AN AGENT FOR WILHELMINA

Pinkerton Matchmaker Book 2

Sophie Dawson

A Ryder Legacy Book

Copyright © 2018 Sophie Dawson

Kindle Edition

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-63376-036-3 

No part of this publication maybe reproduced or distributed in print or electronic form without prior permission of the author. Please respect the hard work of the author and do not participate in or encourage the piracy of copyrighted materials.

This is a work of fiction. Most of the places within the story are fictitious but some are real. You will most likely recognize those which are. Those you don’t are probably made up by me. The people, unless it is the name of a real historical person, are not real. They, too, have been created by me or by my friend and author George McVey. This is true of Nugget Nate and Penny Ryder, and Nathan Ryder who may or may not show up in this book. Even if real historical people are mentioned their lives may or may not adhere strictly to documented historical reference. In other words, what they do or say has little bearing in fact and they probably didn’t do or say it. This is a fictional story after all.

Description

Wilhelmina Cutler had wanted to be a Pinkerton agent ever since she moved in with her aunt and uncle who was an agent himself. Now’s her chance. They are hiring women in the Denver Pinkerton Detective Agency. Already trained in most of the skills needed, Mina is confident she can handle any case they assign her. 

Reece Galway is a veteran agent who has worked from the Denver office since the end of the Civil War. When his boss tells him his future employment hinges on marrying a woman aspiring to be an agent he nearly quits. He’s never had a partner and doesn’t want one, especially some rookie woman who knows nothing about how to be a detective.

There’s something about his new wife. She seems to attract danger,  yet is able to stave it off. She’s stiff and overly polite and sometimes rather sarcastic. And she doesn’t like his attitude.

Heading to San Francisco to solve an insurance fraud case, Reece and Mina butt heads. Can they work together to solve the case, or will their enmity make it impossible? Will this marriage continue once they are back in Denver or will either one demand an annulment?

CHAPTER ONE

MAY 1871

“What? I need to do what to keep my job?” Reece Galway failed in keeping the irritation from his voice. He couldn’t believe what his boss was saying. All the agents from the Denver, Colorado Territory office of the Pinkerton Detective Agency had to get married and train their wives to be detectives. His shoulders gave a violent shudder as the word wife moved through his thoughts. 

Reece paced in front of Archibald Gordon’s desk as the man sat calmly with his fingers steepled in front of him. It was obvious he’d recently had his hair cut, as the previous week when Reece had returned from solving a case Archie’s hair was shaggy and sticking out in all directions. Today it was smoothed back with pomade holding it in place. His ruddy beard and mustache well trimmed.

“I believe you heard me the first time. I don’t want to repeat myself.”

“So, if I want to stay a Pinkerton Agent I have to marry some young lady who won’t know her…”

“Language, Reece. You know how I feel about you men and your speech.” Marianne Chapman, Archie’s secretary, came into the room scolding as she often did when any agent was expressing themselves in ways she didn’t approve of. She set a tray with a silver service for coffee on Archie’s desk. “I thought you men might enjoy a spot of coffee and cake. Pearl baked it this morning. It’s quite good, I must say.”

Reece flopped down in the chair across the desk from Archie. Tucking the silver dollar he was rolling around his knuckles into his steel colored vest pocket, he squinted one eye at Marianne as he took the cup of coffee from her. “Was this your idea?”

Marianne’s mouth dropped open. “Oh my, no. I argued against it most fervently.”

Reece swung his gaze to Archie. “So you thought this up on your own?” Archibald Gordon was somewhat addlepated, or he made out to be. Maybe he was cagier than Reece thought.

Archie studiously stirred his coffee. “The idea was put to me by a very respected person. One who knows all about the criminal element as well as society and its standards. As we discussed the issue it became clear that marriage, at least a temporary one, was the answer to maintaining the reputation as well as the safety of the ladies.”

That was true, Reece admitted to himself. Ladies of good reputation couldn’t travel unmarried with a man and maintain their standing within society. But that didn’t make the thought of marrying some young woman any more palatable. 

“Why are you wanting to hire women agents at all?” Reece noted the new slits in the door of the cabinet behind Archie. Seems that Bronco Wauneka hadn’t liked the idea either. Bronco tended to display his displeasure by throwing knives. The door, as well as the wall, bore evidence of many blade strikes.

“That edict came from the main Pinkerton office in Chicago. They are wanting more women agents. Seems they can ferret out information in ways men can’t.” Archie cleared his throat when Reece shot him a smirk. “Not in those ways. They can infiltrate society as well as other places men can’t and have a different perspective than men. They can be more astute in some areas.”

“What do the other agents think of this cockeyed idea?”

“There have been a few discussions.”

Marianne coughed but it sounded more like a scoff as she cut the cake and placed a piece on each plate. Reece noted that there were three plates as well as another cup of coffee. It seemed that Marianne was staying in the office with he and Archie.

“Well? What do the others think?”

“They are coming around to the idea.” Archie still wouldn’t look him in the eye.

“So they don’t like it any more than I do. How many have quit when they heard of this cockamamie idea?”

“We haven’t had any of the agents quit.” Marianne took a sip of her coffee. She was sitting sideways at the end of the desk with her cake on top of a pile of papers. 

“At least not yet,” Reece muttered.

“So you think you will be the first, Reece?” A bite of the chocolate cake slipped into Marianne’s mouth.

“We still have agents out on assignments. I expect them all back by this time next week. We should know by then. I’ll expect your answer as to whether you’ll be staying as a Pinkerton agent or not as soon as you decide.”

“I want to understand exactly what this all entails. Let me know if I’ve got this right. I have to marry some woman who thinks she wants to do a man’s job by being a Pinkerton agent. I need to train her to do that job, and I’m stuck with this stranger for the rest of my life. You’re asking a lot here, Archie.”

“You won’t be stuck with her. The marriage can be annulled once the case is solved, provided that you and she don’t…” Archie’s ruddy complexion turned ruddier and, when Reece glanced at Marianne, her cheeks were red and she was studying her empty plate with great concentration.

Reece looked away focusing on the plant that stood in the corner. It looked a little worse for the wear. He wondered why. Marianne diligently kept the plant watered, even talking to it as she did so. It was one of those quirks some people had. Plants couldn’t hear. Why would anyone talk to one? Shaking his head, Reece brought his focus back to the topic at hand, as distasteful as it was.

Reece set his fork down after taking the last bite of cake, then he drained his coffee cup. “I’ve got some thinking to do. I’m not sure detective work is suitable for women.” He held up his hand to stop Archie from interrupting. “I know. There have been female Pinkerton agents before. Mostly during the war. But we aren’t in a war anymore. Most of the cases we deal with now have even more elements of danger to them. Rough, immoral men we are trying to apprehend. How can I focus on them when I have to keep a clueless rookie, and a woman at that, safe?”

Reece stood and leaned over to give Marianne a peck on the cheek. “Tell Pearl thank you for the cake. It was delicious as always. Thank you for the coffee and your lovely company. Please forgive my unpleasant demeanor. I’m not pleased with this turn in my career, but you needn’t suffer for it.”

“Think nothing of it, Reece. I’ve known you a long time and know your character. Please think this over carefully before you make a decision.” Marianne smiled wanly up at him from her chair.

“No apology for me?” Archie asked giving Reece a one-eyed squint.

“No, old man, I think not. You’re the one forcing me to decide the future of my career.” Reece turned on his heel and marched out of the office. When he exited the building it was all he could do not to slam the front door.

Get married or lose his job? What kind of an order was this? 

Reece stomped down the porch steps and walked around the house, thinking of heading to the dormitory where agents could stay when they were in Denver. Reece, liking his privacy, kept a small apartment in the city above a shop downtown. Sometimes he slept in the dormitory when he was at the office late or the weather was too bad to walk or ride to his apartment. 

On second thought, Reece passed the building behind the Pinkerton office, a converted home with offices, meeting rooms, as well as two suites, one for Marianne and another for Archie’s sister, Victoria. He needed to walk off some of his irritation. Talking with the other men in the same situation didn’t appeal to him, at least not until he decided what he was going to do. 

Reece pulled the silver dollar from his vest pocket, rolling it over his knuckles as he strode away from the Pinkerton Agency of Denver office.

Wilhelmina Cutler’s eyes gazed at the Nebraska plains as the train headed west without seeing either the buffalo or the wagon train they were passing. She’d closed the curtain of her seating section of the Pullman car to maintain her privacy. Fortunately, no one was occupying the other seat in this section. Keeping the curtain closed went a long way to keeping it that way. She was traveling without an escort so discouraging male passengers from choosing that seat was high on her priority list. 

The flat land they were traveling over was gradually rising. In the distance she could have seen the purple shadow of the Rocky Mountains, but her mind’s eye saw the discussion she’d had with her Uncle Dan Cutler who’d raised her since she was a teen. They were in the parlor of their small house, she seated on the settee, he standing in the sunlight shining through the window.

“Mina, this is the best opportunity for you to become a Pinkerton agent.”

“But I’d be so far away. Why should I move all the way to Denver when I know everyone at the Pinkerton Agency here in Chicago?”

“That’s precisely why. Most of the men here have known you since you were thirteen when you came to live with us. There’s no way they’d allow you to take any cases that might be dangerous in the least way. That means you’d be stuck in the office doing secretarial tasks rather than the detective work you want and I trained you for. I know that’s not what you want.” Dan took out a tobacco pouch and began packing the chopped leaves into his pipe.

“You’re correct, as usual. The agents look at me as a daughter to be protected from all the outlaws of the world, not a well-trained agent capable of capturing them myself.” Mina sighed. “I’ll just be so lonely without you.” She stood and hugged the man whom she’d lived with for ten years.

Already a Pinkerton Security Agent at the time, Dan had asked his brother if one of his girls could move to Chicago to help with his ailing wife. Thirteen-year-old Wilhelmina had jumped at the chance to leave the mountains of Kentucky even if it meant leaving her beloved family behind. 

When her aunt passed away Mina stayed in Chicago to tend his house while he was away on a case. She had loved every minute she could be with him, especially when he took her to the office or on a case. 

Dan taught her how to observe and listen. Few people noticed a child and fewer thought they were listening or noticing what was going on around them. Mina learned how at an early age. 

Dan also made sure she was able to defend herself, both with weapons and without. Though she was smaller and weaker than a man, she was able to stop them long enough for someone to come and help. 

Never was Mina without a weapon or multiples stashed around her person. Of course, every woman had at least one hat pin. Mina normally had two or three keeping her hat firmly connected to her head. She loved the jeweled pointed sticks and had a vast collection suitable for each of her outfits no matter the time of year. 

The train lurched, jerking her thoughts back to the present. Mina was applying to become a Pinkerton Agent at the Denver office. In her satchel was a letter of recommendation from Mr. Allan Pinkerton himself. Mina called him uncle just as she did all the agents working from the Chicago office. He’d outlined her background and experience, how she’d been trained by one of his best agents. Mr. Pinkerton indicated strongly that Mr. Archibald Gordon, who headed the Denver office, was to hire her and Mr. Gordon was responsible for keeping her safe.

The curtain screening her from view by other passengers was yanked open. A man with an unlit cigar tucked between his teeth flopped down onto the rear facing seat across from her. 

“Greetings, dear lady. I’ve seen you in the dining car and thought you might enjoy the company of a gentleman.”  

Noticing he failed to introduce himself, Mina stared at him. “And you think you are that gentleman? Not that I am confirming your supposition.” She slipped her hand into a pocket in her skirt.

“You are traveling alone, are you not?” The man’s eyes were mocking, telling Mina he considered her less than the lady he’d pronounced her to be. 

“That may be the case, but I see no reason for you to approach me whether I am or not.”

He rose partly and moved to sit next to her, placing his arm on the back of the seat behind her shoulders. “I thought we might spend the time getting to know each other better.”

“I think not, sir.” She pulled her Derringer from her pocket, pointing it at his chest after she cocked it. “I know how to use this and am not afraid to do so. Now, if you’ll remove yourself from my section, I won’t have to damage that good-looking suit you are wearing. Please leave before I call the conductor. That will be after I fire my weapon. At this close a range I’ll have to be moved to a different section. The blood and gore resulting would make this section less appealing to sit in.” She waved the pistol slightly indicating he should get up and leave.

The man stood, a frown marring his features. “I shall leave you to your solitude.” With a slight bow, he turned on his heel and left.

Mina put her Derringer back into her pocket. This was part of what had nearly discouraged her from going to Denver. Men seemed to think unescorted ladies were fair game for a different sort of game. One she wasn’t willing to play. 

There was one more night before they arrived in Denver. Mina was glad she had taken the Kansas Pacific Railroad rather than the Central Pacific Railroad as the train went all the way to Denver without making her change trains in Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory.

She opened the window curtain again. The sun was setting, highlighting the mountains in the distance. Mina had asked the conductor to bring her supper to her in her section. She didn’t need any other man thinking she was approachable. Once she finished eating, the conductor converted the seats into the berth she’d slept on since she boarded the train a few days ago. 

Tomorrow, Mina would meet with Mr. Archibald Gordon, present her letters of recommendation, and hopefully become the Pinkerton Agent she longed to be.

CHAPTER TWO

REECE LOOKED OVER the room filled with women as well as his fellow agents. He wasn’t happy about any of this. Marrying a woman simply to get it annulled when the case ended made no sense to him. Plus he’d have to train her to be a detective while on said case. It took years to properly train an agent. It was sure to take longer for a woman.

They stood in the dining room which had been rearranged to facilitate the proceedings that would be commencing shortly. The table was against the wall rather than in the middle. It was loaded with cold meats and cheese, other finger foods and small frosted cakes. At least they would have something good to eat and Pearl’s cakes were always delicious.

Some of the agents wore frowns like himself. Others were grinning at the various women huddled in small groups or standing alone. They were a varied lot, different in shape and coloring. He wondered who his blushing bride would be. More importantly, what the case they were to handle was. How he was going to train her in the short time before they arrived wherever they were going crowded in on the previous thought.

 Archie cleared his throat and made the announcement that the women would all be married within an hour to a stranger and then they’d all set out on the train to begin their cases. Reece drew his eyebrows together, frowning. They weren’t even going to have a day to begin the training? This was going to be a royal mess. Send a woman out on a case with no training, but what could be done on a train? Madness, pure madness.

“Reece Galway?” 

Archie had begun pairing the couples while he was thinking, complaining in his mind really. Now it seemed it was his turn to see which of the addlepated women would become Mrs. Galway.

Reece stepped forward. “Let it go on record that I am not happy about this and I don’t believe that this is the best way to move forward. With that, I’m ready to meet my partner.” 

Not listening to Archie’s reply, he scanned the women waiting to hear their name called. At least not until his boss said the name.

“Wilhelmina Cutler.”

The woman who moved to the front of the room from the far corner was stunning. Reece nearly allowed his mouth to drop open but caught himself. She wasn’t one of the ladies he’d seen socializing over the past few days. 

Deep red hair was crowned with a large bright purple hat adorned by three jewels tucked into the folds of fabric. The gown she wore was the same shade as her hat. It fit her frame well. By the way she moved he could tell her narrow waist wasn’t made by tightly lacing her corset.

As she approached, his eyes were drawn to full bowed lips that were pulled into a slight smile. Her wide eyes reminded him of lapis lazuli, they were so deep blue. Tiny specks of gold added to the confidence within them. Her nose turned up just a tiny bit and she had a shallow cleft in her chin. She was just above average in height and slim but with curves in all the right places. She moved with grace, her steps not creating any sound. The expression on her face was pleasantly neutral.

Wilhelmina Cutler slipped a white gloved hand around his forearm. “I’ll try to not make this too painful for you, Galway.” She drew him along with her as she moved back to the corner she had come from.

Reece couldn’t understand why she would want to be a Pinkerton agent. As beautiful as she was some man should have snatched her into matrimony long before now. Maybe the sweet confident woman she presented was all for show. She could be a shrew for all he knew. He’d find out soon enough. They were leaving together after this farce of a wedding.

Somehow she managed to maneuver him to stand in the corner behind her, making it impossible to study her further. He’d have to wait until they were alone to continue his inspection of this woman who would be his wife within the hour.

Being alone with her. What an intriguing thought.

Pompous… boar. Mina bit off the thought not wanting to curse even in her mind. Publicly objecting to these marriages. Not that Mina was enthused about the prospect of marrying in order to become a Pinkerton agent. She definitely was not. However, she would maintain her ladylike demeanor, not descending to vocal denouncements of the requirement.

Mina had seen the agents interacting with the ladies who came for interviews over the last couple of days. Some seemed to accept the idea and openly courted, getting to know the candidates. She had stayed in the background observing. She’d learned quite a lot about both the men and the women.

Other agents went around with scowls and their bodies indicated their displeasure of the concept. Reece, of course, was of this latter group. Mina had known whomever was chosen as his bride would have an uphill battle in gaining the respect of Mr. Reece Galway. She straightened her shoulders. Wilhelmina Cutler was up to the challenge. If it turned out she wasn’t, she could always just shoot him to get him to annul the marriage.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Archie called out once all the couples were paired and the leftover women were led out of the room. “We’ll begin the weddings now. Please line up in front of Judge Hotchkiss, who will officiate. These will be legally binding marriages and if you decide to annul them that will also be handled by his Honor.”

It didn’t take long for the twelve or thirteen couples to take their vows. Mina was surprised that Reece had a ring for her finger. It was a plain gold band, but since she hadn’t expected one at all she was pleased at his thoughtfulness. It raised him on the mental ladder she’d created to assess his actions toward her. He was maybe one step up from the bottom where she’d placed him for his statement before she was announced as his partner. It was a very long ladder.

“You may now kiss your bride, or shake hands, or whatever it is that you decide to do.” The judge closed the small book he’d read from.

Mina leaned slightly back. There was no way she was going to kiss this stranger who obviously didn’t want her as his wife. If they kept a barrier of impersonal civility between them, maybe they could solve the case, get an annulment, and she could continue as a Pinkerton agent on her own.

She stuck out her hand encased in its white leather glove. Reece fixed his eyes on hers and clasped her hand, giving it two stiff shakes. 

That was over now. There was the reception to get through and then they’d get their envelope explaining the case. She hoped Reece Galway didn’t want to stay long. She’d rather be focusing on the case than joining in the farce of a celebration for these weddings.

Reece didn’t know how they managed it, but he suspected Wilhelmina had something to do with it. They’d escaped from the madhouse of the wedding reception with their clothing and dignity intact. He glanced sideways at his new wife and drew his eyebrows together. She stood with him in the foyer a little to his side, adjusting her gloves. Her spotlessly clean gloves. That in itself was a minor miracle.

As the reception had proceeded with everyone enjoying the repast, the raised voices of some of his fellow agents drew his attention from Wilhelmina. One of the tiny cakes flew across the room into the cheek of Stephen Randall. A general melee followed as food of all types sailed from one hand to the face or body of another. Fists began flying too. That wasn’t too unusual but not in the presence of so many women.

 Somehow, Reece and Wilhelmina ended up in the foyer out of the line of fire. He hadn’t directed her from the room so how had they exited without his awareness? Not that he wasn’t pleased that his suit wasn’t stained.

“My, are you agents here in Denver always such ruffians?” Wilhelmina patted her hair, smoothing a lock back into place.

Reece chuckled. “Sometimes, but not normally where ladies can observe.”

“Well, I certainly hope you are able to restrain yourself from participating while I’m around to observe. Thank you for escorting me from the room.” She gave him a small smile which, for some odd reason, caused his heart to clench. “Have you received the envelope with our case file? It would be nice to have some sort of idea as to what will be involved and where we are going. I need to decide what clothing to take.”

“Not yet. I think Archie will be handing them out once the reception is over.”

“That will most likely occur shortly.” She turned to better see into the dining room.

“Enough,” yelled Archie just as a piece of cake splatted against his chest. “I said that’s enough!” Once the din of voices and fists died down he continued, his aggravation evident to all. “That’s it! Everyone out! You’ll need to clean this mess up before you catch the train. I’m not having you leave it for Pearl or Marianne.” 

As the men began cleaning food from the walls, floors, and furniture, the ladies complained about the harm inflicted to their garments. Questions about where and into what clean outfits they could change into followed quickly. Marianne pointed out traveling bags lined up along a wall in the foyer. Reece hadn’t noticed them before.

“Your bags are over there, however, I do have traveling dresses specifically made for you, if you follow me to my apartment upstairs.” Marianne led the way and the women trailed up the stairs behind her.

“Although I have no need to change, I will return once I’ve received the traveling dress. You might want to participate in cleaning the dining room while I’m gone.” She turned away heading for the stairs.

Reece tore his gaze from the sway of her hips and looked into the dining room. With a sigh he entered to help clean up the mess even though he hadn’t been one of those who made it.

Mina entered the room filled with the young women as well as Marianne. She wondered how the woman stood being involved with so many men who didn’t seem able to restrain themselves from roughhousing.

A selection of dresses and capes in various fabrics and colors – chintzes, ginghams, florals, stripes and solids hung against the wall. Several of the ladies oohed and ahhed over the outfits, several touching them as if they couldn’t believe such finery was for them.

All the dresses were the same style. A fitted bodice with a high collar, frog closures marched down the front ending just above the pointed hemline. Lace edged just below the waist, as well as peeked from the sleeve cuffs. The underskirt was a practical length, and would barely brush the floor on most of the ladies. The overskirt, pleated up the sides so it fell in graceful folds, was trimmed with lace or a ruffle matching whichever style adorned the skirt.

Mina stood back waiting for Marianne to hand out the dress she’d chosen for each woman. It was clear that several hadn’t had clothing this nice before. She enjoyed watching their delight as they were handed their traveling suit.

When she was called by Marianne, Mina was pleased with the garment handed to her. The fabric was striped in navy blue, olive, and tan. It would travel well and not show the dust and grime associated with trains. Rather than lace, the trims were ruffles. 

“Thank you, Marianne. You chose well for me. I appreciate your care in deciding for each of the ladies.” As she didn’t need to change her clothes, Mina draped the pieces over her arm and stood by Marianne. “When will we be getting our case assignments?” she asked.

“Archie will be handing them to the men as soon as they are done in the dining room. Shameful behavior, but not totally surprising. The men, at least some of them, were not pleased with the requirement to marry. I’m sure you could tell that Reece was one of those. Anyway, I believe their displeasure culminated in the release of tension fighting seems to bring to men.”

“Yes, quite.” It was all Mina could think of to respond.

It wasn’t long before they were all trouping downstairs to join their new husbands. They stood in a line with stained suit coats and trousers. All but Reece. His clothing was still pristine. Each man had a large envelope in one hand and a traveling satchel in the other. Mina moved to stand in front of him.

“Are you ready to go? We won’t be leaving Denver until tomorrow, but I want to get packed and go over the case.” Reece handed her the envelope and took her arm.

“Yes, I will need to go to my hotel. Also, I want to choose which other garments I will need to take.”

Marianne and Archie neared, saying good-bye to each couple.

“Is there somewhere I can store the trunks I’m not taking on the case?” Mina asked.

Just as Archie started to reply, Marianne said, “Of course. Have them delivered here. They will be here when you return and can be moved to wherever you decide to live between cases while in Denver.”

“Why thank you, Marianne, I do appreciate your thoughtfulness.”

As Reece placed his hand on her back to guide her out the door, Archie mumbled, “I’m in charge here, Marianne, remember?”

CHAPTER THREE

THE NEW MR. and Mrs. Galway were not leaving Denver until the following morning, which suited Mina quite well. She wasn’t looking forward to spending much of the night sitting up on the train to Cheyenne. They weren’t getting a Pullman compartment until they boarded the westbound train that would take them to San Francisco.

Reece had rented a buggy, so when they left the office they went to his apartment. Mina was surprised that he had one. She’d noted that the agents lived in a dormitory building behind the main house. 

“I prefer my privacy. It can be extremely difficult to sleep when there are so many men who want to stay up until all hours of the morning. Most snore.”

