An Agent for Clementine

by Ginny Sterling

  “I know what it is like to care for someone- it creates a void in you that hurts when you cannot share your feelings with them. Have you told your husband how you feel?”

  “Not yet,” Clementine whispered in a hushed manner, looking at Marianne. “Everything is so new between us and I’m frightened to spoil it.”

  “Communication is key to every good relationship- even if it’s hard to do.”

  “Have you told your special someone that you care for him?”

  Clementine was surprised to glimpse a pained look on Marianne’s face that was quickly hidden away behind that cool demeanor. She almost felt sorry for the secretary if her love was unrequited. Just as she was opening her mouth to speak, Clementine saw Jericho and presumably Mr. Gordon walk into the lobby.

  “Ladies,” Archibald Gordon said, commanding attention. Both women got to their feet. He abruptly spun on his heel and indicated they should all follow him back to the office again. Jericho held out his hand to Clementine and guided her to a leather chair nearby, putting her directly opposite of Mr. Gordon. As she glanced over her shoulder, she saw Marianne remained standing at the back of the room watching everything. The woman had a keen eye and Clementine was pretty sure she knew every aspect of what moves the agency made. Jericho stood directly behind Clementine, almost in a protective manner.

  “Miss Clementine Fenton, is it?”

  “No,” she blurted out, correcting him immediately. She watched as Mr. Gordon smile coolly. “It’s Clementine Buchannan, sir. We followed your instructions as you gave them.”

  “I’m surprised.”

  “So was I, to be quite honest.”

  “Oh? Do you have problems following directions?”

  “No sir. You have to admit, marrying a stranger was bit much though.”

  “Was he a stranger though?”

  Clementine saw that he already knew the answer to the question and was prodding her to see how she would respond. No wonder the man insisted on interviewing each person. He wanted to see how they functioned, responded, and their physical signs to see if they would be able to perform as an agent.

  “He was and wasn’t – but you already knew that, didn’t you? Jericho told you that during your discussions that I was excluded from.”

  “Actually, your husband and I discussed what he knew of the new Coinage Act that had been passed recently. Have you heard of it?”

  “Vaguely.” Clementine had not, but didn’t want to appear ignorant in front of the man questioning her. It was making her nervous that Jericho was standing just out of sight, hovering behind her. Why couldn’t he sit down nearby so she could reach out to him or look at him to calm her nerves?

  “The United States has moved to backing their monies with only gold- effectively bottoming out the market for silver that is mined. Prices have already dropped, causing quite a bit of disruption for investors and banks.”

  “What does that have to do with us?”

  “I like that, Marianne,” Archibald said with a grin that split his face. “She’s already referring to the agency as ‘us’. Splendid!”

  “I think she meant her new husband, Mr. Gordon.”

  “I knew that.”

  “Of course, you did,” Marianne agreed smoothly.

  “Your husband’s family manages several investment banks and word has reached the government that some are funding loans with little money to back them. Since Jericho is familiar with that field, I am asking you both to investigate a firm that I believe has overextended itself for ill gains. If this is the case, it will be detrimental to the banking system and impact the continental U.S. in ways we have yet to imagine. There would be chaos in the streets if suddenly our money was worthless.”

  “You don’t want us to go after the James-Younger gang?”

  “No,” Archibald said flatly, crossing his fingers over his chest. “So, how did Jesse James derail the train? Dynamite? Coins on the tracks? Remove the tracks altogether? You see, Mrs. Buchannan – I am quite certain that while you noticed the fine details, it would not have gone unnoticed eventually. What I am more impressed with is the fact that you have such gumption, drive, and ambition to hightail it across country to uphold the law. You did as you were asked in marrying Jericho, even though you two were betrothed… and you’ll do as I’ve asked again. Forget James– that bit is handled. Your only focus will be on Smithfield Bank and Trust in St. Louis. I need your eyes and ears there- posthaste.”

