Klondike Journal: Sue Lee Mystery, #8

By D.M. SORLIE

Welcome, dear readers, to the captivating world of "Klondike Journal," a mesmerizing murder mystery that will transport you back in time to the thrilling days of the Klondike gold rush. In this enthralling tale, acclaimed author D.M. Sorlie sets the stage during a time of great adventure and discovery.

Prepare to meet Marie Adele, a remarkable woman hailing from the fashionable social circles of New York. Against all odds, Marie finds herself entangled in a Klondike saloon gunfight, a thrilling turn of events that sets the stage for a story filled with intrigue and danger.

"Klondike Journal" takes place in two distinct timelines, 1898 and 1950, both showcasing the lives of two extraordinary women who were ahead of their time. Marie Adele, once a wayward socialite, discovers prosperity amidst the chaos of the Klondike gold rush. But her newfound fortune also brings with it a dark secret—a treasure that becomes the catalyst for murder in the present day.

Enter Sue Lee, an intrepid investigator from Island Art Inquires, who embarks on a quest to unravel the pieces of Klondike Marie's past in order to find the elusive treasure. However, Sue Lee's journey is not without its obstacles. Hampered by the shooting of her lover, Alex, on a mission in Kathmandu, she must navigate treacherous paths and overcome incredible odds to uncover the truth.

With "Klondike Journal," D.M. Sorlie takes you on an extraordinary adventure that spans the globe. From the bustling streets of New York to the rugged landscapes of the Klondike, and even the mysterious corners of Kathmandu, this tale will sweep you away on a journey filled with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists.

So fasten your seatbelts, dear readers, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable treasure hunt. D.M. Sorlie invites you to join him on this thrilling expedition, where the past and present collide, and where the true meaning of adventure awaits. Enjoy your trip into the captivating world of "Klondike Journal."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Enchanted Island Publishing
• Release date: Oct 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386980643

D.M. SORLIE

D.M. is a native Arizonan living in Scottsdale, traveling has inspired several of his books throughout the years, including historical fiction, especially with a mystery thrown in.   Sue Lee Mysteries started after visiting an antique shop in Honolulu with the purchase of a vintage World War Two recruitment poster for women to serve. It was haunting knowing all the possibilities open for woman during those perilous times.   

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Alex reluctantly left the warm fire in the to follow the Russian he knew as Viktor Popov. This guy has been on the move since Singapore. Now, where are we going? Alex discreetly followed, confident of his attire and dark complexion; they would consider him another Kathmandu local. Nevertheless, he preferred the busy marketplace.

Blasted snow, I can barely see him. There he is, crossing the plaza. I don’t like this. It’s too open with no one around. Alex’s senses were on high alert, knowing he had to rely on his experience. Alex was one of the Ritchie Boys, a military intelligence officer trained at Camp Ritchie in Maryland.

Alex stepped out onto the plaza, staying close to the buildings, hopefully rendering the impression he was on his way home to a warm fire when the bullet smacked against the wall next to his head! He jumped over a snowbank, sliding on his left side while aiming his large mitten in the shot’s direction. He was clutching his automatic revolver inside to keep his hand from numbing in the cold air. Another shot hit the ground next to him, throwing ice in every direction. He rolled towards a doorway for cover.

Damn, it’s a sniper on one of the roofs, but where? Alex peered out from under the door overhang, but the falling snow made it almost impossible to look up. He estimated the shooter must be directly across the plaza. Yes, there’s movement, he’s behind that parapet. Alex removed his gun from the mitten and steadied his gloved hand, holding his Glock pistol with his left arm as he aimed at the rooftop.

His patients had saved him during the war, now all he had to do was wait, but this time he made a mistake. A bullet hit him low, spinning him into the doorway that knocked him forward into the snow. Saving his life when the next shot from the roof hit the door where he was standing. He tried moving but could only use his free arm to push himself along the ice surface as he randomly fired at the rooftop. He slid down a side street further into the darkness.

Alex listened to the clicking sound as his eyes adjusted—he was sure it was a bolt being locked into place on the sniper’s rifle. He tried sliding closer to the building to use it as a support to help him stand, but the pain was so intense he fell back, shoving a mitten in his mouth to keep from crying out. Alex knew he was going into shock. His breathing was irregular, and his pulse was racing; soon, the weakness would overtake him. He was in trouble...

