and find the Beggar Butcher. I really thought my being in Dansville would be one way to do that. I was just told by my captain that my investigation was stopped. It would seem the Mayor of Hanford doesn’t feel this investigation is one worth continuing. I’m sorry about that. I can’t tell you how sorry. A man like that shouldn’t be holding office. I have to go to the station, but I promise to be back. I may have to do this on my own, but I swear, I am going to find that guy and stop him.”
Kirk stood. “I’ll be back, stay safe and stay together until I return.”
Kirk waited until the three nodded. Miguel already knew he was a cop, but Kirk was surprised at how well Louise and Oscar were taking the news. Maybe like Miguel, the two also felt that somehow Kirk didn’t belong in this place and had expected a revelation like the one he had just given. It was Oscar who stood while Louise, with Miguel still trying to comfort her, stayed seated.
Oscar faced Kirk. “We appreciate the offer, but there’s no reason for you to jeopardize your job. Everyone in Dansville knows the Mayor’s train of thought about us. He’d like this place closed down. We all would love that too, but right now, we have nowhere else to go.”
Kirk felt like beating on something in frustration for what the people here were going through. “I’ll be fine, but I know you won’t. Like I said, I’ll be back.”
Kirk turned and walked away just as the ambulance and the investigative unit SUV pulled away from the dumpster and headed out into the street. Kirk knew they wouldn’t have had time to gather much evidence and his anger rose even more.
Heading back to his car, Kirk jumped in and drove quickly to the station, not worrying about taking the shower Captain Monroe had mentioned.

As he stepped in the station, Kirk was glad to see a familiar face as his partner, Jerry, stepped up to him shaking his head. “The Captain told me about the Mayor and his stupid orders, I’m sorry Kirk.”
Kirk shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. I’m going back down there. Even if I have to take my vacation time starting now, I’m going. Where’s the Captain?’
The laugh he heard surprised Kirk. Looking at Jerry he could see the amusement in his partner’s eyes. “Right now, he’s getting a lecture from Mara Stone.”
Kirk frowned. “Who’s she, some relation to Mayor Stone?”
Lifting a hand, Jerry moved it in a seesaw motion. “She’s related, although I don’t think she’s too happy about it. Mara Stone is a reporter at the Hanford Times, she’s also Mayor Stone’s niece. Mara is the number one reporter on the Beggar Butcher. She’s been trying to get the Mayor and the town to do something about Dansville for years. She started writing articles on the Mayor’s lack of compassion for those who called Dansville home since she became a reporter three years ago. I can’t believe you don’t know about her.”
Kirk shrugged. “To tell you the truth, I can’t remember the last time I picked up the paper. Guess I should start. I think I’ll go see what Miss Stone and the Captain are talking about. He wanted me back here.”
Jerry smiled. “I think I’d like to join you. Not only is Mara Stone opinionated, she’s nice to look at.”
Staring at Jerry, Kirk shook his head. “I don’t think your wife would care to hear you say that.”
Jerry smiled. “It’s always nice to look at a pretty woman Kirk. I was actually thinking more for you than for me, you can’t stay a bachelor forever. I think you really need someone around to watch out for you. Seems to me this isn’t the first time you got yourself in trouble.”
With a smile, Kirk just shrugged, the thought had crossed his mind more times than he could count how nice it would be to have someone waiting for him when he came home. “Let’s just get in there. My love life is going to be on hold until I find this murderer.”