The apartment was small, just two rooms. The kitchen and parlor comprised one and the bedroom the other. There was a small table with one chair, an upholstered rocker with a little round table covered in water stained rings next to it, and a bookcase in the kitchen/parlor. A narrow bed, dresser, washstand, and bedside table was the sum total in the other. Books were piled on or next to each table. 

Mina looked around and hoped they weren’t staying here for the night. Her hotel room was larger.

“I’ll get my trunk and carpetbag. I understand you have been staying in a hotel. We’ll stay there tonight.” Reece packed a few things into the carpet bag. It seemed the trunk was already packed. Maybe he kept it that way so as to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

“Here, would you carry this for me, please? I’ll get the trunk.” Reece handed her his carpetbag as well as his key. “Lock up for me, will you? Once I get this on my back I don’t want to set it down just to lock up.” 

Hefting the trunk, Reece left the apartment through the door Mina had opened. She carried the carpetbag and locked the door behind him, thankful he was wise enough not to expect her to stay there.

They left his trunk at the hotel desk to be picked up the next morning on their way to the train station. Reece left to return the buggy to the livery as Archie would be driving them to the station the next day. Mina went to her room thinking about what to take with her to San Francisco.

Planning on only taking one of her trunks, Mina chose carefully the garments and other supplies she thought might be needed. Archie would take the others to the Pinkerton office to be stored there until they returned.

Mina answered the knock on the door, finding Reece standing there, the ever-present scowl on his face. She stepped back, giving a slight bow and waved him into the room. 

“I’m just decid…”

“Are you taking all three of those trunks and your carpetbag?” Reece’s frown deepened.

“Pardon me for your interruption. I was saying, I’m deciding what to include. I’ll be taking this single trunk.” She pointed to the one that was open. “I’ve arranged with Marianne for the others to be stored at the office. A bellboy will be here in about five minutes. He will take the trunks down and see that they are delivered to the office.”

Reece grunted, which Mina took to be an apology. She knew he was not happy about this marriage. Well, neither was she. She had the skills and some experience since she’d gone on several small cases in Chicago when she’d expressed her interest in being an agent to her uncle. 

Within her letter of recommendation from Mr. Allan Pinkerton, himself, was a list of the cases as well as skills she’d been taught and developed. Since the men hadn’t known whom they would be marrying, it was doubtful Reece had any clue she knew how to gather information or her aptitude with weapons. He knew next to nothing about her just as she knew nothing about him. Except that he seemed grouchy and a tad bit rude.

Reece sat on the settee, his feet on a straight chair he’d pulled close, and studied the case files. One hand held a silver dollar working its way around his knuckles. He was definitely a handsome man. There was a scar just in front of his right ear. Mina wondered if he’d gotten injured on a case or in the war. 

Dark hair, slicked back, crowned his rectangular face that was kept from being boxy by the fine slope of his chin. She couldn’t see his eyes, but knew they were a dark gray, the color of steel. No doubt they could be warm or quite cold depending on his mood. She’d only seen them cold. He was muscular but lean. A head taller than she, Mina wondered whether she’d fit under his chin if he held her. Where had that thought come from? And why did the notion seem so pleasing?

The bellboy arrived and took the trunks. Reece gave him some coins which made the boy grin. At least her new husband was generous. 

At least his new wife wasn’t taking way too much luggage. As a general rule, Reece took no more than his trunk and carpetbag. It depended on the case, often he only took the carpetbag. Pinkerton agents tended to travel light and swift. That wasn’t going to happen with a woman along. 

Wilhelmina was folding items into the trunk with single minded concentration. Reece decided to study the documents in the envelope. 

Looking around, he saw a settee and the bed. There was a washstand and a straight chair, as well as a dressing screen. Some lacy garment hung over the top. It took effort to tear his gaze away and push the image of Wilhelmina wearing it from his mind. Wilhelmina was far too long a name to call her. If they were in a tight situation and he needed to get her attention fast, that name simply wouldn’t work. Why couldn’t her name have been Jane or Fran?

Her things were scattered across the bed, just where he’d like to lie while reading. Instead, Reece sat on the settee. It was too short for him to lie on comfortably so he moved the straight chair, put his feet up on it, and pulled the papers out.

“That’s no way for a gentleman to sit in the presence of a lady.” Wilhelmina scolded.

Not looking up from the document, Reece replied, “You’re not a lady, you’re my wife. Get used to it. I like to be comfortable when I study my case. I need to know it backwards and forwards before it starts. That’s something you have to learn to do. It takes practice to memorize the details you need to know.”

“I’ll see if I can manage it.”

Her dry tone made him look up. She was turned away from him, bent over placing something in her trunk. Her backside was in the air. Reece swallowed. Being alone with this woman was going to be a test of his fortitude.

“I’m going to arrange for supper to be delivered. I’m not in the mood to go to the dining room.” Reece stood, dropping the papers on the straight chair.

“Whatever you want, my dear. After all, you are the man of the house, though there isn’t a house.” Her sarcasm followed him as he went into the hall.

“This is not going well,” he muttered to himself. “Maybe I’m being a bore. I’ll try to be more friendly. We need to work together and I don’t want her attitude toward me to jeopardize the case. Pinkerton stands to earn a hefty payday from the little I’ve read of the case.”

He continued muttering as he descended the stairs to the dining room where he ordered their meal. On the way back, a nickname for Wilhelmina came to him. The perfect nickname. She’d love it, he was sure.

 Reece took the last flight of stairs two at a time. He couldn’t wait to tell Wilhelmina her new nickname. When he entered their room, she wasn’t there. Maybe she was behind the screen changing. 

“Wilhelmina?”

No answer.

Her trunk and carpet bag were still there, as well as that lacy garment hanging on the screen. Where had she gone? Had she been kidnapped? 

The door opened behind him, knocking into his backside. Reece stumbled forward, swung around, pulling a knife from his sleeve.

“Do you make a habit of standing in front of closed doors?” Mina cocked an eyebrow at him.

“Where were you? You didn’t tell me you were leaving the room.” Reece knew his tone was strident, but not finding Wilhelmina where he left her brought every protective instinct he had to the forefront.

“You were not here when I decided to go to the necessary at the end of the hall. I didn’t realize I needed your permission. Next time I’ll be sure to get it.” She swept past him over to the bed to continue her packing.

Well, that didn’t go well. Instead of getting on her good side with the nickname, he’d snapped at her again, increasing her irritation at him. 

“Supper will be here in about a half hour. Do you think you will be done packing by then?” Reece thought that was a neutral topic of conversation.

“I’m sorry if my puttering is bothering you. I’ll finish as soon as I’m able. It should only be a few more minutes.” 

Wrong again. Everything he was saying seemed to come out wrong. He’d been worried about where she was and snapped at her when she came back. Now, he’d somehow managed to sound annoyed at her for not having completed her packing. Reece gave up. He’d stay quiet and read the case files. Maybe once they ate things would go better. 

He flopped down onto the settee causing it to scrape the floor a little. Wilhelmina stopped, shot him a glance, then went back to her packing. He picked up the files and concentrated on committing the details to memory.

Mina closed the trunk, turning the key in the lock before placing it in her reticule. Although the traveling outfit Marianne had so thoughtfully provided the ladies was nice, Mina was going to be wearing one of her own. It had the modifications she preferred for quick access to her weapons as well as hidden pockets for other various items she carried.

“I’m all packed now with the exception of the things I need for tonight and in the morning. If you’d like, the bellboy can place my trunk with yours when he brings our meal.” Mina suggested, hoping he’d think she was deferring to whatever he wanted. It didn’t matter to her. The bellboy would take it down either time.

Reece looked up from his papers. He held several and two piles sat on the settee beside him. “He can take them when he leaves our meal. It should be here soon.”

As if summoned by his words, there was a knock on the door, and a call of, “Mr. Galway, your supper is here.”

Mina stood back as he opened the door allowing the teenage boy to push the wheeled table into the room. Delightful smells emanated from under the silver covers. 

“I’ll get another chair for you, Miss Cutler.” The boy looked from Mina to Reece and back.

“It’s Mrs. Galway now, Richard. Mr. Galway and I were married today.”

His face reddened. “Sorry ma’am. Congratulations. I’ll just get that chair now.”

Once the embarrassed teen brought the chair and took the trunk, Reece held the chair for Mina, very properly seating her at the table. He did seem to have lovely manners. At least she wasn’t married to a lout, even if he was rather condescending towards her and was constantly in poor humor.

They ate in silence for a while before speaking at the same time.

“What is the case we’ll be handling?” 

“This is an interesting case.”

They laughed, easing the tension between them for the first time.

“It seems we want the same topic discussed.” Reece took a bite of his mashed potatoes. 

“Yes. Have you read most of the file?” 

“It’s a case of possible insurance fraud. Seems there was a theft of a diamond necklace, bracelet, and earrings from Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Dodrill’s residence in San Francisco. The insurance company is suspicious that the jewelry wasn’t truly stolen. Before they pay the settlement, they want the couple investigated thoroughly.”

“I see.” She waited for him to give her more details or maybe offer her the case file to read. When he didn’t she resumed eating. The food was quite good, but she tasted it less and less as Reece remained silent.

Mina wondered if Reece had read her letter of recommendation. He hadn’t mentioned anything about her experience and training. Hadn’t questioned her at all. Well, she surely wasn’t going to say anything about it. Let him read about it or not. It was his choice. Mina knew she was being spiteful, but after the way he’d been speaking and treating her, she really didn’t care.

Once the room was cleared of their supper, Reece took off his boots and flopped down on the bed with the case files again. Mina stared at him. He thought he was going to sleep in her bed? Yes, they were married, but really. They were not sleeping together. 

“You may get off my bed now, Mr. Galway.”

Reece’s eyes shifted from the papers to her. “I’m planning on sleeping here. You might as well get used to it, Bill. We’ll be sharing a room and a bed until we get back to Denver once we’ve solved this.” He waved the papers he held. 

Mina drew herself up. “What did you call me?”

“Your name’s too long. If I need to get your attention fast you need a name I can say or yell just as fast. Wilhelmina is just too long. Since it’s the female German of William, Bill is a great nickname for you.” He focused again on his papers.

“I think not on both counts, sir.” Her hands fisted on her hips. How dare he summarily decide what to call her without even asking if she had a nickname or if she liked the one he thought up. And she certainly did not like it.

“What?” Again he looked at her.

“One, we will not be sleeping together. You will sleep on the settee or the floor. I care not which. Two, I will not answer to Bill. If you had asked, rather than thinking up that poor excuse for a name, I would have told you what to call me instead of Wilhelmina.”

“One, no I won’t. I’ll be sleeping in the bed. Where you will sleep is by my side. Two, since you object to my chosen name, what shall I call you?”

Mina ground her teeth together. She wasn’t going to sleep beside him. She’d sleep on the settee. There was no need to argue about that. She’d just change into the nightgown, get a blanket, and curl up there. 

“My nickname is Mina. I give you leave to use it. It is infinitely better and more appropriate than Bill.”

Reece walked back from the bathroom in his nightshirt and socks. Mina had kicked him out when she was going to change into her nightgown. He did have to admit that Mina was a nicer name to call her than Bill. Suited her femininity. He grinned wickedly. He’d call her Bill sometimes just to aggravate her. She became all stiff and prickly when she was irritated. He seemed to irritate her a lot.

Reece stopped short when he stepped into the room. His wife was seated on the straight chair brushing her hair. The deep red glistened in the lamplight. The lacy gown now adorned her slim, curvy figure. Thankfully, under the lace appeared to be some white fabric.

Reece swallowed down the temptations rising in him. They were to get annulled as soon as the case was done. Besides, he didn’t want a wife, especially one so prone to speak back to him. If he was ever going to marry, the woman he chose would be quiet, listen to him in all ways, accepting his leadership, knowing he was right. Bill certainly wasn’t her.

“Archie is picking us up to take us to the train station. We’ll need to be ready when he gets here. I’m not sure who else is taking tomorrow’s train, but he’ll be taking them too. Let’s get to bed.” Reece climbed in and leaned against the headboard with his arms behind his head. 

Rather than obey his order, she sat silently stroking the brush through her hair. It looked so very soft. Maybe when she was asleep he’d have a chance to run it through his fingers. He could almost feel it slip across his skin now. 

She set the brush down and began braiding the lovely tresses, spoiling his plans she tamed the locks into a long rope. Well, maybe he could ‘accidentally’ pull the ribbon out while she slept.

What was he thinking? He wanted to get this marriage annulled. Running his hands through her hair wasn’t conducive to keeping things impersonal between them.

When she stood and leaned over to blow out the lamp, her body was silhouetted through the white fabric. Reece swallowed again. Maybe having her sleep in the bed with him wasn’t such a good idea. Then again, he’d made a pretty big deal about it so he’d have to appear to give in to her desire to sleep on the settee. 

“Are you coming to bed now?” he asked.

“I believe I told you I was sleeping on the settee.” She never even turned to look at him.

“That settee is comfortable enough to sit on. I’m not sure how good a night’s rest you’ll get on it. I’m planning on beginning your instruction on the train tomorrow. I want you alert and ready to listen to me.”

Reece thought he heard some muttering but couldn’t make out the words. He could guess what she was saying and thought it best he didn’t hear them.

Wilhelmina lay on the settee facing away from him. She pulled a blanket over her, fumbling to get herself covered. The white of her gown clad bottom caused him to swallow again until she managed to hide it beneath the blanket.

Reece turned down the wick on the lamp beside the bed but continued to watch her toss and wiggle in the dimness, trying to get comfortable. She’d lie still for a few minutes, then squiggle, trying to keep her feet or shoulders covered. This was repeated over and over. When she fell off onto the floor, he’d had enough.

Jumping out of bed, he ran over and scooped her into his arms. Reece ignored her squeak of outrage. “Obviously, the settee is not conducive to either your or my sleep. You keep disturbing me with all your tossing. You’ll sleep on the bed with me.”

Tossing her into the middle, Reece swiftly followed and wrapped his arm around her, holding her to his side. Struggling against him, it took a while for her to realize she was no match for his strength. With an aggravated sigh, Wilhelmina stopped.

“Bill, just relax. We’ll both sleep better here in the bed. You’ll thank me in the morning when you are well refreshed.”

She pulled the covers over her shoulder. “I doubt that.”

With his wife in name only held tightly against him, Reece began to wonder if he’d be as well rested as he predicted.

CHAPTER FOUR

AS MINA WAS pulling on her gloves, Reece answered the knock admitting the bellboy who carried their carpet bags downstairs. Archie was to pick them up after they broke their fast.

Once they’d ordered in the hotel dining room, Reece said, “We’ll take the train to Cheyenne and stay a day or two depending on how well you pick up on what I’m going to teach you. A certain level of proficiency is required on some very basic things before I’ll feel comfortable having you on a case. As this case doesn’t involve time sensitivity we can take a few days.”

“About that. Did you read…” Mina began.

“Once I think you won’t injure yourself or kill me with a gun, and you have an understanding of basic observation skills, we’ll head to San Francisco.”

“I asked Mr. Gordon to acquaint you with…” Mina tried again.

Their meals arrived and Reece cut her off again, telling her to hurry up and eat. She bit down hard to keep from snapping at him to quit interrupting her. 

As she set her fork down and reached for her tea cup, Reece stood. “I’m finished, hurry up, Bill. We need to be ready when Archie gets here with the wagon.”

Just to be contrary, Mina sipped her tea slowly without replying. She’d told him she wouldn’t answer to Bill, and she wasn’t going to. When he stalked off to pay their bill, she smiled to herself. She wasn’t going to start this case off by being bullied by him.

Mina joined Reece on the sidewalk and waited for Archie to arrive. They waited at least fifteen minutes, though she didn’t take her pocket watch from the concealed pocket in her bodice. Her husband tapped his foot impatiently. Seems they didn’t need to get here quite this early.

Archie finally arrived in a wagon with an extra seat. Their luggage was loaded and Archie helped Mina up onto the front seat. Reece sat on one side and Archie on the other, driving the horses.

“We need to pick up Randall and his wife. He gave me directions, but I’m not sure exactly where it is. I don’t think there’s a hotel or inn there, or a saloon with rooms to let.” Archie clucked the horses into motion. 

The day before must have been very stressful for the head agent. He seemed impatient with the horses. Mina saw dark circles under his eyes. Maybe he hadn’t slept well. 

Reece must have noticed. “Rough morning, Archie?”

“Rough few days. I’ll be glad when you all are out of Denver,” was Archie’s terse reply.

They wandered through the poorer area of Denver, out of town, and into the woods. There a shack that was nearly falling down tucked near the side of the mountain. Mina was appalled that the agent had brought Elizabeth to such an awful place to spend the night. It seemed Stephen Randall’s bride didn’t think much of his choice either. She stormed out of the building and over to the wagon.

“You made a mistake, Mr. Gordon, in matching me with this lout-head. How dare he make me stay here overnight. I got no sleep for fear of rats nibbling my toes.” She turned her severe gaze on Stephen. “You think you know me so well since we grew up together, but I will not tolerate any more of your ‘surprises.’”

“I’m coming to learn that. Please forgive…” Stephen began but she slashed her hand through the air, stopping him.

Reece had gotten down from the wagon. “Better leave this alone for the moment. I don’t think she wants to hear you right now.” Stephen nodded and allowed Reece to help the new Mrs. Stephen Randall up to sit beside Mina. There was a dark bruise on his cheek and she noted dark bags under Stephen’s eyes. Seems he might not have gotten much sleep either.

 When their baggage was in the wagon, the men climbed into the back seat. Mina could hear them muttering to each other, but couldn’t make out their words. 

Mina took Elizabeth’s hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. The girl was fighting tears. As irritating as Reece was, he wasn’t treating her with the disrespect Agent Randall was his new wife.

“Let’s you and I sit together on the train. I could use a break from my husband and I think you could too.” Mina patted Elizabeth on her back.

“I think that’s a wonderful idea. Let’s sit as far from them as possible.”

Archie didn’t say anything, but Mina glanced his way and saw the man frowning.

At the station, porters unloaded the trunks and carpetbags. With a “stay here,” from Reece, he and Stephen made sure the baggage was directed properly and went to purchase their tickets. Archie stayed by the ladies, not saying anything. When the men appeared, he moved away and intercepted them, speaking and gesturing. He was obviously upset. Maybe Stephen would start treating his wife better. Mina hoped so.

Stephen stormed from Archie to Elizabeth. “Come on. Let’s get boarded. The train leaves in a few minutes.”

“I’m sitting with Mina, not with you.” 

“Be that as it may, I’m taking you onto the train and will see you seated. Come on.” Stephen took her arm firmly and guided her away.  

Reece exchanged a few more words with Archie, then came to where Mina was standing. “Don’t look so peeved, Bill. They have to work it out between themselves. Come on. We need to board the train.”

Why was he telling her not to be peeved? It seemed to her that he had the corner on that by the look on his face. Of course, his calling her Bill certainly peeved her.

About halfway across the platform, Mina stopped to make an adjustment to her hem, causing another frown to appear on Reece’s face.

“Must you do this now?”

Just then two youths ran in front of them, just where they would have been had they not stopped. Without the pause they would have been bowled over.

“How fortuitous that I did stop. I, at the very least, would have been sprawled on the boardwalk had I not.” Mina retook his arm as she continued their progression to the steps leading up into the railroad car.

Elizabeth stared out the window, but Mina was sure she wasn’t seeing the passing landscape. The girl had poured her heart out, weeping at how she’d been treated by her new husband. How could a man be so cruel? Mina wanted to punch him in the nose. Really hard.

They were sitting about five rows ahead of the men. They’d argued that the ladies should seat across from them to be safe. Mina had simply turned on her heel and drawn Elizabeth behind her, up the aisle, finding seats across from several occupied rows. This forced the men to sit further to the rear of the car. 

Denver was left behind an hour ago. Elizabeth choked out how she’d come to Denver and ended up married to Stephen between sobs. In Mina’s opinion, Stephen’s behavior bordered on criminal. Elizabeth didn’t want her saying anything to him, so she’d done what she could to comfort the poor dear. 

Fighting to find a way to turn the conversation in a more pleasant direction, Mina noticed the handkerchief Elizabeth was clutching. It was edged in wide crocheted lace. Mina wondered if she had made it herself, been given it, or whether it had sentimental significance.

They fell into a comfortable silence with Elizabeth closing her eyes and dozing. Mina couldn’t rest, however. The familiar feeling skittered up her back. She gazed around at the people across from her and those she could see ahead. Something was going to happen. There was danger wafting its unpleasantness through the car. 

Mina slipped her hand into her pocket. Her fingers closed on her Derringer. She’d chosen this row and side of the car so her right hand would be along the aisle. 

Reece knew nothing of her gun or the other weapons she had concealed on her person. He’d most likely throw a fit if he did. After all, he was going to teach her how to shoot a gun when they were in Cheyenne. The thought made her smile, before her attention was again captured by the eminent danger approaching.

The train slowed when the grade got steeper as they went through the mountains. The conductor had just moved to the next car forward. A man in the very first seat stood, pulling Mina’s eyes to him. He was unshaven and unkempt. He pulled two guns out, raising them high.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I aim to take what jewels and cash you have on your person. As I come down the aisle, stick what you got in this here bag.” Said bag was attached to his suspenders hanging slightly open in front of him. “Don’t try nothin’ fancy, gents. I ain’t afraid to shoot you or anybody else. Just fill up my bag and I’ll be off the train leaving you all healthy and alive.” He gave a wicked, gap-toothed grin and waved his guns around.

Elizabeth woke at his first words and clutched Mina’s left leg. “What should we do?” she whispered.

“Nothing at the moment. Do you have any money or other valuables?”

“No, do you?”

Mina wasn’t going to share what she carried, though she considered her knives valuable. “Nothing that would interest him.”

People were depositing items and cash into the bag. The man was sauntering down the aisle with a smile on his face. He was paying more attention to the men as the ladies cringed from him. 

“Act scared,” Mina instructed quietly.

“Not an act. I am scared.”

As the man approached, Mina turned slightly in her seat toward the aisle. In her left hand she held a few coins she’d taken from her pocket. Her right hand still clutched the hidden Derringer.

The robber stood next to them now. “Put what you got in here.” He turned so Mina could reach his bag and drop her coins in. “You got anything, lady?” He looked at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth fluttered her hands in the air, eyes wide in distress. “Oh, no, sir.” 

Mina stuck her foot out into the aisle. When the robber moved to the next row, he tripped over her foot, falling flat onto the floor. Reece and Stephen were there in a moment, snatching his guns and securing his hands behind his back with handcuffs. 

“Pinkerton agents. Go get the conductor.” Reece yelled at a man in the first row who left in a hurry.

“I know this man. He’s wanted in several states,” Stephen jerked the man to his knees. “Gerald Hawkings, you’re under arrest for attempted robbery.”

Mina released her hold on her gun. Reece and Stephen could handle this now. “Well done, Elizabeth. You kept his attention,” she murmured, turning her focus.

“You tripped him, didn’t you,” she whispered back.

“Yes, that gave the men the chance to capture him. It wasn’t much. Just an opportunity we capitalized on.”

When the robber had been secured in some other car, Reece and Stephen appeared at the ladies’ side.

“Elizabeth, are you all right? You weren’t hurt or scared, were you?” Stephen’s concern for her was evident.

“Would you like to sit with your wife,” Mina asked.

“Yes, please.” He stepped back, allowing Mina to rise and move into the aisle. 

Mina glanced at Elizabeth who gave a slight nod and smile. 

Reece settled Mina next to the window and studied her serene face. She didn’t appear rattled at all by the robbery attempt or her part in stopping it. Her face was a bit pale. Maybe she was hiding her distress from him, afraid he’d be critical. 

He didn’t understand why Hawkins fell over, but he thought she might have had something to do with it. She’d held her poise. Reece was impressed.

