The Book of Common

Murder

Folks like I said back to this sick minded killer. I checked in at the Station. Told I was back on duty since I had seen this before. They asked if I needed help. Told them that Doctor would be a bit of help.
If we get another victim. Asked his name I said Doc Willum was his name, they said pay him this. They hands me four Jefferson and two Washington. Told me pay for any work done or will be needed.

I check in with the Constable Office, they ask if I needed any help. Tell them only to keep track of all that was present at the scene. Keep me informed, I also asked where this Plumb and Fitch was. Tell me two blocks south of the scene, on High street.
I thank them and head back to my room ta look over my notes and such. Get some sleep.

Well, Folks like I thought slight man. Thin beard wearing a hat looked like no hair.  Low voice, has ta be a young fella or older man. Why is that young lady stickin in my mind? I shrug that off till mornin. That young fella slight built thin beard hardly any hair. Had a low voice almost ladylike. Damn, those  girls were raped, couldn't be a woman. I have a ale wash it down with Corn Licker. Hit the sheets.

                           Next Mornin

Plumb and Fitch Warehouse, ask did a young lady name of Darla stop in for a job? They tell me yes, she didn't get the job. She wanted more pay than they could afford. Also, she preferred to work alone. Not with other ladies. I nod and say, think of anything else that stands out. Let me know drop word at the Station. They said can't think of anythin but they would send word ifin they did.

Could I be lookin at this wrong, maybe this Darla is the killer? I need ta speak with her again. Somethin ain't right Folks it ain't feelin right. I stop at the Constables Office ta get her address. Folks they found another young girl dead. No particulars I head out with one of the Constables. Older guy at the scene yesterday. Name is Lucas. Lan sakes what I sees is worse than any so far.

Lan sakes her heart is gone, head tore plum off. Dissected like Doctors learnin at anatomy class. I ask the Constable on scene, ya touch anything? He just looks off into the distance. Says nothing tremblin like a scared kid. I tell Lucas send for Doc Willum, get him here right fast. Dear me I am gaggin about ready ta toss my breakfast. Lucas managed to hold the crowd in a house next to the scene. Sending that young Constable for the Doc.

Dang, what a mess, better part of town also. This is different from the rest. What broke the pattern? Poor girl can't tell how old she was. To messed up ta tell. Doc shows up, he looks sickened by it all.
Says Common from my first look not cleaned up and all. Say she was twelve maybe one two years older. Right breast is missing along with the heart.

Same as the last one, not killed here dumped after and well, cut apart here. I am going to roll her over. Lan sakes a small leather bag lay under her.
I grab it and open it. Folks, dear me, it is a letter writ ta me. This is how it reads I still have it. This exactly what it said, Folks.

Ranger Common I know you are here, in Saint Louis. How does it feel? Ta hang the wrong one? I've learned a lot as you can see, from the last time you found out my work. The fried Ovaries were delicious, can't wait to eat the heart of this one. Catch me if you can The Reaper.

Folks this sick minded thin knows me by name and face. It is tauntin me, I know I turned pale as a ghost. Doc asks me if I'm ok. I nod good as I can be.
Doc says need some help moving her.  I gets the two Constables ta help. Tell Doc I'll be along shortly. Need ta interview the people that were here. Turns out that young Constable found her. Rest just happened on him gettin sick. None if the ones at the first scene are here. Mostly young nannies and house servants out on job duties.

I give the Constable orders ta keep track of those at the scene here. Check up on they background. I head over ta Doc Willum's place. Folks, thins get more strange. This girl doesn't appear to be poor. Her dress like the rest was left laying alongside her. Not even dirty placed like she was going to put it on. Folks, it was to fancy for a girl of lower income. Upper-class youngster. I don't care, lower class upper. Young girls are bein murdered! My job ta stop it.