Eldridge House Disappearances

By Napoleon Crews

The Eldridge House Hotel in Lawrence, Kansas is an icon of the Free State struggle with the Quantrill and the Missouri Border Raiders. The hotel has survived destruction by fire, dynamite blasts, hauntings, and more, and has kept its reputation as a meeting place for Lawrence's elite. Secrets abound among those with intimate knowledge of the hotel's secret passages and ghostly sightings. This tale details a mystery that was once considered myth. Sam Jeans, Lawrence's real life Negro assistant chief of police, is embroiled in yet another intrigue that takes him to his wits end.

The real Sam Jeans, Negro, was recruited for the Lawrence Police Department, and later rose to the position of assistant chief of police. The only words written about Sam and his great accomplishments were that he was fearless in danger, showed good police judgment, and knew how to get along with the public. This tale portrays how it might have been for Sam as he overcame the great challenges on the path to success.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Napoleon Crews
• Release date: Feb 28, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311633927

Napoleon Crews

Napoleon Crews began writing his first manuscript, for publication, in 1990. He was told often throughout his life, that he had a special way with words and empathy. The gift of writing culminated in Napoleon penning 9 completed manuscripts, some of which are short stories and others are longer novel-length works. In addition, he has written and produced 3 dramatic plays of an historical bent. Unable to find a national publisher for other of his works, Napoleon self-published and distributed them throughout the Midwest, where they have been popular. The driving force behind the first published manuscript, The Emancipation of Nate Bynum, was Napoleon’s desire to tell the unknown stories about the integral part that Blacks played in the American Civil War and the Wild West, and to right the wrongs of early historical writers who depicted Blacks, women, and other minorities as inept, weak-minded, and inferior to their white counterparts. Napoleon poured his experience as a cowboy, rodeo team roper, private investigator, martial artist, bodyguard, and trial lawyer into the building of his characters. He used family legends and oral and written history to form his plots. When he describes the way a horse moves, a steer bolts, or a punch is thrown, he’s rode the move, headed off the bolt, and threw the punch. His experience as a practicing trial lawyer is used to craft the many legal and ethical dilemmas in which his characters find themselves. Napoleon resides with his wife and family in Lawrence, Kansas, the seed-bed in which the buddings of the American Civil War were sewn. He still practices law 50 to 60 hours per week, and many of his nights are reserved for writing and polishing his manuscripts with a view for future publication.

Book preview

CHAPTER 2

Police Chief Maurice Monroe hurried back to Mayor Gould’s office, one more time. He had just missed the mayor at the Eldridge House and desperately wanted to talk with him about the Quantrill Killers article in the Daily Journal. He threw open the office door and found the mayor at his desk thumbing a stack of papers.

"Have you seen the front page of the Daily Journal?" Monroe asked.

Mayor Gould rubbed his forehead with the palm of his hand, like he was in a daze. Twenty-six men, he said, in a whisper.

Did you hear what I said? Monroe asked.

There’s nothing wrong with my ears. Mayor Gould looked up and Monroe could tell by the narrowness of his eyes that he was not in a good mood.

Well, Monroe said. What are we going to do about the lies printed all over the front page?

I’m afraid it’s the truth, the mayor said.

Don’t tell me you’re buying into that Quantrill Killers bunk too? Monroe said. I thought you were smarter than that.

This Pinkerton report is quite compelling, the mayor said.

Pinkerton? Monroe’s anger surged. Who asked Pinkerton to stick their noses into my town?

This problem is bigger and more serious than you know. Both of our butts are on the line, and I need you to use your head and control your temper for once.

Monroe blinked in surprise as he took a second to process the mayor’s quick words.

George was more worried than he had ever seen him, and it worried Monroe that he might be in trouble right along with him.

All right, Monroe said, after a moment. I’ll keep my temper in check if you tell me why our butts are on the line.

How can twenty-six murders be committed in this town without the chief of police or mayor having any idea that something’s wrong? Mayor Gould asked.

Monroe felt his throat tighten. The mayor was dead serious, and Monroe didn’t have an answer for the question.

There’s no proof it actually happened, Monroe said. Besides, this is wild country and men die all the time. That doesn’t mean we’re not doing our jobs.

The proof’s in this report, the mayor said. I want you to read it, and then we’ve got to figure out how to show folks that we’re capable of protecting them and preventing another disappearance.

I’ll deputize men and setup border patrols that a snake couldn’t slither through, Monroe said.

The town council has hired five Pinkerton men and they’ll arrive on the noon train tomorrow, the mayor said.

To do what? Monroe fought to control his anger.

They’re arresting two suspected Quantrill Killers, the mayor said.

Fear momentarily choked off Monroe’s breath.

What suspects? Monroe asked.

Pinkerton hasn’t said who and probably won’t until the arrests are made.

We have a right to know the suspects identity so we can clean our own house. Monroe grabbed the Pinkerton report and stalked out of the mayor’s