Not everyone was fond of police officers, and even honest people went out of their way to avoid cops. All his years of experience said that wasn’t the case here—the stranger had something to hide. Gabe put finding out exactly who this man was and his connection to Mullaney on the list of things he needed to know.
Gabe glanced at Jack, but his partner’s eyes were closed tight. Sadie leaned over him, whispering in his ear and brushing the curls back from Jack’s face. Stella sat still and quiet at her father’s side, holding his hand. His stomach lurched, the specter of losing his best friend looming large again.
He prayed Taylor and Maxwell would bring the car soon. Gabe cleared his throat and turned his attention back to the young labor leader. “What can I do for you, Mullaney?”
“I needed you to know that my men and I, we didn’t have anything to do with what happened.” Dominic waved his hat toward the square. “The fighting, the guns and the explosions—the union didn’t have a part in starting any of that. Our families were here watching the parade. No matter what the ship owners claim, the union’s not cold blooded enough to set off bombs around our kids.”
Gabe studied Mullaney’s face. Even if that wasn’t true for all the union men, Dominic believed what he’d said. “All right, fair enough for now. I don’t know you very well, but Father Colm speaks highly of you, and I respect his opinion. But that doesn’t mean I won’t keep asking questions. Any idea who might have set this up?”
“I swear on my mother’s grave, Captain Ryan, I don’t have any notion of who was on that roof. I’d like to find out.” Mullaney crushed the brim of his hat in a fist and scowled. “And I want to know what trick they used to get friends fighting each other and seeing things that weren’t there.”
Delia had stayed silent and listened to everything said, but now she leaned forward, suddenly more attentive. “Seeing things, Mr. Mullaney? What did your men see?”
Dominic glanced over his shoulder and lowered his voice. “All the men I talked to said there were monsters and angels reaching for them. That’s who they thought they were fighting or trying to drive away from their families. If twenty men weren’t all telling the same story, I’d think the whole lot of them were lying.”
“I agree, Mr. Mullaney. The odds of twenty men concocting the same story are very slim.” Dee chewed her bottom lip, thinking. “Did you see these angels and monsters?”
Mullaney slapped his hat against his leg, a nervous rhythm that said he was as confused about what had happened as any of them. “No, missus. I didn’t see anything myself, but I heard the wind keening like a banshee. All my men heard the wailing and made a point of saying so. I can testify to that part being true.”
The urge to move, to walk away while he thought things out swept over him, but Gabe forced himself to be still. He’d been too young before his grandmother died to hear her stories about banshees, but his mother had repeated the tales for him once he was almost grown. Gram’s stories said banshees could appear as ugly old hags or as beautiful women, and that anyone who heard them wail knew death stalked the household. If several banshees appeared together, it foretold the death of someone important or holy, a nobleman or a priest. Another of his grandmother’s tales said a banshee was the ghost of a murdered woman.
“Monsters and angels … Mother of God.” Gabe wiped a hand over his mouth. Those stories belonged to the Irish countryside where his grandmother was born, not San Francisco. “I saw something in the smoke, but I thought it was my mind playing tricks.”
“Then my mind was playing tricks on me too. I’ve never heard anything like the voices riding on that wind.” Sam crossed his arms over his chest and stretched out his long legs. “But I didn’t feel the need to take a swing at anyone after hearing them, other than in self-defense. Neither did Gabe or any of the uniformed officers. From what you say, Mr. Mullaney, the same holds true for you. I wonder why that is?”
“You’re right to wonder, Sam. None of it makes sense.” Delia met Gabe’s eyes. She didn’t need to tell him that the faces in the smoke were phantoms of some sort. That much was clear. Over the years, he’d learned enough from Delia and Isadora to understand that spirits were limited in what they could do, and who they could influence. Not even the strongest ghost could incite an entire crowd to riot.
From where he sat right now, that looked to be exactly what happened. That was a terrifying thought, but so was the possibility that something else, something entirely outside his experience, had happened.
Maxwell and Taylor came into view, hurrying through the lobby, looking for Jack and Gabe. The two patrolmen were followed closely by four other men carrying canvas stretchers. Taylor saw Gabe and pointed the alcove out to the stretcher-bearers before trotting over himself.
