Bedford Street Brigade 01 - Where the Lady Belongs
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The men sat forward in their chairs and showed interest.
“We’ve lived through many changes since the Bow Street group was disbanded several years ago. The Metropolitan Police has taken over and formed a Detective Department, but that crew is small and inexperienced.”
“What are you saying, Mack?” Jack asked.
“There are a lot of cases out there that need to be solved, and a lot of victims and families of victims willing to pay to find out who committed crimes against them. But you know—as do I—that each one of us is limited as to what he can accomplish working independently. I’d like to form a group similar to the Bow Street group. And I’d like you to join me.”
Silence.
“I don’t expect an answer right away,” Mack said when no one spoke, “but I’d at least like you to consider the advantages of working as a group.”
Cora watched as the shocked expressions turned to smiles.
“I don’t believe this,” Quinn said, leaning back in his chair and laughing. “I’ve dreamed that you’d come up with this plan, Mack. You’re the only one with the ingenuity and organizational skills to lead us. I’m in! I definitely want to be included.”
“As do I,” Jack voiced.
“And me,” Briggs said.
“Me, too,” Hugh said.
“Well, you’re not leaving me out,” Roarke said.
“And what will we call ourselves?” Quinn asked, looking at Mack.
Mack smiled at his wife. “Cora thought that, perhaps, since we live on Bedford Street and will be headquartered here, we might consider calling ourselves the Bedford Street Brigade.”
“The Bedford Street Brigade,” Quinn repeated. “I like it. It’s perfect, Cora.”
Quinn rose first and walked to where Mack sat. Mack rose and took Quinn’s extended hand. “Do you know how fortunate you were to meet Miss Cora Lane, Mack?”
“Oh yes,” Mack answered. “That day at the Exhibition was the luckiest day of my life.”
“It was a lucky day for all of us,” Hugh said, shaking Mack’s hand.
And the men of the Bedford Street Brigade sealed their futures with a handshake.
While Mack and Cora sealed their happily ever after with a kiss.
About the Author
Laura Landon enjoyed ten years as a high school teacher and nine years making sundaes and malts in her very own ice cream shop, but once she penned her first novel, she closed up shop to spend every free minute writing. Now she enjoys creating her very own heroes and heroines, and making sure they find the happily ever after.
A vital member of her rural community, Laura directed the town’s quasquicentennial, organized funding for an exercise center for the town, and serves on the hospital foundation board.
Laura lives in the Midwest, surrounded by her family and friends. She has written more than a dozen Victorian historical romances and is published by Prairie Muse Publishing and Montlake Romance.