He had left a message at the hotel for them. As they arrived at the Connor residence, Heath Connor was sitting on his porch with his chair turned towards the end of the main street. They could see why. Just as instructed, the sheriff had placed Aker’s corpse spread eagle just outside the end of town. Far enough to keep the smell from bothering anybody and yet close enough to allow Heath Connor to watch the vultures and coyotes pick his bones clean. Connor was actually looking through the telescope when the three of them walked up to the porch. Carl and Murry had a strange look on their faces but Jess smiled as if he understood in some strange way. As soon as Connor noticed them he put the telescope down and stood up to greet them. “Good morning, gentlemen. I’m so glad you agreed to accept my invitation to join me for breakfast. I have the best cook in town in my house and she has whipped up some mighty fine food. The dining table is already set and I believe she is ready to serve it up anytime we’re ready.”