“Captain, the hospital sent an ambulance for the lieutenant.” Taylor spoke quickly. “Dr. Jodes insisted and said for us to hurry. He’s worried the lieutenant might have a concussion.”
“I’m going with him. Sit with your aunt Delia, Stella.” Sadie kissed Stella’s cheek and moved her to the other sofa near Gabe, giving the ambulance attendants room to work. She stood out of the way, clutching her handbag tight as the four burly men eased Jack down onto the stretcher. “Dee … would you mind getting Stella and Connor home to Annie? I’ll call from the hospital as soon as I have news.”
“Of course I don’t mind! Don’t worry about either of them for an instant.” Delia stood, putting Connor on her hip so she could hug Sadie. “You tend to Jack and I’ll look after the children. Everyone will be fine, I promise.”
Gabe managed to get to his feet without too much trouble and stood with Delia. All Jack’s friends watched the ambulance attendants carry him away. Sadie walked right next to the stretcher, never taking her eyes off Jack’s face. Stella sat on the edge of the sofa as her parents left, swinging her legs and singing quietly. She was too young to understand.
Too young to worry.
Taylor cleared his throat. “Captain, the car’s waiting at the side of the hotel. Now that Lieutenant Fitzgerald’s seen to, I can drive Mrs. Ryan and the children to the lieutenant’s house.”
“Yes, that would help a great deal. Is that all right with you, Dee?” He tucked a strand of brown hair behind her ear, fighting back the pang of loss and longing that always surfaced when he saw her holding Connor. She’d made her peace with not having children, but there were times he still struggled. “I’ll feel better knowing you’re all with Annie.”
“That’s more than all right. I think I’ve had enough adventures for one day.” Dee leaned against him for an instant, eyes closed. She sighed and stepped back. “We weren’t able to telephone the house. Annie’s likely worrying herself into a fine state by now. If we leave her to her own devices for too long, she’s likely to come down here and take command. She’s put them to work in her kitchen often enough, I don’t think there’s a man on the squad who wouldn’t obey her orders. We should likely avoid making the men choose between her cooking and you.”
He smiled. “You’re right. It wouldn’t be a fair contest.”
“Gabe, I’ve got an idea.” Sam gestured at the sofa, his expression pleasant and carefully bland. A public face, designed to hide secrets from Mullaney and anyone who might be watching. “Send Libby and Alina with Dee. That would solve the immediate problem of making them wait until I could escort them home. We can work out the rest later.”
Alina had stopped sobbing, but she kept her head on Libby’s shoulder and her face turned toward the wall. She was likely both hiding and listening to everything that was said. The young woman didn’t know any of them, and given what had happened, she’d good reason to be cautious.
At Jack’s they’d all be safe, at least for the moment. He didn’t have many men to spare, but he’d find two or three to stand guard over the Fitzgerald house. Gabe wasn’t willing to take any chances. “That’s an excellent idea. Libby and Alina will be more comfortable and Annie will worry less if she has someone to fuss
over until Jack comes home. Square things with Libby.”
Butler moved to kneel next to Libby, keeping his voice low and talking quickly. Libby glanced up, meeting Gabe’s eyes, and nodded.
Gabe took Taylor aside and gave the patrolman his orders. His estimation of Libby Mills went up a notch when she took off her shawl and draped it around Alina’s head and shoulders, swaddling the girl so that her face was almost completely hidden. Libby helped her to her feet, wrapping an arm around Alina’s waist. “That will help warm you up and keep you from taking a chill. Come along, now. We’re going someplace you can rest.”
Delia watched the whole exchange, but didn’t say anything. She kissed Gabe’s cheek and took Stella’s hand. “Let’s go home to Annie. She must be lonely without us. Wave good-bye to Uncle Gabe.”
Mullaney stood awkwardly off to one side as they left, still toying with his hat and obviously torn about whether to leave or stay. Exhaustion tugged down the corners of his mouth and made his shoulders droop. Gabe took pity on him.
