“That is correct. Anything we talk about today, tomorrow, or any other day will be kept in strict confidence, whether the conversation takes place here in my office or elsewhere. You have my word. Tell me what I can do for you?”
“I’m here to hire your services.”
“Do you mind if I get a little more information? I don’t take every case that comes my way. I’ve learned that lesson the hard way.” Matthew admitted. He pulled some paper and a pencil out of his center desk drawer.”
“Yes, I’ve heard about your rather unfortunate handling of the Beamer case.”
Matthew studied the man sitting across from him. How could he have heard about that case? Very few people knew that Mr. Beamer had hired him to protect him from an unknown assailant.
He had worked day and night to keep Mr. Beamer safe. But Matthew had mistakenly trusted his client's absolute certainty in his wife. So, it didn’t matter that Matthew had left the man safely locked inside his own home while he, his partner Gus, and two more employees spent the night outside guarding every possible way in. The killer was already inside the house and sleeping in his client’s bed.
“Yes, that was quite unfortunate. Mr. Beamer was a nice man and I hated to see him murdered, especially by his own wife. I could protect him everywhere—except from his own beliefs. The news that the man died under my watch nearly bankrupted my company, but I’m slowly making my way back.”
“I’ve heard you’re an upstanding and trustworthy man, Mr. Bellamy. If I didn’t believe that, I wouldn’t be here. I also know you’re not married. Would you mind explaining why a gentleman such as yourself has never taken a wife?”
Matthew frowned at the man. “What has that got to do with anything?”
“I’m just wondering if you have any hidden vices, that’s all. Sometimes a smart man can hide weaknesses that could be detrimental to a marriage. I just want to know if those same weaknesses could prevent you from taking on this case. You see, I want to hire you to protect something very precious to me and I want to make certain your experienced and watchful eye is on alert at all times.”
“Well, I’ve never been married because I prefer it that way.” Matthew pushed memories of Julia back to the past where they belonged. “Since you seem to know a lot about me, I’d like to know a little about you, if you don’t mind. Like I said, I don’t accept every case that comes my way.” Matthew wanted to get more information before he said yes or no. He’d had a belly full of jealous husbands and wives and wasn’t sure he could handle one more of those type cases. Especially with the image of Bartie Pennyworth so fresh in his mind.
“I’ll pay you ten thousand dollars cash, Mr. Bellamy. Half today and half when the job is done. Do you have any problems traveling?” the man asked.
Matthew sat up straighter at the mention of that kind of money. That was the kind of money he and Gus needed to revive their business.
“Um, no. I’ve had some cases that led me across a state or two, but let’s start by getting to know each other a bit better. Why don’t you tell me who I’ll be following and what relationship you are to this person.”
He saw the man hesitate for a moment and then continue. “Very well. The person I want you to watch over is my daughter. She leaves for a holiday in Durango, Colorado on tomorrow’s train. I’ve tried to persuade both her and her mother this isn’t a good idea, but I’m married to a very stubborn and strong-willed woman, Mr. Bellamy. And it seems our daughter has inherited those traits as well.” The man offered a lop-sided smile and then grew serious again. “My daughter is my only child, Mr. Bellamy. She and her mother are my whole world and despite my reputation as a ruthless businessman, I’m a hopeless fool when it comes to the women in my life. They so easily wrap me around their finger.”
“I can see how much you love them, Mister…” If Matthew was going to take this case, he needed to know who he was dealing with. The man exuded wealthy, but did he really have ten thousand dollars to pay him for this job? That was a whole lot of money—money that he and Gus could really use.
He watched the man hesitate again, but with a sigh of resignation, he said, “My name is Mr. Livingston. Daniel Livingston.” Matthew sensed he was still holding something back.
“Livingston. Livingston.” Matthew mumbled under his breath, trying to work out the significance of the name. “Daniel Livingsto— ” Then suddenly it came to him. He knew exactly who was sitting in front of him. “You’re Winston Livingston. Business tycoon and millionaire from right here in Philadelphia.”