  Clementine felt as if she was being chastised, praised, and berated all at once. Jericho must have noticed it as well because he gently lay his hand on her shoulder in silent support and interrupted Mr. Gordon.

  “My wife is all that and more. We’ve a job to do and we will do so without the lecture, sir. We just need to know how you want us to proceed.”

  Archibald Gordon got to his feet slowly, his eyes glued on Jericho. As he stood, he glanced stonily at the couple for a split moment before laughing merrily.

  “I like you two! Gumption, I do say! My boy, you’ll stare down anyone- won’t you?” he cried, extending his own hand towards Jericho and then Clementine. He shook theirs vigorously and cried out happily.

  “Welcome to the Pinkertons, Mrs. Buchannan!”

  11

  Smithfield Bank and Trust looked to be quite the establishment upon first glance as they arrived in St. Louis. Jericho arranged for them to stay in a hotel across the street from their headquarters. Clementine was a little surprised that Jericho arranged for them to have separate bedrooms once again. She remembered that conversation with a pang in her chest.

  “I’m blessed to have you as my bride,” he’d told her gruffly, looking away and tugging at his collar nervously. “I won’t have you running off right away.”

  It had struck her as odd, but Marianne’s words had set a chill in her soul. She thought Jericho loved her, but perhaps it was all an act to keep her docile until their mission was over. Would he ask for an annulment then? How on earth would she ever explain to her parents that she wasn’t good enough?

  She’d happily accepted the room – and the affection he gave from a distance. He smiled at her, treated her politely, and would occasionally steal a little kiss… but that was it. Clementine knew there was more to the marriage bed but didn’t dare intercede for fear of rejection. She would just try to be the best wife and partner a man could ever wish for!

  Checking into their rooms, she found herself admiring Jericho’s physique as he carried up her bag. It was a relief to have her clothing and toiletries once again. Her bag had finally made it to Denver and was among a stack of cases in the ticket office due to the circumstances. She and her new husband had left for St. Louis immediately.

  That had been a week ago.

  The past several nights, she’d lain there in her bed listening to the noise on the streets and was quite alarmed to hear her husband’s door open, then close, late in the evening. He’d told her that he was going to see what word he could gather on the street. Obviously it meant he was going to cavort around among the slew of bars on the southern side of town. It made for a long, sleepless night when she was filled with doubt, worry, and a tinge of envy… she wanted to be the focus of his world, and was getting the impression she was going to be set aside.

  Another week passed and things were proceeding about the same. Each morning, they would head out in town, mingling along the streets and saying hello. Occasionally her husband would strike up a conversation. He was playing his part to perfection – for every farce had an element of truth to it in order to make it believable! He was Jericho Buchannan, heir to Buchannan Steele, and word was spreading that he was looking to relocate or branch out on his own. Starting up another plant meant construction and heavy funding – something that brought out the lenders in droves.

  They were having dinner in a nearby restaurant when a strange man suddenly walked up to their table. He was quite tall, very charismatic, and greeted them both warmly.

  “Jericho Buchan
nan is it?” he said, with a wide smile. “My name is John Kilgore. I own this branch of the Smithfield Bank. My beautiful wife is just over yonder at that table, won’t you join us?”

  “Sweetheart?” Jericho said politely, turning to Clementine with a pointed look and a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. He was putting on an act for the man and silently encouraging her to participate.

  “Of course! I should love to meet your wife, Mr. Kilgore. I am just getting my bearings here in St. Louis and would adore having a friend here in town,” Clementine replied demurely, dropping her eyes and placing her hands in her lap so they didn’t tremble. This was the man that they’d been sent to investigate.

  From what Archibald Gordon had told them, John Kilgore was funding and approving loans – even though the paper it was printed on was worthless. If the creditors came to collect suddenly, the bank would not be able to pay – yet, on paper, it showed he could. Something wasn’t adding up! On top of it all, there were rumors that the people who had confronted him had gone missing.

