Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Epilogue
About Caroline Clemmons
Chapter One
Denver, Colorado,
November 1871
Douglas “Cloud” Ryan stared at the beauty who stepped into the common room of Pinkerton Detective Agency’s Denver Headquarters. The woman was trim except where it mattered and stood ramrod straight. Her auburn hair caught the light and shone like a sunset. Even he could tell her clothes must have cost a bundle, to say nothing of the jewelry she wore.
His best friend, Jake Hunter, elbowed him. “You trying to catch flies in that gaping pie hole?”
“Very funny.” He leaned toward Jake. “What’s a rich, society type like her doing here? Surely Archie hasn’t hired her.”
Jake leaned back and crossed his ankles. “If she’s in this room, she’s been hired as a trainee. Besides, you don’t know if she’s rich or a society woman. Only sure thing is that she’s a beauty.”
The jewelry might or might not be fake but Cloud knew quality clothes when he saw them. “Whew, imagine being paired with her. A guy would be toting and fetching constantly. Man, I’m grateful Archie promised me I wouldn’t be paired with a woman and marry her.”
Jake stared at him. “Hey, you forgot the ‘if possible’ he tacked onto that promise.”
“Naw, but I’m holding him to his word. You’d better believe I’m not getting married, and you can take that to the bank.”
He pointed his thumb at his chest. “If and when I decide to step into the parson’s noose, I’ll choose with whom and when. I don’t see why Archie got this burr under his saddle to have agents marry and pair up on cases.”
“You have to admit a woman can get into places a man can’t. That’s what happened in the war that convinced Archie to try this experiment. One of the women in this room may prove to be as valuable as Kate Warne.”
“Hmph, and they may not. Likely that was a once in a lifetime occurrence. We’re not at war now. Even if a woman might help, she’s not doing so on my case.”
Jake exhaled and sat up. “Wouldn’t mind being paired with a woman like her. She looks perfect to me. Wonder how long that auburn hair is. Can’t you just imagine it spread across a pillow?”
“Man, get hold of your imagination.” Cloud gestured with a jerk of his head. “For Pete’s sake, see how she’s standing, paused at the door to make an entrance so everyone here will notice her. Bet she’s snooty and feels she should be given special privileges. No, thank you.”
Jake shot him a sardonic grin. “You can tell all that with one glance, huh?”
“Of course I can. We’re taught to observe people. Our lives depend on that ability. You’ll see I’m right about this one.”
Jake chuckled. “One of these days, Cloud, some woman is going to take your conceit down a peg or two.”
***
Maggie Harper pressed a hand to her roiling stomach as she stood in the doorway of the Pinkerton headquarters’ main room. Grateful she’d been accepted by Archie Gordon as a Pinkerton agent, she sensed she was out of her element. She gathered her courage and scanned the room. Composing her own features as she’d been schooled all her life, she searched for a friendly face. Others in the room were engaged in conversations and paid her no heed.
That is, except for two men who watched her as they laughed and made comments, no doubt rudely poking fun at her expense. Their attention created a desire to check her hair and clothing for defects. She retained her perfect posture, refusing to give into the insecurity the men’s scrutiny caused.
Actually, one man appeared only to add comments to the first man’s obvious criticism. That first man—the more handsome of the two—acted as if she were a circus sideshow freak. Sometimes in the past she’d felt as if she were but his attitude ignited her anger.
The handsome man should have learned better manners by this time in his life. Even from across the room, his blue eyes were startling. Too bad his behavior didn’t match such beautiful eyes.
She spotted Marianne, Archie Gordon’s right hand, and hurried to her side.
Marianne smiled and gently grabbed her arm. “I came to look for you. Archie wants to see you in his office.”
The two women walked together toward the director’s private rooms. This was the big moment and soon Maggie would learn her fate. The small amount she’d managed to choke down at breakfast threatened to come up and she swallowed hard.
Would she have applied to be a Pinkerton agent if she’d known the conditions beforehand? She couldn’t decide if being aware she’d have to marry a male agent would have stopped her. Probably, because knowing she could have the marriage annulled at the end of the case didn’t relieve her anxiety.
The thought of being paired with a stranger—no doubt at times in intimate settings—set her insides quivering. A vice constricted her chest and made breathing difficult. She was grateful for Marianne’s comforting presence.
Archie rose to greet them, a broad smile peeking through his russet beard. “Come in, come in, Maggie, and have a seat. I hope you’re excited about your first case.”
She sat in one of the chairs facing his desk. “I certainly am. Plus, I’m trying to assimilate into American culture. Things are quite different here. I appreciate you accepting me into the program.”
“Having Allen Pinkerton’s letter of reference guaranteed that. I’d be interested to know how you came to know him.”
“He and my father are friends.” She didn’t want to go into the involved explanation.
Apparently Archie accepted her brief clarification. “Good, good. You understand you’re a trainee on this first case and will be paired with an experienced agent.”
Maggie nodded even though she didn’t fully comprehend the plan. She’d thought an agent was an agent but could understand why she needed an accomplished partner. But, marriage—even a paper marriage—was difficult to grasp.
