An Agent for Regina

by Marianne Spitzer

  She turned in her seat and looked directly at him and said quietly, “Did something happen when you were a child?”

  Luke nodded. “I was left on the doorstep of an Oklahoma orphanage when I was an infant. No note, no name, nothing. They named me Lucas because L was the next letter in the alphabet for abandoned children. I have no idea where the name Tucker came from. By the time I was old enough to wonder about it, the head-mistress that was there when I arrived had passed away. The new headmistress had a habit of repeating your name three times when she reprimanded you, and she did that to me quite often. I heard ‘Lucas, Lucas, Lucas’ more times than I can count.”

  Regina saw pain spread across his face and reached for his hand. “I’m sorry Luke. I can’t imagine. That is worse than having to put up with my step-mother. At least I had my grandparents for sixteen years. I promise to always call you Luke.”

  Luke squeezed her hand, and when she didn’t pull away, he continued to hold it when he asked another question. “Why didn’t you stay to finish your last year of schooling?”

  “I was bored,” Regina said honestly. “I remember everything I read, and I never answered a question wrong or failed to score perfectly on my tests. Each time I went home with a perfect report for my father, my step-mother asked me if I cheated. Once she implied I was giving favors to my teachers, and the final blow was when she accused me of being a witch and said I must have practiced it at school. My father sent me back to school after only two weeks at home last summer, and I was able to take an extra class. I vowed not to go back home this summer, but when I found out I didn’t have a choice, I decided to quit school and look for employment, but I received the letter from my grandparent’s attorney, and life changed in an instant.” Regina drew in a deep breath and sat back in her seat never letting loose of Luke’s hand.

  Regina turned to Luke and said, “I wanted to be a U.S. Marshal or a small-town sheriff, but I knew that would be difficult if not impossible. I decided to try and join the Pinkerton’s. I was on my way to Denver when I saw the editorial. I was thrilled.” She stared at the passing scenery out the window hoping Luke didn’t think she was too impetuous to be an agent.

  “I understand. Growing up, I was teased by most of the older boys. Even though they were also orphans, most knew what happened to their parents. I was the butt end of a lot of jokes and stories about the unwanted boy. All I seemed good for was to play Poker with them so they could show me how good they were and how stupid I was. That’s when I realized I could remember each card that was played. Eventually, I began to beat them. They, in turn, beat me physically, but I learned the game. They left the home, and I played with the younger ones until I was sixteen and left. The headmistress made us work outside the home once we turned fourteen. I was given the job of cleaning horse stalls at various places around town. After two years, I decided I could make it on my own.”

  Regina had leaned closer while listening to Luke. He seemed so open and different than the confident man she knew. “Where did you go?”

  “To the next town over and got a job swamping out a saloon. I was able to watch men play Poker and saw professional gamblers play. After a while, I was asked to sit in occasionally, and that’s how I became a professional.”

  The train whistle blew, and the brakes screeched. Regina saw the landscape slow, and a small town came into view. “We aren’t there yet, are we?”

  “No, this is just one of the regular stops. We still have a way to go.”

  Regina scooted a bit closer still holding his hand and whispered, “So tell me how you stopped being a professional gambler and became a Pinkerton.”

  Luke smiled remembering his former life. “I survived being shot by an angry player who accused me of cheating. I wasn’t of course, but he shot me anyway. I didn’t want to ever feel that pain again. After that, I decided to quit gambling, and I met Archie, and well, here I am.”

  Regina giggled, “You decided you didn’t like being shot, gave up gambling, and became an agent. Aren’t you worried someone will shoot you while you’re on a case?”

  “It’s different somehow. Facing an angry man who claims you cheated is one thing, but knowing you’re fighting to help someone else is a good reason. Either way, I don’t relish the idea of being shot, but I’ll do what I have to do.”

  Regina’s hand flew to her mouth, “Oh Luke, I am so sorry. I threatened to shoot you more than once. I had no idea. Please forgive me.”

