• • • • • PROLOGUE • • • • •
Chapter 1: THE MYSTERIOUS SUMMONS
9 April 1871
"My dear friend Murdo,
First of all, allow me to apologize for not having kept in closer contact these past few years. I've never forgotten your kindnesses, good faith and loyalty during those early years of struggling to establish my legal practice in Sacramento. I look back with some measure of regret at having to depart your fair valley in order to advance my career in San Francisco, and that my subsequent removal to Los Angeles placed an even greater distance between us. The prospect of entering into partnership with Isaac Ogier in the City of Angels was simply too bright to ignore and, as it turned out, well worth the gamble.
If you will excuse this unseemly display of pride, I am pleased to advise that Cameron, Ogier, Eaton, Kewen, Howard & Cameron is presently regarded as the premier law firm here (the additional Cameron being, of course, my son James). Izzie Ogier, Ben Eaton, Ed Kewen and Vole Howard have all gone on to serve as Los Angeles County prosecuting attorneys. I might have done so myself had not health and mobility issues necessitated my semi-retirement from active practice.
I do continue to keep in the loop, as they say, so I am more or less up to date on your current status. I am most pleased to hear that your ranch prospers, and that you have been reunited with your long-estranged sons! I regretted to hear of the unfortunate incident which brought you together and trust your health continues to improve.
That being said, I now arrive at the purpose of this communique. In the process of settling the estate of a long-time client—a lady of our mutual acquaintance and cousin to my wife—there has arisen an awkward matter of a somewhat delicate nature which requires your personal attention. A discreet and speedy resolution is to be desired. As executor of the said estate, James strongly suggests that—in view of our longstanding friendship and our respective relationships to the aforementioned personage—I should be the one to apprise you of the situation.
Rather than trust to the vagaries of the United States Postal System, I am requesting that upon receipt of this missive you attend me at my residence in Santa Monica with all possible haste, health and circumstances permitting. The firm of Cameron et al will of course underwrite your travel and lodging expenses. However, Luisa Regina and I would be both pleased and honored to have you as our guest for as long as you wish to stay—or as long as is necessary—thereby combining business with pleasure.
Please excuse the mystery surrounding this request, Murdo, but the matter is one of some urgency and must remain absolutely confidential for the time being. What you choose to do (or not do) once this information is in your possession is entirely your decision.
Very truly yours,
Trey (Campbell Chase Cameron III)
Santa Monica, California
RSVP via telegram