Axel headed out. Dan found the head of the forensic team. His name was Randy Moliere, and he appeared to be in his midthirties and was lean, energetic and determined. He was the kind of man who had authority and wielded it well with his own determination in getting a job done.

“Find anything?” Dan inquired. “And the folks are asking if they can go to work? We really don’t have a connection to Monty’s property, and he’s been a good guy, letting everyone traipse around.”

“We’re pulling out now. The only damned thing we found was the axe and a few drops of blood around it. We don’t how he got in. Just opened the gate, I imagine. And we do know whoever did it wore gloves. No fingerprints can be found anywhere near the door. And so far, though we have some techniques that might bring something up at the lab, no prints on the axe. No footprints. It’s as if this guy just beamed in or over or whatever. As far as the stables go...what a mess. Dozens of prints. Because normal people working don’t worry about their fingerprints. Anyway, we’ll be making comparisons, and though I doubt we’ll be lucky enough to find a match in the system, we will get DNA off the axe and at least find a victim,” Moliere said.

“Hopefully.”

Moliere was quiet for a minute and then said, “There’s more than blood on the axe. We have hair and brain matter, too. There is a victim out there. And I don’t believe there’s any chance of finding them alive.”

“Not to be pessimistic, but you’re probably right. Thank you.”

“Tell your folks they’re good to go,” he said and hesitated. “I wonder if that young woman knows how lucky she is.”

He waved and headed off.

Dan went on into the house.

Katie was still at the kitchen table with Monty and Lorna. She looked at him anxiously as he came back in.

“All is moving along,” he said.

“Thank God you were here!” Lorna told him.

“Thank God,” Monty murmured. “Well, I’ve got the dogs in while the forensic people are here. But we’re just sitting here. God forgive me, I know how serious this is, but...we’re just sitting here. Being nervous. Think the girls can take their carriages out soon? I’ll have to lock the boys back up at the house instead of in the stables, but...”

“You’re good to go,” Dan assured him. “By the time the mules are in harness and ready, they’ll be out.”

“Let’s do it!” Monty said. “Not that I’d put money ahead of a dire situation, but food for my sweeties doesn’t come free. I mean, the mules eat like crazy. And the boys! Yep, dog food is not cheap.”