Ten Days in August Read Online Free

was acting wilder than usual. He did not deserve to be shot, but the people seem satisfied the police eradicated a public menace today.”
    â€œPoor Jerry.”
    â€œAnyway, I wanted to file my initial report.” Hank pulled a folded sheaf of paper from his waistcoat pocket and went about smoothing it out on the corner of Andrew’s desk. Then he picked it up but seemed reluctant to hand the papers over.
    Having a hunch as to the cause of Hank’s hesitation, Andrew asked, “Do you think the police department will try to shut down the resort?”
    â€œI hope not, but this would seem to be all the excuse Roosevelt needs.” Hank let out a heavy breath. “I have some theories but not a lot of evidence. I want to wait for the coroner’s report before saying what occurred for certain. I mean to further investigate the staff at the club in the meantime.”
    â€œYou may be in for a month of Sundays if you wait for the coroner’s report before further investigation.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    Andrew gestured at the pile of paper on his desk. “Since yesterday, there have been reports of a significant number of deaths across the city. More than usual. I’m supposing most of these are due to the extreme heat we seem to be experiencing. There were over a hundred reported just yesterday. The coroner has his hands full.”
    Hank breathed out an expletive and tapped his fingers on Andrew’s desk. “Be that as it may, I intend to get to the bottom of this case.”
    â€œOf course.” Andrew glanced around and, seeing no one near enough to overhear, he said, “If you need any help, please let me know.”
    â€œThank you.”
    â€œI will file your report in the meantime.”
    â€œMuch obliged.”
    â€œI can’t promise much haste, I’m afraid, since Mr. Roosevelt also has me processing personnel discharges. Did I tell you about O’Dwyer?”
    â€œThe fellow who was fired on Monday? Yes, you did.”
    â€œBe careful, Hank. Especially with this case. Roosevelt is determined to ensure his police force is composed of only the most morally forthright men.”
    â€œI’m always careful.” Hank shook his head. “If Roosevelt carries out this plan, he’ll have a police force of five men.”
    â€œI know.” A rather unpleasant thought struck Andrew just then. “Do you think there is any danger toward . . . well, toward inverted men? Any evidence the killer targeted this man in particular because he . . . ?”
    â€œI don’t know yet.” The way Hank pressed his lips together indicated to Andrew he’d had the same thought. “If there is a danger, I will do everything I can to put a stop to it.”
    All Andrew could do was nod in agreement.
    Â 
    Hank hopped off the Third Avenue elevated train at Fifty-Third Street and walked west toward Fifth Avenue. He felt some comfort in the fact that at least New York’s wealthiest residents were suffering through the heat as much as its poorest. Well, perhaps not to the same degree; this far uptown, the citizens of New York could afford ice and had running water.
    He walked up the steps of the Cooper mansion on Fifth Avenue, mere blocks from the palatial Vanderbilt estate, and knocked on the door. A butler in livery who looked displeased by Hank’s presence greeted him at the door.
    â€œIs Mrs. Cooper available to callers?” Hank asked.
    The butler, named Graves if Hank’s memory served, raised one neatly groomed eyebrow and folded his hands behind his back. “She is to men who are not dressed as pugilists.”
    Hank glanced at his bare arms. He grunted, but began to unroll his sleeves. He pulled cuff links from his pockets and buttoned up properly. When he finished, he held up his wrists for inspection. “Better?”
    â€œIt would be better if you had a coat, but it will do. Come. Mrs. Cooper is in the