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neuver closer to the scene, I was aware the situation was considerably more serious. |
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Madden looked up, then away, then back again. The affibility was gone. The Constable looked worn and haggard. ''Morning,'' I tried. |
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Big Jake reached through the window and laid his clipboard on the seat of his car. He started toward me in that peculiar gait of his, frowning. "You're that research fella I met over at the diner last night, right?" |
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"Elliott Wages," I reminded him. "You look like you've had a hard night." The closer he got to me the harder the night looked. |
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"Been a long one," he acknowledged. "I knew we was gonna have a damned nightmare around here when they found Ruby Carson's old draft horse half-eaten and the rest of the parts all sorted out and hangin' from trees." |
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The all too graphic description of the Carson event sent a shudder across my shoulders and down my spine. "More trouble last night?" |
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Jake nodded and looked like he needed someone to commiserate with him. "I knew it wasn't no animal when I saw what had been done to that old mare, but the local folk are as superstitious as hell. They heard about them unusual prints and right away they're ready to start claimin' we got us a modern day Big Foot thumpin' around this |
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