“Are you all right?” He didn’t call her Bill, not wanting to upset her if she was hiding distress.

Mina turned to him. “Yes, it was stressful and somewhat alarming. I was positive you and Agent Randall would capture the man. I didn’t want anything to happen to any of the passengers.”

“Do you know why he fell?” Reece had an idea but wanted her to confirm it.

“When he was talking to Elizabeth, I stuck my foot out and tripped him. She distracted him.” 

Her voice wobbled a bit. That’s when he noticed her hands clutched tightly in her lap trying to hide their shaking. Studying her a bit more closely, he could see the paleness of her cheeks. The event had rattled her, though she was covering it well. 

He wanted to comfort her. Take her hand in his. Hold it until it stilled. Hold it all the way to Cheyenne. That wouldn’t be proper. Although, she was his wife. He could hold her hand. He’d held her entire body close to his last night. 

It had surprised Reece at how quickly she’d fallen asleep once she settled in his arms. Keeping her there had kept him awake longer than normal. Then he’d roused when she rolled away to lie on her stomach. Reece fought a grin as he remembered waking up this morning with her tucked against his back with her arm around his waist. 

Yes, it was okay for him to hold her hand even while he wondered why he wanted to so much. The silver dollar he always had was slipped back into his vest pocket.

When he laid his hand on hers, Wilhelmina glanced at him, searching his eyes. She didn’t pull her hands away. 

“Well, you both did a good job. It gave us the opportunity we needed to capture him. It means Stephen and I will have to haul Hawkings to jail when we get to Cheyenne. We’ll also have to testify at the trial, but that won’t be until we are finished with this case.” 

CHAPTER FIVE

“COME ON BILL, let’s get some supper and start your training.” Reece stood by the door to their hotel room. 

They were staying in a nondescript hotel near the train station. Mina wondered if they’d get any sleep with the railroad tracks so close. She ignored his order since she’d told him she would not answer to Bill, continuing to arrange things on the vanity. She meticulously set each item as she preferred to have them, making her nighttime routine easy to perform.

“Bill, did you hear me? Let’s go eat.” Reece’s voice held a tad of irritation. 

Mina dug in her carpetbag and drew out her nightgown. 

“Wilhelmina!”

“Oh, were you talking to me?” She straightened and turned toward him.

“You know I was.”

“Hum, I thought you were talking to some man named Bill. I respond to Mina if you don’t want to say Wilhelmina.” She heard teeth grinding and hid her smile by draping the gown over the dressing screen.

An aggrieved sigh came before the words, “Mina, will you please come with me to get our supper?”

“Of course, I thought you would never ask. I am quite hungry.” As she passed him heading out of the room, Mina patted his chest. “That wasn’t so difficult now, was it?”

Once the train reached Cheyenne, they had all checked into a hotel near the train station. Mina wondered if she’d get any more sleep than the night before. And if Reece would insist they share a bed again. Reece and Agent Randall had left them there and taken the outlaw to the jail. The ladies spent the afternoon in Elizabeth’s room while the men were in Mina’s. Mina and Elizabeth laughed at how their new husbands had bungled up their first days together.

“I want to begin training you now. You need at least the fundamentals before we leave Cheyenne for San Francisco,” Reece told her once they’d placed their orders. Instead of the hotel restaurant, they’d gone down the street to a cafe Reece said served good food at reasonable prices. 

“I see. You haven’t told me any details about the case, nor have you let me see the files. Am I to be kept in the dark about them the entire time we are together?” 

“I’ll give them to you tonight. I want you to read and memorize them before we get to San Fran.”

Mina nodded. “Have you read…”

“Look around the room. Once you’ve had enough time, I’m going to quiz you on what you’ve seen.”

She really hated it when he interrupted her. It seemed to happen most when she was inquiring as to whether he’d read the file on her and the letter from Allan Pinkerton.

They were seated in the back corner so both could look out over the room. She’d sat with her right side open so it would be easy to pull her Derringer if necessary. She wasn’t anticipating any danger, but her Uncle Dan had instructed her to sit with her back to the wall and always have a clear path to her gun.

Mina took a sip of her tea, looking over the rim to survey the room. She wondered how long Reece would wait to quiz her. This must be typical Pinkerton training. It was a game they’d played in Chicago whenever they went somewhere. The other agents would also quiz her about their surroundings when they met either on the street, at social gatherings, and at the office.

It wasn’t long before she heard. “Look at me, Bill… er… Mina.” She did so, pursing her lips to keep a broad smile from them.

“Keep your eyes on me. How many other diners are in the cafe?”

“Twelve, seven men, three women, and two children. One a baby in arms.”

“Very good. How many tables?”

“Including this one, fourteen. They have red checkered tablecloths and a daffodil in a small vase as decoration. Very nice if you ask me.” Mina touched the flower with a gentle finger, not taking her eyes off her husband. He was a very handsome man. The memory of sleeping with him last night flitted through her mind. Then the upcoming night, moving the flittering to her stomach. She pushed it away.

Reece continued asking her questions about the furnishings, customers, decor, and servers. Several times she paused to be certain she remembered correctly before answering.

“What is the man at the table by the window eating?” Reece had a small smirk on his face. He must figure she would miss this one.

“He hadn’t received his meal yet when I turned to looked at you. If you want me to see if he’s been served, I will.”

“No need. I’m impressed. You have good observation and recall skills.”

“Thank you.” Mina thought about telling him about the game she’d played, but decided since he most likely hadn’t read about her background she’d just keep that to herself.

Their meal arrived turning their focus, especially Reece’s to the food. Partway through, Mina asked, “What kind of pie did the man by the window have for dessert?”

“Huh?” Reece’s fork stopped half-way to his mouth.

She repeated the question. She watched Reece’s cheeks color. “Aren’t you supposed to keep aware of your surroundings at all times?”

“Well, um, yes.”

“It was cherry.” Mina smiled at him. “I’d like a piece too. It looked very good.”

Reece chuckled. “You got me, girl. Don’t think you will again.”

Later, as they climbed into bed, Mina made sure to stay as far away from Reece as she could and still be on the bed. Waking up this morning pressing herself against his back had embarrassed her to no end. There was no way she wanted to repeat the sleeping so close to him. 

Unfortunately, her plan didn’t work as she’d hoped. In the middle of the night Mina woke up spooned against him with his arm wrapped around her middle. Very carefully, so as not to wake Reece, she’d lifted his arm and rolled away, moving again to the edge of the bed.

In the morning, while the men went back to the jail, Elizabeth and Mina went to a dressmaker shop to purchase brown dresses on orders from Agent Randall. He wanted her in drab clothing to make her blend in for their case. The beauty of his new wife didn’t lend itself to fading into the background, Mina wasn’t confident a brown dress would help with that. The pink dress Beth bought didn’t fit in with the orders for drab brown. Mina wondered how Stephen would react when he saw his lovely wife in the beautiful dress.

Reece had spent an uncomfortable night though he must have slept well as rested as he was. Mina hadn’t argued with him about sleeping in the same bed, but neither had she snuggled against him. In fact, she’d stayed as far away from him as possible. It was a wonder she hadn’t fallen off onto the floor, she’d lain so close to the edge. That one night of her lying close to him seemed to have spoiled him for sleeping without her body touching his. 

He pushed that thought from his mind. This marriage was for a few weeks at most. He’d be sleeping alone once they returned to Denver and they got the annulment.

Reece and Stephen went to the jail in the morning to make reports. Their wives had gone shopping. He had hoped Mina would find something suitable so they wouldn’t have to stop in Sacramento, no garments finished enough to be done quickly. They’d have to spend too much time in Cheyenne. He wanted to get Mina’s training done as soon as possible. They didn’t have weeks to wait on dresses.

“Let’s get going. I’ve got a buggy hired. We’re heading out of town for a while. I’m going to teach you to shoot. I don’t think we’ll have need for you to have the skills, but as you know from the train, anything can happen.” Reece pulled his holster from his carpetbag and strapped it on. Then he took the gun Archie had given to all the women out, spinning the revolving chamber. 

Reece had made Archie give him Mina’s gun since he didn’t want her handling the dangerous weapon without some training. They’d have the shooting lesson and he’d take it back from her until they’d practiced enough for him to be sure she wouldn’t shoot herself or him.

Though Mina’s skirts were the same, she’d put a different bodice on this morning. He knew it was common for women to have a second one, especially for a traveling suit. The green wool was becoming to her coloring. It was simply cut without a lot of the ruffles and furbelows women’s clothing often were covered with. The overskirt was striped green, rust, and gold. The stripe was used as trim on the bodice. This one had a wide lapel with the stripes diagonally leading his eyes to her narrow waist.

Bringing his eyes back to her face, Reece saw a quizzical expression. She was standing, ready and waiting for him. “Let’s go. I don’t want to keep the horse waiting.” 

“Of course not.” Mina grinned at him.

When they were far enough from town, Reece pulled the buggy off the dirt road into a clearing. A hill of dirt rose sharply at its rear. “This will be a good place to teach you to shoot.”

He helped her down and tied the horse to a bush. They walked further into the clearing, the dry grass making a shooshing sound as her skirts brushed over it as she moved.

“Here’s a good spot. Let’s go over gun safety first.” Reece lectured her about how to handle, load the gun, and all the safety rules he knew. Mina stood patiently listening without asking a single question. She didn’t appear to be nervous either. Most women were around guns. “Any questions?”

“Not at the moment. Will we shoot now?”

Reece cleared his throat. This woman baffled him. She seemed unflappable in tense or awkward situations. She’d masked her distress over the robbery attempt on the train. She’d insulted him so very subtly every so often. Yet, she nearly threw a fit over sleeping in the same bed and over what he called her. Well, not a fit really. More passively resisting, making her point without raising her voice. That could be an asset on a case.

 She was very observant, at least when warned he would quiz her. He’d have to quiz her later without telling her to observe their situation.

“Yes, let’s see how you handle shooting and the recoil of the gun.” Reece looked at the hill. There was a large barren area where the steep side had caved off. “See if you can hit that bare spot. I’ve loaded the Navy Pocket Revolver, so don’t point it at me.” He held the gun out, grip first, allowing her to take it. Thankfully, Mina pointed it at the ground.

“So, you want me to shoot at that spot there? That big one?”

“Yes. It gives you plenty of space as a target. It has five bullets.” Reece stepped behind her, ready to catch her if the recoil knocked her off her feet. “It’s a smaller revolver so it’s not as heavy.”

He watched as Mina brought the gun up, cupping her left hand around her right. 

“Keep your eyes open. Don’t close them when you squeeze the trigger. Don’t be afraid of the noise or the recoil. I’ll be right here to catch you.”

“Well, that makes me feel much more secure.” It was hard to ignore the sarcasm in her voice.

Suddenly, five shots rang out in quick succession. Dirt blasted from the hill, the shots in close proximity to each other at the center of the bare spot. Mina spun around to face him, gun pointed to the ground.

“How’d I do?” She was fighting to keep a smirk off her face.

That’s when he knew. She already knew how to shoot, and darn well too.

“You know how you did, Mina. How come you didn’t tell me you knew how, and so well too?” 

“You never asked. You wouldn’t have believed me if I had, would you?” 

“No, I don’t suppose I would have. What else haven’t you told me?”

She shot him an irritated look. “If you’d read the file you were given about me, you’d know. I will tell you, I always have a Derringer on my person. I had one yesterday on the train.”

Reece was chagrinned. He’d ignored the file Archie had included with the case file. He hadn’t really cared about her background. He figured nothing in it would matter since he was going to train her to be an agent. Who cared about her background? She obviously did. Plus she already possessed some of the skills an agent needed; observation and gun handling. 

That she wasn’t pleased with him was evident. Mina was marching back to the buggy, tucking the Navy Pocket into the back waistband of her skirt, covering it with her bodice.

Reece laid the last paper down next to him on the bed, not noticing the silver dollar flipping through the fingers of his other hand. Mina was sitting in the straight chair she’d moved over by the window. He’d given her the case file which she was studying. She’d snatched it from his hand saying, “Finally.” He definitely was not in her good graces at the moment. After reading her file he could understand why.

The girl had spent the last ten years living with her uncle, a Pinkerton agent. When the aunt she’d been caring for passed away, Mina stayed with her uncle basically spending the years training to be a Pinkerton agent. Allan Pinkerton himself had included a letter of recommendation. 

She’d been coached in all aspects of being an agent as well as deportment and the social graces. She’d also finished high school and received speech lessons to remove her Kentucky mountain accent. There were even descriptions of several cases she’d been included in with her uncle. 

Reece now realized she was going to be an asset on this case and he didn’t need to spend time here in Cheyenne training her. He also needed to apologize. He’d bungled things badly, from the statement when he’d been matched with her, to calling her Bill rather than the name she preferred. Now he had to make amends.

Sitting up, Reece slipped back into his boots. Mina had knocked his feet off the bed, snapping at him about his poor manners and dirty boots ruining the coverlet. They were the first words she’d spoken to him since she stormed back to the buggy. She’d only said one more word to him; “Finally,” when he’d handed her the case file.

Reece wasn’t used to apologizing. Especially to a woman. Never to one he slept with. Never to one who was his wife, even though that was only temporary. He was unsure how to proceed. 

Walking to where she was sitting, Reece knelt down next to her chair. “Mina, I’m, um, sorry for how I’ve been treating you. I let my feelings about women Pinkerton agents spill over into how I’ve been dealing with you. I know my attitude has been, well, challenging. I’ve not handled taking on a partner well, used to working alone. Put on top of that, you being a woman and us having to be married. I took my resentment of the situation out on you. Please accept my humble apology and my promise to treat you better in the future.”

“Thank you. I understand how frustrating it can be, working and dealing in a way you don’t want.” Reece relaxed at her forgiveness. “However, one, you better reform that attitude, and two, don’t jeopardize the case again.”

Reece pulled back. “What?”

“If you’d allowed me to know what the case was, I would have packed differently. I left clothing behind in Denver I could have used. Not knowing that we would be traveling in the exalted social circles of San Francisco, I didn’t bring my best gowns. 

“If we are to present as a wealthy couple, I will need to purchase finer, more elaborate gowns for both day and evening. Items I fear are not available here in Cheyenne. Possibly day dresses, as I saw some at the dressmaker when Beth and I went to purchase her clothing. There were some gowns that would be appropriate for visiting in the afternoon, though they were more evening type gowns for Cheyenne. I have no gowns that I can wear to the theater or evening events within high society.”

Reece ran a hand down his face. He hadn’t thought about what Mina would need in the way of clothing suitable for the strata of society they were entering. Men only needed one suit for day and one for evening. Change out the tie, vest, and handkerchief and he was set to go anywhere. Mina would need several dresses a day depending on what their social schedule was. 

“You’re right. The Dodrills are part of the highest society in San Francisco. We are to join the social circle, gather what information we can by befriending the Dodrills as well as their friends and acquaintances. We are owners of a lucrative silver mine as well as logging in the Northwest Territories, and have investments in the steel industry. The insurance company is footing the bill for all our expenses. We have all the funds we need to be accepted into San Francisco’s affluent echelon.”

“That’s most unusual,” Mina said. “Unlimited funds for a case isn’t common.”

“The value of these jewels far exceeds whatever we will spend. We need to be sure to keep a tally and the receipts. I have a parcel with cash as well as a letter to draw on a bank there.”

“That’s good since I don’t have enough or the correct types of outfits for the events we’ll attend, nor the funds to purchase them myself. Several that I own would work for the less formal occasions but are in Denver. Do you want to go back to get them? I’ll still need formal gowns for evening.”

Frustrated, Reece stood. “No, it doesn’t make sense.” He thought for a moment. “The largest city between here and San Francisco is Sacramento. We can stop there and see what we can find to get you by. Then, we can make the rounds of the high fashion dressmakers in San Fran. It would be a good way of becoming known in town. At least for those we want to impress.”

Mina merely nodded and returned to reading the case file. It seemed he had a ways to go before she believed he had accepted her as an equal partner on this case. Truthfully, he did too.

CHAPTER SIX

“THIS WAY, MADAME, sir. I’ll see that your trunks and bags are delivered right away.” The head bellman at the Occidental Hotel led Mina and Reece up the carpeted marble steps. The lobby of the newly completed hotel was spacious with wide columns supporting the mezzanine above. Luxurious chairs and lounges were grouped around the space. They’d been given a tour of the restaurants, bars, and ladies drawing rooms. Every room was elaborately embellished, speaking to the wealth of the guests who stayed in the hotel.

They were admitted to a set of corner rooms on the third floor. A fresh breeze flowed through the open windows. Mina looked around while Reece slipped the bellman some bills. Once the door to the suite was closed, she entered the bedroom. Smiling, she flopped down on the large bed.

“I’m so glad we are finally here. I’m so tired of trains.”

Reece settled beside her. He’d missed having her beside him at night while they traveled, though he would never admit it. This was a temporary marriage, after all. 

The compartment they’d had on the train had seats that converted into a bed and a bunk above which was opened at night, recessing into the ceiling during the day. They were comfortable enough, but Reece hadn’t liked climbing up into bed each night. He’d teased Mina saying since he was the senior agent he should have the lower bunk. Though she’d told him he was not amusing, her grin told him differently.

They’d stopped and spent several days in Sacramento purchasing several gowns Mina would need as soon as they arrived in San Francisco. The gowns had been ready made but needed alterations to fit her. He’d gone with her for each fitting, saying they needed to get in practice since he’d be doing the same as they shopped in San Fran. 

“I’m glad we finally made it here too. I do need to go meet with Police Chief Patrick Crowley. Most of the time Pinkerton agents let the authorities know when we are working a case in their district.”

Mina lifted her head and looked at him. “Do I have to go? I’d really like to try out the ladies’ bathing room.”

“It’d be best if you didn’t. A man entering the police department wouldn’t be noticed but a lady would. We don’t want to attract that sort of attention.”

She dropped her head back down and waved a hand toward the door. “Oh, good. You go do what you have to do. I’m going to soak for a long time.”

Reece grinned. Ever since he’d apologized and began including her in his thoughts about the case, and read her file, Mina had relaxed. Her true personality had begun to peek through. She was funny when she complained about things. Just like now. He wanted to laugh but knew from experience she became prickly if she felt insulted.

“I’m going to the bank too and setting up the account to draw on. We can begin being seen around town, spreading some cash at various places.”

“Like the dressmakers. What we were able to get in Sacramento was fine to begin our time here but not if we get invited somewhere.”

“I know. We’ll start that tomorrow.”

“I thought you were leaving.” 

“So eager to see the back of me?” Reece poked her side with his finger, she swatted at him and missed. 

“I’m wanting to head to the lady’s bathing room.”

“Thought I’d wait until the bellboys brought our bags and trunks up.” A thought came to him and his smile broadened. “I’ll let you do the unpacking. I know, as my wife, you’d prefer I didn’t mess with that. I’m sure I’ll be gone long enough to complete that task.”

This time she rolled toward him and smacked him on the stomach. “You just think I’m going to do that. Remember, I’m not your real wife.”

A knock sounded at the suite door, so Reece rose and headed across the room. “Seems the wedding ceremony was quite real to me.”

He heard a huff behind him but didn’t turn. “I’ll see you when I return. Have a good bath.”

Mina relaxed against the back of the large porcelain tub. The warm water felt so very good. Even with the few days in Sacramento she felt as if she’d been riding a train forever. First, the one from Chicago to Denver, only a few days there before they left for Cheyenne. Two nights there, then over the mountains to Sacramento. Another couple buying dresses, then on to San Francisco. She wondered if her bones would ever stop rattling.

Mina had decided to surprise Reece by unpacking their baggage. The suite had an armoire for their clothing. She’d hung his suits and her gowns and placed their small clothes in the dresser. The other items were scattered over the dresser, washstand, and vanity. 

While she waited for the bellboys to come and remove the trunks for storage, Mina had sampled the plate of fruit supplied by the hotel for incoming guests. Now, she luxuriated in the warm water hoping it didn’t cool very soon.

“Are you going to the theater on opening night of Under the Gaslight?” The voice came from another of the private tub rooms separated only by a partial wall.

“That’s the play where the heroine rescues the hero who’s tied up on the railroad tracks. Of course, everyone who is anyone will be there. I’ve purchased a new gown for the event.” This voice came from further down the line of rooms.

The ladies continued to chat about what they were wearing and where they might have supper following the performance. Mina kept silent hoping to hear the name of the theater where the play was being held. It didn’t really matter. They could find out from the concierge, who would also take care of purchasing their tickets. 

This could be their first introduction to society. Being seen at the opening night of a play would bring them to the notice of the social circle they needed to infiltrate.

Mina rose and wrapped herself in the large towel left for her use. This was something Reece would want to know when he got back.

“I’d like to see Chief Crowley, please,” Reece said to the policeman at the desk. He’d gone to the bank before coming to the police station.

“You have a crime to report?”

“No, sir. Pinkerton agent.” Reece flipped his lapel over to reveal his badge.

“Oh, of course. Hey, Muldoon, take this gent to see the chief,” he hollered.

Muldoon led him down the hall and knocked on a door.

“Come in.”

“This is a Pinkerton agent come to see you, Chief.”

Chief Crowley stood and came around his desk, his hand outstretched in welcome. “Come on in and tell me why you’re here. Muldoon, close the door on your way out.” 

“I’m Reece Galway from the Denver Pinkerton office.”

“Patrick Crowley, have a seat.”

Once they were settled, Reece began. “We’re here to investigate the theft of the diamond jewelry set of the Clyde Dodrill’s. The insurance company wants to be sure it was truly stolen before they issue a settlement.”

Crowley nodded. “I see. I’m not surprised really. There weren’t many clues to the theft. Just that they weren’t in the safe any longer and the couple didn’t know how long they’d been gone. All the servants were questioned. None seemed a likely suspect. Mrs. Dodrill was distraught. Overly so if you ask me. Seems she took to her bed for several days overcome. There are some rumors that Dodrill’s in some financial difficulties. Can’t get a good fix on that. There’re some gambling rumors too.”

Reece nodded, his silver coin flipping through his fingers. “We are posing as a wealthy couple visiting the city. Is there someone you can introduce us to who can smooth our way into their circle? That will give us the opportunity to start our investigation sooner.”

“We?”

“My wife is also a Pinkerton agent.” Reece was surprised at how easy it was to claim Mina as his wife.

“Are you using aliases?”

“No, I’m not known in these parts and my wife is a new agent.”

Crowley tapped his fingers together, thinking. “Yes, Mr. Stafford Ramsey could do that for you. He’s in shipping and runs in that circle. A few years older than you, I think. He’s personable and law-abiding. His wife is thick in the social circuit. They’d be assets in getting you in. I’ll contact him and set up a meeting. How about tomorrow? Where are you staying?”

“The Occidental.”

“Fine place, that.” Crowley was silent for a few moments, thinking. “You have a cover story for who you are and where your wealth comes from?”

“We own a lucrative silver mine, logging concerns in the Northwest Territories and investments in the steel industry. Family comes from Pennsylvania. We are traveling around, looking for other investments as well as a place we’d like to settle and raise a family.”

Crowley nodded. “Sounds plausible. I’ll get in touch with Ramsey and see if we can meet tomorrow at your hotel. We could have lunch so you all can get to know each other.” 

“Very good.” Reece stood and held out his hand to be shaken. “Until tomorrow. Send a messenger over with when you’d like to meet.”

“Will do. I’m pleased you’re here. That theft has bothered me since it was reported.”

Mina sat looking out the window of the suite’s sitting room waiting impatiently for Reece to return. Granted it had only been about ten minutes since she’d returned to their room, but she was fairly bursting to tell him what she’d found out. 

Once she’d dressed, Mina had gone to speak with the concierge. He was a fount of information. She’d learned when and where opening night of the play was going to be held. Several dressmakers’ locations were also obtained. She would need an evening gown to attend the theater in the style they needed to enter the social circle to meet the Dodrill’s.

