'Of course not. But the concept is similar: powerful men camping in seclusion. Bohemian Club members are even reported to use mock-druidic rituals.'

McMahon taped a carton, slid it across the floor, and placed another on his desk.

'We've netted al but one of the H&F members, and we're accumulating the story bit by bit, but it's slow. Needless to say, no one's enthused about talking to us, and everyone is lawyered to the gils. Each of the six officers wil be charged with multiple counts of homicide, but it's unclear what the culpability is for the rest of the pack.

Midkiff claims only the leaders participated in murder and cannibalism.'

'Has Midkiff been given immunity?' I asked.

He nodded. 'Most of our info is coming from him.'

'He sent the code name fax?'

'Yes. He'd reconstructed what he remembered. Midkiff left the group in the early seventies, claims he was never involved in any kiling. Didn't know about Stover. He says he reached a point last week where he couldn't live with himself anymore.'

McMahon began transferring papers from a file cabinet to the box.

'And he was afraid for you.'

'Me?'

'You, darlin'.'

I took a moment to absorb that.

'Where is he now?'

'The judge didn't think he was a flight risk or in personal danger, so he's out. He's stil living in a rental cabin in Cherokee.'

'Why did Parker Davenport cal Midkiff before shooting himself?'

'To warn him that the lid was about to blow. Apparently the two remained friends after Midkiff withdrew from H&F. It was largely because of the lieutenant governor that Midkiff remained unmolested al these years. Davenport kept the club convinced that Midkiff posed no threat; in return, Midkiff kept his mouth shut.'

'Until now.'

'Until now.'

'What has he told you?'

'H&F had eighteen members at any given time. Of those, six lucky boys made up the inner circle. Very exclusive. Only when a member of that inner circle died was a replacement chosen from the group at large. The initiation banquet was black tie; red, hooded robe; dessert provided by the inductee.'

'Human flesh.'

'Yes. Remember the Hamatsa you told me about?'

I nodded, too revolted to reply.

'Same deal. Only our gentlemen cannibals restricted themselves to sharing the flesh of one thigh from each victim. It was like a blood brotherhood pact. Though the whole club met regularly at the Arthur house, Midkiff swears that only members of the inner circle knew what realy went on at these initiations.'

I thought of Ralph Stover's words to me. 'I found my offering.'