The two men started walking toward Captain Monroe’s office. They could hear the sound of raised voices well before they got there. Turning to look at each other the two men couldn’t help the smiles that crossed their faces. Stepping to the closed door, Kirk knocked. The sound of quarreling stopped and then the Captain’s voice could be heard. “C’mon in, the door’s unlocked.”
As Kirk stepped in, followed by Jerry, the Captain looked Kirk up and down. “I thought you were gonna go shower before you came in.”
The green eyes rolled. “That was your idea not mine. What the hell is going on Captain? We got another victim in Dansville and you pull me off the case. Something isn’t adding up to me.”
Captain Monroe looked from Kirk to Mara Stone. “Kirk, have you met Mara. It would seem the two of you have a lot to talk about.” The Captain turned back to Kirk. “This is Mara Stone, the Mayor’s niece. Mara this is Kirk Leland. He’s investigating the Beggar Butcher.”
Stepping over to Kirk, Mara held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you Kirk. I have to apologize about the Mayor being my Uncle. You don’t choose your relatives and if you did I can honestly say Warren Stone would be at the bottom of my list.”
Staring at the big blue eyes, Kirk could see what Jerry had meant about Mara being nice to look at. “My partner tells me you are an advocate for the residents of Dansville.”
As she shook Kirk’s hand and then released it, Mara sighed. “I’m trying my best. Those people should be helped, not looked down on. Anyone of us could find ourselves in the same predicament. Lord knows most of us are living paycheck to paycheck. We should be using every resource we have to find those people housing and jobs or disability if they need it. To top off their circumstances, now they have the Butcher trying to wipe out the population and my Uncle letting it happen.”
Kirk was nodding. “That’s exactly what I want to talk about. The Mayor, in his infinite wisdom, has told the police force he doesn’t want these murders investigated. That’s bull shit, no matter who the victims are, they deserve justice and I’m giving it to them.”
Captain Monroe was shaking his head. “I told you Kirk, you’re not going back down there.”
Kirk nodded. “Fine by me. Right now, I’m going home and taking a shower and beginning today I’m taking my vacation. I think I have a month built up.”
Staring at Kirk, the Captain was about to object, but he knew looking at his deputy that wasn’t going to matter. “Maybe that’s the best thing all around Kirk. I can partner Jerry up with someone else while you’re gone. But listen to me and I mean this, stay out of Dansville. The mayor will have your badge in a heartbeat and I don’t want to lose a good officer.”
As Kirk and Jerry turned to leave, Mara looked at the Captain. “I think I’ll head out too. I can see my being here isn’t going to change anything.”
When the three left his office, Captain Monroe ran his fingers through his salt and pepper hair, amazed that it wasn’t pure gray between the Mayor and the three that had just left his office. He also knew, without being told, that the three were going to link up and try to do something about the murders. Bill Monroe didn’t blame them and was almost relieved knowing something was going to get done even without his backing.

Chapter 4

The captain was right in his thinking. As the three left the station, Kirk talked Jerry and Mara into meeting him in an hour at a downtown coffee shop that was a frequent stop for the police department.
Hurrying home, Kirk took a quick shower and then changed into an old t-shirt and jeans before heading back to the restaurant where Mara and Jerry already were sitting at a booth toward the back of the building. When Kirk stepped in, Jerry stood and waved at his partner. As Kirk sat, a waitress came over and took his order of just coffee, the same order she’d gotten from Mara and Jerry.
Mara was staring at Kirk. “Jerry tells me you spent the night in Dansville. What did you think about the city? I mean besides having a murder take place.”
Kirk grunted out a moan. “I can’t believe that happened. I couldn’t have been more than a half a block from any one down there.” He turned to Jerry. “Did you hear anything on who it was? I didn’t take time to check.”
Jerry nodded and then sorrow covered his face. “It was a woman. I only was able to get a partial story and I didn’t get a name, but I heard she was in her forties.”
Kirk felt even worse, he hadn’t taken the time to examine the body in the dumpster nor the arm in the garbage. He’d been so intent on getting the call in to emergency services. Knowing now that it had all been for nothing, Kirk felt like screaming. He shook his head. “Oh hell, I need to get back to Dansville and talk to some people. Then I’m moving back in. I don’t care if the Butcher knows I’m a cop or not.”
Jerry was frowning. “Maybe I should take some vacation time and join you.”
Kirk shook his head. “I’d rather have you working. I might need back up and I don’t know if I can count on anyone but you.”
Mara was watching the two men. She pulled back her light brown hair, then released it. A habit she had. Then she stared at Kirk. “What about me? I want to go there with you. At this point, I think you need all the help you can get. I know what my Uncle has been doing and I’ve been working hard to stop him. The least you can do is let me in on this.”
With a shake of his head, the green eyes stared at the woman across from him. He could see with her fresh, girl next door, good looks no one would think she belonged in Dansville. Mara smiled as she watched Kirk study her face. “I’m tougher than I look. I can do this. Believe me I’ve been in worse situations. I can grab some old clothes and mess up my hair. Hey, I could even black out a tooth or two if it would make you feel better.”
Kirk couldn’t stop the laugh that erupted. “Okay, I’ll take you. I met someone in Dansville I think will take you in. Her name is Louise and it would be better if we tell her you’re a reporter. She knows I’m a cop, at least she does now. Most people don’t like being lied to. I should have told them the truth when I went there. Maybe things would have turned out differently. If I tell you to leave, I expect you to listen and no back talk. I mean that, this Butcher is one cruel son of a bitch. He’s murdered seven people. That makes almost one a week since his spree started. If we’re gonna go, let’s go find you a suitable outfit and start moving. I want to talk to Louise and two other people who took me in yesterday.” Kirk turned to Jerry. “I’ll be keeping my cell phone with me this time. I have you on speed dial.”
Standing up, Jerry smiled. “Make sure of that. I’m on duty tonight anyway. I plan on adding a few runs past Dansville to my routine. I just hope the Captain gives me a half way decent partner.”

