He nodded. “You know me. Nothing like a graveyard shift. And I’m glad you’re with this guy here, Katie,” he added. “I saw your press conference. You were very cool, and I think you said things that made people aware, but not panicky. Panic is scary. But we’ve survived a lot. New Orleans is strong. And this time I believe you’ll get the guy.”

“I like to believe we will, too,” Dan told him. “And thanks, pleasure to meet you. Katie, let’s take care of Sarah and the carriage and maybe get that thing they call dinner.”

She smiled and gave Matt a kiss on the cheek. “You be careful, anyway.”

“See you,” he said with a wave.

A middle-aged woman approached her as she headed back to the carriage.

“You’re Katie, right? Are you available?”

Katie smiled. The lady was with a group of four women. Three of them were young and very attractive.

She thought she was about to make Matt’s day.

“I’m so sorry, I’m off now. But Matt is there, right on the curb. He’s majored in history, and he’s great!” Katie told her.

“Oh! Okay, you were recommended to us, but—”

“Trust me about Matt! And have a great night!”

Katie hopped into the carriage, quickly followed by Dan. She watched as the woman shrugged and approached Matt.

“It’s night again,” she said as she headed away from the river and toward Treme.

“Yes.” He shook his head. “Everyone is on edge now. But I hope people don’t grow weary of being vigilant as time goes by.”

Katie glanced over at him. “The Axeman worked over an extended time. May 1918 to October 1919. But Dan, if this is the same killer we’ve experienced before, he killed in the Keys and then in Orlando. He didn’t perform like the Axeman, killing again and again in the same place.”

“Right. But this is New Orleans. And there is the truth and the legend. Let’s get Sarah home then head out,” Dan suggested. “I really do need some dinner.”

They reached the stables, and he jumped down to open the gates. The dogs quickly came out to greet them, happy enough with Dan since Katie was bringing the rig to the stables.

He helped her—really helped her—knowing how to unharness the rig and slip on Sarah’s halter to bring her in for a brushing and her meal.

“You’ve done this before?” Katie asked.

“Not really. When my grandfather retired, he had one carriage. And a horse. He didn’t stay out long, so his horse was fine, and he never went out during the raging days of summer. But he loved the city and loved taking people around. Especially after the storm. He was determined that the city would come back, and it did.”

“Nice. Uh...where’s the horse now?”