Her foot tapped as she watched for Reece to return to the hotel. Mina checked her pocket watch and saw that a total of three minutes had elapsed since she last checked. 

“Oh bother.” She tucked the watch back into its pocket. “I’ll go insane sitting here watching for him. What is taking him so long?”

Mina heard the key turn in the lock and jumped up from her chair. Running across the room, she reached Reece just as he entered the room.

“Oh Reece. I’ve got news as to how we can make our entry into society.” She’d laid her hands on his chest, leaning toward him in her excitement.

He chuckled. “Let me close the door and you can tell me. I have news also. Maybe they’ll work together. Let’s sit.”

Reece closed the door. Mina realized her position and backed away, her face flaming. She wasn’t sure if her embarrassment came from her touching him so intimately or the feelings that touch invoked in her.

They settled next to each other on the settee. Mina was still embarrassed by her enthusiastic greeting and pressed her hands together in her lap. “You tell your news first.”

“Okay, the account at the bank is set up. We can purchase what we need, but we do need to be aware that this is the insurance company’s money.”

Mina nodded. She wasn’t going to go hog wild purchasing overly expensive clothing. She never had in the past and wouldn’t use this as an excuse to do so now.

“I met with the chief of police, Patrick Crowley. He has suspicions about the theft too. I explained our plan and he knows someone in that social class who he thinks might be able to introduce us around, Mr. Fred Ramsey and his wife. He’s going to contact me tomorrow if he’s willing to meet with us.”

“Oh, that fits well with what I heard.” She explained what she’d heard in the bath and how that might fit with his news. 

“That might work well with the contact we’ll meet tomorrow. Good job.” Reece patted her hands.

A fluttering began in Mina’s stomach. His praise was wonderful, but the touch of his hand sent the butterflies into a frenzy. This wasn’t good. She shouldn’t be attracted to him, even though he was her husband. That was going to end when the case was finished. But what if she didn’t want it to end? The thought startled her. Was she really attracted to Reece?

Since the day when they’d had the shooting lesson and Reece began treating her as if she knew something. He read her files and seemed to be impressed with the training by her uncle and the other agents in the Chicago office. While they were on the train they’d discussed and shared ideas and made plans on the Dodrill case. It was what Mina wanted as a Pinkerton agent. Respect and cooperation with her partner. He was now helpful, encouraging, and was exhibiting a sense of humor. 

Besides, he was very appealing to look upon. Plus he snuggled against her so very well at night. If they didn’t stay married, she would miss sleeping beside him. There were also the tingles and yearnings she’d never experienced before. 

Mina cleared her throat hoping it would still the tingles. “Should we go and find the dressmakers and see if there are readymade gowns that would work for me?”

The look on Reece’s face made her laugh. It was a cross between disgust and fear. She could tell he wasn’t enthusiastic about the idea. Well, too bad. She needed gowns and they needed to be seen together around town. That was the plan they’d come up with as they rode the train.

Mina stood. “Come on. You know we have to do this. I’ll try to make it as painless as possible. Maybe the first shop we go to will have everything I’ll need for a few functions. When I need more, hopefully, I’ll have made some friends and we ladies can go by ourselves and you can go do your man things. Besides, you brought this on by not discussing the case with me before we left Denver. This is your penance.”

Laughter erased the scowl, replacing it with a smile. “Okay, I’ll suffer through without being in a foul disposition. Go get your hat and gloves. I’m not waiting for you to primp and fuss.” Reece stood and picked up the hat and gloves he’d laid on a table as he sat down.

“I’ll be right back,” Mina said as she skipped from the room.

Leaning back in his chair and stretching his legs out in front of him, Reece waited for Mina to model yet another gown. They’d found a dressmaker who had several outfits nearly complete. They would need to be fitted but could be ready within a couple of days. 

He was bored. His fingers were tired from flipping the coin around them. He’d dropped it several times. Maybe he should have brought a book or something else to do, though he didn’t know what. He hadn’t packed any. Maybe he could slip out and get a newspaper. 

He knew Mina was doing the best she could with all the changing and pinning needed for the gowns they decided to purchase. They’d chosen several dinner dresses. Mina thought the gowns she’d brought would do well enough for walking, receiving, and at least one dinner. She’d told him they were several of her best dresses, fine for more informal events, but not for formal dinners or receptions. Nor would any be appropriate for the theater. That was what she was trying on now. 

Hearing voices approaching from the dressing rooms, Reece sat up straighter. He didn’t want to be seen slouching. 

When Mina appeared in the evening gown he dropped his silver dollar again. Every nerve in his body reacted. She was a vision. The bodice and skirt were of turquoise satin. An overskirt of white lace allowed the color of the satin to peek through. The lace crowned her shoulders edging the neckline which was just low enough to hint at what lay beneath. Short sleeves of the lace had flounces of the satin. Three more rows of flounces extended up beneath the overskirt and around the back. The overskirt draped behind by wide ribbons drawing it back by a bow. 

“Isn’t she lovely, sir? This color brings her skin a glow unmatched by many.” The dressmaker fluttered around and finally stood back allowing Reece to take in the woman who was his wife. He casually crossed his legs and swallowed. She was his and he was glad of it.

Realization hit him. He wanted to keep her. Wanted to make the marriage one not only in name, but also in fact. If he could manage it, Reece would persuade her to stay married to him after they solved this case.

He swallowed, then cleared his throat hoping his voice didn’t crack when he spoke. Standing to give him more time to recover, Reece approached Mina, took her hand, bringing it to his lips. “You are indeed a lovely vision. No one will watch the play. They will spend the evening looking at you.”

Mina’s cheeks pinkened at his compliment. He noticed her hand was trembling in his. The smile he was giving her stretched wide.

Kissing the back of her hand again, Reece nodded to the dressmaker. “This is perfect for my wife. I commend your talent. I never thought we would find the perfect gown to make our debut in San Francisco. Thank you.” He bowed slightly adding to his heartfelt compliment.

“Thank you, sir. It is with joy that I find the perfect lady to wear this gown.” Turning her attention back to Mina, she said, “Come, we’ll get the fitting done and you can leave the rest to me and my seamstresses. We’ll have this all ready for you by Friday.”

Reece watched them disappear back into the dressing room. Not realizing he was standing, still looking at a closed door. He stayed there for several moments remembering how beautiful she looked. 

Finally, he shook his head to clear his thoughts. He fished in his vest pocket for his silver dollar, then looked around remembering he’d dropped it. 

How was he going to make her want to stay married to him? Reece wondered as he picked up the coin. It began its path between his fingers without consciously being aware of it. 

That he was physically attracted to Mina wasn’t a surprise. That had begun when he’d seen her walking toward him when her name as his bride was called. It hadn’t lessened in the days that followed. He was a man after all. Sleeping next her each night was difficult as he hid his craving to do more than sleep. It was especially difficult when she plastered herself against him.

It occurred to him that he now had two cases. One to catch a possible insurance fraud scheme. The other to catch his wife so she wouldn’t leave him when the case they’d been assigned was completed.

CHAPTER SEVEN

“RIGHT THIS WAY, madame, sir. The others of your party are already seated.” The maître de led them through one of the hotel’s restaurants. Near a window, two men were seated, talking between themselves. As Reece and Mina approached, they stood.

“I hope we didn’t keep you waiting. Please forgive us.” Reece shook hands with Chief Crowley. “Please let me introduce my wife, Mrs. Wilhelmina Galway. Mina, Chief Patrick Crowley.” 

Mina greeted him and allowed the rest of the introductions to be made. They were soon seated, perusing their menus. She leaned to Reece and murmured her choices. Once the orders were placed and the waiter left, the conversation turned to vague discussion of why Reece and Mina were in San Francisco.

“I took the liberty of enlightening Mr. Ramsey of your purpose here. He believes he can be of assistance to you.” Crowley began.

“Yes, the Chief and I have talked about this theft several times over the past few weeks. There are circumstances that make the suspicions valid. I’ll help in any way I can.” Mr. Ramsey nodded to them.

“What we need at the moment is introduction into the Dodrill’s social circle. We were hoping you and your wife could help us with that.” Reece stirred the coffee Mina had poured for each of the men from a silver service on a cart beside the table. She made a cup of tea for herself.

“We can definitely give you introductions. My wife loves sponsoring lovely young women in town. It’s a shame you are married, Mrs. Galway. If you weren’t, she’d have you to the altar in short order.”

Laughter met his comment with Mina fighting a blush. She kept quiet listening and observing the others in the room. 

Mr. Ramsey appeared to be in his late forties. Somewhat shorter and stockier than Reece, he seemed to be a serious man, yet he had laugh lines around his eyes.

Chief Crowley was dark haired with a waxed mustache he obviously took great pride in. He was lean but muscular. There was an air of no nonsense about him. Mina saw that he also surveyed the room on a regular basis. A habit of a policeman, she supposed, the same as a Pinkerton detective.

As they ate, a prickling went up Mina’s back. Somewhere close there was danger. Trying not to be obvious, she studied each tables’ occupants within her view. The sensation heightened telling her whatever was going to occur would happen soon.

There was a young couple at a table close by. They were absorbed in each other, far more than was generally considered acceptable. It was they who whatever was going to happen to would focus on. 

An older man stormed into the restaurant, stopping just inside the door. He was surveying the room, an angry expression on his face. He was the one who was putting the couple in danger.

“Excuse me for a moment, please, gentlemen.” Mina didn’t wait for a response. She stood and moved toward the couple. The man had spotted them and was racing across the room. Mina stopped and fussed with her skirts. The man ran straight into her, knocking her to the ground.

Reece jumped up and reached the man in two steps. “Hold on there, mister.” He grabbed the man’s arm, keeping him from moving on, intent as he was in getting to the young couple. The girl was distraught, held tightly in the young man’s arms as they stood beside their table. “What are you doing barreling through here, paying no mind to who you ram into?”

Chief Crowley took the man’s other arm. “Tend to your wife, Galway. I’ll deal with him.”

Reece knelt beside Mina, worried she might have hurt herself in the fall. 

“I’m fine, Reece. Don’t be concerned. I didn’t fall hard.” 

Reece certainly hoped so. If she was injured, he was going to do some fighting practice on the man. He helped Mina to her feet and back to her chair. He knelt beside her, gently running his hands up her arms, searching for any sort of harm.

“I’m Kenneth Miller. And that’s my daughter, Amelia.” He pointed to the young woman. “That man has ruined her. Kept her out two nights now. Her mother is distraught.”

“No, Father. That’s not true. We were married two days ago.” Amelia clung harder to her groom who stood tall beside her.

“What? You can’t do that,” Miller hollered.

“Yes, she can and did. She’s of age and can make her own decisions. She’s now Mrs. Michael Downey.” He stuck his chin out emphasizing his words.

Chief Crowley took control of the scene, moving the furious father, as well as the young couple, from the center of the dining room, leaving Mina, Reece, and Mr. Ramsey to finish their meal and discussion. 

“Are you certain you are all right, Mrs. Galway?” Mr. Ramsey inquired.

“Yes, no harm done. Reece, please sit down. You are hovering.” Mina brushed his shouldering in a shooing motion.

As he returned to his seat, Reece noticed her rubbing her thigh. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, yes. Please, let’s finish our desserts and complete our plans for the theater.” Mina glanced back at where she’d fallen. Reece looked too and saw a set of handcuffs lying on the floor. He shot her a glance. Where had those come from?

“Oh,” Mina said. “I must have dropped my handkerchief. Would you please get it for me, Reece?” She pointed to the floor where he now saw the white square covering most of the cuffs.

“Of course, my dear.” Reece gathered both items, slipping the cuffs into his pocket while handing her the cloth.

“Mr. Ramsey.” Mina took control of the conversation. “You mentioned your wife enjoys shopping for clothing. Do you think she would enjoy accompanying me to some fittings I’ll be having this week? Poor Reece was so very patient yesterday, but I know he’d rather be elsewhere than go with me again.”

“I’m sure she would, Mrs. Galway. She does love shopping. She might take you around to more shops and dressmakers than you want.”

“I’ll go to the lobby for pen and paper and write a note you can take to her. You men just talk amongst yourselves. It won’t take me but a few minutes.”

Reece watched her leave the room. How did she seem to avert troublesome situations? He reviewed their time together. The food fight. The boys colliding with them at the station. Tripping the robber on the train. In Sacramento, Mina had leaned down, catching a toddler running past, stopping her from entering the street just before a wagon thundered by. He hadn’t seen the child coming as she came flying out a door just as Mina leaned down. It was almost as if she knew ahead of time that something was going to happen.

The door clicked shut behind Reece as they entered their suite. They’d left Mr. Ramsey and Chief Crowley in the lobby, the latter having ‘calmed’ Mr. Miller by threatening to arrest him for disorderly conduct. The new Mr. and Mrs. Downey agreed to meet with her parents to attempt to reconcile them to her new position.

“May I have my handcuffs back, please?” Mina removed her gloves and set them on a side table. She peeked at him from the corner of her eye.

“You always carry handcuffs with you?” Reece smiled as he approached, digging the cuffs from his pocket.

“Nearly always. They could have come in handy today, although I’m sure Chief Crowley had his own.” Mina headed into the bedroom.

Reece followed. “Where were they? In a pocket I can’t see?”

“No, not a pocket. Actually, they are loosely stitched onto my bustle. The wire holds them well, but they can easily be removed and picked up quickly if needed.” She was grinning at him. “The stitches must have broken when I fell.”

“Ingenious.” Reece thought for a moment. “You carry your Derringer in a pocket, handcuffs stitched to your bustle. Is there anything else on your person I should know about?” He walked toward her, grinning, holding his hands out as if he was going to grab and search her.

Mina backed away, grinning back at him. “Should know? No. Could know? Yes.” Her legs bumped into the bed. She fell back. “Ouch.”

“What?” Reece stopped his advance.

“Falling back in a bustle isn’t the most comfortable thing to do.” Mina rolled onto her side, pulling at her skirts. The back seemed to collapse and she lay on her back again, smiling up at him.

“You women and your unwieldy undergarments.” Reece sat beside her, then flopped back so he could easily see into her eyes as she turned her head toward him.

“Yet, you men like how they look.”

He sighed, “Yes, we do, as awkward as they are.” He laid a hand on her stomach. “You are sure you’re all right from your fall?”

She chuckled. “I may have a bruise from the handcuffs, a very funny looking bruise, since I fell on them. Other than that, I’m fine. I didn’t fall very hard.”

Reece looked at her. “You seem to attract and avoid trouble. How do you do that?”

Mina studied him for a long moment. “Just lucky I guess.”

There was something more. Something she wasn’t telling him. Maybe she didn’t trust him enough. Yet. He’d build that trust and patiently wait for her to tell him. He hoped he’d do it patiently. It wasn’t his strong suit.

CHAPTER EIGHT

MINA ALLOWED REECE to help her into the carriage. She was wearing the turquoise and lace gown. The warm feeling from his compliments hadn’t dimmed as they left their suite and descended the stairs. 

Mrs. Violet Ramsey, who’d insisted she be called Vi, smiled and made room for Mina beside her on the seat. “You do look lovely, my dear. Even more so with the wreath of roses in your hair. Whoever styled it for you did so quite well.”

“Thank you. It was one of the ladies’ maids. She’s very talented.”

The men were now seated across from them. Mr. Ramsey knocked on the ceiling with his cane and the carriage jerked into motion.

“Stafford explained why you are here in San Francisco. I think many of us thought that theft was a bit too convenient. Mrs. Dodrill, though she seemed very discomposed when the news came out, seemed to recover more quickly than any of us anticipated. 

“Before the theft, she was concerned about something, we could never figure out what. Then the theft, and she retired to her chambers for over a week. When she began socializing again, it was as if nothing had happened, and she had no worries at all. It made me wonder.”

“You’ll keep this to yourself, won’t you Mrs. Ramsey?” Reece inquired. 

“Of course, Mr. Galway. If there is fraud surrounding this theft, I want it exposed as much as you do.”

“Let’s set that aside and have a lovely evening at the theater. We can accomplish much by simply enjoying the play, seeing our friends, and introducing this fine young couple.” The carriage pulled to a stop as Mr. Ramsey spoke. “Ah, here we are. Allow me to help you down, my dear.”

Maguire’s Opera House was fifteen years old and appointed with all the modern conveniences. Gaslights lit the lobby as well as each box, and the stage was illuminated well. The boxes were draped in deep blue velvet, the seats covered in the same with gold velvet piping. A brass railing ran around the balcony secured at the separations of the boxes.

Mina and Violet sat in the first seats with Reece and Stafford behind their wives. Mina studied the playbill until Violet began pointing out friends and other influential people until the lights dimmed, signaling the play commencing.

Reece laid a hand on Mina’s shoulder, his finger stroking the side of her throat. It sent shivers up and down her spine and set those butterflies in her stomach into a frenzy. It made her want to tilt her head onto his hand. She didn’t, but she wanted to.

When the curtain closed at the end of the first act, Mina looked back at her husband. He gazed down at her, holding her eyes with his. 

The sounds in the theater broke them from their stupor. People were yelling and pointing. When Mina looked, she gasped, and struggled to her feet.

“Oh no.” Her hands flew to her mouth, pressing against it.

“What, Mina?” Reece stepped down to stand beside her.

A tall man with a ferocious expression was stomping along the brass railing. His black evening coat was open revealing a gold vest. 

“How is he balancing so well on that round rail?” Stafford asked.

As the man approached, Mina grasped Reece’s arm. She felt faint. Never in a million years had she thought he’d be in San Francisco.

Just as he reached their box, he whipped out a hatchet and Bowie knife, jumped off the railing in front of Mina, but turned his focus and weapons on Reece. Mina gasped as the knife and ax were pressed to either side of her husband’s neck. 

“Who be ya, an’ what ‘re ya doin’ here with my niece?”

“Uncle Nate, no!” yelled Mina. She grabbed his arm.

The door to the box flew open, slamming against the wall.

“Nathan Ryder, you stop this instant.” A beautiful woman, dressed in royal blue satin and velvet, entered and stomped down the steps.

“Penny, m’ love, ya stay outta this. This here is ‘bout th’ honor of my only sister’s youngest child. I aim ta see that honor satisfied.”

“Uncle Nate, stop! It’s all right. There’s no honor to be redeemed.” Mina realized as soon as she said the words they were the wrong ones. Nate’s visage became darker and the weapons shook with rage. “No, I’m fine. Reece is my husband. We were married two weeks ago.” She didn’t add that they married in Denver. Now was not the time to go into the Pinkerton Agency marriage requirement.

“You see, my dear. It’s all fine. You may put your weapons away, although we will have a chat later as to why you felt the need to wear them to the theater.” Penny rounded the seats until she could reach Mina whom she drew into her arms, protectively. She gave her husband a look Mina had only seen a few times. Nate stepped back dropping his hands and weapons to his sides. 

“Thank you, Aunt Penny. He’s so very fierce. I don’t think he would have listened to me,” Mina said.

“Probably not. He is so very protective of women, you know.” She patted Mina on the cheek. “How are you, my dear?” She looked Mina up and down. “Beautiful as always.” 

“I’m a wantin’ a explanation, an’ I’m a wantin’ it now.” The growl had Mina turning to her uncle again.

“Uncle Nate, Aunt Penny, this is my husband, Mr. Reece Galway. Reece, my aunt and uncle.” She cleared her throat. “Nugget Nate Ryder and Mrs. Penny Ryder.”

Reece barely kept his mouth from dropping open. Mina’s uncle was Nugget Nate Ryder? One of the richest men in the country. Owner of the Dueling Ns Ranch in New Mexico, and a rich gold mine close by. He was known throughout the country for his exploits in capturing outlaws and doing deeds no other man could do, such as walk on a round brass railing in a theater. It was said he claimed to have Callings from God that led him to the outlaws, and women and children in need. He’d set up missions to help those women, teaching them vital life skills and the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

“P..pleased to meet you, Mr. Ryder, Mrs. Ryder,” Reece stuttered out. Having had a knife and hatchet pressed into your throat made words difficult to express.

The audience was silent now, trying to hear what was being said. Everyone was watching, eyes glued to their box. When the lights dimmed, signaling the beginning of the second act, a groan sounded from every throat.

“Please, join us,” Mrs. Ramsey said. The quivering smile on her face said she was enjoying this show as much as the one on stage. “We can finish the reunion when the play is done.”

Nate grumbled as he hooked his weapons back onto his belt. Penny said something only her husband could hear and sat next to Mina. She waved Nate to a seat beside Reece. They sat, ill at ease, next to each other.

Not a single word or action in the play did Reece hear or see. He sat trying to reconcile his thoughts and feelings about this infamous man, and the wife who seemed to be able to tell him what to do, and that they were related to his wife.

The Galways and Ramseys stood in the lobby of the theater while the Ryders went back to their box to get their outerwear. The play was over. Instead of going out for supper with the Ramseys, Mina and Reece were going with Nugget Nate and Penny. 

“How did he walk along that railing?” Stafford Ramsey shook his head as he watched the couple walk away.

“He had moccasins on. He won’t wear boots,” Mina said. “Aunt Penny must have gotten him black ones so they’d look better with his suit. I’m surprised she was able to get him into one. He hates them. Wants to wear his buckskins all the time.”

Violet laid a hand on Mina’s arm. “Don’t worry. I’m sure your uncle will understand when you explain everything to him.”

Mina chuckled. “If he doesn’t, Aunt Penny will keep him in line.” 

As several couples approached, obviously intent on getting introductions, Mina leaned slightly to speak quietly to Reece. “We can’t tell him about how we met and married. He’d throw a fit and maybe his hatchet too.”

“So what will we tell him?”

“I’ll think of something. We’ll have time before he asks. He won’t do so in public. Aunt Penny is giving him a good dressing down for his antics tonight.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Galway,” Mrs. Ramsey said, pulling them back to the group. “I’d like you to meet Mr. and Mrs. Bakster Scott, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Cropper, and Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Dodrill.”

Reece shook hands with each of the men while Mina greeted the ladies. 

“That was quite a show that man performed coming to your box,” Mrs. Dodrill said. “Do you know him?” She looked slightly down her nose at Mina.

Pasting a slight smile on her face, Mina replied, “Yes, he’s my uncle. He was surprised to see me here in San Francisco. He’s a bit eccentric.” Mina patted her hair, putting on an air of nonchalance. 

“He certainly stole the show.” Mr. Scott chuckled.

“Well, who is he? Should he be out in polite society?” Again, it was Mrs. Dodrill who questioned.

“Here they come. You can be introduced to them now. I’m sure you’ll find it enlightening.” Reece placed his hand on Mina’s back and winked at her. 

Forestalling her uncle from speaking, Mina began the introductions. “Aunt Penny, Uncle Nate, I’d like you to meet…” She went on to say each couple’s names. Then she introduced her relatives. “This is Mr. and Mrs. Nugget Nate Ryder.”

The shock on the faces of the new couples nearly made Mina laugh. It was apparent they had all heard of Nate and his exploits.

“So pleased to meet you all.” Penny was all that was gracious as always. When Nate just scowled, she batted him with her hand.

“Nice ta meet ya. Has ya knowed my Mina long?” 

“No, Uncle Nate, Reece and I have recently arrived in town. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey have graciously offered to introduce us. This is our first foray into society.”

“I see. We’ll be headin’ out now. I’m a wantin’ ta catch myself up with my niece.” Nate wrapped Penny’s arm in his.

“Thank you for inviting us to the theater, Mrs. Ramsey.” Mina leaned to the older woman giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Until we meet again.”

“Of course, my dear.” The older woman’s eyes twinkled with mischief. Mina would be inviting her new friend to lunch very soon. They needed to plan their infiltration to gather information about the Dodrill’s and the theft. She’d also want to know how Nate was going to take whatever Mina and Reece told him.