* * *
Two hours later, Jerry was getting ready for his shift while Kirk and Mara were leaving Kirk’s car and walking the two blocks to Dansville.
Kirk headed straight for Oscar, Miguel and Louise who were standing by the barrel where Kirk had found himself the night before. The trio looked up when Kirk walked toward them frowning as they saw he had a woman with them. Although Mara had found some ripped jeans and an old shirt which she covered with a paint spattered jacket, anyone could see she wasn’t a person that lived on the streets. Mara ran her hands through her light brown hair messing it up even more than it was. Kirk took her arm and walked with her over to the others. “This is Mara. She’s a reporter. No one else needs to know that.” Kirk stared at Louise. “Could she stay with you? I know you don’t have much space. I’m hoping it won’t be for long. I have a feeling this Butcher won’t wait long until he strikes again. Especially if he hears the Mayor has called off the police investigation down here. Mara is going to report what’s going on, she works for the newspaper.”
Louise smiled. “We’ve all read your articles. I would be honored to have you stay with me. Why don’t we go see if we can borrow you some bedding while these men talk?”
With a quick glance at Kirk for approval, Mara then nodded and followed Louise.
As they walked off Kirk mentally kicked himself for not telling Mara to grab bedding. Then again, he didn’t want her to step into Dansville looking like she was going to some kind of slumber party. Kirk turned to Miguel and Oscar. “In the daytime, I want to stay close to one of you two. I want to blend in. You know who I am but I’m hoping to still keep that information secret. The same goes for Mara. I’ll tell her to stick to Louise like glue while we wait for the Butcher to make his move.”
Both Oscar and Miguel nodded their understanding and agreement, glad to see Kirk was on their side even if no one else was.

Chapter 5

It was three nights later before anything happened. Kirk and Mara had spent their time getting to know Louise, Oscar and Miguel. Mara thought she might be able to link the three up with agencies to help them. All three turned down her offer. None of them wanted help unless all the people living in Dansville could receive the same. Mara admired them for that. She knew a lot of people with good paying jobs and nice, paid for homes, who she didn’t have a tenth the admiration for.
Louise and Mara were in Louise’s hidey hole getting ready for bed. Mara had asked how Louise had ended up in Dansville and had been surprised by the honesty as Louise recalled her tale. She never blamed her husband for her misfortune and even was willing to forgive the people who she had once called friends for turning their back on her when she needed them most. Mara had listened incredulously to Louise’s compassion for others. Seeing the look Louise smiled. “I can’t blame anyone but myself and my own ignorance for my circumstance. I also can’t blame people for not wanting to help. They really didn’t know how to handle the situation themselves. I’m just lucky I ended up here and met Oscar and Miguel. Without them, I may not even be alive. Every day I’m thankful I was so fortunate.”
Mara was shaking her head in wonder. “You are one special lady Louise and I’m going to make sure my readers know about that. I just hope the articles I write can somehow bring enough exposure to everyone in Dansville’s plight to get you the services you need. You should all be given housing, food and medical attention. I am going to do my best to make sure you are not forgotten.”
Taking Mara’s hand, Louise gave it a squeeze. “We appreciate that honey, but don’t feel bad if all your good work doesn’t help. It’s not so bad here, really. Once Kirk arrests the Butcher, we’ll be okay.”
Mara nodded as she grabbed the blanket and pillow Louise had acquired for her and made a spot on the floor. As she laid on her makeshift bed, Mara smiled. “I won’t give up on you Louise. I’ll keep fighting, no matter what.”
Louise took her place on her loveseat. She’d offered the better spot to Mara who had refused. Secretly, Louise was glad. Her body was too old and worn out for sleeping on the hard ground.

