“It could be,” Katie whispered. She looked at Lorna. “My parents were...hacked to pieces. And six years later in Orlando, an old couple and their niece were killed. And now, here. In Orlando, they wanted to convict George just because he was living there. He was my dad’s best friend. His wife was murdered. His best friends were murdered. He barely survived.”

Lorna, still distraught, was just staring at her.

“I loved my parents. Naturally, I was crushed by what happened. But I’m all right now. I was a lucky kid. I had Jeremy and then you and other great friends. I will be following this like a bloodhound, but I’m not going to take this personally. No matter how similar it seems.”

“Katie, I just don’t want this to upset you,” Lorna told her. “You’ve got a reputation for being not only the most knowledgeable driver out here, but the most beautiful, too.” Her friend smiled. “You’re smart and savvy and busy with growing your business... You can’t let this get in your way.”

“Lorna, thank you. I’m not going to fall into a terrible depression or need any more therapy,” Katie said. “I’ve had enough therapy for a lifetime. Jeremy insisted. You learn to live with something like this. You cling to the good memories. You manage to be rational. But you don’t forget. I’m going to the police station. I’m going to tell them what happened before, what I saw. Maybe I can help.” She forced a smile and hugged her friend quickly. “I love you, too. You’re the best friend anyone could have. I love what I do. I love the mules and the dogs at the stables. I even love our crotchety old boss. But there is no way I can keep myself from finding out everything I can about what happened.”

Lorna sighed. “The cops are all at the crime scene,” she said. “Katie, no one is going to talk to you right now.”

“Yes, but we’re not busy this week. Mardi Gras is over, and we don’t have a festival for a few weeks. The city is quiet. I’m taking Sarah and this carriage back, and when I can find out a bit more, I’m going to get myself to the right police station and talk to someone,” Katie said.

“Katie, maybe you should take out more tourists today. It’ll keep your mind off what is going on—”

“Seriously?”

Lorna sighed. “Okay. I’m sure Matt and I can keep business moving along. But I wish you’d wait. I wish you’d let me go with you. I mean, tomorrow we could plan—”

“Thank you for covering whatever,” Katie said. She headed back to her carriage. “You get a break today, Sarah,” she announced to the mule, crawling up to the driver’s seat. “We’re heading home.”