Speakeasy, Speak Love

by Sharon G Clark

  Claire’s face flushed in embarrassment. She said, “That’s not necessary, Mr. Graham. Ma received an adequate pension when released from her duties.”

  A loud thwap sounded in the room, and Eldon let out a low growl. “Stop it, Babs. Don’t push me too far.”

  “How do you manage to run a business with your foot constantly occupying space in your mouth?” Margaret asked. Fiona recognized the fury in Eldon and wondered how much longer he’d let his sister get away with reprimanding him in front of strangers. “These are respectable people who deserve to be treated as such.”

  This action must be the breaking point, because Eldon shoved the money into his pants pocket, grabbed Margaret by the arm, and tugged her to the door. He yanked it open, and his men pivoted toward him. “We’re leaving, take her to the car.” Over his shoulder, he said, “Cavanaugh, follow me.” He didn’t wait to see if she complied.

  Fiona squared her shoulders, gave Claire a reassuring smile, she hoped, told Willie to stay put and followed Eldon out of the tenement building. He remained silent until Margaret and his men sat in the car. “Going to school?”

  “No.”

  “You willing to work?” he asked.

  Fiona snorted and then nodded. “Already work for Mr. Chambers, delivering packages.”

  With a sigh, Eldon said, “Didn’t mean to upset your girlfriend.” He pulled the money he had offered Claire a moment ago. “Don’t care how you do it, but see Nana gets this. She truly was good with my mother all the way up to the end. Margaret thinks the world of Nana.”

  “I’ll see Nana gets it, sir.” Fiona took the money.

  “You didn’t have to help my sister, but I’m grateful you did. I owe you.”

  Fiona gave a sniff. “We’re jake.”

  Eldon shook his head and pulled out his wallet again. This time, he removed a business card, pulled a pen from a pocket, and jotted something on the blank side. “Come see me tomorrow, at the house, one o’clock. We have things to talk about. I want you to work for me if you’re willing.” He must have noted her hesitation to trust him. “Think of your future, kid. I can pay well for hard work.”

  Taking the card, Fiona stared at the address. She shook her head and squinted up at him. “What kinda work?”

  “Lots of work, kid. I owe you. Plus, I could use a delivery boy,” he glanced toward Margaret, presently watching them with curiosity, and a bit of worry in her expression. “Also, occasionally someone to look after her and drive her around, safely, so fools like Junior don’t bother her. The pay would be better than Chambers can scrape together. Not that I doubt he’s tried to do right by you. If you agree, I’ll even compensate him for losing you without notice.”

  Fiona glanced in the window at Margaret’s beautiful face. She impulsively winked, not thinking better of the action or curbing the impulse. Eldon didn’t seem to notice, and Margaret blushed. Fiona would like to get to know her better, try to understand the strange emotions Margaret evoked all the way to Fiona’s core with just a look. However, part of her heard Claire’s warning, too. More money meant saving faster and getting out of this city sooner, uppermost in her reasons for agreeing. “I’ll be there,” she said.

  With her agreement, Eldon smiled vaguely and got in the car. As the car drove down the street, Fiona wondered the extent of the trouble she just agreed to. She sighed loudly.

  Chapter Three

  “IF YOU THINK you just made a deal with the devil, you may have.” Fiona heard the voice from directly behind her. She spun around to face Ian Donnelly looking down at her in grim seriousness. He must have been hiding in the shadows, but she didn’t know for how long or what he’d overheard from her exchange with Eldon Graham.

  “I’ll be just fine, Ian.” She gave him a sly smile, hoping to change the topic. “You’re in uniform. Should I call you Mick?”

  Ian shook his head and smirked, bending close to her ear. “Sure, if you want me calling you Fiona.” He straightened, grinning at her gasp. “What gives, Finn? Why are you speaking to Graham?”

  Fiona stuffed her hands in her pockets. “’Cause I need lots of work to get out of here, Ian. Besides, I didn’t invite him here.”

  “I understand that,” Ian said. He reached up and placed a hand on her shoulder. “We Donnellys are worried about you, honey. Graham is involved in a lot of nasty business. I don’t want to see you hurt, and neither do Ma and Claire.” She winced at the mention of Claire, and he seemed to notice. He slid his arm around her shoulders in a brotherly motion and pulled her close, dropping his voice. “The hurt from that matter will pass. You and Claire shouldn’t let the guilt affect you, or the friendship you share.”

  “Claire shouldn’t feel guilty at all,” she said, harsher than she intended. “It was my doing, just me.” She pulled away from him and plopped down on the tenement stairs, covering her face with her hands when he sat beside her. Luckily it was close to dinner time, and most folks were indoors, off the streets.