The man closed his eyes and nodded. “Yes, I’m Winston Livingston. And now that you know who I am, I’m hoping you and I have an understanding, Mr. Bellamy.”
This case was the answer to his financial prayers. Mr. Livingston was well-known for being a savvy businessman, but he was just as well-known for being fair and honest.
“Will you take my case, Mr. Bellamy. My daughter is leaving tomorrow and since my wife and I are unable to accompany her, my sister will be her traveling companion and chaperone. And once there, they will meet up with my wife’s sister, which is where they will be staying during their time in Colorado, but I would feel much better if there was someone such as yourself nearby. In case there are any problems.”
“Are you expecting any problems, sir?” Matthew jotted down a couple of notes.
“No, but, as I said, Abigail is quite headstrong. So, although I’m not expecting any problems, there is always the possibility where my daughter is concerned.”
“I see. Well, considering your generous fee, I’d be honored to take your case, Mr. Livingston.”
“Please, call me Daniel, Mr. Bellamy.” The man stood and offered his hand.
Matthew stood too, reaching across the table to shake his hand. “I'd be honored, sir. And please, call me Matthew.”
“Very well, Matthew.” Daniel reached into his inside coat pocket and pulled out a stack of bills. That was a lot of money, the likes of which Matthew had never before seen. “Here’s the five thousand dollars I promised you now. You are to follow my daughter and my sister to Durango and back. If the trip is uneventful and my daughter and sister return to Philadelphia safe, I will promptly pay you the other five thousand dollars. Is that a fair deal, Matthew?”
Matthew took the money liking the way the weight of the bills felt in his hand. “Yes, Mr. Livingston…um, I mean Daniel. A fair deal indeed. I’ll accompany your daughter and sister to Durango and— ”
“No. Not accompany my daughter. I want you to follow her. Keep her safe, but she is not to know who you are or that I hired you.” Daniel insisted. “That’s very important. Do you understand?”
Matthew blinked to give himself time to think before he spoke. “You mean you don’t want your daughter, or your sister, to know I’ve been hired to watch out for them…over them…keep them safe?”
“That’s right. Come up with a story if you have to, but do not let my daughter know I hired you to follow her to Colorado. Under any circumstances. Understood?” Daniel Livingston was dead serious. It was an odd request, but it was his money so if he wanted complete secrecy, then who was Matthew to debate the issue. He had five thousand dollars in his hand with five more on the way.
“Look, I know this secrecy sounds—underhanded, but I’m her father and it is my responsibility to make sure she doesn’t get herself into a situation that could cause her physical harm or irreparable damage to her reputation. She’s a sheltered young woman with little experience in reading people. As you know, there are some unscrupulous characters in this world who wouldn’t think twice about causing my daughter distress to get at my money. ”
“I understand, Mr. Livingston. Under no circumstances will I let your daughter know who I am.” Matthew did his best to assure the man.
“Good, so we have a deal?” Daniel stood and extended his hand.
Matthew stood and stuck out his own hand to seal the deal. “Yes, sir. We have a deal.”
Chapter 2
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nbsp; Abbie had been thrilled when her mother told her she had finally convinced her father to let her go to Durango. “It wasn’t easy, Abigail. Your father is adamantly against the idea, especially when he thinks there are plenty of parties right here in Philadelphia under his watchful eye.”
“But Father doesn’t understand the problems his reputation causes.” Abbie tried to explain. She should have known her mother fully understood the situation.
“Sweetheart, sometimes your father can be blinded by his male point of view. He thinks all this ‘protection’ is good for us, but if I can get him to listen long enough, he’ll usually come around to my way of thinking. So, I am happy to say he has agreed to allow you to attend the Harvest Ball in Durango, but only if his sister accompanies you.” Her mother had accomplished the impossible. She was going to Durango for the Harvest Ball, but she wasn’t getting on that train if she didn’t get her things together.
