George Fredericks was rounded up that evening at his home at 728 West Seventh street. While the public was being told that Fredericks and Poynter were equivalent rivals for Ruby’s affections, it was not true. Fredericks was a different animal. He had none of Poynter’s youth and puppy-like devotion to Mrs. Reed. The 41-year-old Fredericks appeared to be chiefly attracted to Ruby’s bank account. He admitted that he had seen the victim the Friday before she was murdered.

In a search of Fredericks’ home, the police found some interesting letters. Several were from Ruby. Though none of them were dated, detectives managed to gather she was on a regular bender just before her death, sparked by a row with Fredericks. Her letters to him were jealous and angry. She had come across letters to Fredericks by another woman, a Nettie Palmer of Highland Park, Illinois.

Ruby ranted that she never wanted to see George again. She was through with him. She felt sorry “for the poor thing you are stringing along” and added, “This isn’t drunken talk. I have not had a drink today, but I’ve had quite enough and do not intend to endure it any more.”

Her harsh words were belied by a frantic message to Fredericks, written by Miss Myra Peet. She pleaded with Fredericks not to abandon Ruby. At least phone her. She is drinking and grieving herself to death. A telephone call may save her from herself, Miss Peet’s letter read. (I’m curious what other people think of Miss Peet sending this letter.)

Fredericks did telephone Ruby. However, his main object was to ask for money, rather than forgiveness. On Tuesday, the day of her death, he called her on the telephone at 7 or 8 p.m. and asked her to loan him $14. Ruby agreed and said the money would be at the hotel where he was staying by Wednesday morning. It never came but Fredericks said he didn’t attempt to find out why. The chauffer swore he didn’t go to her apartment. He had gone to a pool room where he stayed until 11 p.m. then he went home to bed.

Police found another letter from Ruby to George Fredericks but could not determine whether it came before or after the letter where she swore she was through with him. It was dated Sunday night but the police had no way of knowing which Sunday. It read:

Dearest,

I love you better than life and would give you anything I have and would do anything for you.

I thought I had cared for other people, but I realize now I was only infatuated with them.

But I know I love you. Maybe my age has all to do with the love question, but as dearly as I love you, I have shared your affection with that other woman long enough.

I cannot and will not have you under the conditions that exist between us now, and I would rather take a dose of poison than to be with you personally as your sweetheart, and to know and realize that mentally you are for and with her.

It is not very sweet to love someone to distraction and to know they care for someone else and to keep up their correspondence with them.

My nature rebels against It, and if I must suffer I will, at least, have the satisfaction I still retain my pride. I am not angry–and neither do I blame you, but I’m terribly hurt! Hurt clean through. This is not written in a drunken mood for I have not had a drink today.

I’ll send you some more money in a couple of days and in the meantime if you need any, let me know for you’re absolutely welcome. Would send more than this $5 today, but as you know, I have rent and commissions to pay.

With love, Ruby

Oh, Ruby.

“The police say the case is becoming more baffling,” a local report read. “If Fredericks is able to establish an alibi, suspicion will be directed toward one of three other men known to have been on close friendly terms with the woman who was so brutally murdered in her apartment.”

Surprisingly, the police appeared to be satisfied with Fredericks’ alibi. Poynter was also released. Regarding his statement that Ruby told him to leave because her sweetheart was coming over “The police are inclined to believe he has told them the truth,” the papers wrote.

Perhaps their confidence was based on the fact that neither man’s hair matched the consistency of the hairs found in Ruby’s hand.

Next: Finale!