Archie drummed his fingers on his desk and looked at Marianne. “Where is Cloud Ryan?”
The door opened and in swaggered the man who’d made fun of her earlier. “You wanted to see me, Archie?”
“Have a seat, Cloud. Maggie Harper, meet Cloud, whose real name is Douglas Ryan. The unusual color of his eyes earned him his nickname. Personally, I think Sky would have been a better choice. Cloud, you and Maggie will be paired on an important case that just arose.”
Cloud jumped to his feet. “Wait a minute, Archie. No way am I going to work with a woman. You promised me I could go out alone as usual.”
Archie’s eyes narrowed and sent a stern look Cloud’s way. “I said ‘if possible’. Henry Barker was shot last night and won’t be able to travel for a couple of weeks. It’s imperative that you two get underway today.”
Cloud stuck out a hand in protest. “Now, look, Archie—”
Archie rose to his feet. “You do want to remain a Pinkerton, don’t you?”
“Yeah, yeah, you know I do.” Muttering under his breath, Cloud resumed his seat.
“The ceremony will take place right away and you’ll leave for San Antonio, Texas immediately afterward. The Menger Hotel guests have been the victims of clever jewel thieves. Your job is to capture the burglars. This is a family-owned business. William Menger
died earlier this year so you’ll talk with his widow, Mary, and her son, Louis William. You’ll pretend your families are long-time friends with the Mengers.”
He looked at Cloud. “You pulled off being an English Duke so I know you can handle this. You’ll register as Princess Magdala of Bayergrovenia and her husband, the Duke of Montpelier. A lady’s maid and valet will join you in San Antonio.”
Archie’s pronouncement surprised Maggie and she could only stare at him.
He made a shooing motion with his hands. “You two run along now and get your gear together. The wedding ceremony will be at ten o’clock. The stage leaves at noon.”
Still muttering under his breath, Cloud stormed out.
Marianne took Maggie’s arm and guided her toward the stairs. “I’ll help you get ready for the ceremony. I suggest wearing a sturdy traveling costume because you’ll need to go straight to the stage. ”
In the room where Maggie’s belongings had been stored while she stayed at a nearby boarding house—which looked as if it would be only last night—she pulled an ensemble from her steamer trunk. “This gray camel’s hair traveling dress should be perfect.”
She ran her fingers along diagonal rows of gray titan braid on the bodice. “The trim acts like a suit of armor cold can’t penetrate. I’ll wear my flannel petticoats as well as the silk. Surely the combination will keep me warm.”
“You’ll be glad of the extra layers. The gray will look lovely with your hair. Oh, and you’ll do better to leave off your bustle during the trip. Riding a stage is tiring enough without fighting that contraption.”
Maggie offered a conspiratorial smile. “Mamá would not agree but she won’t know. She believes one always follows the rules. I’m afraid Papá and I are great disappointments to her.”
Marianne returned her grin. “I doubt that. Now, unless you need me here, I’ll go set up for the wedding.”
“Thank you but I’ll be fine here. I only took my carpetbag to the boarding house. I’ll change clothes and be ready in fifteen minutes.”
Maggie hastily changed into her travel costume. Her nervousness increased with each moment. Of all the men to be paired with, Archie had to choose the very person who had made fun of her. That man would be a hindrance during the time this case lasted.
She didn’t doubt her own ability. Hadn’t she proven she could ferret out information? However, doing so while linked with an unpleasant companion didn’t appeal to her. No doubt he would cause unnecessary problems. She hated confrontations and they were likely to battle the entire trip.
She completed readying her luggage for the trip. Seeking calm, she sat on a chair for a moment. Even though it would be temporary, she prayed Mamá never learned of the marriage.
What had she gotten herself into this time?
Chapter Two
Cloud wanted to punch a wall—or someone. He had vowed not to pair with a female agent and here he was stuck with that snooty woman. At least a snob like her could act a convincing princess.
From the department’s wardrobe room for men, he pulled the necessary evening clothes and other essentials a genuine duke would have. He packed them in one of the fancy small trunks provided. Archie’s supplies assured agents always looked their part.
Cloud had convinced everyone on the Cummings case he was an English duke, but then he was working in the same general language. He had no idea what was spoken in Bayergrovenia. He didn’t even know where the heck the country was located.
Hands in his pants pockets, Jake drifted in. “Saddling up for a case I see. Where are you headed?”
Cloud continued packing. “San Antonio, Texas. Jewel thefts at a hotel.”
Jake leaned against the doorframe with far too innocent an expression. “Going alone?”
Cloud paused and sent his friend a glare. “You already know I’m not, don’t you?”
Jake grinned. “I heard they’re setting up for your wedding to that gorgeous creature you think looks like a snob. You’re a lucky dog and don’t even appreciate your good fortune.”
Cloud closed the trunk. “Feel free to take my place.” He reached for a suitcase.
“Are you kidding? I could never convince anyone I’m duke of anything. Nope, I have better luck blending in with the rough and tumble criminals.”
“Doesn’t take as many clothes, that’s for sure. Those royal types change clothes too often. Not practical, but I guess they have nothing else to do.”