“Go home, Dominic. It’s been a rough day for all of us. Just don’t get the idea that I’m finished with you. I want you in my office to answer questions tomorrow morning.” Gabe fished his fedora out of an inside pocket and combed fingers through his hair before putting the hat on. Lifting his arms that high still hurt like hell, but he wasn’t going to let Mullaney see. “If I don’t hear from you by noon, I’ll issue a warrant for your arrest.”
“I’ll be there.” Mullaney looked Gabe in the eye. “I’ve got nothing to hide, Captain. I’ll answer any question you want.”
“I’ll hold you to that. Answer one for me now, and then you can leave.” Gabe stuffed his hands into his overcoat pockets, surprised to find they weren’t filled with debris. He nodded toward the far side of the lobby. “That man’s been watching us since we started talking. Who is he?”
Mullaney glanced over his shoulder. “A friend, Aleksei Nureyev. He’s one of the union officers. Why?”
“Curiosity. I like to know who’s watching me.” He shrugged and gave Dominic a fleeting smile. “Don’t forget. Tomorrow before noon.”
“I’ll be there.” Mullaney slicked his hair back before walking away. “Get some rest, Captain. You look like you need it.”
Butler came to stand next to Gabe, arms folded over his chest. Together they watched Dominic cross the lobby and join Aleksei Nureyev.
“Sam, I need to ask a favor.”
“Let me guess. You want me to dig something up on Nureyev.” Sam gave him a sideways glance. “Consider it done. Any special reason?”
“Call it a hunch. Something about him rubs me the wrong way. And I really do like to know who’s spying on me.” Gabe stared across the lobby, watching Dominic talk to Nureyev. Aleksei was angry and red faced, holding tight to Mullaney’s arm and speaking rapidly. The only thing that kept him from yelling was that Gabe and Sam were watching. At a guess, Aleksei knew he’d been seen skulking and trying to eavesdrop, and that Dominic had given the police his name. Mullaney might not have anything to hide, but Aleksei Nureyev did.
Nureyev’s secret was the top question on Gabe’s list. He doubted that Dominic knew the answer.
CHAPTER 4
Delia
I tucked another blanket around Connor, relieved and grateful that he could relax at home and had fallen asleep so easily. The wards and boundaries on the house were stronger than I’d hoped. Even after four years, they still served well to keep all but the most determined spirits from entering his bedroom.
“Determined” was the only word to describe the princess ghost. She’d followed me here, just as she’d followed me all day. I’d discovered her image in the corner of a silver picture frame and in the small mirror hanging near the door. She watched as I got Connor settled, interested and aware, and noting my every move. As long as she didn’t disturb his rest, I was content to let her be, at least for now. Mustering the energy necessary to send her away would be difficult at best.
I sat in the rocker next to Connor’s small bed, one hand resting lightly on his back, and studied her. Whether it was a mask donned to show the members of court I couldn’t say, but she carried herself with a confidence instilled in royals from birth. She’d been sure of who she was, of her future and the path laid out for her. I didn’t sense any arrogance, or any hint that the princess had looked down on people of a lesser station. Death had come for her suddenly, a surprise, cutting short the dreams she’d had for herself.
That was a sad thing to realize. We all had hopes and dreams.
The princess observed me in turn, calm and placid in a way I’d rarely seen in such a strong ghost. Normally strong spirits were disruptive, inserting themselves into the world of the living and imposing their will on anyone unable to resist. People had gone mad under the combined onslaught of a ghost’s focused anger and pressure to do as the spirit bade. Some minds had never recovered after being broken. I counted it a blessing she appeared to have no interest in Connor.
But it occurred to me that the princess wasn’t here because of Connor’s sensitivity to spirits. I became more sure of that the longer I looked into her eyes. She wanted something of me, desired I deliver a message or fulfill a task she couldn’t perform herself. I’d learned through hard-won experience that the princess, like all ghosts, would persist until I found a way to banish her or the task was completed.
I was nothing more than a means to get what she wanted, a tool to be used and discarded. The truth of that nestled into my bones. She’d warned me before the shooting started not out of any sense of altruism or concern for my welfare, but for reasons of her own. Not the least of those reasons was that I’d be useless to her dead.
