An Agent for Gillian

by Ginny Sterling

  “Will your past affect how you handle yourself?”

  “Of course, it will,” Gillian uttered. “I would be a liar and a fool to believe that losing my husband wouldn’t affect me. It utterly destroyed who that girl was and left in her place a woman that has nothing left to lose.”

  “That can make you dangerous.”

  “Or smarter and more cunning,” Gillian countered. “I cannot sit by and simply live in the memories of the past. I need to be a part of something greater. I want to help others who cannot protect themselves.”

  “Other women?”

  “Others in general. It doesn’t have to be women only. The world is full of men, women, children, and animals who are being mistreated or abused. They need a champion, and I can fill the role.”

  “Gillian, correct me if I am wrong but you are considered a tiny woman by any measurement – am I right?”

  “Since when does my height have anything to do with how big my dedication to the cause is? It’s a matter of doing the right thing at the right time – no matter the cost. I don’t have to be tall.”

  “Can you take care of yourself in an emergency?”

  “I have for the last year, if that is what you are asking,” she snapped, feeling like Archibald Gordon was going to reject her for something so utterly ridiculous as her size. She was just barely five foot two inches and while she didn’t have a lot of height to her, she could more than make up for it with tenacity.

  “Marianne, could you have her wait in the drawing room while our next interview arrives? Oh, and let’s have a spot of tea - if you please?”

  “Of course, Archie.”

  Marianne led her to the front parlor and indicated that Gillian should have a seat. Smiling kindly, she handed Gillian a tea cup. “Would you like a cucumber sandwich or biscuit? I know you’ve travelled quite a distance to be here.”

  “I can just leave if you aren’t interested in me. There’s no reason to prolong this if I am to be rejected for something so ignorant as my height,” Gillian said bluntly, seeing the woman smile encouragingly at her again.

  “Patience is a virtue. Have a sandwich and a nice cup of tea, Gillian.”

  Sitting down, she accepted the small plate and watched as Marianne poured her tea into the delicate teacup. Her finger lightly held the lid as the stream arched into the cup. There was an elegance about her that made Gillian feel almost uncouth. She wasn’t as refined as this woman and maybe that is what they were looking for. Her father would have called Gillian a scrapper, a survivor, and that is how she got by.

  “I am not sure how this next meeting will go,” Marianne whispered, meeting Gillian’s eyes. “Hold your ground and be patient,” the secretary coached mysteriously. Nodding, she watched her practically glide out of the room with a regal air.

  “Whatever it is – the answer is no.”

  Cade stared at Archie, who took his seat behind the desk and simply looked at him. One russet eyebrow arched delicately as Archie stared him down. Marianne took that moment to walk into the room with a tea tray and shut the door behind her.

  “We haven’t even begun to discuss the task at hand.”

  “Are you wanting me to partner with someone?”

  “I am wanting you to infiltrate a coal camp in Pennsylvania. I believe that you’ve got the size and stubbornness to fit in with the lot of them. The Molly Maguires are weaving their way in the area causing problems. There has been reported threats, deaths, and vandalism. I need to know who’s behind it all. This is so important that Allan Pinkerton himself has already sent an agent there undercover.”

  “So I am going alone?”

  “I didn’t say that, Cade.”

  “Would you like tea, Cade?” Marianne interrupted, setting a cup down in front of Archie.

  “No, thank you.”

  “Having a cup of tea doesn’t mean you are accepting the partner Archie is proposing, nor does it commit you to accepting the mission,” Marianne said softly, setting the cup down in front of him on the desk that sat between Cade and Archie. “It’s simply a nicety that is enjoyed among respected peers. We know what you can bring to the table and Archie has said repeatedly that you are the perfect man for this assignment. If we sent anyone else, it might fail.”

  “You don’t have to flatter me, Marianne.”

  “It’s the God’s honest truth.”

  “I’ll have the tea – and thank you.”

  “Of course,” she murmured with a look at Archie. “I apologize for interrupting, Archie. Please, do go on.”

  Archie cleared his throat and adjusted his tie before speaking again, looking away from the receptionist. They sat there for a moment, each taking a sip of the tea. Cade halfway expected Marianne to leave the room but instead, she took a seat nearby delicately, watching them both with doe eyes.

  “So, what is the catch?” Cade finally asked.

  “Your partner.”

  “Then my answer is no.”

  “Then I will send her alone,” Archie shrugged. “She’s a tough little thing and needs someone to protect her. ‘A widow with a death-wish’, I believe was the term I heard her described as – is that correct, Marianne?”

  “I don’t think ‘death-wish’ was the term. More like ‘heedless of her safety’.”

  “Why would you pick someone like that?”

  “Because I knew you would say no.”

  “That makes no sense.”

  “Cade,” Archie said with an exaggerated sigh. “I have a hard job. I try my very best to maintain order, uphold standards, and protect people – but sometimes people are so very broken that they need a last stand to move on from events that have changed them. This little woman has lived through a nightmare that no one should ever have to go through.”