CHAPTER NINE

MINA DECIDED TO stick as close to the truth as possible. Nate was able to smell lies and she didn’t want to make him suspicion. As soon as they were in the carriage, the interrogation began.

“Okay, Missy, I want the whole story. Yer ma ain’t writ me that ya had a beau, let ‘lone got yerself hitched.” Nate stabbed her with a squint-eyed look.

Mina swallowed before she spoke. “Ma doesn’t know. It was quick. Reece and I met and the reaction between us was so massive, and we had the same goals in life, so we got married and immediately left Denver to come to San Francisco.”

“I see.” There was doubt in Nate’s voice. “So ya didn’t even have the decency to write yer ma?”

“There are some extenuating circumstances, Mr. Ryder,” Reece interjected.

“Nate. Call me Nate,” he growled. “What reason is good ‘nough that ya don’ let yer ma know ya got hitched?” Nate kept his focus on Mina.

“You know how I’ve wanted to be a Pinkerton Agent. Well, the opportunity came for me to become one in Denver. Uncle Dan approved, and I came west. I even had a letter of recommendation from Mr. Pinkerton, himself.  That’s where I met Reece. He’s an agent too.”

“We’re here on a case,” Reece said.

Nate’s speared him with his intense gaze. “Ya keeping her safe?”

“Doing the best I can, but she seems to be able to do so pretty well herself.”

A smile spread across Nate’s face. “Ya getting yer Callin’s, are ya?”

Mina glanced at Reece. Well, the cat was escaping from the bag now. “A few since we’ve met.”

“Callings?” Reece looked from Mina to Nate and back.

“Don’t look so worried, Reece. It’s fine.” Penny reached across the carriage and patted his hand.

“Ya ain’t tol’ him ‘bout yer Callin’s?”

Mina studied her hands that were twisting together in her lap.

The carriage stopped. Mina looked out the window. “How did you know we were staying at the Occidental?”

“Didn’t. We are. Plan ta have supper sent up ta our room. We’ll be a finishin’ this jawing’ there.” Nate opened the door and helped Penny down before he turned to assist Mina. “I’m a gonna order us up some grub. Get yerselves outa yer finery an’ come up.” Nate turned on his heel and strode away, leaving Penny behind.

“It’ll be fine, my dear. He’s all bark and no bite with his kin. You know that.” She patted Mina’s cheek and Reece’s shoulder. After she gave them their room number she followed her husband into the hotel.

Mina let out a deep breath. “That went better than I hoped.”

“It did?” Reece stared at his wife. She thought that was good? And what was this about Callings? Seems he’d heard something about Nugget Nate knowing where he was supposed to go because God had called him there. 

“Come on. We don’t want to keep him waiting.” Mina grabbed his arm and began dragging him into the hotel.

Reece caught up and placed his hand on the small of her back. 

She smiled at him as they climbed the stairs. “Let’s change. I think we want to be comfortable when we go to their suite.”

Mina had him unbutton her gown then disappeared behind the screen to change. She’d chosen a tea gown which was looser than many of her other garments. He thought it looked more comfortable than the fitted bodice of her evening gown.

Reece chose to remove his jacket and vest and don a smoking jacket, though he didn’t smoke. It was comfortable and acceptable to wear in company. “Can I have your Derringer? I’d like to keep it in my pocket.”

“Oh, Uncle Nate won’t shoot you now. He would have used one of his weapons before if he was going to.” Mina’s head was below the screen, so he could only stare at it in disbelief. “I think I explained our marriage to his satisfaction and didn’t lie. He’d have picked up on that in a second.”

Reece rolled his eyes. Great. He’d narrowly escaped being sliced open by an infamous mountain man turned wealthy entrepreneur who crisscrossed the country taking out bandits and rescuing people in distress. His reputation for being a crack shot was spoken about in just about every saloon.

When Mina came from behind the screen she was still smiling. “It’s so good to see Uncle Nate and Aunt Penny. It’s been several years since I’ve seen them. Come on, let’s go.” She grabbed his hand again, dragging him behind her. He dug his heels in, stopping her progress across the room.

“Wait a minute. We need to decide what we are going to tell them about the case. And what if they quiz us more about how we met? How much detail do you think he’d want?” Reece kept hold of her hand, not knowing if he was afraid she’d run off without him or because he simply wanted its softness in his.

“We can simply say Mr. Gordon introduced us and in short order we decided to marry. As to the case. You can tell him however much you feel comfortable telling. He’ll not mention it to a soul. Nate’s been fighting crime ever since he was a youth.”

She turned to head out again. Reece pulled her back. “What’s this about the Callings? I’ve heard rumors connected to Nugget Nate Ryder but don’t know much.”

Mina let out an aggrieved sigh. “He can explain it better. Besides, we need to get up there before he comes looking for us. You don’t want that.”

He certainly didn’t. He still felt the places on his neck where the hatchet and knife pressed. This time he allowed her to drag him from the room.

There was a table set for four and laden with aromatic dishes. Reece followed Mina into the room. Penny was dressed similarly to his wife. Nate had on buckskins that had seen better days and not a wash tub in a long time. 

“Set yerselfs down and commence ta eatin’. Got me a powerful hunger in my belly.” Nate held a seat for Penny while Reece helped Mina.

Nate said grace, then, “Y’all want ta tell me ‘bout this here case first, er ya wantin’ me ta ‘splain the Callin’s?” He shoveled a large forkful of meat into his mouth.

Reece looked at Mina. She grinned, winked, and took a bite, forcing him to decide whether to explain or hear an explanation first.

“I’m interested in the Callings. I’ve heard rumors about you, of course. How you always find and capture whomever you are searching for. That you know just where to go to find them.” Reece took a bite so he didn’t have to say more.

“Tis a family trait, the Callin’s. Not every Ryder gets ‘em. Sometimes skips a generation or some siblin’s get it ’n others don’t. Shows up in different ways too. The Lord tells me wheres I’m needin’ ta go an’ whenst I gets there, I finds out what the trouble I’m a needin’ ta fix is.” Nate took another bite.

“Mina’s not a Ryder.” Reece looked from Nate to Mina and back.

“She be a Ryder, jest not by name. Her ma’s my blooded sister. Jest ‘cause she’s a woman an’ married that Horace Cutler, don’t mean she stopped bein’ a Ryder.”

“And you have Callings?” Reece shifted his gaze from Nate to Mina.

She wiped her mouth with her napkin. “Well, yes, though not like Uncle Nate does. Not like my mother either. She gathers girls to her. Girls who need help. She knows when one is in need of a home, or loving support in the situation they are in. She’s quite fierce in defending them too.”

“Aggie cain be a mean ‘un. That be for sure. Crack shot with a shotgun too. Ken handle a knife too. I done taught her both. Ya threaten one o’ her girls an’ ya might as well head ta the healer or the undertaker.”

“Agatha is not that bad, Nate. She’s a loving soul and you know it,” Penny defended.

Nate smirked. “She be at that. Loves her ta death.” Nate lowered his voice until he whispered, “‘Cept when she calls me Stinky Ryder.”

Mina and Penny laughed and Penny patted his hand in sympathy.

“Now, what’s this here case yer here for?” Nate asked.

“We’re investigating a theft for possible insurance fraud.” Reece went on to explain what they knew and what their plan for gathering information to solve the case was. “It shouldn’t be dangerous. We need to find a motive and if they still have the jewels in their possession.”

“Now that we have introductions into the Dodrills’ circle of friends we can begin. I’m hoping to have it concluded within a couple of weeks at the least, a month at the most.”

By now they were enjoying dessert and Penny was serving coffee. Nate leaned back and studied Reece who tried not to squirm under the intense scrutiny. Nate shifted and speared Mina with his gaze.

“Ya think ya ken handle bein’ a agent fer the Pinkerton’s?”

“Yes, sir.” 

“Ya happy, Missy?”

“Yes, sir.”

Nate grabbed Mina and pulled her into his lap. “I cain’t believe yer all growd up. I ‘member when ya was just a toddlin’ after me tryin’ ta grab m’ war gear. Now, yer a wife, an’ if I ain’t wrong, will be a ma of yer own come shortly.”

“Uncle Nate!” Mina turned scarlet as Nate laughed.

When they were getting ready to go back to their room, Nate took Reece aside.

“Ya’ll do. Ya keep her safe, ya hear? I’ll take it outa yer hide iffen ya don’t. Now, I’ve got somethin’ fer ya.” Nate held out a Bowie knife in a sheath. “I got this here knife from Jim Bowie, hisself. I done won a fight betwixt us. This here’s what I won. I’m a givin’ it to ya. Use it ta keep her safe.”

“I will, sir. Thank you. You don’t need to worry about her. She’s precious to me too.”

“We’re leaving in the morning, Mina,” Penny said. “We only stopped here in San Francisco for a few days. I wanted to see California. We’re heading up the coast. I hear there are giant redwood trees. Nate doesn’t believe the reports of their size.”

“Come here, Missy.” Nate waved her to him. “No arguments now, ya hear.” He handed her a thick envelope. “This here be a weddin’ present. I’ll be a comin’ ta find out iffen ya wrote yer ma. She’s gonna be mighty hurt ya married without her. Ya go visit her as soon as ya can, ya hear?”

Tears flooded Mina’s eyes. She hugged her aunt and uncle, holding him for a long time. “I’m so glad you saw us at the theater. You could have left and I’d never have known you were staying in the same hotel.”

Nate kissed Mina’s cheek. “Ya be a good girl an’ mind yer husband. He knows best.”

Penny let out a very unladylike snort.

“You never told me what your Calling is.” They were lying next to each other in bed. Well, Mina was clear over next to the edge. The lights were off and the room was dark. Reece was thinking about the evening, trying to sort out all that had happened. All that he’d learned about his wife.

“Uhm?” Oops, it sounded like Mina was asleep, or trying to. “My Calling? Coming danger.”

Reece waited for her to elaborate. Silence was all he heard, then the sound of deep breathing. She was asleep. He wasn’t going to get on her bad side by waking her up.

Coming danger. Reece thought over the times he’d noticed something odd. A smile stretched his lips. The food fight. They hadn’t truly been in danger. Their clothing had, but not them. Still, he hadn’t figured out why they’d left the dining room and ended up in the foyer just before the food fight broke out.

When Mina had stopped to fiddle with her skirts as they walked across the station platform. By doing so, she’d avoided being struck by those two boys. She’d been in danger of being knocked down. 

Did she know about the robbery attempt on the train? Maybe she did, he really couldn’t know unless Mina told him. 

Saving that toddler in Sacramento. She must have sensed that danger to the child. The girl would have been badly injured or killed if Mina hadn’t stopped her. 

The other day in the restaurant. Again, Mina had used tending her skirts to keep something terrible from happening. Reece was sure the father would have attacked the young husband if he hadn’t run into Mina. He was still angry at the man. His wife could have been badly hurt.

Reece rolled onto his side, looking toward her in the darkness. Moonlight began filtering through the lace curtains allowing her body’s outline to be seen. She was on her side and he knew she faced away from him. He wished she’d face him. Even in the dimness he wanted to admire her face. She was beautiful. He’d thought so when he’d first seen her. 

Now, he knew she was not only gorgeous to look upon, her character was too. Plus she’d handled his poor attitude early on with grace. He was sure Mina was very exasperated at him several times before the aborted shooting lesson. The memories of her reaction to his calling her Bill made him grin.

Reece definitely wanted to keep her as his wife. Was he in love with her? He wasn’t sure about that. He’d never been in love before. Had never wanted to be. But if what he felt for Mina was love, he didn’t want to lose it or her.

Mina sneezed in her sleep. It jerked her enough that she rolled over, right up against him, snuggling her nose against his chest. Reece wrapped an arm around her to pull her closer. This felt so right. He’d do all he could to make her want to remain his wife. 

CHAPTER TEN

OVER THE NEXT few days invitations to various social events appeared in the hotel mailbox for Mr. and Mrs. Reece Galway. Those from the people they’d met at the theater were accepted. The others were put aside. If they met the couples, Reece and Mina might choose to go or not. They didn’t want to immerse themselves too far into the wealthy social circuit since they would leave as soon as they’d solved the case. 

The first event they attended was a picnic held after church at the Ramsey home the following week. Mina wore the dress and hat she’d been married in. Bright purple brought out the deep blue of her eyes, highlighting the gold flecks. Reece smiled as he took her hand and slipped it around his elbow as they walked to the house.

The Ramsey’s three-story brick home was fronted by Doric columns extending from the roof to the porch. The day was sunny and warm, not necessarily common in the city. Late spring flowers along the walkway and the foundation greeted everyone as they approached. A broad side yard, dotted with ladies and gentlemen, held an awning for shade and tables and chairs scattered in conversation groups. Servants were carrying food and drink to tables set up towards the back of the house.

They found the Ramseys greeting people and paid their respects for the invitation. They were quickly set to standing with the hosts to be introduced to those still arriving.

It amused Reece that so many people mentioned Mina’s relationship with Nugget Nate Ryder. Several blatantly requested introductions. Some went so far as to scold Stafford and Vi for not inviting them.

It had been decided to keep the fact that the Ryders were no longer in San Francisco a secret. Being connected to such an influential couple might bring more attention and thus information to Reece and Mina.

Once they were released from greeting duty, Reece escorted Mina to a large table, seating her before he went to fill plates for them both. 

“Ah, Mr. Galway, it’s good to see you again.” The voice of Clyde Dodrill turned Reece from the buffet, holding a plate in each hand.

“Mr. Dodrill, my pleasure, indeed.” Reece grinned and held up each plate. “Please forgive me for not shaking your hand. Mine seemed to be in use at the moment.”

“Not a problem. Not a problem. I’m getting my wife and me a plate also. I do believe we are sitting at the same table, unless, of course, you aren’t sitting with your wife.” Dodrill chuckled as he began filling a plate.

Reece turned and saw that Mrs. Dodrill was indeed at the table sitting beside Mina. Two other ladies were being seated by their husbands. He recognized one as Mrs. Scott. She looked to be near Mina’s age and rather nervous. The other couple was unfamiliar.

Once he’d finished at the buffet, he returned to the table, setting one plate in front of Mina and sat down beside her.

“Reece, you know I can’t eat this much.” 

With a smirk on his face, Reece said, “But I can. What you don’t want I’ll eat. The desserts look fabulous, so don’t fill yourself up too much.” Turning his attention to the others at the table, he greeted them all and received introductions to the unknown couple. Mrs. Scott noticeably relaxed once her husband returned.

Conversation was light and general until Mrs. Dodrill interrupted, turning the topic. “I was certainly surprised with your uncle, Mrs. Galway. I must say, he lives up to his reputation. I never believed half of what I’ve heard about him until then.”

Mina set her fork on the edge of her plate. “He has done some very incredible things. He tells wonderful tales about them.”

“One would think he’d refine himself a bit more to fit in with the social stratus his wealth entitles him to.”

Reece felt Mina stiffen slightly beside him. 

“Uncle Nate doesn’t believe in social status. Especially that based on wealth. A person is judged on his or her character, not the size of their bank account.”

“Oh my, how quaint. I suppose that comes from being raised in the hills of, where was he raised? It has to be in the South somewhere. That accent and his manner of speech are so telling.” Mrs. Dodrill took a bite. 

Mina’s hand gripped Reece’s knee under the table, her fingers biting in. He wondered if her nails would cut through the fabric of his trouser leg. Placing his hand on hers, he squeezed it slightly as he looked at her expression. Being able to hide your emotions was vital to a Pinkerton agent. He knew she’d gone on some cases, was trained, but experience was also crucial. Her face was calm, serene with a slight smile. It didn’t reach her eyes, however. Those were neither calm or serene. Those golden specks flashed fire. 

A moment passed, and Reece wondered if Mina was going to respond to the insult to her uncle. Instead, she turned toward Mrs. Scott sitting on the other side of Reece. 

“I understand you and Mr. Scott were recently married. Reece and I were too.”

Mrs. Scott brightened, a shy smile lighting up her face. “Yes, just in April. We haven’t taken our honeymoon yet. We plan to leave in June going on a tour of Europe.”

“Sounds wonderful. We are on ours now. Traveling around the country looking for investments and where we would like to settle down.”

“What cities have you visited so far?” This was asked by Mr. Scott.

Reece rattled off a number of cities and towns between Pennsylvania and the west coast. He went on describing investment opportunities and aspects of various cities he’d liked or disliked.

“What kind of investments are you looking to make?” Clyde Dodrill asked.

“Something to round out my portfolio. I’m in steel, silver mining, oil, and logging. I’ve purchased a large parcel in the Northwest Territory. We’ll eventually go up the coast by ship to inspect it and the logging camp.” Reece watched Dodrill, seeing the interest in his words light up the man’s eyes. 

Mina stepped down from the buggy. “Thank you. Can you return in two hours to take me back to the hotel?” she asked the driver as she handed him the fee. Tipping his hat, the driver assured her he’d be here on time, then clucked to his horse and drove off. She looked up at the house. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Cropper’s home. The Ladies Aid Society was meeting this afternoon here and Mina had been invited at the Ramsey picnic to attend. Mrs. Cropper was the chairwoman of the group. The house was white brick with two stories, large and imposing on the top of the hill. 

“Do come in, Mrs. Galway. I’m so glad you have decided to join us today. Most of us are here. We are waiting for a few more.” Mrs. Cropper escorted Mina into a large parlor. 

The furniture had obviously been rearranged to allow everyone to be visible to all. A small podium stood in front of the unlit fireplace. She saw Mrs. Ramsey and Mrs. Scott seated next to each other with open chairs on either side. Mina decided to sit with them, settling next to Mrs. Scott. They greeted each other and chatted amiably, and Mina was introduced to several other ladies sitting nearby. 

“That certainly is a lovely dress, Mrs. Galway,” Mrs. Ramsey said. Her comment was followed by murmurs of agreement from the others. The dress was claret silk with knife pleats framing the collar and ruffles along the hem of the bodice of the same fabric. Off white chenille fringe followed the closed ‘V’ neckline with matching buttons closing the bodice. The skirt was simple, without an overskirt, pulled into a bustle in the back. 

“Thank you, my husband picked it out for me. He does love bright colors.” Mina felt the blush pinking her cheeks. Reece had commented on how well she looked in it at the dressmaker’s as well as today before she left the hotel. 

Mrs. Dodrill came into the room then with Mrs. Cropper. “We are all here now, so we can begin.” Mrs. Cropper went to the podium while the other lady seated herself across the room from Mina. The more than twenty women of all ages quieted, allowing the meeting to start.

It was just as boring as Mina had feared. Minutes were read and approved, old business, then new business. Finally, it seemed the adjournment was to be announced.

“If you haven’t met our guest yet, let me introduce Mrs. Reece Galway. She and her husband are visiting our fair city on their honeymoon.” Mrs. Cropper smiled broadly. “We are hoping they will choose to make their home here. Please, be sure to introduce yourselves. Meeting adjourned. Refreshments are in the dining room. Please feel free to partake and visit, either there or in here.”

Ladies stood and either left to find the refreshments or came to do as Mrs. Cropper had said, introducing themselves. Mina, Mrs. Ramsey, and Mrs. Scott finally made their way to the dining room. 

With a cup of tea and plate of small cakes, Mina sat at the dining table and touched the ostrich feather sweeping down from her hat, pressing the hidden tympanic ear listening device into her ear. The small circle of rubber stretched on silver wire which entered the ear magnified sounds nearby. With it, Mina could hear the mumbled conversations around her. 

For several minutes there was nothing of value to be gathered. Then, she heard someone quietly say, “I’ve heard that Mr. Dodrill has a gambling problem. My husband saw him go into one of those casinos down on the waterfront, several times in one week. My Reginald goes there signing for shipments that arrive in the harbor.”

Mina tipped her head to hear what was said more easily.

“Do you suppose that’s why he gave her that jewelry set that was stolen? To make up to her for his gambling? Maybe that’s why she was so very upset when it was stolen?”

“I most certainly would have been upset if my jewels were stolen. I don’t think we can fault her on that.”

“She certainly came out of it suddenly. I thought that was strange.”

“I heard they are getting a nice settlement from the insurance company. Maybe Mrs. Dodrill found out she could choose her own replacement jewels and liked that idea better than the ones he picked out for her.”

Giggles followed, but Mina had heard enough. Motive might be established with a gambling problem. It wasn’t conclusive, but it was something to mention to Reece. 

“Reece!” Mina’s excited call woke him up from a nap. She was back from that ladies meeting thing she’d been invited to. He’d spent the morning out visiting the pawn shops, leaving drawings of the missing pieces as he went. He also warned the dealers that if he found out they’d sold one or more pieces, he’d see them in jail for selling stolen property. 

His wife had been gone when he returned. Reece didn’t like that he’d missed having lunch with her. This was the first time they had been apart since he’d gone to meet with Chief Crowley that first day they were in town. 

Mina flew into the bedroom and flopped on her stomach across the bed beside him. “I have the most wonderful news.”

“They found the jewels in the dustbin at Dodrill’s house,” he deadpanned.

“No, silly.” She slapped him lightly on the arm. “I have a possible motive.”

“Oh?” Reece sat up.

Mina wiggled around until she was seated beside him. “The tympanic ear worked well. I was able to hear conversations the ladies thought were private.” She pulled the pins from her hat and placed them on the bedside table, then took the small hearing device from her ear setting it next to the hat.

“It seems Mr. Dodrill has a gambling problem. He’s been seen at casinos down by the waterfront.”

That was promising. It was something Reece could include himself in, spending time with Clyde Dodrill. “What did they say? That he gambled or that he had a problem?”

“A gambling problem. He’s been seen several times in a week going into the casinos.”

“I can work with this. All I need is to cozy up to Dodrill and ask him about where men entertain themselves without their wives. Well done.” Smiling, Reece leaned over looking Mina in the eyes.

Their gazes locked. His gaze shifted from one eye to the other. There were questions in them. He wanted to answer them with a kiss. Would she accept one or push him away?

Her tongue peeked out and licked her lips. Reece decided it was an invitation and lowered his mouth to hers. Her hand lifted from the bed. Rather than push him away, it slipped around his neck, holding his head in place.

She tasted so good. Her lips were soft, seeking, yet unsure. 

When he pulled back, Mina spoke a question quietly. “Should we be doing this?”

“I’m not sure. If we continue, you know there will be no annulment.”

Her hand went from his neck to his chest and pressed. “I… I’m not ready for that. Please.”

Her unspoken plea made him move from nearly lying on her back to his side of the bed. A knock at the door had him rising. As he left the bedroom, Reece saw his wife place her fingers on her lips.

When Reece opened the door he found a young teen standing there. He was dressed in the clothes of a lower class, not someone who would normally be allowed up the stairs in the Occidental Hotel. Looking past him, Reece saw one of the bellboys standing on the other side of the hall. 

“Mr. Galway, sir,” the boy said. “I’ve got a message from my pa. Said to only give it to you. You were in his shop this morning. Left a picture.” He held out a note folded and sealed with a blob of wax.

Reece took the note and flipped the boy a coin.

“Thank you, sir.” The teen started to back away.

“Wait a minute while I read this. I may have an answer I want you to take back.” Reece broke the seal and quickly read the note. “Tell your pa, I’ll be by in the morning.”

“Yes, sir.” With a tug on the front of his cap, the boy turned away, following the bellboy to the stairs.

Reece went back to the bedroom, finding Mina behind the screen, the bodice and skirt she’d been wearing hanging over the top. He wanted to go behind the screen and see. He stayed by the door and looked down, studying the short note.

“A pair of earrings have turned up in a pawn shop I visited today. I’ll go tomorrow and see how they match to what we are looking for.”

“Where is the shop? On the waterfront?”

Reece picked up the list of shops he’d gotten from the police department and scanned it. “Yes, seemed one of the reputable ones. It’s also near the gambling district.”

“So, we’re going there tomorrow to get them?” Her head popped up from behind the screen.