“Gwen, hand me that hatbox please.” Abbie looked around the room to be sure she had everything.
“Where is your Aunt Jeannie anyway?” Gwen asked and handed her the hatbox.
“She’s to meet me at the train station. Mother suggested the idea because she said it would seem less dramatic that way. Father is having a hard enough time letting me go and a house full of women and traveling trunks would just give him an opportunity to change his mind.”
A knock at the door interrupted their conversation. “Come in.” Abbie called out.
Her mother swept into the room. “The carriage is here to take you to the train station. Do you have everything ready to go?”
“Yes, I have those two trunks.” she pointed to the trunks next to the bed, “and I have my traveling bag and hatbox.” Abbie turned to give her room one more look to make certain she had packed everything she wanted to take with her. “Yes, it looks like I’m ready to leave.”
Her mother lifted one of the trunk lids and rifled through its contents. “It looks like you are well prepared. I’ll have the stable boys come up and get the trunks in a moment. First, I want to say something to you.” Her mother’s tone suddenly seemed serious.
“Is something wrong?” Abbie sent a look of alarm to Gwen. She certainly hoped her father hadn’t had a change of heart. She was really looking forward to this trip.
“No, sweetheart. Nothing is wrong. I just want you to assure me that you will not take any chances with your safety or well-being. Your father would never forgive me if something were to happen to you. Even though he agreed to the proposition, he blames me for your going.” Her mother reached out and stroked Abbie’s cheek. “You are our most prized possession, Abigail. I couldn’t bear it if any harm should befall you.”
Abbie heard the emotion in her mother’s voice. “Mother, I promise you I will exercise great care and I will take every precaution to keep out of harm’s way. Besides, what could happen between here and Durango? Aunt Jeannie and I will be on the train the whole way. And when we do arrive, I’ll have two cousins along with their husbands plus Aunt Lila. I hardly think I’ll be able to get into trouble, even if I wished to, which I don’t.” Abbie assured her mother.
“I know you aren’t prone to finding trouble, Abigail, no matter what your father may think. I just don’t want trouble to find you.” Her mother smiled and reached out to tuck one of Abbie’s dark curls behind her ear. “Now, let’s get you on that train. Your aunt is quite excited to see my sister again. She just reminded me yesterday it’s been nearly ten years since she’s seen Lila.”
“Thank you for believing in me, Mother. Gwen and I will wait downstairs in the parlor until the trunks are loaded.”
The three of them took the winding staircase to the first floor. Gwen swept her shawl around her shoulders and turned to Abbie. “Now, you must remember to write to me and tell me all about the ball. And most importantly.” her friend leaned over to whisper in her ear, “I want to hear absolutely everything about all the suitors who fall hopelessly in love with Miss Rose Collins. And don’t leave out a single detail, not a single— ”
Gwen’s conspiratorial whisper was cut off by her father’s footsteps coming down the hallway.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Livingston. I was just on my way home.” Gwen gave Abbie a quick hug and a knowing look. “Not one detail, promise?”
“Good afternoon, Gwendolyn.” her father responded.
Abbie hugged her friend. “Not one, I promise.” she whispered back.
“Goodbye, Mr. Livingston.” Gwen called out and was out the door before her father could reply.
“Abigail, I want you to know I’m not exactly in favor of this little holiday of yours, but your mother has assured me all will be well.”
“Of course, Father. Everything will be just fine.”
Two young men came down the staircase bookending one of her traveling trunks. Within minutes, they retraced their steps upstairs and returned with her second trunk. With everything in hand, she was ready to go.
Glancing over at her parents, she saw her mother kiss her father's cheek and give him a reassuring smile. “All will be well, Daniel. Besides, she’s a young woman now. You can’t keep her locked behind these walls any longer, no matter how gilded they are.”
Abbie knew her mother had taken a risk in allowing her only child to go off without her parents to protect her. She recognized the worry on both their faces and felt a bit guilty that her holiday was causing them so much worry. “Please don't worry. I will take care. You'll see. Everything will be fine.” Abbie did her best to reassure her doting parents.
