Chapter Twenty-Seven

DECEMBER 21, 1885
4:30 A.M.

Major Daniel Adams,

The events of Dec. 20th at the Darlington school have uncovered some potentially valuable information in regards to the disruption of classes. While in Darlington yesterday, a student whom my wife has reason to trust reported to Mrs. Hennessey that the specter that haunted them was a man with an injured leg. This is consistent with the blood stain discovered on the costume and bandages found in the basement of the school. I suggest that it is Sloane who has been hiding there, although I am not certain he has an injury. It’s likely that he is somewhere nearby, and I would request a complete search of the area.

In other news to report, I regret to inform you that I will not be available to lead those searches. Because of the unusual nature of my recent nuptials, I’ve hesitated to claim any leave time that would normally be granted to a bridegroom. In order to correct this oversight, I request a twenty-four-hour leave to better acquaint myself with my new wife. Because of the short duration of my leave, I have no plans to depart from the security of our quarters and would request no interruptions. If this is not permissible you may accept my resignation I call you out to a duel I beg you to grant me forgiveness.

All of my gratitude for the wisdom you have shared with me and your patient sufferance of my shortcomings.

Sincerely,
Lt. John Hennessey

P.S. Please cancel my reassignment from Fort Reno with all due haste.