Читать книгу Train 653 - Angela Yvette Thurman - Страница 12

Chapter 8

Earl’s disappearance remained a mystery. Everyone thought that he could not handle the embarrassment that he brought upon himself when he attacked Sydney over a woman who did not care about him. She was known to sleep with whomever was available when her husband was away from home. Earl’s wife assumed that he left her to be with another woman. Even though he was not a handsome man, he was a very good provider for his family. It was only when his shoes were found along the tracks that they reopened the investigation. His wife knew that if he was declared dead, she was entitled to receive his benefits from the railroad. She kept insisting that she had not heard from him, and it was her right to receive the money. The authorities wanted a list of all the men who had worked with him so that they could eliminate certain suspects. By the time they got to Sydney’s name, since he was nowhere to be found, they went to Benny for information of his whereabouts.

Benny told them that it was not in Sydney’s character to hurt anyone because he was normally off to himself. He said that on the night in question, Sydney did not fight back; he ran out the door because he feared Earl, and the very next morning, he was relocated. He also told them that the pocket watch that was stolen and placed under Sydney’s cot was later found to be Earl’s way of setting him up. They were not satisfied with Benny’s statements; they wanted to talk to Sydney to hear his side of the story. Benny told them that if he heard from him, he would most definitely let him know that they wanted to talk to him.

Edna’s husband was next to be interviewed. He knew that his wife was a whore, but he would never kill a man over her. The truth was, he had another family in another state. That was all that he needed to end his marriage and be with the woman that he loved and respected. Earl’s death caused everyone to be on edge, especially Benny. He could not believe that Sydney could kill someone and flee the state. It was not impossible for a person to vanish and not be seen again while working for the railroad. Most men would hop on a train heading west in pursuit of a better life. There were only a few that were running from the law or their family.