  “You’re forgiven. I suppose this could be considered our first marital spat. We could kiss and make up,” Luke said the mischief in his eyes apparent.

  “Luke Tucker, you are hopeless. If we ever do kiss, you will have to come up with an excellent reason,” Regina said and then fell against him as the train lurched forward.

  She didn’t move for a moment, and Luke answered, “I will do my best to come up with several good reasons and as soon as possible.”

  Regina shifted back to her place on the seat knowing she’d have to be careful around Luke. A few hours on a train listening to his life’s story and she could feel the barrier between them shift. She liked him. That could be more dangerous than any case they were assigned.

  Chapter Seven

  Regina slipped into a light sleep and woke when she again heard the train’s wheels squeal as the train began to slow down. She sat up straight and scooted further away from Luke when she realized she’d fallen asleep and somehow her head ended up on his shoulder. His broad smile told her he didn’t mind.

  “I’m sorry,” Regina said as she tugged down on her suit jacket.

  “Don’t be. You were tired, and I didn’t want to disturb you,” Luke assured the smile never leaving his face.

  “Thank you,” Regina returned his smile.

  “Well, I think we need to find a hotel. The stage doesn’t leave until tomorrow morning. It’ll give us some time to discuss our strategy.”

  The look on Regina’s face told him he should explain further. “Don’t worry. We’ll get two rooms. We’re not supposed to be married when we reach Treefall, so we’ll start acting that way now. Since your father might have someone looking for you, just use the name Regina Tucker, and I’ll be Luke Smith. I usually change my name to Smith when needed. I’m used to it.”

  “I think that will work,” Regina answered and took Luke’s offered hand.

  After checking into the hotel, they met in the nearly empty dining room for coffee and tea. Luke insisted they both have a slice of apple pie. Regina didn’t complain.

  “Now,” Luke said, “This is an odd case. The urgency of an abducted woman is more important than any type of illicit printing operation.”

  “I agree, but I don’t understand why we’re looking into the printing operation. Presses are protected by the Constitution to print what they wish,” Regina said before taking a bite of her pie.

  “Yes, they are, but there are limits. Archie pulled me aside when you ran off to find those two dresses and explained the nature of the books being printed. Most are just of a carnal nature which do not break any laws; however, disturbing types of books are making an appearance in the New York area. In the simplest explanation, they are written as a textbook style with illustrations depicting abhorrent behavior. A young woman was found murdered in New York, and when her killer was found, he said he followed the instructions in the book.”

  “What?” Regina whispered. “Someone wrote a book on ways to kill?”

  Luke nodded. “Yes, and while the book may or may not meet the legal requirements of breaking the law, we were assigned to see if we can find the source. The bookstore owner had a cellar full of illicit books and quite a few of these other books. He claims his brother wrote them from Wyoming, but for some reason, the brother stopped sending books. The man received a cryptic telegram from Cheyenne saying someone could supply the books his brother stopped sending.”

  “I understand, but what does that have to do with our missing teacher and Treefall?” Regina asked befor
e sipping the last of her tea.

  “Since the man was under arrest, the police interceded the telegram and sent one in reply having the authorities in Cheyenne watching to see who picked up the reply. For some reason, there was a commotion, and the man rode off before he could be stopped and questioned, but his description matches that of…”

  “Let me guess, Red Conroy.”

  Luke nodded, “Yes, and he rode off in the direction that would take him back to Treefall.”

  “Then there is an urgency. Miss Stegler could be in more danger than I thought. Thank you for sharing the information with me,” Regina answered.

  “You’re my partner. I just wasn’t sure how to explain this to a lady,” Luke said sheepishly.

  “As you said, we’re partners. Weren’t we hired because women can be useful in delicate situations? This definitely seems to fit that description, but as an agent, we’re also tough enough to know the facts. Please don’t ever hold something back from me because you think it’s too difficult for me to hear.” Regina reached out and took Luke’s hand hoping to assure him she could handle whatever he needed to share.

