by Madison Kent
Some
Saints
Prey
Madison Kent
Madeline Donovan Mystery
Contents
Dedication
Copyright
Author's Notes
Prologue
Chapter One: St. Augustine
Chapter Two: The Dinner
Chapter Three: Oliver
Chapter Four: Inspector Davis
Chapter Five: The St. Fleur's Benefit
Chapter Six: A New Alliance
Chapter Seven: Lonnie Armstrong
Chapter Eight: St. Mark's Festival
Chapter Nine: The Black Box
Chapter Ten: The Harbor
Chapter Eleven: In the Shadows
Chapter Twelve: The Confederacy
Chapter Thirteen: Old Fitz
Chapter Fourteen: 1860
Chapter Fifteen: Intrigue
Chapter Sixteen: Discovery
Chapter Seventeen: To Catch A Fish
Chapter Eighteen: The Orphan
Chapter Nineteen: A City Undone
Dedication
To Wayne, for his dedication and service to
the military and their families
Copyright
© 2015, Madison Kent
Self-publishing
Title: Some Saints Prey
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission of the author/publisher.
The storyline and people are based on fictional characters.
Author's Notes
The Madeline Donovan mystery series now includes a series of four books. They include the following books, according to publication order: Stalking Jack, The Harrison, The Mystery at Belle Magnolia, and Some Saints Prey.
Each novel may be read without having read the others in the series. However, it does enhance the experience to read them in consecutive order. I am currently working on the fifth in the series.
Other titles available in the romance and fantasy genre are on my website at www.madisonkentbooks.com
There following are the YouTube book trailers.
Book Trailers:
YouTube Book Trailers
Stalking Jack (Book One)
https://youtu.be/1_tVsDyBiGg
The Harrison -A Beautiful Place to Die (Book Two)
https://youtu.be/XpdQrxPiBZw
The Mystery at Belle Magnolia (Book Three)
https://youtu.be/Uv8S6wpSlt0
Stalking Jack
A Madeline Donovan Mystery
Madeline Donovan is a complicated woman, distressed and ready to abandon life as she knows it. A recent tragedy has left her without the vision or moral compass to go forward. She is not leading her life at the moment; it is leading her. The journey she will take into London’s East End will show her realms of life she has never seen before and rather than being repelled by it; she immerses herself into this dark side of London. After all, Jack the Ripper must be stopped.
The Harrison:
A Beautiful Place to Die
A Madeline Donovan Mystery
In 1889, Chicago was booming and lavish buildings, and must-see architectural and cultural wonders are springing up everywhere around the city. Even in Madeline Donovan's little-known neighborhood of Goose Island, a luxurious hotel, the Harrison, has been built within a half-mile of her home called. Constructed by a trio of brothers, the three-story building has unusual features that attract many to its doors.
But soon after its opening, young girls begin to disappear. One of the missing girl's brother has employed Madeline to look into her disappearance.
It will begin her journey into the secret world of the Harrison brothers and others who reside in the mysterious place.
Her friend, Hugh, returns to America, and Jonathan Franks, the reporter from the New York Times is sent to cover a different story but finds himself with Madeline and Hugh on the trail of the perpetrators.
They will soon discover that beneath the surface of the beautiful hotel, are terrifying secrets that when revealed will stun the people of Chicago.
The Mystery at Belle Magnolia
A Madeline Donovan Mystery
In the summer of 1889, Madeline Donovan and her father respond to an urgent request from an old friend. To fulfill this request, they must travel to the city of New Orleans and the beautiful mansion, Belle Magnolia.
Belle Mayfair, the proud Southern woman who is the owner of Belle Magnolia, has recently come under assault. It appears a curse placed upon the mansion and its residents. Many believe it must be true because the spirit of the great Marie Laveau, the voodoo priestess of New Orleans, may have something to do with it.
The strange events that begin to happen at the mansion have driven Belle Mayfair's servants away and even kept her friends at bay. She has turned to someone she trusts implicitly, Dr. Brian Donovan, and implores him to come to assist her in her hour of need.
What will happen next will have everyone wondering, even Madeline, if it is possible that spirits do exist?
Prologue
After completing a most distressing case in the exciting city of New Orleans, Madeline Donovan agrees that Montgomery House in St. Augustine may very well be the place to enjoy the respite she is seeking. She believes that the lovely, breeze blowing off the ocean will be the only thing that will capture her attention in the beautiful city in Florida.
But even during the train ride to St. Augustine, her host, Emily Montgomery, fills her thoughts with disappearances and intrigue. She also tells her of an extravagant young woman, who holds men's attention in such a way, the city views it as scandalous. It's thought she is somehow responsible for these events.
Soon after entering into this peaceful world, something begins to disturb her. The town itself seems to be keeping secrets. She surmises that it may just be her overactive imagination that has interpreted these conclusions until events begin to happen that support her unconventional opinions.