  “And because I won’t take her as a partner, you feel it’s okay to abandon her out there in a powder-keg of danger?” Cade said angrily, jumping to his feet. Archie looked up at him and then at Marianne, who’s gloved hand fluttered up to her bosom in dismay.

  “Do sit down. I won’t have you frightening Marianne.”

  “I think I shall step out for a moment,” Marianne whispered, excusing herself as she slipped silently from the room, shutting the door behind her.

  “She knows I wouldn’t touch her nor harm a hair on her head – but you…” Cade seethed, pointing his finger at Archie.

  “Yes?”

  “You know I can’t let you do this. It’s not right that you abandon someone who can’t defend themselves, into a hornet’s nest of trouble – and you know I don’t want a partner.”

  “I’m aware.”

  “Then why?”

  “We have a responsibility and a job to uphold. The agency comes first,” Archie said softly, watching Cade.

  “And the people employed come second?”

  “Cade Malone, you take that back! You know Archie would do anything for you all. You are like family to him. If you do not want Gillian as a partner, then don’t take one. We’ll find someone else.”

  Marianne’s calm voice was like a whip in the silence of the room. Cade stared at Archie and wanted to punch the man’s satisfied expression. He looked utterly thrilled to have Marianne speak up like that to him. Looking over his shoulder at the doorway, he saw a woman behind Marianne watching the scene unfold.

  “Is this her?” Cade asked bluntly.

  “This is Gillian Jameson and yes, if you’ll have her as your partner you can depart almost immediately. There is a train that leaves for Pennsylvania today at four and we’ve made arrangements for a house there in Schuylkill County, in the thick of it all.

  “I don’t think he can be a partner and that is why he doesn’t want one,” Gillian’s clear voice rang out, surprising Cade. “I don’t need to watch over anyone else besides myself.”

  “You won’t have to watch my back, little girl.”

  “I’m not your little girl,” Gillian snarled at hearing the disrespect in his words. “I can take care of
myself and will be happy to depart at four, Archie.”

  “I’ll be ready,” Cade said, surprising himself and obviously Archie. His tea sloshed over the side of his cup as he straightened up in his chair abruptly.

  “I’m not going with you,” Gillian bit out and jerked her arm away as Marianne laid a calming hand on her forearm. Cade looked at the woman, nonplussed.

  If they were going to saddle him with a partner to train and watch over, it might as well be one that wasn’t too meek to speak up for themselves. Perhaps he wouldn’t have to worry about this one. She reminded him of a spitting tabby cat with all that bright red hair and large green eyes.

  “So, neither of you is accepting the mission?” Archie asked lightly.

  “I will,” both said quickly, glaring at each other.

  “Fetch the minister, Marianne,” Archie instructed.

  “What?” they uttered in unison.

  Cade stared at Gillian, who looked at him utterly horrified. He felt slightly insulted that the woman obviously didn’t like him nor did she want to be married to him. He knew others had married for their missions, but it still struck him by surprise. Apparently the woman beside him had no utter idea of what she was getting into.

  “Did I forget to mention that job requirement? Have you changed your mind then? Cade? Gillian?”

  “No,” the redhead said quietly, staring at Archie. Cade saw her fists were clenching at her sides, the only show of her temper. He almost laughed at the sight but figured the little lady would claw his eyes out if he did.

  “Let’s get this over with and move on.”

  Chapter 5

  Gillian listened carefully to the instructions that they were given by Archie and Marianne. Their assignment was to be married, arriving under the premise that her husband was looking for work. They were supposed to meet up with the other Pinkerton agent that was there undercover using the moniker James McKenna. They were to gather data only on who was the bodymaster, or ring leader, that was governing the area and ordering the crimes to be committed. This was all discussed in the privacy of Archie’s office while they waited for the minister to arrive.

  This all felt like some fantastical dream that Gillian wasn’t able to wake from. She had no idea that becoming a Pinkerton agent would involve her getting married – and was under no illusions that it was to be a real marriage. Their marriage could be annulled once the mission was over with and was to be in name only.

  Standing there in front of the minister, Gillian saw his kind eyes that seemed so very different from the pastor she’d served humble pie to back home. As Cade spoke, the image of Pastor James’ shocked face bubbled to the surface and she couldn’t help the nervous giggle that escaped her.

  “Is something funny?” Cade asked, peeved.

  “Nothing,” she said, waving him off as it was suddenly her turn to exchange vows. “I, Gillian Jakoby Jameson, take you - Cade Malone - as my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health…”

  Gillian couldn’t say the next line.

  To love and to cherish, till death us do part…

  Her throat closed up against the words she uttered to Michael. Looking up at Cade, she saw Michael’s face in her mind. She closed her eyes against the sight, knowing he wasn’t there beside her. A tear slipped past and trickled down her cheeks. She felt a warm hand touch hers and heard Cade’s voice whisper in her ear.

  “It’s okay. Just say ‘according to God’s holy law, I make this vow’.”

  Nodding, she squeezed his hand at the first show of kindness from her new partner. She kept her eyes shut and whispered the final bit, repeating Cade’s words aloud.