  John Kilgore could be a dangerous man. His wife looked absolutely clueless sitting there at the booth waiting for him. She was staring absently at the wallpaper near her head. When Clementine took her seat and murmured hello to the woman, she could barely understand her. Her words slurred heavily, yet she looked incredibly excited.

  “Sarah dear, this is Jericho Buchannan and his wife… ah, e-gads. I apologize, I didn’t collect your name,” John said sheepishly. It was obvious he was lying and only cared if her husband was there. Jericho’s face did not look pleased at the obvious slight to her.

  “My lovely bride’s name is Clementine.”

  “Nementine,” Sarah repeated, drawling out the word. Clementine tried not to stare as her eyes struggled to focus. The pupils in her bright green eyes were extremely tiny, making them look almost abnormally bright with color. She felt Jericho’s foot gently nudge hers.

  “It’s lovely to meet you Sarah,” Clementine said politely and noticed the server came over immediately. She immediately noticed it was like she and Sarah weren’t even there at the table. Jericho and John were talking amongst themselves, ordering drinks, and having a good time. It was like two friends had been reacquainted… and she had been sloughed off to the side like nothing.

  “Tell me about yourself, Sarah. How long have you and John been in St. Louis? Do you have any children? Any hobbies?” she asked the dazed woman brightly, trying to make the best of her obvious abandonment. Jericho’s laughter rang out at that moment, making her stomach clench with longing. She wanted to make him smile.

  “Hmmm?” Sarah muttered absently. “Isnnat preddy ina here? Johnny likes dis place.”

  “It smells delicious and I am quite famished. What do you like to have?”

  “Cheeeeecsh,” Sarah drawled, waving her finger in the air absently like she was trying to draw a picture on a blank canvas. The woman had not a care in the world and it didn’t seem to bother her a bit that people were starting to look.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Sheeeeesh lorin anew?”

  Clementine stared at her blankly as Sarah delicately patted the side of her mouth where she was drooling. What in the world was wrong with her?

  “Sarah, that’s enough,” John said forcibly, bringing Sarah to an abrupt halt. The woman’s lip trembled lightly and for a moment, Clementine was afraid Sarah would burst out in tears. The server returned to the table with a bottle of whiskey for the men. John arrogantly ordered a large steak for himself and a slice of Quiche Lorraine for Sarah. To her surprise, Jericho quickly ordered the same for her as well. Clementine didn’t even know if she liked quiche!

  Was that what Sarah had muttered earlier? Cheeesh- was quiche?

  Feeling guilty, she wondered if Sarah simply had a speech impediment that made her words slur. She was certainly beautiful to look at. Her face was surrounded by ringlets that escaped her stylish chapeau. Her pale cheeks reminded Clementine of a porcelain doll… just as hollow upstairs too, she thought instantly and pretended to choke in order to smother a horrid giggle that escaped her. She’d have to say an extra prayer for that malicious thought and perhaps she’d throw in another simply for Sarah’s sake.

  Time seemed to drag by for Clementine. She listened and watched the two men interact with each other. They were quite chummy, making her envious. Sarah was half asleep against the wall where her chair sat. It was disgraceful at how oblivious she was – and how the staff there at the restaurant ignored it. It was obvious whatever state she was in currently, this was not abnormal in the slightest!

  When the food arrived, Clementine’s dish tasted like sawdust. She only attempted to eat half of it, once Sarah started trying to eat her own meal. It was downright nauseating to watch her mangle her dinner. Bits of food kept falling out of her mouth, causing her to chuckle, spraying a bit more of the egg dish onto the table in front of her.

  Time dragged by as others around her ate their meals. She could smell the steak and her mouth watered thinking about it. It bothered her that Jericho ordered for her like John had. Did he think she was just as helpless as Sarah? Just when Clementine didn’t think she could bear it any longer, she heard the words she’d been waiting for.