St. Augustine is an old city, set in its ways, and fiercely defends its proud Southern heritage. Outsiders are tolerated, but only if the stay for brief intervals, and move on, without questioning what goes on in the city.
At first, she is only mildly curious about the incidents that are occurring, but soon she is hired to dig further into the disappearances.
Madeline, along with her dear friend, Hugh Scott, will begin the hunt for justice. Jonathan Franks, a reporter from the New York Times, will also join them, and together they will investigate why Clifford St. Alder and Lonnie Armstrong are missing.
What she discovers will shock even the cities of New York and Chicago, where people are accustomed to hearing about murder.
Chapter One
St. Augustine
The rhythm, of the train humming along the tracks, was like listening to music. There was something captivating about setting out in this coal black machine headed for somewhere she had never placed her feet.
Ever since she had ventured into the career of female sleuth, she had found herself in situations, and places that she could never have imagined previously in her life. Before this, her time was spent as an assistant to her physician father―although useful and practical―it never brought to her doorstep the adventures she was now experiencing.
Madeline Donovan sat across from the lovely, Mrs.
Emily Montgomery. After Madeline's incredible experience in the city of New Orleans, Emily had kindly extended to her an invitation to Montgomery House in St. Augustine, Florida. Emily was the cousin of Belle Mayfair, the owner of Belle Magnolia. It was there that she, her friends, and her father had gone to investigate troubling assaults upon the mansion, and the people who lived there. Upon conclusion of the case, Belle, and her father requested that Emily invite Madeline for a brief hiatus to their estate. She had readily agreed and traveled to Belle Magnolia to escort Madeline via train back to her home.
Emily was sleeping peacefully at the moment while Madeline gazed out the window on the beautiful scenery passing hurriedly by her window. She had tried to immerse herself in a mystery novel, but not even Arthur Conan Doyle could settle her mind this August afternoon. In 1889, there were many new marvels. The fashion was more daring for women, and the fair sex were fighting for a more prominent place in society.
She reached into her satchel for a moment to gaze at the photographs of her family. Most days she was able to look upon their faces without tears, but today―for some reason―her heart felt like a vice gripped it. She wiped the tears from her eyes, and suddenly could not stop herself from becoming overwhelmingly melancholy. In the year 1887, Madeline had lost her husband, Russell, and sons, Will, and Nate, in a fire at Christmas time. Last year, when the anniversary of the tragic accident approached, she decided to leave her hometown of Chicago. Endeavoring to be in a different atmosphere, hoping the change might ameliorate her sadness, she set out upon a journey to London. Instead of a time of leisure, however, there she began her pursuit of the criminal element. Jack the Ripper had begun his reign of terror, and feeling she had little left in life, she took on the role of female detective and began her hunt for Jack. Not caring what happened to her, she dogged this demon through the toxic streets of Whitechapel. She found, in her numbness of spirit, that this role gave her new purpose and a reason to live again―that somehow―she was doing something worthwhile, despite her ever returning lapse into bereavement.
Even though the compartment curtains remained closed, she could hear the crying of babies, and the chatter of women and men. Everything seemed right with the world, just another day, but somewhere in every city, and every little town, there was always a mystery to be solved.
She wondered about the city Emily described to her. St. Augustine sounded like a place everyone should be so fortunate to live. She realized, after her dalliance into sleuthing, that if you are looking for crime, it is there, even in Emily's hometown. While they were still in New Orleans, Emily intrigued her as she began to tell her about the disappearance of two local young men. The grand lady had been evasive about it on the train this morning, but when she woke, Madeline would prompt her to speak of it.
Madeline was in her thirtieth year. At five-foot-three, and approximately one-hundred-five pounds, she was considered petite by most standards. When Russell was alive, she was nearly ten pounds heavier. Madeline was a heartier eater then and was particular about everything she wore. Now, she no longer dressed in mourning clothing. However, she continued to pay little attention to her looks. Jonathan and Hugh, her two closest male friends, seemed attentive to her, even so. She once believed she was attractive, but wasn't sure of that anymore. As was the fashion, her long, auburn hair was piled on the top of her head, in a tight knot. She did pay a little more attention to her coiffure, including placing beautiful, pearl combs as accents on the sides of her head, and in the back. She had one streak of white hair on the left side of her head; it appeared shortly after the tragedy. She wore it as her badge of honor, never tempted to cut the silver strip. She observed it was a curiosity to people, as she could see them staring at it whenever she met someone new. But in this exceedingly polite society, no one ever asked her about it, not even her father, and for that, she was grateful.
Emily carried a dainty parasol with her and wore a great, lavender plumed hat, and a lovely blue floral dress with lavender lace accents. Madeline smiled every time she looked at her. She was the kind of lady she dreamed of as a child―a woman one would want as a great aunt. Colorful, cheerful and kind were words that immediately came to mind when she looked at her.