“Me, not we. You aren’t going with me. It’s not a good area for women. I’m the lead agent on this case. You’ll do as I say and stay here.”

Mina made a face at him, causing him to laugh.

“Yes, sir, Mr. Lead Agent, Sir.” She saluted as she came from behind the screen. “What am I supposed to do while you are gone?”

“Go through those invitations we got today and decide which you want to go to. You’ve met more wives than I have the husbands. Just don’t decide to go to any musical evenings at someone’s house. I can’t stand the caterwauling of some offspring the parents think are musically talented.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

MINA RESORTED THE invitations. She’d gone through each one, making notes on the envelopes. There was a pile of rejects, including two for musical evenings. She grinned, remembering Reece’s comment from the day before about caterwauling offspring. 

The kiss they’d shared came to mind again. Mina didn’t know how many times she’d pushed the thought away since it happened. And Reece’s answer to her question. If they continued, there would be no annulment.

Is that what she wanted? To stay married to him? Doubts flooded in. Was this just an infatuation since they were together so much? Sleeping together in one bed? That’s all that occurred. But did she want more? They were married after all. If they consummated, then they would stay together for the rest of their lives. 

Mina leaned her forehead on her hand propped up by her elbow on the table. It had been such a short time that she’d known him. And the first week she hadn’t liked him very well. Oh, maybe it was a few days. At least until she showed him she could shoot. 

Her Uncle Nate would have been proud to see her proficiency with her gun. Mina hadn’t thought of that at the time. Seeing him again brought back memories of when he visited the farm to see her mother. He’d taught all the children how to shoot. 

It had surprised Uncle Dan when he found out she knew how to fire a gun and hit a target. He’d teased her about being able to keep the young men who would come courting in line with her talent. He’d given her the Derringer she carried. Thankfully, she’d only pulled it out once. That had been on the train to Denver.

Reece, her thoughts went back to her husband. It surprised her that she was able to relax with him. She could take off the proper young lady mantle and be her playful teasing self. That had come gradually as he gained her trust. The only other people she could do that with were her family, including the Ryders, and her Uncle Dan. 

Mina’s mother had often complained that Mina was a chatterbox who needed to learn to keep her thoughts to herself. Well, she’d learned that. The more she found out about being a Pinkerton agent, the quieter she’d become in public. Not drawing attention to herself allowed her to observe, listen, and gather information.

With Reece she allowed herself to release the tight rein she held on her exuberance. It was one of the things that drew her to him. But was that enough to tie herself to him for life? 

Mina knew she was attracted to him. She knew there was a reciprocal feeling. Every night she started out next to the edge of the bed. Every morning they woke up touching, if not tangled together in a mass of arms and legs. Reece didn’t seem to mind.

Was the ability to relax with an attraction to a man enough reason to commit to a lifetime with him?

Gulls screamed overhead as Reece walked along the waterfront. In his pocket were a pair of diamond earrings. He was positive they were part of the Dodrill’s set. Also tucked away was the signed pawn ticket. The name wasn’t Dodrill’s but the signature could be compared to his writing to see if the same person wrote it. He’d stop at the police station to verify his suspicions. They would have at least the man’s signature on the police report.

The morning was foggy, though it was lifting. Reece had come down early, wanting to plan the rest of the day with Mina, as well as how they would proceed with the case.

In his mind’s eye, Reece saw his wife’s face after the kiss. The longing he saw there had been clear. The doubts too. She was such an innocent. Young, sheltered. Beautiful, capable. She seemed to be blooming right before his eyes. Her proper demeanor was falling away when they were alone together. She was funny. Her expressions when she was conveying her irritation comical. In all, she was delightful to have around. 

True, his first attraction to her had been totally physical. Now, her personality was shining. She was a good agent. He didn’t know how she would react in tense situations. Wait, yes he did. She’d remained calm during the attempted train robbery, even finding a way to stop the man. 

The physical aside, though whether that could actually be done was a question, Mina was all he’d ever dreamed of for a partner and a wife. She had all the qualities he thought were necessary in both. True, she could be stubborn, caustic, disapproving, and irritating. But then, he had his faults too, though he couldn’t think of them at the moment. 

All he knew was, he didn’t want to give her up, especially to have to marry another agent so she could go on another case. That thought cemented his intention. He was going to see that their marriage wouldn’t be annulled by the time they went back to Denver. 

Now, he just had to convince Mina to want the same thing.

CHAPTER TWELVE

“GALWAY.”

The call of his name made Reece turn toward the voice. Clyde Dodrill was hurrying up the street toward him. Reece waited for the man to arrive. “Good morning, Mr. Dodrill. I’m surprised and delighted to see you.”

“Call me Clyde when the ladies aren’t around. No need to stand of ceremony.”

“Of course not. Of course not.” Reece pasted a broad smile on his face. “What brings you to the waterfront this morning?”

“I had some business to tend to. You?”

“Likewise. It’s all finished now and the rest of the day is mine to enjoy.”

Dodrill tapped his cane several times on the boardwalk. “Wonderful, wonderful. How about we spend it together? I know a place right nearby.”

Reece hesitated only a moment. He knew Mina was waiting for him, but this was an opportunity not to be missed. If he was alone on a case he’d grab it. That he had a partner shouldn’t make a difference. Yet, somehow, with knowing it was Mina who waited for him made it so. “I’ll be able to attend you for a while, Clyde, but my wife is expecting me to take luncheon with her. I must be back to the hotel in time if I ever want to get out without her again.” That would allow him a valid excuse to leave wherever they were headed.

“Of course, of course. We want to keep the little ladies happy, don’t we?” Clyde laughed and pointed with his cane. “See that building just up the street? We can find some action at the gambling tables.”

The man took off in the direction he pointed, and Reece walked beside him. Seems Mina’s intelligence was correct. At least that Dodrill gambled. Whether there was a gambling problem was still to be seen.

They entered the building that smelled of cigars, whiskey, heavy perfume, and vomit. Reece forced himself not to react to the odor. Not one of the more high class gambling dens. Several women dressed in corsets, long stockings, and short skirts flocked around Dodrill who definitely enjoyed the attention. 

“Ladies, ladies, enough now,” Dodrill grinned at Reece. “They love me.” He turned his attention back to the fluttering women. “Allow me to introduce you to Mr. Galway. He’s new in town.” He pointed to each woman and said their names. 

A couple left Dodrill and took hold of Reece by each arm, expressing their welcome by pressing themselves against him. “Now, now, ladies. Please, I’m newlywed and don’t need your services at the moment.” He was able to extricate himself from their grip. “I thought we were going to do some gambling, Clyde.”

“Yes, yes, just so. Come, my beauties, we are off to see who brings me the most luck today.”

Reece followed him into the large room dotted with tables of various games. Faro had the most tables with Monte, Twenty-one, and several tables of chuck-a-luck. A roulette wheel was surrounded by players. Along the back wall was a long bar backed by a painting of a nude woman surrounded by a gilt frame. Cigarette and cigar smoke hung in layers across the space. Reece noted several large men standing guard around the room. Scantily clad women wandered between the tables or serving drinks. It seemed the time of day made no difference to those at the tables or bar.

“Come on, Reece. There’s space at this Faro table.” Clyde waved him over to a table near the side wall. 

There was an opening that allowed Reece to sit with his back to the wall. He never sat with his back to the room if he could help it. If the seat hadn’t been open he would have made an excuse to simply watch the game. 

As he sat down, Reece unbuttoned his coat making it easy to pull his revolver if necessary. He didn’t anticipate any problems but never let his guard down. He’d shoot to kill if needed.

After buying their checks, Clyde and Reece placed the round chips on the pictures of cards board. Reece played conservatively. He knew the rules and how cheating was accomplished by both the house and the players. He wasn’t much of a gambler, only doing so on a case. His goal wasn’t to win, simply to break even. As he sat observing the play, Reece rolled his silver coin through his fingers. Clyde, however, placed stacks of the checks on several cards. 

As the game progressed, Reese noted that the house had the deck stacked leading to more losses than normal for a Faro table. Not too many to arouse suspicion from the players but enough to win most of the cards with high bets on them. Clyde’s problem was that he placed high bets often. 

Yes, the man probably had a gambling problem. As Mina had said the day before, possible motive for a fraudulent theft.

Mina was nearly frantic with worry. It was far later than Reece had indicated when he’d return. She’d spent the morning sewing the small pockets hidden in her new bodices and larger ones in the new skirts and overskirts. 

What if someone who knew he was a Pinkerton agent saw him. Someone he’d caught before who wanted revenge. What if Dodrill had figured out what they were in San Francisco for and killed him.

“Stop it.” Mina stood and paced across the room. “Dodrill can’t know about us. We haven’t done anything that would make him suspicious. Haven’t mentioned the theft to anyone. We’ve just observed so far.”

After five circuits of the room, she sat down. “This is stupid. He’s an experience agent. Some opportunity must have come up that he’s taking advantage of. If I’m going to be an agent, I have to expect this and deal with it. I can’t be worrying just because he’s a bit late.”

To distract herself, Mina went over the invitations again. Depending on how the case progressed, some of those they’d planned to attend the newlywed couple might not show up at. They’d be back on the train to Denver. 

Reece unlocked the door and came in. Mina stayed at her place by the table trying to act as if she hadn’t been worrying about him. No sense letting him know. 

“I’m sorry I’m so late. Dodrill showed up while I was on the waterfront and took me to a gambling den.” He sat down next to her in the straight chair.

Mina waved a hand in front of her nose. “Wooo. You smell of tobacco smoke.” This gave her the opportunity to make a comment without revealing her previous distress. 

Reece lifted his arm and smelled his sleeve. “The place smelled of more than smoke. I won’t mention what else.”

“So, what did you do?”

“I did enough gambling to cover my observations. You were right. He very well might have a gambling problem. He was betting too much and losing often. When I left, he was still at the Faro table.”

“How’d you get away? I would have thought he’d want you to spend the day with him.”

Reece leaned forward and smiled at her. “I told him my beautiful wife expected me to take her to lunch.”

Mina thought he might kiss her again and couldn’t decide if she wanted him to or not. At least until he sat back. Her disappointment indicated her choice.

Reece stood and held out his arm to her. “I am at your service to escort you to the dining room.”

Mina leaned back. “Not until you change out of those stinky clothes.”

When they were back in their room after lunch, Reece fished in his pocket and dug out the earrings. He held them up. “How would you like to wear these to our next society outing?”

Mina’s mouth dropped open. “Those are the earrings from the stolen set? They are beautiful. Overly large if you ask me, ostentatious.”

Reece looked at them again. “Yes, I suppose they are a tad large. Imagine the necklace and bracelet that go with them. If they are proportional to these, it would take a woman larger than you to wear them successfully.”

“Mrs. Dodrill is broader than I am. I think her bosoms would be able to show them off well enough.”

Reece threw back his head and guffawed. This time when he leaned toward her, he touched his lips to hers in a quick kiss. “How right you are.” He stepped back. “Let’s go over what we know and now have.” He held up the earrings and gave them a little shake. “We need to plan our next moves.”

Mina was disappointed he hadn’t deepened the kiss. Did that mean she wanted to stay married to him? Or just that she liked kissing? Or kissing Reece? She hoped to figure out her confused thoughts and feelings soon. She also hoped Reece wasn’t playing fast and loose with her. If he was in earnest, why didn’t he say something? There was nothing she could do or say unless he made his intentions clear. She wasn’t going to make a fool of herself by questioning him or revealing her thoughts. 

“Sit down, Mina. We need to outline our progress.” Reece had a small notepad and pencil ready to write in.

She sat and listened while he went over what they knew, what they suspected, and how they wanted to proceed. Reece would continue his activities with Clyde Dodrill. Mina would socialize with the ladies, trying to pick up what information she could. When the time was right, Mina would wear the earrings to a suitable event. That’s when they would begin to set the trap to catch the Dodrills in their fraud. 

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

REECE JOINED CLYDE several times gambling over the next week. The man didn’t go every day, so Reece decided to scout the house to see what he was doing, where he was going. 

Mina wasn’t happy about being left behind, but it was difficult to remain unnoticed in a bustle dress. Reece had offered to get her a pair of trousers, a shirt, coat, boots, and some sort of hat that would hide her hair so she could pretend to be a teenage boy. She’d been interested until he told her she’d have to hide in bushes, run along alleys through the garbage and muck, possibly in the worst neighborhoods of San Francisco. Then she’d wrinkled her nose and primly said, “No, thank you.”

Reece had kissed her nose and said, “That’s fine. You are more valuable gathering information from the wives.” He’d laughed when she wrinkled her nose at that comment too.

“Those women are boring. All they do is gossip about each other. I never realized how shallow the wealthy are. So consumed with themselves.”

Now he was following Dodrill through Chinatown. The seedier part of the district. The streets were muddy with garbage, dogs, and people running to where they were going. Smells ranging from feces to smoke from fires and tobacco to food cooking mixed into a foul aroma. What was Dodrill doing here?

The man had left home at what Reece thought was his normal time. Yesterday, Dodrill hadn’t appeared, leading Reece to decide to follow him from his house. 

From the corner, Reece saw his prey enter a building. After waiting to see if he came out, he walked up the street. Dodrill had entered Lee’s Laundry. Many people had the Chinese people do their laundry, but the wealthy didn’t bring theirs to the shops themselves. They had in house servants do theirs for them. Besides, Dodrill hadn’t carried anything in. 

Crossing to the other side of the street, Reece leaned up against a wall between two buildings in a small alley. He was far enough back in the shadows that, though he could see the laundry door, he’d be hidden from all but the most observant.

People entered and left the shop. Many carried bundles of laundry, either dirty or clean. Those didn’t spend much time in the shop. Others entered not carrying anything and didn’t exit. Reece had firm suspicions as to what was going on.

As he watched, a familiar man came into view. Reece blew a distinctive whistle. The man turned around, his eyes searching. Reece lifted an arm, catching the man’s attention. He came across the street and joined Reece in the alley. They stepped farther back so they wouldn’t be observed.

“Jed Green, fancy meeting you here.” Reece smiled and smacked his friend’s shoulder.

Jed made as if to punch Reece in the stomach. “Didn’t know your case was in San Fran too. What are you investigating?” 

Jed was one of the Pinkerton Agents from the Denver office. Reece couldn’t remember the name of the woman he’d married. That day was pretty much a blur, other than him seeing Mina for the first time and his irritation at having to marry to keep his job.

“We’re on a fraud case. Stolen diamond jewelry set. You?”

“I’m searching for a missing woman. We think Lee’s Laundry might have something to do with her disappearance.”

Reece nodded toward the laundry. “That’s a front?”

“Real laundry. Real den too.”

“That’s what I figured. My target went in a while ago and hasn’t come out.”

“He’s a wealthy one? Figure he is, considering your stolen jewels.” Jed looked at the door of the shop.

“Yeah, one with a gambling problem and now a drug one, it seems. Dodrill is most likely in financial difficulty. Claiming the jewels were stolen and getting the settlement from the insurance company would put a lot of money back in his pockets. I bought the earrings back from a pawn shop the other day.”

“Dodrill, you say?”

Reece nodded.

“He’s a regular in the den. Several times a week, various times of the day. This is early for him.”

Reece rubbed his chin with one hand. In the other the silver dollar moved. This could work to his advantage. Allow him to get even more into Dodrill’s circle. 

“What’s the pass to get in the back?” he asked.

Jed studied Reece. “You wanting to infiltrate the den?”

“Thought it would endear me to Dodrill more. I’ve been gambling with him in a casino. Wondering how to firm up the motive for the fraud. By ‘accidentally’ meeting him in the den it might move that forward.”

Jed nodded. “Go in. There’s an older Chinese lady behind the counter. Touch the right side of your nose. She’ll lead you into the back. You won’t see Dodrill in the room. There’s a private one for the wealthier clients. Girls will come around with refreshments, pipes, and the opium. Be sure you have something you can smoke besides that. If you don’t smoke, they’ll notice if they aren’t too high.”

“Thanks. I won’t go today. I want to let Mina know the plan before I do. Then if something goes wrong, she can bring the police in to find me.”

“Don’t let anything go wrong.”

“I’ll do my best. All I really want is to meet him there. Then I’ll work out how to proceed. That’s why I want to talk with Mina, so we have a plan ready to execute.”

“She working out well?” Jed asked.

“Better than I’d hoped. She’s had some training. Knew how to shoot. Observation and information gathering. Took us a while to smooth out some rough spots.”

“Same here. Lucy’s been a help though.”

“Doubt Dodrill will come out soon. I’m going to head back to the hotel. If things go as I hope, we’ll get this case wrapped up soon.”

Jed nodded then said good-bye and exited the alley, going into Lee’s Laundry. Reece was glad he hadn’t been assigned the missing person case. He didn’t envy his comrade at all.

After a few more minutes watching from the alley, Reece slipped out and began the trek up the hill to the Occidental Hotel.

“You’re going to what?” Mina’s mouth dropped open in shock. 

“I’m going to go to the opium den where Dodrill goes. I want to see how much opium he’s smoking. It will tell me whether he’s an addict or a casual user. If he’s an addict, it adds to the motive. Between the gambling losses and cost of the drug, it must be eating into his available cash.”

Mina closed her mouth. That made sense. They needed a reason to search the house for the jewelry. Once they established motive, the police could have his bank accounts checked. Also, his business accounts. Dodrill owned several businesses. Neither Reece nor she thought they would support his gambling let alone the drugs.

“I still don’t like you going to an opium den. What if you inhale that smoke and get woozy? What if the police come and raid the place? You’d get arrested and that would blow the case to kingdom come. What would I do? How would I finish the case?”

Mina was clinging to Reece’s sleeves in her distress. He pulled her against him and held her close. “I’m not going to inhale enough of the smoke in the room to be affected. I’ll do what I can not to actually smoke any of the stuff.”

“That eases my mind on that account. But what about the police raiding the den while you are there?”

“There’s another Pinkerton agent, Jed Green. He married Lucy Haskell. I’m not sure what she’s doing for the case. He didn’t say, not that I quizzed him. He knows I’m going to be going to Lee’s Laundry and into the den behind the shop. He won’t let there be a raid while I’m in there.”

Mina wasn’t so sure. Police did pretty much what they wanted. “I still don’t like it.” She stood within the shelter of his arms and tried to think of some way she could help. It seemed like there was less and less that she could do to move the case forward. Gathering the information early on had benefited them, but now she felt like she wasn’t contributing anything. 

“Maybe I could come with you in disguise and watch for the police or keep Dodrill in my sights?” She lifted her head from his chest and looked up at him hoping he’d agree. 

“Absolutely not. I won’t have my wife in an opium den for any reason. It’s too dangerous.”

“I’d know if danger was coming and could let you know so we could get out of there, or stop whatever was going to happen.”

Reece thought about it for a moment. “Do you have any inkling of danger now that you know what my plan is?”

“It doesn’t work that way, Reece. The danger has to be imminent. You aren’t going there today, are you?”

“No, it may not be for several days. I’ll tail Dodrill each morning to see whether he goes to the casino or the den, if either. The man has to work sometime, I’d think. If he seems to be going to the casino, I’ll meet up with him and play some. If he goes to the den, I’ll decide if it’s the right day to go.”

“So I won’t know when you do go.” Mina didn’t like this at all. Maybe she’d get a disguise and tail Reece as he tailed Dodrill. She didn’t like being in the dark. Didn’t like sitting in the hotel waiting for him to come back. She wouldn’t tell him, of course. He’d just argue with her. What he didn’t know might just keep him from harm.

“Not unless I see a pattern for his trips to the den. If I do, I’ll be able to predict his movements. I’d let you know if that was the case.”

Mina stepped back and his arms dropped from around her. She kept her eyes down as she spoke. “All right. You do what you have to do to solidify the motive.” She didn’t say she’d stay here waiting for him. She just kept her decision to herself. 

She’d have to find the teenage boy’s clothing Reece had suggested before. That would necessitate her going to a mercantile in a poorer district of San Francisco. 

Or… maybe Mrs. Ramsey could help her. She might know where Mina could get second hand clothing. Yes, that was a better plan. She’d send a note to the woman today asking if they could get together. Mina was sure Mrs. Ramsey would invite her to luncheon.

With boys clothing, she’d be able to follow Reece and use her Calling to help keep him out of danger.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

REECE SPENT THE following days tailing Dodrill, trying to find a pattern in the man’s morning activities. He went most often to the casino for Faro and other games of chance. It would take more than a week, he told Mina, to discern a pattern. Reece seldom went into the gambling hall, instead keeping out of the man’s sight.

Mina had been visiting Mrs. Ramsey as well as other members of society. They were attending dinner parties, socials, or the theater nearly every evening. They needed an event worthy of wearing the earrings. 

When he arrived back at the hotel after seeing Dodrill once again enter the opium den, Mina was waving a vellum envelope in front of his face.

“What is that?” he asked, ducking his head back so the paper wouldn’t hit him in the nose.

“Just what we’ve been waiting for. The event of the season, suitable for wearing the earrings; the Mayor’s summer gala. Mr. and Mrs. Reece Galway have been invited to attend.” She smacked the invitation across her palm. “It’s in two weeks. By that time, hopefully, you’ll have visited the opium den.” She placed the envelope on the table.

Reece laughed and took her hand, placing them in a dancing position. “Going to a ball, are we? How are your dancing skills? It’s not too often that those lessons my mother forced me to take come in handy as a Pinkerton agent.” He led her in a music-less waltz.

“I’m passing fair at dancing. I must say, however, I’ve never danced with a man as handsome as you.”

Reece quirked an eyebrow. “You think I’m handsome?” He drew her closer as they waltzed around the room.

Mina blushed, looked down, then back up at his face. “Yes, I do think you are handsome.” She stepped away, letting go of his hand and shoulder.

Reece picked up the invitation and read it. “This is certainly the chance we’ve been waiting for. Have you RSVP’d?”

“Not yet. The invitation only came this morning. I will do so this afternoon, after you take me to luncheon.” Mina snatched the envelope from his hand and placed it on the table.

“Hungry, are we? Didn’t you eat a good breakfast?”

Turning haughtily from him, Mina swept her skirts behind her and tipped her nose in the air. “My husband was gone when I awoke this morning. I had no breakfast. A lady does not appear in a public dining room alone.”

He chuckled, stepped forward, taking her arm. “Then by all means,” his tone was as haughty as hers. “Let me rectify that immediately. Allow me to escort you to sup with me.”

Mina leaned against him, laughing. Then she tipped her nose up again. “Very well. I will deign to eat with you.”

As they dined, Reece marveled again at the change from the confident, somewhat haughty woman he’d married to the teasing relaxed young lady sitting across from him now. It was as if she’d been hiding this one from him in those early days. 

Realization hit and he understood. For all the confidence she’d shown, Mina had been scared. Afraid of marrying a stranger. Afraid he’d not accept her as his partner. Afraid he wouldn’t take her seriously. And he’d shown that her fears were warranted in those first days.

He probably scared her terribly when he hauled her into bed with him that first night. He hadn’t accepted her as a partner, not even reading the file he’d been given on her. He hadn’t taken her seriously, figuring she was playing at being an agent. Until that day he’d tried to teach her to shoot. 

Once he’d known she was in earnest and read her file, he’d accepted and listened to her. She’d begun to come out of the protective shell she’d hidden within. Now, he saw her true personality and intelligence. She was smart. She saw connections and observed well. She was also patient. 

There’d been many days she spent most of in the hotel. She also went to the ladies social gatherings which she called insipid. They were good for intelligence gathering but bored her to death.

Reece found himself grinning. 

“What’s making you smile? We’ve been silent for the last few minutes.” Mina slipped her fork with a bite of cherry pie between her lips. Lips Reece wanted to kiss.

Reece decided to be honest. If he wanted a long-term relationship with Mina, and he did, Reece needed to let her know his thoughts. “I know we started off in a not so pleasant way. I didn’t want a partner and certainly not one whom I had to marry. That there had been women agents during the war was one thing, now and with me I wasn’t in favor of. I only married you to keep my job.

