Death by Railway by Brittany E. Brinegar

Author:Brittany E. Brinegar [Brittany E. Brinegar]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Britt Lizz Publishing
Published: 2024-07-22T00:00:00+00:00

13

Conduct Unbecoming

Within an hour, Tobias handled the uprising and squashed any thoughts of a passenger mutiny. I had a front-row seat as the former military man demonstrated leadership skills. He identified the ringleader—one of Moose’s poker buddies—and backed him down. When Tobias finished, the rest of the rowdy bunch fell into line.

“With your cooperation, we will be back on the train in no time,” he said. “But a woman died under suspicious circumstances, and until the U.S. Marshal arrives to investigate, we are stuck in River Springs.”

Armed with his clipboard, Kaufman organized the passenger list and directed people to their temporary quarters. Travelers and the senior staff relocated to the two nicer hotels on the hilly side of town, while the low-ranking railroad employees found themselves in the rundown section east of the tracks near the stockyard. Space was an issue in the village, and all unmarried folks piled in two or three deep in tiny rooms, most of which contained only a single bed.

I dropped Boston and Ginger into my room with my luggage and discovered another woman’s trunk partially blocking the door. Several of her items rested across the bed as she staked a claim. “I guess I’ll sleep on the floor, Gingi. You and Bossy can keep me company.”

The two new friends ignored me and wrestled on the bed, spilling the forward dame’s stuff. I giggled and closed the door to let them have fun. Served her right.

I spotted Tobias and Margo exiting their room when I slipped into the hallway. “How did the meeting at the station go?” I asked.

He sighed and combed a hand through his hair. “I am afraid the authorities did not welcome my assistance. Constable Anders is a stubborn sort.”

“Since when do you lose a contest of stubbornness, Hun?”

“Never have and never will.” He straightened his necktie. “Men, like the constable, must believe plans are their idea, or they dismiss them. I’m giving him time before I plant another seed.”

I tossed my head back. “Sounds like that is going to take forever. Can’t we slip in and take Jesse’s prints? He’s likely our killer, and we can prove it as fast as it takes Margo to compare swirls.”

“This requires a careful approach, or the constable will toss us in the cell next to the stowaway.” Tobias rubbed his chin. “I will arrange a discussion with Jesse and take his fingermarks.”

“Fine plan.” Margo handed the fingerprint kit to him. “All ten fingers, but make sure the thumb is clear. When you printed Moose, you smudged both thumbs.”

“I assume his fingerprints weren’t a match for the closet?” I asked.

“No surprise. He’s too hefty to squish in a closet.”

“I’m off.” After a peck on the cheek, Tobias took the stairs from the third floor in only a few steps.

I arched a brow. “He’s in a hurry for a man preaching patience.”

“Things change when the marshal arrives.” Margo tossed blonde curls. “Too many cooks in the kitchen if you ask me. All these men want to be the boss, but none have a clue what they’re doing.

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