The two had been asleep for a couple hours when Mara woke up with the need to empty her bladder. She found the lack of bathrooms in Dansville one of the biggest problems. There was a port a potty that someone had placed over a large hole, but the place smelled awful and Mara was thinking she could just go find a tree to hide behind to relieve herself. Slipping out from under her blanket, Mara quietly left the cave like place Louise called home.
Stepping out in the dark, Mara was surprised by how quiet it was. She’d thought some of the men would still be awake standing by the fire in the burn barrel. Glad no one was around, Mara slipped over behind a large tree and hurriedly peed. Finishing, she wished for toilet paper and then with a sigh pulled up her pants. She supposed there were a lot worse things than not having tissue. As Mara stood, she stretched and drew in a breath of the cool night air. Just as she was about to blow the air back out, she felt a hand cover her mouth.
As Mara tried to pull her head away the hand tightened. Then another hand went around her waist and pulled her back, away from the encampment. The scream that should have woken up the whole camp was muffled by the hand clamped so tightly Mara was finding herself almost unable to breathe. Drawing air in through her nose, Mara tried to relax and think. She felt her feet dragging as she was half pulled, half carried farther away from Dansville.
A few minutes later a cloth was placed over her mouth. As Mara took a breath, she smelled chloroform. She passed out as she was thrown into a pickup truck.

A few hours later, Mara started to move around. Her head felt like someone had tried to split it in two. Trying to lift her hand to touch her head, Mara found she was unable to and realized she was tied to what felt like a bed. Experimentally trying to lift one leg and then the other she found her legs were also tied down. Turning her head to the side, Mara could see, although it was dark, that she was in a small room. Drawing in a deep breath, Mara let out a scream that ended in a coughing fit.
Almost simultaneously the door to the room opened. The man standing there almost filled up the doorway. “No one’s going to hear you. Save your breath.”
Mara’s eyes narrowed as she stared at the man trying to memorize his features. She could see his hair was dark and she thought his eyes were also, but couldn’t be sure in the room’s dim light. As quickly as he had come in, the man turned and walked back out of the room shutting the door behind him. Mara heard the distinct clink of a lock being turned. She felt like screaming again, Instead she focused her attention on trying to loosen the bindings on her arms and legs. Tugging on her arms and turning her head, Mara could see she was tied with rope. Hoping that would be easier to get out of, Mara continued pulling slowing against her restraints.

* * *

In her place, Louise sat up on the loveseat. She wasn’t sure what had awakened her. She looked over at the spot on the floor where Mara’s bed was, about to ask if maybe the young woman had heard something also. Squinting in the dark room, Louise realized Mara wasn’t on the makeshift bed. She sat up quickly and then moved to check the bed. Finding it was definitely empty, Louise slipped on her shoes and stepped outside. Like Mara, Louise had slept in her clothes. Something that was a habit for anyone living in Dansville.
Moving as quickly as she could, Louise headed to Miguel’s sleeping area. As Louise got close, she called out in a voice just above a whisper. “Miguel, wake up, Miguel. It’s Louise, Mara’s gone.”
A light sleeper out of necessity, Miguel’s eyes opened. On the ground, he sat up in his bed. “What’s going on Louise?” He waited anxiously for her answer knowing Louise wouldn’t panic and wake him up for nothing. “I woke up and found Mara’s bed empty. If she needed something I think she would have woke me up. I can’t see her just walking around this place at night.”
Pushing back his blanket, Miguel nodded. “Let’s take a quick look around. If we don’t see her we’ll get Oscar and Kirk up.”
It didn’t take long before the two, seeing no evidence of Mara had got both Oscar and Kirk out of their beds. Now the four were checking all the trash cans and the dumpster afraid they were going to find the Butcher had struck yet again.
By the time they had finished the sun was just appearing over the horizon and making it easier to see. Oscar had stepped over to the tree that Mara had used for her late night rest stop. He saw the prints where Mara had kicked up the ground. Oscar turned back to the others his brown eyes worried. It was Kirk he yelled to. “Kirk, I think I found something.”
Kirk rushed over and bent down to examine the area. Looking from the tree away from the encampment, Kirk saw several spots where the grass and dirt had been kicked. He was sure someone had taken Mara this way. Pulling out his cell phone, Kirk hit the number that automatically dialed Jerry’s phone.
Hearing the ringing of his phone, Jerry rolled over in bed and was instantly wide awake. A habit he incurred from being a cop. Beside him, his wife muttered in her sleep and rolled over. Grabbing the phone, Jerry stood and moved out of the bedroom. He already knew it was Kirk. Jerry lifted the phone to his ear “What’s going on?”
Holding his phone tighter than necessary, Kirk’s voice was louder than normal.
“I think the Butcher has Mara. She’s missing and it looks like there was a struggle.”
Jerry nodded. “What do you need me to do?”
The green eyes frowned slightly as Kirk tried to think. “Get over here as quick as you can with a crime scene kit. We might be able to find something out where he took her.”
Without asking any questions Jerry nodded. “I’ll be right there.”
Kirk turned to the others, now staring at him and hoping for answers. “My partner’s coming, don’t worry, we’ll find her.”
Kirk wanted to add, and alive, but was afraid saying the words out loud might instead jinx his luck instead of making the words the truth.

