• Connection to Dr. Vale

  Jordy and Dr. Vale were longtime colleagues, collaborators, and quiet professional rivals.

  Although they often appeared publicly as trusted partners, both believed they were the leading authority on Professor Blackwood’s Traveling Show. Each wanted to be remembered for uncovering its greatest secrets.

• Connection to Professor Blackwood’s Traveling Show

Jordy has spent years researching America’s traveling exhibitions, carnivals, and medicine shows.

The Blackwood collection offered the opportunity to complete the definitive history of the traveling show—and perhaps solve the mystery that ended it.

• Possible motive

  Access to Evie Blackwood’s personal ledger

  Jordy believed the ledger contained information essential to completing years of research.

• Known disagreement

  Jordy repeatedly asked Dr. Vale for access to Evie’s ledger.

  Dr. Vale refused, insisting that no one would see its contents until after her public presentation.

• “What they claim”

  “Our disagreement was academic. Dr. Vale understood the importance of the ledger, and so did I. Wanting access to history does not make someone a murderer.”

• A redacted suspicious detail

  INVESTIGATIVE NOTE: Jordy knew the ledger could determine who received credit for solving the Blackwood mystery.

  [ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL CORRESPONDENCE REDACTED]