“Give me a kiss and then off you go.” Her father’s words were rushed, and she knew he was fighting back his emotions.
She hugged her parents tightly and kissed them on the cheek. Then, she looked them both in the eye. “I promise that I will stay away from trouble and keep myself safe. And I will return home before you even have a chance to miss me.”
With that, she picked up her hatbox and traveling bag, Holmes opened the carriage door and she climbed inside. “Have a good holiday, Miss Livingston.” their butler said.
“Thank you, Holmes. I plan to have the best holiday ever. I shall see you all at the end of September.” she promised. Hopefully with the good news that she had at long last found love with someone who had absolutely no idea who Daniel Livingston was.
Matthew shifted the weight of his knapsack onto his other shoulder and walked down the street toward the train station. His business partner, Augustus McGillicuddy, a small wiry fellow, with a giant personality and an attitude to boot, was now in charge of keeping everything running smoothly until Matthew returned. Gus was a hard worker and an honest man. Matthew considered himself very lucky to have the scrappy Irishman as a partner.
He turned his attention back to the case at hand. He had arrived a bit early in order to get the lay of the land. He checked out the train’s accommodations and tried to determine how close he would be able to sit to Miss Livingston and her aunt. Not that it mattered, of course. Wherever that young woman went, Matthew was going to be right behind her. Though, he'd remain out of sight so as not to arouse her suspicions, he'd never be too far away that he couldn't intervene should the need arise.
“Good morning, sir.” one of the uniformed conductors called out to him. “We’ll be ready to board in about half an hour.” the man assured him.
“Good to know.” he replied. “I’ll be ready.”
Matthew walked down the street a block or so. To pass the time, he glanced in shop windows to observe what the shopkeepers offered for sale. He crossed the street and returned to the train station just as the train’s steam whistle blew, signaling it was time to board.
As he arrived at the train’s platform an elaborate carriage arrived carrying a young woman. He watched her step down and greet an elderly lady. Could this be his target? Miss Livingston and Daniel’s sister, Mrs. Wentworth? They fit the limited description Daniel Livingston had provided. He wished he had gotten more information about Miss Livingston’s
physical appearance, but just as he and his client were getting into that part of the case, Gus had rushed into the office and told him they were needed over at the Pennyworth mansion immediately.
It seems Mrs. Pennyworth found a leather dog collar in her husband’s pocket and she was in the process of hitting him with it when someone heard the ruckus and called the police. She insisted that he and Gus come down to the police station to tell them all about her husband’s untoward activity.
By the time he was finished at the station, it was well after midnight and Mr. Livingston was home fast asleep with his family.
Matthew leaned against the wall of the ticket office and glanced at his notes while he observed the young woman and her companion. She was about the right age to be Miss Livingston. And that carriage could certainly belong to Winston Livingston.
He continued to watch the pair as they moved closer to the train depot. Their excited chatter drifted on the hot August air and he caught drips and drabs. He strained harder to catch more of their conversation hoping to verify, without a doubt, that these women were his targets. Just as they drew close, steam bellowed out from all sides of the train’s sides preventing him from hearing anything else they said.
“All aboard.” the conductor shouted. He stood by one of the train doors with his punch in hand ready to greet the passengers and validate their ticket to travel.
Matthew rushed to get in line behind the women, but he was cut off by a family of nine. The mother was busy gathering the three youngest children while the two older children each held a middle child’s hand. The husband was buried behind a ridiculous amount of traveling bags, stumbling along after his family.
Taking in a deep breath, he reminded himself that all the passengers were going to board before the train left the station. He had no reason to hurry.
He watched as the young woman and her escort chose a seat near the back of the car. The family in front of him finally took their seats in the middle of the train car, which allowed him and the other passengers waiting to get past them to find their own seats.
The Debutante's Holiday: Western Historical Romance (The Debutantes of Durango Book 6) Page 2