  “That’s a promise. We should get some sleep, so we’re well rested before the stage arrives. It isn’t easy resting on one,” Luke suggested.

  “Don’t people usually try to get to know one another on the rides? Who and what are we supposed to be?” Regina asked. “Our cover story needs to start now.”

  “I agree,” Luke answered. “Since Red Conroy seems to be associated with the saloon in Treefall or should be if he’s a gunslinger, then I need to be there a lot. I’ll go back to my best guise as a gambler. You’re my traveling companion.”

  “Won’t that raise a few eyebrows?” Regina wondered aloud.

  “Probably, but we can’t say you’re my sister. If we both need to be undercover at the saloon, I don’t want to try and convince people that I’d let my sister work at a saloon. As for your reputation, it’s safe. We are married, and that’s why Archie wanted the couples to marry. Regardless of what you must do aside from becoming a soiled dove, you don’t need to worry about what people will say.”

  “That’s a relief. I couldn’t do that. I’d shoot my first customer, and they’d hang me. Then our case would never be solved.” Regina said with a wink.

  Luke laughed. This case might work out better than he expected.

  ~ * ~

  Meanwhile, in the back office of the Magee saloon in Treefall Wyoming Territory, Red Conroy was sipping whiskey and explaining to his boss, Liam Magee, that the next book should be ready for the press in less than a week.

  “You know, boss,” Red said, “taking that teacher was well worth the scratches and black eye she gave me. She writes real good. She’s not happy about it, but the girls have her convinced she’s better off writing than working upstairs. That quieted her down some.”

  “I’m pleased Miss Stegler is working out. If that squirrelly little writer hadn’t decided to try and run when he heard his brother was under investigation, we could still be printing without her. Are you sure none of the girls are going to say a word about her being in the cellar?”

  “I’m sure. They know what happened to the writer and don’t want to be out under the dirt with him. It’s keeping ‘em in line.”

  Magee laughed and poured Red another whiskey. “You’re worth what I pay you, Red. You make sure they all stay in line, and we’ll get rich.”

  Red nodded, “The teacher won’t write the instruction books for us. She screamed and sobbed when I made her read one, but the girls are supplying her with enough stories to get a lot of books done. Without having to pay that writer feller, you’ll make a fortune.”

  “And you’ll make a smaller one if you keep her in line and writing,” Magee assured Red.

  “It beats sleeping on the hard ground, eatin’ jerky and pemmican, and facing down every idiot who thinks he’s faster than me,” Red said and slammed back his whiskey.

  Magee added, “You better get back out front and make sure things run smoothly and keep your eye out for anyone who looks suspicious. We don’t need another lawman coming through looking for our guest. It’s a good thing the sheriff was able to convince the last one she isn’t here.”

  “Yeah, it’s funny how one lawman will believe another and just ride off. By now, people must be sure that our teacher did run off with some fella and got married. Makes it easier to keep her hid.”

  “True, but you never know when someone might come nosing around. Keep your eyes open and listen to anyone talking about books or the missing teacher. We don’t need any trouble when things are working out so well,” Magee advised.

  Red nodded as he walked out of the office and toward the saloon’s main room. It was beginning to get busy, and he knew it’d be a busy night. Cowboys liked to drink on Saturday nights. The girls would be busy, too, but he needed them to occasionally check on the school teacher. For some reason, she didn’t seem to like Red, and he couldn’t figure out why. Ever since he brought her to the saloon, she seemed to dislike him, and he hadn’t hurt her not even after she punched him in the face when he tried to pull her onto his horse. Women were sure strange.

  “Maisy,” Red called across the saloon.

  “Yeah, Red,” Maisy answered as she rushed to his side.

  “You have teacher duty tonight,” Red explained.

  “Aww, Red, I’d make more money up here with the cowboys,” Maisy argued.

  “Magee said he’d pay you what you’d make plus a bonus. That teacher seems to like you best, and I need her to stay quiet with all the extra men in here tonight,” Red said.

