He bought the papers, and it was the same. Not a word about the Riverview murder. He felt more disconcerted than relieved. Surely someone would have found the body by now?

He tucked the papers under his arm and walked across Stanton Park, strolled along the sidewalk until he saw a druggist’s shop. Most shops closed on Sunday. But, judging by the A-K TABLETS sign propped prominently in front, this one was open.

He felt in his pocket for the gold ring that long ago had belonged to his wife and slid it onto the ring finger of his left hand. He entered the shop, removing his hat with a practiced, weary smile. Behind the counter, an elderly man in a white jacket glanced up.

“What can I do for you, sir?” he asked, with a nod at the open door. “Going to be a scorcher.”

“So I hear.” He made a show of yawning, covered his mouth so the gold ring caught the sunlight. “Do you carry Sydenham’s syrup? My wife’s been up all night. The little stranger’s teething.”

The druggist nodded. “Looks like you kept her company. No fun, no fun at all. Let me see…”

He examined the shelves behind him, frowning. “I know we had Sydenham’s, but I believe I sold the last of it. No, none left. I do have this…”

He turned and held up a bottle of Dr. James Soothing Cordial. “Purer than that other stuff—it’s made with heroin.”

He took the bottle from the druggist and gave it a cursory examination, gingerly stroking his mustache. “Thank you,” he said. “This will do just fine. Since you recommend it, could I have another bottle, please?”

“Of course.” The druggist retrieved a second bottle. “I used to sell a great deal of this, until the government got involved. Hard to find it these days. It’s a shame—babies still cry, don’t they? This is my last bottle. Will there be anything else?”

“Yes, please—some lemon drops. Two tins.”

He’d lost count of how often he’d had a transaction like this one, but every time it made him break out in a cold sweat. The druggist placed his purchases in a paper sack and handed it to him with a smile. “A nice day for a stroll along the lake with the missus and little one.”

Anxious to be gone, he dropped a few coins on the counter and grabbed the items. “What a fine idea. Thank you again.”

He hurried back out onto the sidewalk and walked to the end of the block, caught a streetcar, and went to a Weeghman’s for breakfast. Coffee, bratwurst, fried eggs. He found it difficult to concentrate. When he finished eating, he felt slightly ill. He considered returning to the druggist’s to buy some aspirin.