The "Manny" Affair

Addressed to Sisters of the Holy Cross, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
 
Dear Marguerite:
 
I'm sorry it's been a while since I've written. Since my visit after the events at the Bender Inn, I've been in Chicago visiting some friends and assisting where I can with the mission here. The Great Fire left much of the city in ruins, and even after a few years of rebuilding and what seems to be booming times, there are plenty that still fall through the cracks and end up relying on the mercy of the Church.
 
My work with the Hennessey Agency has also brought us a most desperate and interesting case of a kidnapped boy. We've been on the case for a few weeks trying to track down the culprits. The kidnappers are a pair of criminals from abroad, but we only have one so far. The other from his writings and what little we know from his 'partner' seems to be extremely odd. I fear for the safety of the boy and have since we took on the case, but I'm torn between worry about his safety in the hands of fools and worry about his safety in the hands of an madman.
 
Alas, if that were the only worry in this town of sin. There's been a series of unsolved deaths, mostly lowly women from abroad and having been making a living selling their bodies. We've made little progress on this front, but it's only an unofficial inquiry so far. Chicago is rife with dangers and roughness, so it may just be another unsolved mystery.
 
I promise to be safe. My companions are hearty folks, and you know I can take care of myself if push comes to shove.
 
Yours in Christ,
Marie