Spelling It Out

"Spell it out, McGinley," Mickey O'Donohue croaked, still rubbing the side of his head, "In simple words."
"Without land the railroad company can't lay track into Roylsden. Simple as that. I bought all the land. I'll sell it to the company soon's I like what they're offering. I've already turned down two offers. When the offer's big enough I'll accept, take my kids and Lucy back west, New York maybe, start a new life. Away from - "
His hands waved helplessly in the air before him
"Away from... all this."
Cole was shaking his head "But why kill the women?"