Jake straightened his posture. “Can I help you get ready?”
“You can find a map that shows where this country Bayergrovenia is and where the Duke of Montpelier lives. A description of the terrain would be helpful.”
Jake saluted. “At your service, Your Grace.”
He was gone before Cloud had a chance to utter the retort that sprang to mind. Just as well. Archie didn’t like cursing from his agents unless it was to blend into an undercover assignment. Right now, Cloud felt like turning the air blue.
When he got to his room, Jake was waiting. “Archie had a packet ready for you. Tells you all you need to know. Plus, turns out Maggie is from there and will help fill you in during the trip.”
He opened the packet, intending to review the contents.
Jake shook his head and took the files from him. “They’re waiting on you to have the marriage ceremony. You’ll have to go over this stuff on the stage or your first stop. I gathered up your shaving stuff and such in your carpet bag. Stuck in your best change of clothes.”
Jake added the files to the carpet bag. “I only wanted you to know they’re here.”
“Thanks.” He looked down at his pants and shirt. “Guess I’ll get into my waistcoat and jacket and get going. If I’m going to my doom, no point delaying.”
With Jake’s help, he got his luggage downstairs. They deposited his trunk and bags beside two large trunks and a couple of cases.
Though Cloud was still angry, he loved being a Pinkerton agent. “No way am I going to let one redhead cause me to lose my job. That goes for our ginger-haired boss Archie Gordon, too. As far as I know, this cockeyed female agent-marriage plan was all Archie’s idea.”
Jake shook his head. “You know Archie insisted it was to protect each woman’s reputation. Also being paired with a male agent will be safer for the woman.”
“Yeah, yeah, if you say so. Don’t understand why Archie wants female agents in the first place.” After a tug at his waistcoat, Cloud walked into the great room with Jake trailing.
Near the fireplace, the Justice of the Peace talked with Archie.
When Archie saw Cloud, he said something to the JP and stepped away. “Ladies and gentlemen, settle down and let’s begin.”
Cloud knew where he was supposed to stand from witnessing previous weddings at the agency.
Archie slipped a ring into his hand and spoke quietly. “Ordinarily I’d supply this, but Maggie prefers using one of hers.” The director stepped away and found a seat.
As piano music filled the room, Cloud’s attention focused on the woman walking toward him. His mouth almost dropped open before he could compose his face. Jake was correct in his opinion that she was a beautiful woman.
She glided toward him wearing dark gray clothes. Not a cheerful color for a wedding. The realization suddenly hit him that she was no happier over this ceremony than he was.
Ha, she should be happy to be paired with him. He was good at his job and would make certain she was safe. All she had to do was look regal and let him work.
With an inscrutable expression, Maggie looked neither happy nor sad. That is, unless he gazed into her green eyes. He caught a flicker of panic before she regained control.
The ceremony was brief. Soon he slid a dazzling ring on her finger. He wondered where she obtained such a jewel.
The reception included sandwiches as well as cake and punch. He was too angry to eat. He noticed his bride—what a situation—didn’t eat either.
Marianne pressed a basket handle into his
hands. “I’m sorry you don’t have time to celebrate with your friends. You’ll have this for the first part of your trip. Right now, your luggage is loaded and the carriage is waiting to take you to the depot. You barely have time to catch your stage.”
Maggie appeared at his side wearing a ridiculous hat and a voluminous coat that almost reached the floor. “I’m ready when you are.”
To cheers and a couple of jeers, they boarded the carriage and were on their way. At the depot, the stage driver and his second loaded the luggage on top of the stage.
The driver sent them a sour look. “Brought everything you own, did you? Other passengers need space for their things, too.”
Maggie touched the driver’s arm. “Thank you for your help when I know this must be trying for you.”
She gestured to her skirt showing when her unbuttoned coat flapped open. “You understand how much room is required for all the skirts and petticoats and fripperies required of a woman. Such a trial that society demands we change clothes so often. I can’t imagine what I’d do if you weren’t so accommodating.”
Cloud was certain the middle-aged driver blushed under his tan. “Don’t you worry none, ma’am. We’ll find places for everything. You just get inside and settle as comfortably as you can. Won’t be pleasant for a lady like you. Road’s bumpy and twisty and dangerous. We’ll be going straight through until we get to Trinidad. ‘Course you can stretch your legs when we change horses.”
She smiled at the man. “I’m confident you’ll get us to our destination safely.” She climbed up into the coach with assistance from the driver.
Cloud followed, awed at the change in the driver’s attitude. Maybe having Princess Snobby along wouldn’t be as bad as he’d imagined.
***
Maggie leaned against the padded seat, grateful they were starting their journey in a Concord coach. She hoped the vehicle wouldn’t be filled with the nine passengers it could hold.
Cloud set the basket of provisions at her feet. “We’d better eat one of these sandwiches before the stage fills. I don’t intend to share.”
“I’m not really hungry.”
“Look, neither of us was happy about this arrangement. You have to eat or you’ll be sick on me. I can’t do my job and nurse you, too. Take something.”
An Agent For Magdala Page 1