“I do have to admit, though, you’ve been an asset. The skills you’ve revealed have impressed me and been valuable to the case. I hope we don’t have to use your shooting skills, however.”

Mina chuckled. “Me too.”

“What I’m trying to say is,” he reached across the table and took her hand, “I’m glad you’re my partner.” Reece stopped at that point. Though he wanted to say he wanted to stay married, he didn’t think here in the hotel dining room was the place to do so. He was still figuring out his feelings toward her and didn’t want to claim something he wasn’t sure of.

Mina looked at her hand resting in his. His thumb stroking its back. The words he’d just spoken brought joy to her heart. It’s what she’d wanted. His approval as an equal partner. As a woman, Mina, knew the battle for respect as a Pinkerton agent would be hard fought. Reece admitting he was glad she was his partner fulfilled her goal of being a respected agent. 

Reece did respect her, Mina realized. True, he hadn’t been welcoming or interested in her or her capabilities when they were first married. She’d combatted her feelings of rejection by throwing up a wall of polite confidence. Confidence she didn’t have. Even with the training and experience she’d come west with, Mina knew she was a new agent and that Reece was vastly more knowledgeable in actually working a case. She wanted to learn, be a benefit, be instrumental in solving a case.

That he was acknowledging her competence filled her with pride. She’d gained the respect of a veteran agent. She was helping solve a case. True, she did a lot of sitting in the hotel and attending ladies functions, but she’d known that would happen. That’s what this case involved. Reece spent most of his time sitting in casinos and she knew that didn’t interest him. It was all about the case. Being a Pinkerton agent wasn’t about a glamorous, exciting adventure. It was solving a crime. She was helping with that and Reece respected her contribution. 

Mina turned her hand over and squeezed his. “Thank you. I appreciate you telling me. I’m glad you are my partner too.”

The more she was with him, the more she wanted a future with him. Not merely as a partner, but as his wife. 

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

REECE WAITED FOR Mina to finish getting ready for the Mayor’s Summer Gala. He was thankful Mrs. Ramsey had gone with Mina to the dressmaker. She’d needed a gown suitable for the occasion. He hadn’t seen it. There’d been a hairstylist as well as a lady’s maid attending to Mina most of the afternoon. 

Now, he was standing in his tailcoat, slacks, and vest, all black, his shirt, tie and handkerchief spotless white. His evening shoes had been polished. A top hat and gloves sat on a table near the door. 

Digging his pocket watch from its vest pocket, Reece noted the time. A carriage would be there shortly to pick them up. He went to the bedroom door and knocked. “Mina, we only have a few more minutes before the carriage arrives.”

“Coming.” The closed door muffled her reply. 

He stepped back and walked to the window. The door opened and the lady’s maid came out. “She’ll be right out. Getting her gloves and shawl now.” The maid left, leaving Reece waiting for Mina to appear.

Her shadow appeared in the doorway, then she stepped into his view. Reece’s mind went blank. How did one respond to such a vision? 

The dress was black and red silk. Short gathered sleeves sat just off her shoulders, the neckline a shallow ‘V’ of the red with off white tulle pleats layered with the silk. The bodice was long, creating the overskirt as well. Black with wide red silk banding just above the hemline pleating to follow its curve. A few clusters of red fabric roses adorned the right side with a short garland of the same extending up from the top edge of the red band. The underskirt was red silk with rows of black and red ruffles. 

Reece approached and walked around to see the back, speechless at her beauty. Swirls of black were edged, again, in the ruffles. A train of the red was also trimmed with rows of red and black ruffles. Peeking from beneath was a narrow off-white ruffle. The red band extended around, drawing the bustle to the back capturing it in a bow which trailed down nearly to the floor. There were more roses outlining her hip as well as one near the hem of the dress. 

Roses were in her hair also, tucked into the auburn curls, pinning the locks in place. A black silk ribbon encircled her neck, its tails echoing the red silk hanging down her back. The simpleness of it highlighted their entire reason for attending the ball.

Diamond earrings dropped from her ears nearly to her shoulders. They sparkled in the light as they swung when she moved her head. 

Reece remembered his reaction when he saw her in the theater gown. This time, rather than kissing her hand, he lifted his fingers to her cheeks and pressed her lips with his. “You are absolutely the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen. I’m honored to be the man who escorts you.”

Red flooded Mina’s cheeks and she dropped her eyes, suddenly shy. Reece tipped her head up and kissed her again. Then, wrapping her arm around his, Reece escorted her out the door, picking up his top hat and gloves as they exited the room.

Reece and Mina stood in line waiting to be announced as they entered the ballroom of Mayor Shelby’s lavish mansion. On the drive over, they’d gone over their plans for the evening. dancing together was the first thing as soon as it began. As newlyweds, they could spend more time dancing together than longer married couples. They would both dance with others, as was expected. Each would spend time chatting with various people they knew as well as being introduced to others. 

They hoped to hear more about the finances of the Dodrills once Mina’s earrings were noticed. They were going to be very interested in the Dodrills’ reaction to seeing the ‘stolen’ earrings on her ears. 

The pawn ticket had been verified by the police as Clyde Dodrill’s handwriting even though it wasn’t his name on the ticket. They had also spoken to the pawn broker who’d described the man who pawned the earrings well enough that an artist had drawn a picture. It had looked very much like Dodrill.

The noose was tightening. They needed a few more bits of evidence before they approached the couple. 

“Mr. and Mrs. Reece Galway,” the butler called, then bowed them into the huge room. 

They ambled around the sides of the room where everyone was visiting, waiting for the dancing to begin. Mina’s dress and earrings were complimented by their acquaintances and those they were introduced to.

Mina and Reece accepted them graciously as they scanned the room for the Dodrill’s. Ah, there they were. Whispers were being passed through the crowd toward them. The earrings were preceding them around the room. It wasn’t long before they noted the couple making their way toward them. 

“It seems we won’t have to wait long to see their reactions,” Reece whispered to Mina. His lips brushed her ear as he spoke causing a shiver to slip up her spine.

A waiter passed with a tray of champagne. Reece took two, handing one to her. 

The orchestra played a fanfare, drawing all attention to the stage. Mayor Thomas Shelby stood with his wife, a wide smile on his face. “I’d like to thank you all for coming to my humble, little gathering.” Everyone laughed as the gala was neither of those things. He went on, mixing his speech with humor and politics. No one moved around the room while he spoke, so the Dodrill’s got no closer.

Mina noticed Reece weaving the silver dollar between his fingers. Gently laying her hand on his, she caught the coin and moved it into a hidden pocket on her gown. Then she patted his hand. Giving her a raised eyebrow look, Reece lifted her hand to his lips.

The mayor finally wound down and invited everyone to start dancing. Reece took her half-finished glass and set his and hers on a table nearby.

“May I have this dance?” He bowed, extending his hand.

Mina smiled and took his hand, allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor. “You are a wicked man. Making the Dodrill’s wait to get a close-up of the earrings.”

“The better to increase their reaction to finally seeing them.” Reece swept her into the waltz, turning them as they circled the room.

The Dodrills stood where they’d entered the dance floor, obviously thinking they would return to the same spot when the dance ended. Instead, Reece kept her on the floor for the second dance. 

“Mr. Dodrill doesn’t seem happy we are dancing, Reece.”

When the steps had them turn him so he could see the couple, Reece smiled at Mina. “No, he doesn’t. Neither does she.”

“How long are we going to avoid them?”

“Are you that eager to leave my arms?” Reece pulled her a little closer.

“No.” Mina pressed her hand slightly firmer on his shoulder. “I’m enjoying the sensation.” The smile that lit up her husband’s face eased the doubt her bold comment might have elicited.

A twinkle appeared in Reece’s eyes. “Are you going to give me my silver dollar back, or will I have to retrieve it myself?” He’d seen where she’d hidden it. The small pocket was in the neckline of her gown.

Mina felt her cheeks flush. “I’ll give it back once we’re back in the hotel. No need for you to worry yourself about it. It’s safe.”

“I wasn’t worried.” The twinkle in his eyes deepened to something more. Something that made Mina’s insides flutter.

A hand tapped Reece’s shoulder. He turned, seeing Mr. Ramsey behind him. With reluctance, he turned Mina over to him to continue the dance. Reece went to the edge of the floor, surveying the room. The Dodrill’s were still on the other side of the room. Several of Reece’s acquaintances engaged him in conversation, which he participated in while still keeping his quarry in his vision. They were meandering around the edge of the room. 

Mr. Ramsey returned Mina to his side once the dance was over. “Your wife delightfully brought me up to date on the activities you’ve both been enjoying since last we met. She has a rare humor. I see why my wife relishes her time with her.” He turned to Mina and bowed over her hand. “Thank you for the dance, madame. I appreciate you humoring an old man’s attempts to not step on your toes.” Gathering the men who’d joined Reece, Mr. Ramsey herded them toward the refreshment tables.

“The Dodrills are approaching from your right,” Reece said softly. He took Mina’s hand, placing it on his arm as she inclined her head acknowledging his message.

“Galway,” Dodrill’s voice caused them to turn toward him. The gasp from his wife told Reece and Mina what they needed to know. These were the earrings from the stolen set. Would the Dodrills proclaim it or keep silent?

“Dodrill, pleasure to see you this evening, and your lovely wife too.” Reece bowed slightly to the woman. She’d managed to close her mouth, though her eyes stayed on the earrings. 

“You look stunning this evening,” Mina said smoothly, addressing Mrs. Dodrill.

Reece shot a glance at Mina. Then he realized she’d spoken the truth. It would stun an ox if it saw her. Mrs. Dodrill was in a bright green satin gown adorned with layers and layers of ruffles, with red and purple roses encircling her décolletage. More of the flowers were scattered amongst the ruffles and a large group were bundled together at the waist above her bustle. More decorated her hair. The flowers were oversized for their placements, making the woman look like a garden that needed tending.

“Why, thank you, my dear.” Though the words were all that was polite, the tone wasn’t. 

Ah, Mrs. Dodrill wasn’t appreciating the baubles in his wife’s ears.

Mina kept up an empty dialog with Mrs. Dodrill. Polite conversation that used many words but was of no substance. Dodrill pulled Reece a few steps away.

“Those are lovely earrings your wife is wearing. Quite similar to ones I gave my wife that were stolen.”

Reece raised his eyebrows. “Oh?”

“Yes, do you mind telling me where you got them?”

“As a matter of fact, I do. I’m not in the habit of spreading news of my purchases around.”

Dodrill jerked back a little. Reece’s tone made sure the topic was closed.

“Let’s not let this mar our friendship. I’ve noted that you haven’t been to the casino on several mornings I’ve gone and looked for you. Business needs calling you away?”

“I tend to business in the afternoons. I prefer sandwiching it between entertainments, those of morning and evening.”

“You have another entertaining spot for the morning?” Reece inquired.

“What kind of entertainment are you seeking?”

“I am newly married, you remember. Most other types I am interested in.”

“Meet me tomorrow morning about nine at the entrance to Chinatown. I’ll be waiting.”

Reece nodded. Leaving Dodrill, he took Mina’s elbow. “Shall we have one last dance, my love?”

Though her smile said yes, her eyes were questioning. They moved onto the dance floor and waited for the music to begin. As they swung into the opening measures of the waltz, Reece said, “I’m meeting Dodrill tomorrow morning at the entrance of Chinatown. I think he’ll take me to the opium den.”

Mina’s eyes grew wide. “Are you sure it’s safe?”

Reece chuckled. “I’m a Pinkerton agent,” he whispered. “Of course it’s not safe.”

She drew her eyebrows down in consternation. “I don’t suppose you’ll allow me to follow, just in case.”

“No. I need to know you are safely in the hotel. Maybe you could have lunch with one of your lady friends.”

Mina obviously wasn’t enamored of the idea. She stiffened in his arms and looked over his shoulder instead of into his eyes. Finally, she relaxed. “All right. You go on and do your sleuthing. I’ll occupy myself while you are gone.”

He could tell she still wasn’t happy but didn’t know what to do about it. He didn’t want her in Chinatown, especially by herself when he was in the den. A lone woman on the streets was in danger of many things, the least of which was being kidnapped by white slavers.

Mina looked at him again, seemingly accepting his restriction on her morning activities. “Mrs. Dodrill was very interested in my earrings. She never mentioned that they resembled hers, but did mentioned how beautiful they were. How expensive they looked. I thanked her kindly and turned the topic.”

“Very good. Dodrill asked where I’d gotten them. I politely, or maybe not so, told him it was none of his business.”

“They know about them now. It should move the investigation along.” 

Reece nodded and swept her in a flourishing turn as the waltz ended.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

MINA SPENT A restless night. Reece was going to the opium den in the morning, leaving her in the hotel. There was no way that was going to happen. 

She’d spent many of the hours he’d been with Dodrill investigating the hotel. She knew where the housekeeping closets were, the staff staircases, various exits, both used by guests and staff. Mrs. Ramsey had helped her get some worn clothing so she could disguise herself as a youth. Maps of the city had also been studied. Even if she lost Reece as he walked to Chinatown, Mina knew she could get there. 

Morning finally arrived allowing her to get up. Reece soon followed.

“Would you, please, go order some breakfast to be brought up? I think I’ll stay in my dressing gown and relax.” Mina watched Reece slip his suspenders onto his shoulders. He was facing away from her and her eyes drifted down the dark straps to where they buttoned to his trousers, and below. She jerked them up when he turned around.

“Of course, my dear. I’ll be back shortly.”

When he was out of the suite, Mina dashed behind the screen. Under the skirted bench was her stash of boy’s clothes. Shucking her dressing gown and nightgown, she quickly dressed and donned the dressing gown again. The only thing she wasn’t wearing was the loose cap that would conceal the braids she pinned to the back of her head. As soon as she tucked her Derringer in her pocket and knives in her boots, she was ready to follow Reece when he left the hotel.

Breakfast was eaten and Reece prepared to leave. Mina stood trying to hide the nervousness she felt at her approaching adventure. This was what she’d trained for. Fluttering around in society was all well and good; but making sure the investigation went forward and her partner was kept safe, that’s what she was interested in doing. Whether he approved or not.

“I’m leaving to go meet Dodrill.” Reece picked up his hat and gloves. “Oh.” 

He approached Mina, a firm look on his face. Was he going to make sure she was still in her nightgown? Had she stuffed it under the bench so he couldn’t see it? She stood straight, presenting a confident face.

Reece moved right in front of her, looking her square in the eyes. “Give me back my silver dollar. You took it last night and never returned it.”

She relaxed and laughed. “Good luck charm, is it?” She picked it up from her bedside table and placed it in his hand. It disappeared into his vest pocket.

“Something like that.” Reece bent and kissed her. It wasn’t a long kiss, but it lingered on her lips after he left the suite. 

Mina waited, counting, until she was sure he was descending the guest staircase. She opened the door to the hall and peeked out. No one was there. She quickly locked the door and headed to the staff stairs at the end of the hall. 

It didn’t take her as long to reach the street as it did Reece. She leaned against the building where boys would wait to take messages for a few coins, her head down. Reece passed her without looking. The silver coin was making its way around his fingers. When he was a half a block away, she straightened and followed.

Clouds and some fog made the air damp. Moisture gathered on her eyelashes as they moved through the streets. The closer they got to Chinatown, the more a tingling went up Mina’s spine. Something was going to happen. Someone was in danger. Or would be soon. Following Reece was the right thing to do. 

Mina stood in a doorway across from the arch that declared the entrance to Chinatown. There were other ways into the district, many streets, but this was the place recognized as the main entrance, easily found and used as a meeting place.

Dodrill approached from the right. Mina saw him before Reece did. Once they went through the arch, Mina left her doorway and followed. She kept closer as the narrow street was crowded. Reece had told her the name of the laundry fronting the opium den, but if Dodrill chose another den she wanted to see what building they entered.

They made several turns, going deeper into the rabbit warren of streets. Voices, wooden shoes clattering, sounds of cooking, yells of shopkeepers hawking their wares combined into a cacophony of noise. Keeping her head down, she wrinkled her nose. The smells assaulted her nose. It was as bad as Reece had described. 

Someone bumped into her, or she into them. Looking up, Mina saw Reece and Dodrill stop. She pressed herself against a building. They chatted for a few moments, then entered a door across the street. Mina looked up. Lee’s Laundry was painted on a board above Chinese characters. 

“What have we here?” A deep voice said next to her. “Looks like a prime candidate for a sailor.”

The tingle in her back raged. Mina pulled the Derringer from her pocket and pressed it into the side of the bulky man. “You want to offer me a job, that’s fine. If you don’t take my no as what it is, that’s fine too. I can pull this trigger and you’ll find yourself without a life. At this distance, there’s no way I can miss.”

The man stepped back. Mina raised the gun to the level of his heart. 

“No need for that. I’ll take your no. You can lower that gun now.”

“I think not. You turn around and walk down that street.” Keeping the Derringer pointed at his chest, Mina leaned down and brought a throwing knife out of her boot. “The gun may not have a long range. But this knife does. I was taught to throw it by Nugget Nate Ryder, himself. I don’t miss. He taught me to shoot too.”

The man’s eyes widened. Seems her uncle’s reputation was even known in Chinatown. He raised his hands and backed away. “No need for that. I’m going.”

Mina watched as he backed away then turned, hurrying down the street. Around her she heard chattering Chinese with the name Nugget Nate thrown in.

Not wanting to attract any more attention, Mina walked to the end of the block, surveying both sides, but especially across from the laundry. There was a narrow alley. It must be the one Reece mentioned he’d watched the laundry from. 

With a few pennies, Mina bought a spring roll from a street vendor. Turning back toward the laundry she walked along the buildings and slipped into the alley. It was chilly in the shadows and the smell of rotting garbage dimmed her enjoyment of the fried roll. 

A cat jumped down from a roof onto a barrel, startling Mina into dropping the last bite. It was snatched up by the lean animal, who ran off down the alley.

Leaning against the building, Mina pressed her hand to her chest. Her heart hadn’t quit its racing since the man first spoke to her. Now she knew why Reece didn’t want her out by herself. Even if she was dressed like a youth.

Mina would have thought her encounter with the man would have eased her Calling of danger, but it didn’t. It was growing stronger by the minute. Something was going to happen and it had to do with the opium den. There was no way she could get word to Reece who was in there. Plus she didn’t know what the danger was. Until she did there was no way she could enter to warn him. 

The cloudiness of the day gave way to a drizzle. Mina kept studying the laundry building from her spot deep in the shadows of the alley. Her eyes kept being drawn to the roof. She focused on the smoke coming from the chimney. Was it thicker than before?

Mina realized what she was seeing. It wouldn’t take long for the chimney fire to spread to the rest of the building. Exiting the alley, Mina grabbed hold of a boy’s arm who was wandering by.

“You speak English?”

“Yes, good English.”

“Go tell the firemen there’s a fire here.” She pointed to the laundry.

The boy looked. “See no fire.”

“Yes, fire.” She pointed at the chimney. The smoke coming from it was thicker now. Much thicker than it should ever be.

Wide eyes met hers when they looked from the chimney to her. “Get fire mans.” He took off down the street at a run, yelling what must be the Chinese word for fire.

Mina ran across the street as men and women started looking around for the fire. The chimney was now spouting small flames out the top. She pointed up, drawing their attention. 

Wrenching the door open, she entered and yelled at the old woman behind the counter. “Huǒ, huô, huô, hoping she was saying the word correctly.” At the same time she poked her finger against the right side of her nose.

Reece looked around the dimly lit room. He and Dodrill had entered the laundry and each touched the right sides of their noses. Dodrill had instructed Reece on the ‘etiquette’ of the opium den. When nodded through a faded brocade curtain, Dodrill led the way back, down a short hallway and three steps. Another curtain hid a door which Dodrill knocked on with three sharp raps. It was pulled open and they entered a dimly lit room fogged with smoke. People, both men and women, Chinese and Caucasian, lay on long pillows. Silk tapestries hung between, allowing privacy. In some sections were two or three people. Others held only one. Thin pipes made of bamboo or wood held the opium with ribbons of smoke coming from the bowls. 

Dodrill slapped Reece on the arm. “Pay for yours,” he said, pointing to the muscular man who had allowed them to enter. Reece did and they were escorted to a separate room. This one was more richly appointed. The pillows were thicker and made from silk rather than the rough fabric he’d seen in the other room. They were left alone in the room.

“This is why I like to come in the morning. It’s not as crowded. I don’t like sharing a cushion.” Dodrill reclined on one along the far wall. Reece chose one in the far corner. Sconces held candles adding to the shadows as they flickered. 

A girl who looked to be about twelve entered carrying a tray with tea and plates with tidbits of food artfully arranged. She poured and set each of them on the floor beside their pillows. 

Two others entered carrying trays with pipes, lamps, and the other items used for smoking opium. The sticky resin sat in a small dish beside the tray. 

The girls exited with bows, leaving the men to themselves. Dodrill ignored the food and drink, quickly breaking off a bit of opium packing on the hole in the pipe. He held it over the chimney of the lamp to heat the drug into vapor. He began puffing, ignoring Reece who picked up an egg roll and took a bite. It wasn’t long before Dodrill laid the pipe down and closed his eyes.

Reece cut off some of the opium and mashed it onto the floor. He wanted to be sure Dodrill saw a lesser amount on his tray if he became alert. He’d wait before he left the man lying in a stupor.

He now had more motive for Dodrill to have claimed the jewels were stolen in order to get the insurance payment. Dodrill’s habits of gambling and opium smoking several times a week took more money than his business could sustain.

Footsteps pounding down the hall were accompanied by yells of “huô, huô, huô.” Reece sat up. The clatter of people stumbling as they stood and tried to walk came through the curtain. Then a youth tore the tapestry aside, running into the room.

“Reece, Reece, you’ve got to get out of here. There’s a chimney fire. This place is a deathtrap.”

It was Mina’s voice, though she was disguised. What was she doing here? He’d expressly told her she couldn’t come here.

She crossed the room and grabbed his arm. “Reece, we’ve got to get out now. There’s a fire.”

Her words finally penetrated and he jumped to his feet, kicking the trays away. “I’ve got to get Dodrill.”

The man was groggy, not realizing the danger they were in. Reece bent down, wrenching the man to his feet. “Come on, Dodrill. We need to go.”

“But my opium.” He reached down toward the tray.

“Forget it, man.” Reece slipped his shoulder under the man’s arm as they staggered out of the room.

The old lady stood in the middle of the room pointing toward a back door, now open. Several other people were staggering out. 

“Come on, Mina,” Reece yelled as he saw her hesitate.

“I’m coming.” She was looking around the room. He looked over his shoulder as she took the old lady by the arm, pulling her along to the door. 

They exited into an alley, wider than the one he’d hidden in. Several people were sitting against a wall. “You’re too close. Get away from here,” he yelled. They looked at him with dim, drug-filled eyes. He could hear the clang of a fire bell and clatter of hoofs and wheels. 

Sparks fell in front of him as he hustled Dodrill down the alley. Reece looked up and saw the chimney ablaze. He stopped and swung around, searching for Mina, his heart racing when he couldn’t see her in the crush of people fleeing from buildings along the alley. The crowd parted and he saw her helping several children move through the throng.

Finally, the alley emptied into a wider street. More space allowed for easing of the crowd. Dodrill stood more surely on his feet, allowing Reece to release him. He turned, again searching for Mina. In her arms were two toddlers. Another child clung to her leg. All were crying. 

A man rushed up to her. Reece ran, needing to protect his wife. One of the children reached for the man who grabbed and hugged the child. A woman was next, crying as she saw the others Mina held. In a moment, Mina was free and searching the crowd. The frantic look in her eyes changed to relief and something else when she saw him.

Reece didn’t know whether to be furious or joyous at the sight of her. Whether to shake her senseless or kiss her to the same state.