  “I will be getting my little bride back to our room so she can rest. It’s been a long day and she looks exhausted.”

  “Do swing by my office tomorrow, Jerry,” John said with familiarity. Clementine swallowed hard. She missed the wonder and anticipation of her own Jerry. She wanted Jericho to look at her like ‘Jerry’ had on the train, teasing her with dreams of those breathless kisses and his tender eyes.

  “I’d be glad to, John. ‘Til then- I’ll see you soon.”

  “What is wrong with Sarah?” Clementine whispered in a hushed voice the moment they were outside. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to rescue her or shake her awake. Jericho’s hand took hold of her elbow, pinching it.

  “Not now,” he said tightly, smiling and nodding to other men walking past. “We’ll talk in the hotel room. There are too many people around us.”

  “Release me,” she whispered and was glad he dropped his hand quickly. They walked silently back to the hotel. Clementine assumed that they would part ways: her disappearing for the evening in her own room and Jericho off into the night- only reappearing much later in the evening. She opened her door, only to have Jericho follow her inside. The small room suddenly felt infinitely tinier as his large frame made her keenly aware of her femininity.

  “You hurt my arm.”

  “I don’t know who all is on John’s payroll. He could have ears everywhere and I won’t take a chance with your safety. People have disappeared, Clementine. I need you here with me.”

  “As your partner.”

  “Of course, as my partner,” he repeated, baffled. “Do you not want to be here?”

  “Yes, but…”

  “Then help me. Befriend Sarah and see what you can find out without getting caught. Talk to her, see if she lets anything slip that could be of use.”

  “How do I know something is useful if you haven’t shared anything with me the past few weeks you’ve been cavorting about town at all hours.”

  “I’ve been trying to make acquaintances in the financial community to find out what games John’s been playing.”

  “I’m sure you’ve been out participating in other types of evening sports too,” she muttered hotly.

  “What are you implying?”

  “I’ve heard your door open and close late at night. I know you are gone for hours after you hustle me into my room safely.”

  “Sweetheart, are you jealous?”

  “Of course not! -And don’t call me those pet names. Save them for your nightly acquaintances,” she snapped, crossing her arms over her chest.

  “Clementine, I would never sully your name or jeopardize our mission.”

  “It’s technically your name too – and you are right. It’s our mission and for your information: I hate quic
he.”

  “I’m sorry. I had to play into his role and the men around John are typically arrogant, yet cave to his every whim. So, I wanted John to feel like I was trying to be like him. To answer your earlier question about Sarah – I think she’s addicted to something. I don’t know if its poppy, laudanum, or something stronger .”

  “Thank you for explaining to me. If you’d have included me, then I at least know what is going on and don’t feel like I’m floundering about.”

  “I’m working on trying to get us invited to an exclusive gathering John and Sarah are throwing Saturday. Its short notice, but the crème de la crème of society is supposed to be there. From what I’ve found out from a few men who were deep in their cups… John pays off creditors so they forget about the past-due funds. He’s in deep trouble and a man like that can be extremely dangerous.”

  “You keep saying that.”

  “It’s because I mean it.”

  “A gathering, hmm?”

  “Yes. There’s supposed to be dinner and dancing. Does my little bride like to dance?” he asked softly, making her heart thump wildly in her chest. His hand reached out to tuck a curl behind her ear and she felt him caress her cheek. Her eyes closed in response as she leaned into his hand.

  “I think I’d like to waltz with my favorite sweet petunia,” she heard him chuckle. Her eyes snapped open and she swatted his hand away from her face immediately.

  “Where do you come up with these ridiculous names anyway?”

  His laughter filled the room as he wiped the mirth from his eyes. She loved his smile, but not at her expense. Stomping her foot angrily, she practically snarled at him.

  “I’m going to need a dress for the event and you need to go away. I’m tired.”

  “Anything for you, my little prickly pear.”

  “GET OUT!” she snapped, hearing him roar with amusement.