With a series of keystrokes, another page of the website was displayed, heralding the speed of services provided. “Although this site is by far the gaudiest I looked at, it does seem to offer the widest variety of features and services. Once I decided to use this site, I went to the request form and filled in all the players’ names.” Hearing Susan’s indrawn breath of disbelief, Justin continued hurriedly, “Don’t get upset, the initial request is free. You don’t have to submit any credit card information until after the preliminary results come back. If you aren’t happy with the synopsis they email us back, then we won’t continue along this route of investigation.”

He glanced up from the flashing webpage advertising genealogical services fast and cheap, and looked to his wife for a reaction. Noting Susan’s shocked expression, her mouth a gapping void and her eyes wide as saucers, Justin was unsure of her opinion. “Baby, before you get angry, just take the time to review any information we receive. I know you didn’t ask for my help, but with everything that’s goin’ on around here, I didn’t think we could afford to allow the entire day to pass without some research getting done.”

When Justin paused to take a breath, Susan reached over and silenced him by placing her fingers over his lips. “Shut up already. I don’t know how you expect me to get a word in edgewise when you’re rambling on like a raving lunatic.” Leaning forward she softened her words with a swift kiss on the tip of his nose. “I’m not upset or disappointed or any of the other emotions in that family. I was just shocked that you would take time away from your work, to putter around the internet searching for answers to what is becoming an endless web of riddles.”

What followed was a twenty minute recap of all the researching that Justin had done that day, beginning with details of the failed search for Burnsville’s history, as well as the other possible murder victims and ending with a more through explanation of the information he had passed along to Family Trees R Us. Susan could tell Justin was extremely excited by the way he was babbling on about the subject, some areas of his monologue making little to no sense.

“So, Justin, what names did you submit in the request?” she asked, interrupting a particularly confusing statement.

“Well, that’s the thing. I couldn’t decide which names to use,” he paused for a few moments before continuing. “So, I used everyone: the Brackleburns and Jebediah, the three serial murdered couples, and the infant adopted by the Huntsbackers.”

“You certainly didn’t half-ass this line of investigating, huh?” Susan asked, choking back a giggle. “Are you about ready to open the email? I’m anxious to see the results of your little hypothesis.”