  “According to God’s holy law, I make this vow.”

  The pastor cleared his throat and Gillian opened her eyes to see three pairs of eyes staring at her sadly. They knew her past and the line she’d omitted in her vows. Marianne was dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief. Even Archie nodded in understanding.

  “Mr. Malone, you may kiss your bride,” the minister instructed.

  “I don’t think so,” Gillian blurted out, staring up at Cade.

  “We can skip that part,” he agreed, looking almost as horrified as she felt.

  A small cake was brought forth, surprising them both. Apparently Marianne had no doubts whatsoever about them partnering up or agreeing to this sham of a marriage. The tiny one-layer cake was gingerbread and had a dusting of sugar along the top. She sliced into it and doled out servings as if they were all the best of friends at an afternoon tea party.

  “Do you have much to take with you?” Marianne asked politely, looking at Gillian. “There might not be much room on the train for a case or two but the house Archie secured is supposedly furnished.”

  “I have one small bag of my things.”

  “Cade?”

  “I’ll bring one bag too.”

  “I see,” Marianne said knowingly, watching them both. “May I speak freely for a moment?”

  “Please,” Archie said, lifting his cup up in a mock salute.

  “Both of you has lost someone special to you,” Marianne began, and Gillian looked at Cade’s harsh profile in surprise. His jaw clenched as he stared at the woman sitting opposite of him on the settee. He’d lost someone?

  “I know that this was not the ideal circumstances for a marriage but there is no reason that you cannot get along. You might find that there is a kindness in knowing someone has your side during the toughest of times. You will be out there with only each other to depend on - I would foster that friendship so that way you are not alone.”

  “Bravo,” Archie preened, clapping his hands lightly and getting to his feet. “On that note, you had best be on your way. It’s already noon and you should be heading out to gather your things. Cade, a moment if you please?”

  Gillian watched Archie whisper something to the tall man and saw Marianne move to her side quickly.

  “He’s truly a good man and there is no one better for this mission.”

  “Cade lost someone?”

  “He should tell you, not me – but yes - and it was just as tragic as your own. I think you could find a friend in him if you but give him a chance.”

  “He’ll never replace Michael,” Gillian said hotly, pulling back away from the woman beside her.

  “Gillian,” she whispered kindly. “You misunderstand what I am saying. No one will ever replace your husband nor would we expect that. I am simply saying that with a little patience you could have a very loyal friend on your side when you need him.”

  “I will think about it.”

  “That is all I could ask. I think it would be a better front if you were at least friends when you arrived in Pennsylvania. A true husband and wife would not bicker like what I saw earlier.”

  “No, I know what being married to someone was like.”

  “Then you’ll understand that there needs to be some sort of bond between the two of you or the ruse will never work.”

  “Of course.”

  Gillian was very surprised that Cade offered to give her a ride back to the boarding house where she was staying. He hitched his horse to a small buggy out back that Archie had. Apparently he was being given permission to use it when the two were whispering in the corner, Gillian surmised. Climbing inside of the small seat, she felt Cade squeeze in next to her.

  “Am I in your way?”

  “No.”

  “Do you need me to scooch over?”

  “I said no.”

  “This should be a fun trip,” Gillian muttered under her breath, uncaring if her new husband heard her. Picking up the reigns, he looked at her unbelieving.

  “You do realize that this ‘fun trip’ could be dangerous work for us both.”

  “Of course, I do – because I might end up smothering you in your sleep, dear husband,” Gillian snapped mockingly and saw the shocked look on his face before he began laughing.

 
; “It’s not funny you big oaf! We can be nice to each other and get along… or you could simply drive me batty. Either way, I am stuck with you for the next few weeks or however long this takes.”

  “It is funny because you are a little thing and I don’t think you could apply enough pressure that’d be necessary to smother me.”

  “I’d sure enjoy trying,” she growled, which set Cade off in another round of laughter. She realized that she had begun to enjoy the banter between them. He was clever with a quick retort that surprised her. Her first impression was that she was going to be saddled with a big angry brute of a man that had a different side to him.

  “I appreciate the warning and will remember that,” he smarted off as she looked away, turning up her nose from him. As the cart lurched forward, she couldn’t help the smile that touched her lips.

  The next few hours flew by and Gillian found herself on a train that was a lot more luxurious than the one she’d rode on to Denver. It was a Pullman car that had comfortable seating as well as a sleeping car attached to it - which brought up other questions as to where they would both sleep.

  She would need to discuss this with him when they had some semblance of privacy. Looking up at Cade, she saw the frowning look on his face and nodded. They’d both drawn the same conclusion at seeing the sleeper car.

  “That,” she whispered hotly, “is never going to happen.”

  “I will nap during the day and you can have it at night,” he replied in a hushed voice, leaning towards her as they sat in their seats opposite of each other.

  “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

  “I think we might have gotten off on the wrong footing. I’m Cade Malone,” he said with a polite coolness, extending his hand towards her. Staring at him, she was completely confused by the gesture. Was he addled? She had just married the man in Archie’s office a few hours ago.