Chapter 6

In his two story, four bedroom, two bath home, Warren Stone was headed downstairs to breakfast when he heard the phone ring. A few moments later he heard his wife call out to him. “Warren, it’s for you.”
As he walked to the kitchen, Warren wasn’t surprised, as Mayor, his phone seemed to ring all hours of the day or night.
Taking the cordless phone from his wife, Warren sat at the table and pointed at the coffee pot. When his wife nodded she understood he wanted coffee, Warren’s attention went back to the phone. “This is the Mayor. I hope you have a good reason for calling this early.”
Warren had no problem recognizing the rough, deep voice that spoke. “I have a damn good reason. I found a lady reporter hanging out in Dansville. Right now she’s tied up in my spare bedroom.”
Warren felt his heart clench. There was only one female reporter he knew in Hanford. His niece Mara Stone. Warren had been in several arguments with his brother’s daughter over the years, but the most fought about topic had been Warren’s disinterest in Dansville and its’ people. Warren wanted nothing more than to close the place down, get rid of the people living in it and put up a classy motel. He hoped the Butcher didn’t realize that Mara was his niece. The man’s next words pushed that thought out of Warren’s mind.
“I want a hundred thousand dollars for her safe return. You do want to have your niece back don’t you Mayor?”
The mayor, looked over at his wife as she stepped toward the table with his coffee, hoping she couldn’t overhear the conversation. Warren stood and carried the phone out of the kitchen and into the hallway. “What the hell is wrong with you? I hired you to kill the destitute lunatics that live in Dansville. You know how I feel about that place. What has my niece got to do with any of this?”
On the other end of the line the man chuckled and the sound made Warren’s blood run cold. “Bring the money to my place and no cops or the lady gets a quick ride out of this life, and everyone will know you hired me to kill those bums, you understand what I mean, Mayor?”
Warren was nodding. “I understand, but it will take me a couple of hours to get that kind of money together.”
The Butcher nodded. “You have until noon.”
The line went dead and Warren leaned against the wall afraid he was going to pass out. He needed time to think. Pushing open the kitchen door he spoke to his wife. “I’ll be back in a minute for that coffee. I need to get dressed and head into the office.”
His wife rolled her eyes. “Really Warren, couldn’t that wait. You give too much to that job.”
Warren smiled. “I don’t mind, that’s what they pay me to do after all and we have an election year coming up. We have to keep the voters happy.”
Not waiting for his wife to respond, Warren ran upstairs and threw on the first suit he pulled from his brimming closet. After shaving quickly he ran downstairs, gulped down his coffee, kissed his wife’s cheek and drove to the Mayor’s office. It was still an hour before the place was open for business and Warren had the place to himself.
Going in, he locked the door behind him and then went into his office. Locking that door behind him also, Warren sat at his desk, head in his hands. Finally, making his decision, he lifted the phone off his desk and called the Hanford Police Station and asked for Captain Monroe.
As soon as the Captain answered, Warren told him what had happened. Emphasizing the fact that the Butcher was armed, dangerous and had already killed seven people. Warren also stated he wanted the police to shoot to kill in order to save his niece.
Leaving the mess in the Captain’s hands Warren sat back and said a prayer. He knew if the Butcher saw the cops he’d kill Mara. Warren didn’t care, she had caused him enough heartache. He could only hope the police would heed his words and kill the Butcher before he got the chance to spill his guts about who hired him to become the Beggar Butcher.