“Who are you, spirit? Where did you come from?” My words were little more than a whisper, but I knew she’d hear. I’d no hope she’d answer. “And why come to me? I can’t imagine what use I’d be to royalty. Those who knew you or might have cared for you are on the other side of the world. Europe is a long way from San Francisco.”
Curiosity about who the princess had been and where she’d lived warred with my good sense. Much as I wanted to know why she’d sought me out, I couldn’t take the risk of letting down my guard. She’d shown no interest in Connor as of yet, but that couldn’t last. His safety was more important than seeking answers to my questions.
The flurry of Dora’s arrival sounded from downstairs, complete with flirtatious greetings for the officers on guard. Living with Randy Dodd had ended her quest to conquer the hearts of all the officers in Gabe’s squad, but nothing would keep her from flirting. Still, I heard the strain in her voice.
“Be a dear, Charlie, and hang up my coat. Where is Mrs. Ryan?”
Officer Finlay’s voice echoed in the entryway. “She’s upstairs with the lieutenant’s little boy. Any word from the hospital?”
I could imagine Dora shaking her head and touching his arm before answering. “No, nothing yet. I’d hoped someone here would know.”
Rapid footfalls sounded on the stairs, reaching the top so fast, Dora must have taken the steps two at a time. She hurried down the hallway just as quickly.
I glanced at the princess ghost to see how she’d react to Isadora’s arrival, wondering if she’d vanish or her expression would change. Instead of reacting as I’d imagined, the spirit had turned to watch the door, calm and seemingly unconcerned.
That puzzled me and added another layer of worry, not that I needed more. Most ghosts had the self-preservation and good sense to avoid Dora. I’d learned a great deal about the spirit realm and the occult world from Isadora Bobet over the last four years, but her abilities still far outstripped mine. Spirits feared what she could do in terms of driving them from the world of the living.
They had good reason to be afraid. No spirit had ever stood for long against the force of Dora’s will.
I didn’t think for an instant the princess was ignorant of Dora’s power. The question was whether her willingness to face Dora came from
arrogance or some arcane knowledge that nothing could touch her. Gazing at the spirit’s serene expression, I wasn’t sure it mattered. The princess ghost meant to stand firm.
Dora appeared in the doorway, flushed and uncharacteristically teary eyed. She hurried across the room and pulled me up out of the chair, folding me into a fierce hug. “I’ve never been so glad to see you, Dee. I drove Randy over to the Palace Hotel. I couldn’t get very near the square or the fountain. They … they were still uncovering bodies in the rubble. Are you all right? And Gabe? I haven’t heard a word from anyone about him.”
“I’m shaken and a bit frightened, but otherwise fine. Gabe admits to being sore and bruised, but he’s not letting that stop him from working. He refused to go to the hospital with Jack. Sam’s looking after him for me.” I hugged Dora in return and stepped back to see her face. “Sadie and the children, and Sam and his friend Libby all escaped unhurt. It was a near thing for all of us, but we made it home in one piece.”
“I was half-frantic when I first heard what happened, and after seeing the wreckage … I was beside myself. Noah Baxter told me you were all right, but I needed to see for myself. But your husband is the most stubborn, obstinate creature I’ve ever known, and I plan to tell him so. Gabe should have seen the doctor.” Dora gripped my hand tight, steeling herself for the next question. “I know Sadie went with Jack to the hospital. How much should I worry?”
“Jack was terribly pale and quiet, but he managed to walk to the Palace lobby before he collapsed. Scott Jodes is taking care of him, so I’m not so worried as I’d be otherwise. Sadie promised to call as soon as she knew anything. All we can do is wait.” Connor stirred in his sleep, stretching and kicking at the blanket, but didn’t wake. I patted his back and went on. “I’m just as glad to see you, maybe more so. This has been a very strange and trying day, and a lot of what happened baffles me. I’m hoping you might know what to make of things. Men tossing bombs off a roof and shooting into the parade crowd aren’t near half of it.”
Against a Brightening Sky Page 5
