Campbell nodded. “I understand,” he said.
“When Raven took over he had other methods of subduing girls. He poured turpentine over them. That was worse than the beatings.” Sadie put her hand to her eyes. “Mr. Campbell, this man mustn’t get away.”
“He won’t. I promise you that.” Campbell got to his feet. “I think that’ll do for the moment,” he went on.
“I’m sending you out of town to a quiet little place where you can rest. I want to congratulate you on your courage. After the things you’ve told me, it is remarkable that you’ve stood up to it so well.”
Sadie stood looking at him, her face cold and hard. “Do you think I can ever forget?” she said. “My life’s ruined. I can’t go back to my husband. I can’t settle to anything. I want revenge, Mr. Campbell. It may be wicked to say that, but I want to see this Raven suffer as I was made to suffer. Thank God those girls killed Grantham and Eller. If I could do the same to Raven I should die happy.”
Under her glance of cold, malicious hatred Campbell turned uneasily away.
13
September 8th, 6.10 p.m.
LEFTY parked the car just outside the back entrance of the hotel. There was no one about.
Raven got out of the car. His face was very white. “Get the Thompsons out,” he snapped, looking up and down the deserted alley.