Contemplating the day, she thought she would write to her father, and her friends, Jonathan, and Hugh. Jonathan Franks was an American reporter from the New York Times. Hugh Scott, an English solicitor, was―after an inheritance―a man of means and easy living. They were both distinguished in their way. Both were tall, Johnathan slightly taller, perhaps a little over six foot, and Hugh right at five-eleven or so. Hugh had black walnut colored hair, that was smooth, with some height at the top, and a little curl over his forehead. His features were chiseled, like many an Englishman, having a perfectly proportioned face, slim nose, and lips, and was most pleasing to the eye. Jonathan's wavy, brownish-black hair was graying at the temples, and he recently grew a thin mustache. His physique was more muscular than Hugh's, and his style more American. His hair groomed to perfection, but his clothing could look tousled and thrown together as if he was unconcerned about what he wore. Hugh, on the other hand, looked like he just stepped from a newspaper advertisement for men's clothing. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and she hoped that someday, one of the relationships might develop into something more. Although, sometimes she thought she might wait too long, and they would both lose their hearts to someone more attainable, and without her emotional problems.
Emily stirred, and Madeline pretended to cough, hoping to bring her to full wakefulness.
"Oh...Madeline. How long have I been asleep? My age has crept up on me, and I find an afternoon nap most delightful. As a girl, I remember thinking I would never be like my elderly aunts, but now I have arrived. I have crossed over and have become one of them," she said smiling.
The dear lady straightened herself and looked every bit the refined, Southern Belle. At approximately five-foot-five or so, she always carried herself erect, and could boast of having a lovely figure for her age. Anytime Madeline could observe an actual waistline in her elderly acquaintances; she was impressed. She might be ten or fifteen pounds overweight, with a little bit extra at the hips and bustle, but by all accounts seemed well put together.
"A nice, hot cup of tea is in order, and perhaps a finger sandwich, with some of those lovely little cakes that I saw described on the menu," said Emily.
"I couldn't agree with you more. The journey, although entertaining, has been long," replied Madeline as she opened their compartment door and motioned to the porter.
Starched and formal, he appeared directly.
"Yes, ladies, how may I assist you?" said the elderly gentleman.
"We would like to order lunch. But could you please bring us each a cup of jasmine tea first?" said Emily politely.
He nodded, leaving them to their privacy.
"Will that suit you, the jasmine tea?" she asked.
"That will be delightful. Now, I've spent two, tedious hours waiting for you to wake, and tell me all about these missing men. Truly, I should say, I am even more curious, as to what you know about the lady involved," Madeline said.
"I hope you will not be disappointed in what little I have to tell you. But I will promise you this, I will have a dinner party to introduce you to our circle of friends. You will find yourself amidst an eccentric group, who love nothing more than to gossip. Finding information, actual or embellished, should be an easy task.
"Now, to answer your first question. Emma St. Fleur is a most unusual lady. And I can say that even after having lived abroad, and amongst, shall I say, people who have a more relaxed moral code than the prim and proper of St. Augustine. She flaunts her beauty to the agony of her parents, and the delight of the men in town, both young and old. Everyone seeks her presence. Although the women turn their noses up against her, her appearance at an event can ensure its success. Everyone wants to see what she will be wearing, and what scandalous behavior she will display. She is a o
ne-woman theatrical performance," Emily offered.
"Do you know how old she is?"
"Yes. She is a mere twenty-two—and, to make things even more enticing—rich. Well, not rich yet, but she stands to inherit a fortune. In the meantime, her parents give her an ample allowance to ensure she is always in some trouble. She uses her money to pay for herself, and her other young friends to carry on shamelessly. Harbor Inn has a lovely orchestra, a dance floor that can accommodate a large number of people, and a shady owner who allows its patrons the run of the place if they have enough money. As you can imagine, she is a most welcome guest there. I believe she has even been seen smoking in public."
"May I ask how the family got its wealth?" Madeline asked.
"Oh, they're old money, my dear, the only kind that matters in our city. The father's family comes from tobacco, as well as other businesses only known to the family."
"And both men who are missing were courting, Miss Emma?" questioned Madeline.
"So it is told about town. Whether the young lady had a preference for either gentleman, I don't know. But I have heard she goes to the tavern with yet another man on her arm. Most have taken to calling her a cold-hearted wench. Of course, only behind closed doors. No one wants to get on the wrong side of the St. Fleur's. They are an important family in these parts."
Madeline replied, "It is not an unusual story, the idle rich getting into trouble. I suppose the unique feature in this story is that it is a woman at the forefront. She must be daring and adventurous, being aware of what her reputation is and still behaving the way she does."
"She is a surviving twin and an only child. It is unlikely that the parents will ever be too strict with her, or deny her the freedom to misbehave," Emily stated.