Mina rushed to Reece, needing his arms around her. She’d never been so scared in her life. Fire took so many lives each year. When she saw the overheating chimney, it was all she could do not to run into the building. They’d gotten out safely and saved those in the den. She knew the children would have been trampled if she hadn’t taken them to safety.

She crashed against Reece’s chest, wrapping her arms around him as tightly as she could. His did the same. “You’re okay?” Mina asked, pressing her face against his shirt.

“Yes, you?”

“Just scared. I’m fine.”

“What are…” Reece broke off, letting her go, but grasping her hand behind him. “Dodrill, go home, now. Don’t stop anywhere. Go home.”

Dodrill’s eyes were blurry and he wavered a little as he stood in the street. Then he nodded and turned away, shuffling up the street.

Reece swung her back into his arms. “What are you doing here? No, let’s get out of here. Come on, Bill.” He pulled her along at a swift pace, not slowing down until they were out of Chinatown. 

Mina could tell he was fighting a battle within himself. She knew what it was and didn’t try to converse with him as they hurried through the streets. They’d do that once they got back to the hotel. 

His sharp look let her know she’d have a lot of explaining to do.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

REECE DECIDED ON shaking her but not until they got back to the hotel. He was furious that Mina hadn’t listened when he’d told her there was no way his wife would go to an opium den. Instead, she’d followed him. Dressed as a youth, though anyone who really looked at her would be able to tell she was not a boy. Then, she’d come into the opium den. Granted, she’d been warning them about the fire, but he pushed that thought away. Anything could have happened to her alone on the streets. 

The rain fell harder. Reece knew they would both be soaked to the skin by the time they reached the hotel. It only made him angrier. Not only had she disobeyed him about the disguise, following him, and entering the den, now she was at risk for pneumonia or other fatal diseases.

Mina was easing farther away from him on the sidewalk. That, he wasn’t going to allow. He grabbed her upper arm and speeded up his steps so she was almost jogging to keep up with him. If she wanted to dress like a boy, he’d treat her as one who was in big trouble. This was exactly the way his father had dragged him to the woodshed when he needed disciplining. 

“We’ll need to go in the servants’ entrance. I can’t be seen like this.” Mina’s voice shook just a little. Reece fought a smirk as he switched his hold on her arm to her hand. She’d better be afraid. 

Reece wouldn’t let go of Mina’s hand as they climbed the back stairs to their floor. He held out his hand when they reached the door to their suite and Mina pressed the key into his hand. 

Once they were in the room, Reece locked the door, carefully set the key on the table nearby, then turned around to face her.

“You followed me to Chinatown, against my express order. Look at you. Dressed in boy’s clothing. Every man out there saw all of your shape.” Reece’s fingers shook as he pointed to her garments.

“No one knew I was a girl.” Mina’s chin rose, her eyes defiant. 

“How do you know that? Because you weren’t stolen and raped?”

“No…” Mina slammed her lips together. 

Something had happened and she wasn’t telling him what it was. He crossed to her, standing so close their bodies almost touched. He looked down at her, knowing his eyes shot fire.

“You will tell me what happened. Now.” The barked order made her jerk.

“I thought you needed backup. I got these a while back and I’m glad I did.”

“Go on.”

“Yes, I followed you. My disguise was good. You even walked past me without realizing I was there.”

“Where did this occur?”

“Right outside the hotel. I was one of the boys leaning against the wall waiting to take a message.”

Reece closed his eyes for a second, then opened them again. “Continue.”

“I stayed far enough back so you wouldn’t notice and once you’d gone into the laundry, I waited. I knew something was going to happen. There was danger coming.”

“You had a Calling?”

She nodded. “It came as I got closer to Chinatown. I knew it would happen right at that spot once I got across from the laundry.” Mina stopped and dropped her gaze from him. This was where she was going to start either lying to him or omitting something. 

“Mina, tell all of it to me. The truth.” There was warning in each word.

She swallowed again. “A man thought I’d make a good sailor.” She whispered so softly Reece had to lean down to hear.

“What?” he roared. “You were nearly press-ganged?” He could feel his entire body shaking with rage. Not at her, at the man who’d nearly taken her. He would never have found her. He would have had no clue where she gone… been taken.

“I pulled my Derringer and pressed it against him. Told him I’d shoot him, that I couldn’t miss at that distance. Got my knife from my boot and told him to back away and leave. That I’d been taught by Nugget Nate to shoot and throw knives. He did.”

At that, Reece’s anger melted. Not entirely, but enough that he could truly think. He leaned his forehead onto hers and released a long breath. On their own volition, his arms pulled her against him.

“What happened then?” Now his voice was calm, gentle.

“No one else bothered me. My Calling didn’t go away.” Mina went on to relate the details, then fell silent.

Reece began to chuckle. It turned into a full-bodied laugh. “Mina, my love, I can’t truly be angry. You did exactly what an agent should. Backed me up. Dealt with a threat. Then you rescued, not only me, but many people who could have died in the fire. But you scared the living daylights out of me. First, in the den, then the alley.”

“I’m sorry.” Her voice was weak. “But I’d do it again.”

He laughed at her reply, then sobered. “I know you would. It’s what you were trained for. What you are very good at. It’s just… Mina, if you’d been press-ganged, or hurt in any way, I don’t think I could have handled it. You mean so much to me.” His hands slipped from her back to cup her face. “I was totally against this marriage from the moment Archie told me about it. I only did it to keep my job. But Mina, I’ve come to respect you as an agent. As a partner. More than that, I love you. I want you to stay my wife even after the case is solved. I want this to be a true marriage in every sense of the word.”

Tears flooded Mina’s eyes. She just looked at him, searching. Her breaths became jerky, as if she was going to cry. Reece’s heart rose to clog his throat. Was she going to reject him? That might even be worse than if she’d been press-ganged.

“I love you too, Reece. I’ve wanted to stay married to you for a long while.” Her cheeks went red, but she said no more. He knew what she was thinking.

Reece kissed her long with growing desire. “I believe it’s time to get out of these wet clothes.” 

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

A KNOCK WOKE Reece. He was wrapped around his wife. Truly his wife. Looking at the clock on the mantle, he saw it was late afternoon. Making sure Mina was kept covered, Reece rose and picked up his robe, putting it on as he went to the suite door. A bellboy stood holding an envelope. Reece took it and gave the boy some coins. The message was from Police Chief Crowley.

Reece read the note as he went back to the bedroom. It could wait. He wanted to spend some more time enjoying his wife. 

“What’s the note say?” Mina was sitting up in bed with the blankets tucked up under her arms. 

“How’d you know there was a note?”

She rolled her eyes at him. “It’s in your hand. Are you sure you’re an experienced Pinkerton agent? Where are those cunning skills of a detective?”

He flopped onto the bed beside her. “Crowley would like to meet us for supper in the dining room. He has news.”

“Should we have supper up here so we can talk freely?”

“That’s a good idea. I’ll go down and place an order and leave a message that he should join us here.”

Reece began to rise, but Mina caught his arm. “Do you need to do it right this minute?” Her smile had a new knowing to it.

Standing, he took off his robe and slipped back into bed. “There’s some time before I need to run that errand.” Reece drew her into his arms.

Mina smiled. “Good.”

“Come in, Chief. Supper should be delivered shortly.” Reece stepped back to allow the police chief into the suite.

“Thank you. Nasty day turning into a nasty evening.” Crowley removed his hat, shaking droplets off of it. Reece took his wet overcoat and hung both on hooks by the door.

“Your note said you had information that might help the case.” Mina was sitting on the settee. Reece sat beside her and Crowley took the wing chair.

“Yes, I think we’ve established motive.” He took a sheaf of papers from his coat pocket. “I was able to get access to his bank records as well as some businesses who haven’t been paid. Not just retailers but those who do business with Dodrill’s company. He’s in arrears in payments all over San Francisco. Motive for needing ready cash.” Crowley leaned forward and handed the papers to Reece.

“He’s got a gambling addiction and one to opium too. I, er, we established that yesterday.” Reece glance at Mina who quirked one side of her mouth up.

 With a knock on the door, Reece stood and handed the papers to Mina before he answered it. Soon they were seated around the table enjoying the meal Reece had ordered.

“So, now that there’s a motive, what’s the next step?” Mina asked.

“My suggestion is that we set up a robbery attempt. We have the earrings. The Dodrills know we do.” Reece looked from Crowley to Mina. 

Mina set her fork down. “I think Dodrill has our comings and goings watched here at the hotel. There’s a man who isn’t a guest who watches us whenever we leave or return. He’s always in the lobby.”

“How do you know he isn’t a guest?” Reece asked.

She looked at him. “I asked the desk clerk.”

Reece and Crowley chuckled. “I guess that’s one way to get information.” Reece patted Mina on the shoulder. “So, let’s plan out this robbery.”

“I don’t see why I can’t wear them tonight. Everyone loved the earrings at the Mayor’s Gala.” Mina made her voice whiny and slapped Reece on the shoulder. He stopped and turned her to face him. They were in the hotel lobby the morning after their supper with Crowley. Just behind Mina, seated in one of the hotel’s plush chairs was the man Mina thought was watching them.

“They are not something you wear to a simple dinner party. They are much too expensive for that. It would make the other guests uncomfortable with wearing less expensive jewelry.” 

Mina could see over Reece’s shoulder and watched the man’s expression. “Oh, I suppose so. But they are the most beautiful gift you’ve ever given me.” She lifted onto her tiptoes and kissed Reece on the cheek. “I’ll wear the opal earrings. They go with the gown I’m planning on wearing.” Mina tucked her hand in Reece’s elbow and they entered the dining room for lunch.

They sat at a table near the entry. In about ten minutes the man rose, folded his newspaper under his arm, and left the hotel.

There he goes,” said Mina. “Do you think he’s contacting Dodrill?

“I believe he is. My guess is that the attempt will be tonight. They don’t know where this ‘dinner party’ is. We’ll be set ready to follow.”

Mina was trying to stem her excitement. This was what detecting was all about. Doing what it took to solve a case. She straightened and placed her calm demeanor face on, the one she’d used for so many days when she and Reece first met and married. 

“I haven’t seen that expression in a while,” Reece said. 

“I haven’t needed it. You’ve had a much better attitude lately.”

“So why now?” Reece set his elbow on the table and trapped his chin with his fingers.

“I need to calm myself so I don’t get overly excited and do something stupid when we trail the thief tonight. You did hear the ‘we,’ didn’t you?” She grinned at him.

“Yes, I heard the ‘we’. Just dress in something appropriate for blending into the night.”

Her grin turned mischievous. “I could wear the boy’s clothes.”

“I think not.”

“We’re all set with the plans to finish the case. The police will be waiting for us to enter the Dodrill’s. They’ll back us up and come to search the house.”

“Yes, everything hinges on the earrings being stolen and the thief going directly to Dodrill to hand them over. We’re ready.”

“So, what are we going to do all afternoon?” Mina batted her eyelashes at him.

One side of his mouth lifted. “I believe we can figure out something to occupy our time.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

REECE AND MINA passed through the lobby and out into the night. She had a long mantle over her gown. She was wearing the garment Marianne gave her after the wedding. Even with the olive and tan stripes on the navy blue, she would blend into the shadows as they followed whoever the thief was. She’d made the alterations allowing her to conceal her Derringer and knives. Three hatpins secured her hat to her head. All were an easy reach to be pulled out quickly if needed. Her handcuffs were stitched to her bustle wires.

Reece carried a handgun holstered to his belt concealed by the length of his jacket. He also carried a Derringer in his trouser pocket. Knives were in his boots. His Pinkerton badge was pinned to the underside of his lapel. He was totally dressed in black. Handcuffs were tucked into a pocket on the back of his vest, an innovation Mina had suggested and created.

Reece had taken the badge Mina had kept in her jewelry case from her hand and pinned it under the collar of the mantel she was wearing. “It’s my honor and privilege to pin this badge onto you, Agent Wilhelmina Galway. Until now, you haven’t been able to wear it as we were so undercover.” As soon as the pin was fastened, he cupped her cheeks and gave her a long kiss. “I didn’t believe women should be agents, but you’ve handled yourself and this case better and more professionally than I thought possible. One little journey to Chinatown, notwithstanding.”

Reece held Mina’s hand as they walked down the stairs and across the lobby. The same man sat in a different chair this evening. He was facing the doors observing everyone who entered or exited. 

Turning left, they walked two blocks before turning and circling back to the hotel, entering by the same staff entrance as they’d done before.

Watching from the shadows of the staff staircase, Reece and Mina watched the hallway. They didn’t know if the man or someone else was going to break into their room.

About twenty minutes later, the same man from the lobby came up the guest staircase and walked directly to their room. He jimmied the lock and entered. 

“We need to move. He might decide to go down this staircase.” Reece went around the end of the stairs and entered the retiring room next to it. Mina followed. There was a transom above the door allowing light into the room. 

“Come here. I’ll boost you up so you can watch from the transom.” Reece waved her to come to him.

“What?” Mina whispered back. “We can’t do that. I have a bustle on.”

Reece grabbed her and ducked under her skirts, lifting her onto his shoulders. “Direct me to the door.” He was wobbling a bit trying to get her balanced. Ruffles swathed his head, getting into his mouth. Letting her leg go, he attempted to brush the fabric out of his mouth. 

Mina gave a little squeak and grabbed his hair. “Don’t drop me. This was your idea. Move forward about three short steps.” When he did, she murmured, “Stop. I can see our door.” She gripped the frame between the door and the transom.

Reece continued trying to get all the fabric around his head and face away. She swatted his head through her skirts. “Quit that. You’ll make me fall. Stand still.”

Reece blew at a particularly stubborn ruffle, doing what he’d been told. How long was it going to take to steal the earrings? They’d put them in the bottom drawer of the dresser under his small clothes. Not out in the open but not hidden too hard to find either.

“Shush. Here he comes.”

Reece looked up in the midst of all those petticoats. He hadn’t been making a sound.

“Let me down. Let me down.” Mina rocked back and forth on his shoulders.

Reece gripped her legs as she wiggled to keep her from falling off and set her on the floor.

“Come on. He went down the main staircase. Let’s go down the staff’s. We can catch him as he crosses the street.” She grabbed his hand and the doorknob.

“Wait. Let’s give him a chance to get to the next floor. He might hear us and turn to look.”

Mina stared at him, tapping her foot with impatience.

He waited a few moments, then said, “Now, we go, quietly.”

They checked the hallway before leaving and hurried down the stairs. Reece placed his hand on the small of her back as they left the hotel. 

Mina’s hand was held tightly in Reece’s. Even when she tried to pull it away, he held it firmly. She finally gave up attempting, he wasn’t going to let go. Hoping he simply wanted to hold it because he loved her, Mina knew it was more that he didn’t trust her tailing technique even though she’d tailed him all the way to Chinatown.

The evening was overcast, as they often were in San Francisco, They followed the thief a couple of blocks back, using any bushes or structures near the street to block his view of them. When they neared the Dodrill home, Reece left her, heading to rendezvous with several police officers Crowley had sent to apprehend the criminals. With the thief going directly to the Dodrills’ it was evident that the insurance company was correct that the jewels hadn’t been stolen after all.

Mina continued following the thief, observing him enter the Dodrill home from her position amongst the hedges that bordered the property. It wasn’t long before Reece and the police joined her.

“Mina, this is Sergeant Ditto. He’s leading this investigation. He has the search warrant. We defer to them.”

Mina pursed her lips but didn’t say anything. They’d work with the police on this case and it was the police who would make the arrest. She nodded.

The officers led the way to the door and knocked. Mr. Dodrill answered. The police pressed their way in, taking Dodrill by the arm into the front parlor. Mina and Reece joined them, Mina staying near the arch leading to the stairs. From her vantage point she could see the upper floor with several doors.

“Mr. Dodrill, we have a warrant to search your house. Please have any servants and Mrs. Dodrill join us here in the parlor. I have officers at each exit so don’t think anyone can escape.”

“What’s the meaning of this?” Dodrill bellowed. He spied Reece. “What are you doing here?” 

Reece flipped his lapel, displaying his Pinkerton Agent badge. “We were sent by your insurance company. They want to be sure the pieces were really stolen before they paid out the settlement. Seems they were right to be suspicious.”

“We?”

“My wife and I. She’s a Pinkerton Agent too.”

Mina didn’t take her eyes off the staircase, but turned the collar of her mantle to reveal her badge. A door opened upstairs and Mina saw Mrs. Dodrill slip from a room she couldn’t see into one nearby that she could. Mina nodded slightly. There was something going on upstairs and Mrs. Dodrill was doing it. Mina bet she knew what it was and that the men wouldn’t ever think of it.

A police officer dragged a man in handcuffs into the house. “Sarge, I caught this guy sneaking out the kitchen door. Seems he just came into several hundred dollars so recently it’s not even in his wallet yet.”

Several servants now stood in the parlor, wide-eyed and fearful.

“This is the same man who’s been sitting in the hotel lobby for several days. He’s also the one who broke into our room and came out a while later and then directly here.” Reece tucked his silver dollar back into his vest pocket. “Search Dodrill. I’m pretty sure he has the pouch with the earrings on him.”

Though Dodrill protested, the police searched and pulled a small velvet pouch from his trouser pocket. Sergeant Ditto poured a pair of diamond earrings out into his hand. 

“You don’t know if those were stolen from Galway’s room. I purchased those today to give to my wife to replace the ones that were stolen.”

Mina, kept her eyes on the stairs but replied. “Examine those, Sergeant. You’ll find a white thread woven around the stones. I placed it there to be able to identify the earrings.”

“A very good idea, Mrs. Galway. Here is the thread. Not noticeable for a quick or casual look but evidence that they were stolen.”

Dodrill blustered. “Just because these turned up doesn’t mean they weren’t stolen in the first place.”

“They were stolen today though, right from the Galways’ hotel room.” 

“Ah, here comes Mrs. Dodrill,” Mina said as the woman descended the stairs. 

“What’s going on? Why are the police here?” She hurried to stand next to her husband.

“We have a warrant to search your house for the jewelry you claim was stolen. Go ahead, men. I’ll stay here and search his room.” Sergeant Ditto waved the servants away from each other. “Mr. Galway, keep an eye on everyone here in the room while I do. Make sure no one touches anyone else.” He placed each person where he wanted them and began his search.

“What do the Galways have to do with this?” Mrs. Dodrill placed her hands on her hips. 

“They are Pinkerton agents.”

Mrs. Dodrill snapped her mouth shut on whatever she was going to say. Her hands slid from her hips down her sides.

Mina watched Mrs. Dodrill. The woman’s right hand kept cupping her skirt. She caught Reece’s eye and gave a wink, then looked at Mrs. Dodrill’s hand again. He lifted an eyebrow questioningly. He wasn’t understanding what she was trying to tell him. 

Everyone was silent while the house was searched. Mina knew they wouldn’t find anything. Mrs. Dodrill kept looking at the sergeant, who was looking in every nook and cranny, leaving drawers open, the contents stirred or placed on tables or the floor. Books were removed from cases and stacked. Cushions were taken from the furniture and left where they were dropped.

One by one, the officers came back to the parlor. None of the jewelry was found. Mr. and Mrs. Dodrill had smug expressions as each man reported no jewelry found.

“See. I’ll admit to hiring him.” Dodrill pointed to the thief. “To get the earrings. How Galway got them, I don’t know. Maybe he’s the man who stole them all.”

Mrs. Dodrill began fanning her face with her left hand. “Oh my, I’ve been socializing with a criminal. One who broke into my home and stole my jewels.”

Mina stepped forward. “That would have been difficult, Mrs. Dodrill. Reece was in Wyoming on a case and I was in Chicago on the date you reported them missing. The police report states that you wore them one night and reported them missing the next day.”

“Well, they weren’t found in my house. You can just leave now.” Mrs. Dodrill’s voice was becoming shrill.

“I think not.” Mina walked toward the woman. “I believe the jewels are here. In this room actually.” She stopped about three feet back.

“It’s been searched. Nothing was found.” Mrs. Dodrill gripped her skirts again.

“Oh they are here. I believe that if I searched you, they would be found.”

Mrs. Dodrill gave out a shriek and lunged at her. Mina stepped aside and stuck out her foot, tripping the woman. At the same time, she grabbed two hat pins and leapt on her as she fell, stabbing them deep into the floor, one on either side of her hips. The skirts were held fast while Mrs. Dodrill struggled to rise.

Reece and all the officers froze for a moment. Reece picked Mina off the struggling woman, setting her on her feet.

“The jewels are tied onto the wires of Mrs. Dodrill’s bustle. If the female servants will remain as witnesses, I will retrieve them while you men wait in another room.”

The officers and Reece were looking at her, amazement clear on their faces.

Reece waited with the rest of the men in another room while Mina searched Mrs. Dodrill. Mr. Dodrill was in handcuffs, standing next to the thief, officers holding them by the arm.

The pocket doors to the parlor opened. Mina, holding Mrs. Dodrill’s arm in one hand and a pouch in the other, came out along with the servants who remained as witnesses. She gave the pouch to the sergeant and Mrs. Dodrill to an officer. Reece came to stand by her, placing his hand on her lower back.

“These are the missing jewels. There’s the bracelet and necklace.” Ditto looked at the pieces he’d removed from the pouch. “I can see why the insurance company wanted an investigation. These are worth more than I’ll make my whole life.”

The last rays of the sun shone through the window. Landing on the jewelry, they made the diamonds sparkle, giving evidence to the sergeant’s words.

“Let’s get these people down to the station. You and Mrs. Galway will need to come by tomorrow and file a report.” The police began the exodus.

“I’d like to make sure I get my handcuffs back, please. Once you have them removed from Mrs. Dodrill, that is. Tomorrow is fine.” Mina smiled at the officers.

“Of course, ma’am.” Ditto looked as if he wanted to ask where she’d had her handcuffs. Reece and Mina just smiled as she stuck the hat pins back in place.

As they walked back to the hotel, Reece looked down at Mina, whose hand was tucked on his elbow. “How did you know she had the jewels in her bustle?”

“Elementary, my dear. I’d watched the stairs and saw her move from one room to another. She was getting the jewels so they wouldn’t be found in the search. Even if she had pockets in her dress, it would be too easy for them to be found. Hiding them in her bustle made perfect sense. She gave herself away when she kept checking to see if they were still there. She also didn’t figure there would be a woman amongst the officers. Men wouldn’t think of something being hidden in a bustle. Although, those officers will now.”

“Brilliant deduction. Very good, taking her down and pinning her to the floor too. You are an excellent Pinkerton Agent. I knew there was a reason I married you.”

Mina scoffed as they proceeded up the street.

EPILOGUE

ARCHIE AND MARIANNE stood on the porch of the Denver Pinkerton Agency and watched as Mr. Galway helped his wife into the buggy. They were going back to the hotel they had checked into earlier in the day. It was a much more modest hotel than the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco. They’d arrived late last night so they didn’t come to make their report until this morning. Now, they were going to look for a house or apartment to live in.

“You see, Marianne, another of the couples we matched up have decided to stay married. This was a brilliant idea.” Archie was holding onto the lapels of his coat, rocking back and forth on his toes and heels. His smile was wide, satisfaction settling like a cloak around him.

“Don’t get too cocky. There are still more couples who haven’t returned. It could be they are fighting so much the cases are being neglected.” Marianne turned and went back into the house.

“I don’t think so. I think we’ll see more couples fall in love and stay married.”

“Don’t hold your breath. Be ready for some angry men and women and broken hearts.” Marianne sat down behind her desk to begin copying the reports submitted by the Galways.

Archie passed by, heading into his office. “I’m liking this matchmaking. I wish there were more agents in the Denver office. There were more women who applied. Too bad there aren’t. I’m pretty good at this.”

“I did most of the work. You pushed it off on me.”

“Well, I am the boss you know.” Archie closed the door as he went into his office.

A NOTE FROM SOPHIE

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