Chapter One

DEATH OF A FRIEND

ALASKA, KLONDIKE, DECEMBER, 24 1898

Two women were kneeling behind a bar on the floor of a makeshift tent saloon, trying to help a wounded man while others fired their guns in the darkness. A gang of claim jumpers looting and killing the gold diggers along the Klondike River surrounded the mining camp.

Klondike Marie pressed her shawl on the open wound to stop the bleeding but knew it wouldn’t help. Soupy was dying.

He was the best of all the miners she met during her singing career in the camps. They had first met on the Canadian side of the Klondike shortly after she ran away from her life as a New York socialite and a marriage arranged by her father. Her name was Marie Adele. Soupy told her names and titles didn’t matter in gold county. Salvador Stevens was Soupy’s real name. Marie knew the Latin name for Salvador meant savior.

Marie pulled Kate’s head down when glass bottles behind the bar shattered from flying bullets. Kate swore, running to the other side of the bar with her pistol to get a better shot at the shooter.

At that moment, Marie decided the Canadian side of the Klondike was more civilized than Alaska.

Canada had the Mounties to keep law and order. In the lawless camps, miners’ committees comprised drinking and arguing, mostly entertainment for the diggers. However, the men needed to be more organized when it came to protecting the camp. The claim jumpers knew this, especially Mallory, their leader.

Marie felt a tug on her sleeve. It was Soupy looking up at her, trying to speak. She bent closer to listen.

That damn kid shot me! I can’t reason with him. You’re my new partner, Marie. Take care of my family, especially my little sister. In my pocket, my claims are inside my journal, he said, coughing. Write what I tell you.

With a shaky hand and tears in her eyes, Marie did as she was told. Soupy might look like any other miner, but he was a lawyer from San Francisco, originally from England. His law firm was Stevens & McLerie’s. Marie knew this after a drinking bout with him in Dawson, where they exchanged life stories. After that, he became a mentor, helping her to continue singing and keeping her away from prostitution. The pay from the diggers throwing nuggets on the stage far exceeded what the whores made.

My Journal, take it with you, give it to my partner Barry McLerie in San Francisco; he coughed harder, his face twisted in pain before continuing. His brother Steve is a mining engineer, your new partner. Hidden inside the cover is a stamp. Show these papers along with the stamp to Barry; it proves your partnership. Do what he says; he’ll make you very rich. I love you, girl. My horse is out back behind your wagon. Run! He coughed one last time; Marie held him closer as the blood dribbled from his mouth across her arm.

More swearing from Kate brought her back to reality. A man laughed while Kate yelled at him before his gun went off.

Marie stood up with the bar shotgun in her hands. Mallory turned, facing both barrels, daring her to shoot. At that moment, he was hit from behind and thrown hard to the floor by Soupy’s lead sled dog, Moon.

Marie watched in horror as Moon’s largemouth clamped on the back of Mallory’s neck. The burly Alaskan Malamute snapped his jaws shut and shook the helpless man like a rag doll. As quickly as it began, it was over.

Miners returned to the saloon, talking loudly about their victories, but became silent when they saw the carnage inside.

Marie was holding Kate in her arms, staring at Moon, who was lying next to Soupy with her massive head draped across the chest of her dead master.

On the other side of the room lay the disfigured body of the gang leader, Mallory.

Chapter Two

GOLD MINES

ALASKA, KLONDIKE 1898

That nightmare of her last night in the Klondike was six months ago.

Marie was casually dressed for travel. The morning wind from the bay was swirling strands of Black hair coming loose from her pulled-back bun tied with a braided scarf. She was thankful she decided not to wear a hat on such a blustery day.

Marie pulled her waist jacket closer together to cover her open-neck blouse. She hitched up her long pale blue skirt with her other hand holding the valise, enabling a longer stride. Eager to get out of the cold weather, Marie was trying not to pay attention to the looks from the men she passed. She knew a beautiful tall woman with dark features and golden eyes, scurrying with a huge white dog by her side, would soon be a topic for discussion.

Marie blew in the door of Barry Mc Lerie’s offices, knowing his attractive brother Steve was not there.

Steve was the promoter and mining engineer who raised the investment money for their three mining operations in the Klondike. He was out today looking at new mining equipment.

"Our engineer in Juneau