  Maisy shrugged, “All right. I can spend the evening with her. Maybe I’ll remember more stories for her.”

  Red nodded as he watched Maisy slip quietly down the hall to the cellar door.

  Chapter Eight

  Luke and Regina stood outside the stage stop waiting for the stage to arrive. They waited with a drummer named Hayden who whispered to Luke a bit too loudly that he sold women’s underthings. When he asked Luke if he’d like to order something special for his lady friend, Luke’s scowl forced Regina to turn her back to hide her giggles. Ladies underthings, indeed. How could a man travel from town to town selling such things, but then Regina surmised that the underthings must come from somewhere. Back home they came from the dress shop. Did they have dress shops in the wilderness? Certainly, Treefall would be in the wilderness. Regina was excited to start their trip. She also wanted to see the catalog Mister Hayden said he had. It might pass the time, but she was sure Luke would never approve of her asking for the catalog.

  Luke helped Regina into the coach, and she straightened her brown skirt as he took the seat next to her.

  Mister Hayden smiled at her as he took his seat and Luke scowled again.

  “Wait, wait,” a male voice shouted from outside the door, and a middle-aged couple hurried to the door.

  The portly man helped a thin woman into the coach and sat down. When he did the coach rocked from the added weight.

  “Hello,” the woman said to Regina. “My name is Gretchen Collier, and this is my husband, Horace.”

  “I’m pleased to meet you, Missus Collier. My name is Regina Tucker. Are you traveling far?”

  “Yes, back to Treefall where we own the mercantile. Our son is watching the store while we visited our daughter and first grandchild,” Gretchen said and did her best to straighten her askew hat.

  Luke leaned forward and held out his hand to Mister Collier. “Good morning sir, my name is Luke Smith.”

  Mister Collier shook Luke’s hand energetically. “Good to meet you, please call me Horace. Are you traveling far?”

  “Montana,” Luke replied. “We may make some stops along the way to see the country.”

  “You must stop in Treefall,” Horace suggested. “It’s a nice little town, and we love living there.”

  Luke looked at Regina and winked. She smiled back and said, “It would be nice to sto
p in a town that others like and where we know someone.”

  “You must, my dear,” Gretchen agreed. “It’s a lovely place.”

  Could it be this easy? Regina thought. This nice couple wants us to stop in the very town we need to investigate. Maybe the rest of the town won’t see us as complete strangers, and it might be easier to get information.

  “I like that idea,” Regina said. “By the time we get there, I’m sure I’ll want to get out of this stage.”

  “That you will,” Gretchen explained. “But we’ll have a chance when we spend the night at the Miller’s. They own a stage stop about three-quarters of the way to Treefall. They’re a pleasant couple, and the food is good and always hot.”

  Regina nodded and glanced at Luke. He looked bored and unhappy. While she had been speaking to Gretchen, the drummer began showing Horace his catalog. Perhaps he hoped to sell several items for Horace to carry in the mercantile.

  “Please,” Regina asked. “Tell me more about Treefall.”

  “It’s been our home for twenty years,” Gretchen explained. “We opened the original store in a tent. We now have a two-story building with our living quarters on the top floor. It’s nicely painted, but some of the buildings are still plain weathered wood. We do have a café, a telegraph/post office, a newspaper office, but the paper closed two months ago, a hotel, bank, barbershop, the sheriff’s office, a doctor’s office, and of course a church. It doubles as a school during the day and if needed, a meeting hall. Right now, our pastor is collecting money for a church bell. We had enough money to build the church with a steeple, but no bell.”

  “How sad,” Regina said. “I do hope you get a bell soon. Does the church have an organ or piano?”

  Gretchen frowned and shook her head. “No, we can’t afford one, but we do sing loudly on Sunday mornings. The only place with a piano is Magee’s, but since the piano player moved on or died, I don’t hear it any longer which is good. He played that thing late into the night.”