Darkest Journey (Krewe of Hunters #20)(74)
“But I’m skipping ahead. In the nineteenth century Natchez flourished, with her share of great plantations, just as there are throughout the South. But, as I explained yesterday, everyone knew control of the river was crucial once the Civil War began. New Orleans fell in 1862, and Natchez surrendered soon after, thus sparing herself the destruction of war and ensuring the safety of so much of what you’ll see today. I’ve just simplified about three hundred years of history, but I’ll go into more depth as the day goes on.”
Jonathan looked straight at Ethan as he directed his people to their buses. Ethan met his eyes in return, and Jonathan nodded, as if to say he felt free to do his job, knowing they were on the job, as well.
Thor had called ahead for a rental car, and it was waiting for them as they went ashore. “You drive,” he said, tossing Ethan the keys. “I’m from the land of ice and snow. Driving in all this heat might be the death of me.”
Ethan grinned as he caught the keys in midair. Thor was not only smart, he was the size of a Norse god. Definitely a good man to have at his back.
They heard their destination before they saw it; Doggone It was located on several acres just beyond the city limits.
The bays, howls, yips and barks of what Ethan estimated to be a couple hundred dogs filled the air as they neared the compound.
“I’ve got to commend the group’s dedication,” Thor said. “No animal will be destroyed. It’s a hell of a good goal.”
They entered a tiled and absolutely spotless reception area and were greeted by a young woman with the words Kathryn, Doggone It Dog-Loving Volunteer embroidered on the pocket of her shirt. She ushered them into an office for their scheduled meeting with William C. Hayworth, director of the charity.
Hayworth shook their hands and offered them seats in front of his desk. The man’s office was filled with pictures of dogs—all kinds of dogs—posing with the volunteers who had helped them back to health or into forever homes.
“This is a great cause,” Thor told Hayworth.
The man beamed. “Thank you. I understand this visit isn’t social, that it has something to do with Mr. Hickory and Mr. Corley, so how can I help you? They were wonderful men, a big part of the work we do here. I admit I’m more than a little curious as to why you’re enjoying a Mississippi cruise instead of scouring every street in St. Francisville for clues.”
“The parish has an excellent detective handling the investigation there,” Ethan said. “Detective Randall Laurent. He’s following every local lead. But because we suspect that the men were killed because of something to do with the many interests and activities they shared, that means we need to look farther afield than St. Francisville.”
“You think their work saving dogs got them killed?” Hayworth asked incredulously.
“Not saving dogs per se, but maybe doing something in the course of that work that upset someone else deeply enough to kill them,” Thor said.
Hayworth shook his head. “I knew them both well, and I can’t think of any reason why someone would have held their work here against them. They were both comfortable financially but not rich. What made them invaluable to our mission was their energy. Albion Corley encouraged his students to volunteer here, and several have continued their efforts even after graduation. And Hickory...he took in older dogs with not much time left but who needed some love. They both donated money, of course, but it was their encouragement to others to give both money and effort that helped us the most.” He sighed. “I just don’t see how any of that could have gotten them killed.”
“We don’t know that it did. We’re still investigating all angles. Mr. Corley and Mr. Hickory were involved in a number of causes,” Ethan said. “Still, we have to ask. Did you ever see them argue with anyone around here? Do you have any neighbors who are against you having your facility here? Do you know if the victims ever fought with anyone on behalf of this place?”
Hayworth shook his head, clearly at a loss. “My neighbors are a dairy farm and a fellow who raises goats for cheese. Our dogs have never once gotten out or caused an incident with either one. We’re friends. We all belong to the Masonic lodge together.”
Ethan glanced at Thor.
“Are you aware if either Corley or Hickory had any difficulties with anyone at the lodge?” Thor asked.
Hayworth looked annoyed at that. “Oh, please! I’m so tired of seeing Masons portrayed as conspiracists and killers in the movies. Neither one was a member of my lodge here.” He hesitated, thoughtful. “Come to think of it, I did run into both men recently at one of our ‘Walk the dog for the dogs’ functions, and they were pretty upset about something that was going on.”
“Did you hear the specifics of what they were arguing about?” Thor asked.
Hayworth shook his head. “They weren’t arguing, or not with each other, anyway. They said they were going to hold firm, and they’d take it as high in the courts as they could go. But what it was about, I don’t know. When I asked, Albion just said they’d be happy to fill me in as soon as it was all settled.”
Ethan asked him if he could remember anything else, but he couldn’t, so the agents gave him their cards, telling him to call them directly if he should think of anything.
When they were leaving, a slim young woman entered with a huge male husky tugging at the leash while she futilely asked him to heel. She might as well have been asking him to jump over the moon, for all the attention the dog was paying her. He started baying and jumping, nearly taking her down.