* * *

Two hours later, the police had a small trailer not too far from Dansville surrounded. At the Captain’s request, Jerry had picked up Kirk and brought him to the scene. Despite the Mayor’s advice, The Captain requested for The Butcher to be taken alive if at all possible. He wanted answers from the man who had been able to kill seven people under his watch. The Mayor’s demand that the police be taken off the investigation didn’t sit right with Bill Monroe either. He prided himself on protecting all citizens, including those who lived in Dansville and, like Kirk, he was disgusted and dissatisfied with the Mayor’s directives.
Captain Bill Monroe motioned for his squad to move in. All together he had fifteen men around the fourteen by sixty foot trailer. Lifting his bullhorn, Bill called out.
“We have you surrounded. Come out with your hands up and this will go smoothly. We know you have Mara Stone. If the woman is unharmed, we can work out a deal. We want the name of the man who hired you.”
Inside the trailer, in the spare bedroom, Mara had one arm loose and was tugging at the other trying desperately to get the rope off. In the kitchen, Duane Morris, also known as the Beggar Butcher, stood and weighed his options. He knew no matter what decision he made he was going to jail. He held no reservations about turning evidence against the Mayor. The man was worthless. Duane wished he would have never grabbed Mara. He knew that he had made a mistake right after he had taken her.
Going to the front door of the trailer, Duane opened it slowly and stepping out, lifted his arms. Two feet from him, a deputy held his gun trained on Duane. Another deputy stepped up and placed the handcuffs on. As they walked to the Captain, Duane stared at the man. “I want to cut a deal. The woman is tied up in the bedroom. I think you’ll be more than a little interested in who is paying me.” The smile Duane gave the Captain never touched his dark eyes.

At the trailer, Kirk had already run inside. He ran down the hall of the trailer and kicked open the first door, his gun held up. Seeing Mara on the bed, Kirk lowered his weapon and ran to her. Tears filled the blue eyes as Kirk untied the ropes. Mara let Kirk pull her into a hug as she began sobbing.
It took her a moment to get under control and pull back from the embrace. The blue eyes widened. “I overheard the call he made. It was my Uncle, oh my God Kirk, it was my Uncle that paid the Butcher. He was holding me for ransom. I heard him say that.”
Kirk stared at Mara. He hated to think it was true, but in his heart he knew it was. Thank goodness the Captain had wanted to resolve this disaster by getting the Butcher alive. Kirk had to wonder what The Captain would think when the Butcher gave his statement. He had a feeling the Captain would believe the incredulous story, especially with Mara’s testimony added in.
Without saying a word, Kirk pulled Mara into another hug. He felt like he wanted to not only hold her forever but give her the protection he hadn’t when they had been in Dansville.
He also wanted to get out of this dirty old trailer so he and Mara could go to Dansville and give the good news to Louise, Miguel and Oscar in person.

Chapter 7
Six months later

Kirk and Mara were the first to get to the restaurant. They grabbed the biggest table they could find. Mara smiled and waved when she saw Louise, Miguel and Oscar step in the doorway. As soon as they were seated two more familiar faces walked in. Jerry and his wife Anne also found chairs. Behind them, Bill Monroe and his wife Sandy entered.
Once all were seated, Kirk asked the waitress for a bottle of wine. When everyone finally had a drink, Kirk raised his glass. “First, I want to thank Captain Monroe for his good work getting Duane Morris, AKA, the Butcher, to turn states evidence against our former Mayor. Great work Bill.”
After everyone drank to the toast they sat down their glasses and clapped. Kirk picked up his glass again. “Now, a special thanks to ace reporter, Mara Stone, who through her journalistic endeavors, has brought our communities together and transformed Dansville into a city for all to be proud of.”
As all drank a toast to Mara and then began clapping she held up her hands. “You give me too much credit. It was actually the people of Dansville, especially these three with us tonight, who did the hard work. I’d say this next toast is to Louise, Miguel and Oscar who were so good to let me write their stories and give a name to the people of Dansville. It is because of them that people opened their hearts and their pocketbooks to make Dansville a real city.”
Louise smiled and then shook her head as the others clapped. “It was Mara and Kirk who risked their lives to help us and it was also both of them who got the state and federal agencies to get the funding needed. So they are the ones who deserve the toast.”
Kirk laughed. “Maybe we should just get another bottle and keep toasting. My partner Jerry stuck by me through all of this and deserves a toast as do his wife and Bill’s wife for putting up with these two. We all deserve one more toast for gathering today and building the bridge to unite the people of Hanford and Dansville.”
Now Mara stood and shook her head at Kirk. “I think that’s enough from you Kirk. There is one more toast I would like to make though and then I think we should order dinner before this gets out of hand.”
Mara turned so she was staring into Kirk’s eyes. “This toast is to the amazing man sitting here who has made me the happiest woman in the world. Not only did Kirk save my life, but last night he asked me to be his wife. I know I am probably crazy, but I accepted.”
Leaning down, Mara kissed Kirk as the others around the table whistled and clapped.

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