A soaked Commander Edward Smith swung open the door of his office, the creaking hinges reminiscent of distant gunfire from the battles of the Civil War. "Why didn't you inform me about the murders?" Surprised hearing the aged voice he found Mister Blayke seated at the sturdy wooden desk lit by a flickering oil lamp. His long white mustache and grey hair, held in place with pomade, gave him a distinctive appearance, while his brown eyes shone with a quick wit, and experience radiated as if he had seen it all.

"I didn't know you were in town." Smith took off his coat leaving a trail of water to the rack where he hung it. "If I had known I would have..." "Don't play the fool with me Edward." The air in the room thickened as the two men looked eachother in the eye. "And you look like shit. You're supposed to be the man in charge, not the towns drunk."

Blayke sighed and took off his hat. "Sit down Edward and please tell me why I had to learn it after the council already made their decision." "They... What did they..."

"Just sit down will you, I had a very long ride and very little sleep. Shadow's End is not next door." Smith sat down right away. "They looked like accidents. There was no reason to believe they were anything more."

Blayke's expression tightened, revealing the frustration that simmered beneath the surface. Before Smith could offer a more elaborate explanation, Blayke dropped the real bombshell. "Cord joined me. He's out at the crossing, investigating what happened this morning."

Dread settled over Smith like a thundercloud. The ticking of Blayke's pocket watch seemed to overtake all sound.

"Cord? Why Cord?" There was a hint of panic in Smith's voice. "Of all people, why would they send Cord?" Frustration seem to win over the panic. "Why did the council send him?"

"I don't know. And it doesn't matter now. He's here. Tell me rather how long this has been happening?"

A flicker of realization passed through Smith's eyes. "Did Marshal Haynes send him?"

Blayke hesitated, neither confirming nor denying. "The murders, Smith, how long? And is there any connection between the victims?"

Smith's expression hardened as he convinced himself that the council's decision was somehow orchestrated by the man he once considered a father figure.

"Why can't Haynes let the past be the past?"

Blayke, sensing Smith teetering on the edge of despair, burst out, "Damn you, focus! We've got to solve these murders before Cord decides to take matters into his own hands. Wallowing in guilt won't change the past. We've got to deal with the present."

The commander looked at Blayke while trying to get his thoughts back in order. "No." He swallowed hard. "No connection." Slowly he regained confidence by focussing on the murders. "They are all just random townsfolk."

Blayke noticed the shift and calmly asked: "What about the feathers? I've heard whispers of feathers found with blood at the scenes."

Smith let out a deep sigh. "It's true, some feathers were found. But I wouldn't jump to conclusions. We can't be blaming Indians without solid evidence."

Blayke nodded, he had known Smith for a long time and knew he liked to keep all options open. "And the curse? Voices with influence on the council claim Shadow’s End is cursed."

Smith scoffed, a bitter smile forming on his lips. "That's just a folk story, Blayke. A tale to keep the children in line. There's no curse here, just people trying to survive."

An abrupt, ominous knock echoed through the room. Both men almost jumped up at the sound and feared Cord was the one opening the door not waiting for their response.

"Commander, you won't believe who I saw near the town!" A young messenger burst in, his words tumbling over each other in his haste to share the news.

"Jasper." Smith's misty blue eyes bore deep into the boy. "Mind your manners will you?" "I'm... I'm sorry sir. I.. It's just..." Jasper's body didn't stop moving in excitement. "I saw him sir! Killer Cord, he's here!"

Blayke shot an angry glance at Smith. "You imbecile!" shouted the man. "There are proper ways to deliver news. This is not a saloon brawl; it's the commander's office."

Jasper's enthusiasm waned as he realized the gravity of his mistake. His face reddened, and he stammered an apology, eyes darting between the two men.

Smith slammed his hand on the desk causing his arm to flare up with an old pain. "Enough. This is no time for your childish antics. Learn to conduct yourself appropriately." Jasper stood up straight, not daring to take another breath. 

"Where did you see Mister Cord?"

Still flustered, the young boy answered: "Near the crossing sir. He's questioning the men that stand guard with the tilted cart, where the woman found the dead boy this morning. Sir." 

Smith looked back to Blayke who nodded. "Is that all Jasper? Then you can take your leave. Mister Blayke and I have matters to discuss." 

With the boy out of earshot, Blayke wasted no time. "You allow a child, barely experienced, to serve under your command? And what is he so happy about? Doesn't he know who Cord is?"

Before Smith could offer a reply, Blayke pressed on: "And what about the child's loose tongue? With his enthusiasm, he's likely to spread the news of Cord's arrival all over town. Not everyone will welcome the bloodhound with open arms, and you know it."

Smith leaned forward. "You're right. It would give the council an excuse to hang about anyone here."

Blayke nodded in agreement. "Support in the council is dwindling. Their pockets might be full, but who knows for how long. We need a plan."

Smith's eyes narrowed. "Cord's visit needs to be short. He's after the murders, and we know he's relentless. Solving them has to be the top priority."

Blayke leaned back, his gaze steady. "He needs a window to work. Your people need to keep their heads down. Let Cord do what he's good at."

"If people think he is prying..."

"Then make sure he sticks to the murders. Time's ticking. Cord could ride in any minute."

Smith rubbed his temples. "I'll get a towns meeting in place, but we'll need to talk to some people as soon as possible. People like Hewitt. If they start shooting the rest will too, but if they don't..."

Blayke stood up. "He'll be expecting you here. He'll want to talk to you." He put his hat back on. "If you can borrow me your captain, I'll talk with them. It's been a few years, but I'm sure they remember me."

He started to walk toward the door. "Oh, one more thing: lay off the bottle while Cord's breathing our air. The man can smell you from miles away."