  “My God, Ian, you shouldn’t even know about what happened, let alone be so understanding. You should have kicked my ass. My Da would have, and he doesn’t need an excuse.”

  He gave a gentle shove with his shoulder into hers. “I still can if it will make you feel better.” Ian gave a quick bark of laughter when she winced. “It sickens me you’re so upset and won’t let the matter heal.”

  “I don’t understand you, Ian. A pervert took liberties with your sister. Nana Donnelly’s heart would break if she knew what I’d done. Why haven’t you beaten me up, yet?” Fiona gave a smirk. “Hell, you’re a policeman. You could’ve tossed me in jail, forgotten me, and been rid of me forever.”

  Ian cupped her chin in his palm and forced her face toward his. Fiona settled her gaze on the bridge of his nose. It seemed enough for him. “Though she didn’t feel the same for you, I see how much you honestly love Claire. It was only a kiss.” He tightened his grip a fraction. “If it had been more because she returned your love, I would have stood by you both, and protected you the best I could. As it is, you’re torturing yourself worse than anything I could mete out. Give yourself a break. You deserve it.”

  “Thanks, Ian, I’ll try,” Fiona said when Ian stood. “You’re a great guy.”

  “Yeah, I know.” He smiled mischievously. “Seriously, Finn, watch yourself around Eldon Graham. Someone’s going to take him out of business, and hard. Probably happen soon. He shouldn’t trust his own men because of the stuff he’s hip-deep in. Just can’t say if it will be the justice system or an opponent who gets to Graham first. Don’t be anywhere near him when it happens.”

  “Not intending to stick my nose anyplace it ought not to be.”

  “Don’t mean it won’t get shoved into something.” He shrugged. “So you know, I got promoted to detective. I won’t be in uniform next you see me, so should help keep your cover if you have need of me.” Ian stood and started up the stairs, frowned, and then walked back down to stand directly in front of her. “Fiona, I don’t know what happened to bring Graham here. I saw a girl—”

  Fiona glanced up at him. “She came to see your mom.”

  He nodded solemnly. “Is she related to Graham?”

  “His sister. Her name is Margaret.”

  “Mom says she’s good people. Please be ever so careful, Fiona. He’s a brother who won’t be as understanding as me.”

  “No, Ian, you don’t understand,” she said. “Willie stopped me on my route because she was being harassed by Junior. I had to help her.”

  “I hope that’s all.”

  Fiona stood. “Margaret just needed help, nothing more.” However, as soon as the words were out of her mouth, Fiona knew them for a lie in her heart. From her physical touch with Margaret, Fiona’s heart already wanted there to be more.

  Chapter Four

  WEARING HER SUNDAY best, though unremarkable to the people with money to buy store-bought clothes, Fiona stared at the imposing Queen Anne style residence of Eldon and Margaret Graham. Not o
nly was it huge, but the house had so many windows there could never be a problem with receiving light. Privacy was probably out the window, too. Fiona snickered, catching her pun. At least two chimney’s rose above the roof. Two rounded tower shapes were on either side of the front. A porch wrapped around the front and one side of the house. If the inside were anything like the outside, she was definitely out of place here.

  Fiona expected she should use the servant’s entrance, but believed Eldon Graham would have specifically stated that at their initial meeting. Was the unspoken rule supposed to be common knowledge? He was the type of man who would prethink all details he intended and announce those points when necessary. Damn. The anticipation of earning money quicker, knowing anything Eldon Graham offered would surpass the pittance she had earned before now, may have had her acting too rashly.

  Fiona turned away, ready to forget this whole idea. How could she possibly succeed if she couldn’t figure which entrance to use? I wonder if old man Chambers would give me my job back—after a suitable amount of groveling, of course. At least Chambers would still let her sleep in the back room. She had just completed an about-face when Margaret’s voice sounded from behind her.

  “Never figured you for being chicken, Finn.” Margaret’s tone teased, and Fiona’s heart beat more erratic than her nerves of just a moment ago.

  “Kinda assumed I’d bitten off more than I could successfully chew,” she admitted, not sure why she spoke honestly. With a shrug, Fiona asked, “Should I go to the back entrance?”

  Margaret walked closer and locked an arm through hers. “Heavens, no. Eldon hates tardiness above most things, and you’ve managed to get here almost quarter-of-an-hour early. Let’s not jinx it.”

  “Any other advice before I beard the lion in his den?” Fiona asked, puzzled to feel so relaxed around Margaret, as though friends for years. It obviously wasn’t one-sided, either.

  “He’s always right, even when he isn’t,” Margaret said, giving a gentle shove of her shoulder into Fiona’s arm. Margaret walked them through the front door into a wide foyer. She moved across the cream-colored marble floor and toward a closed door across from the staircase, and her voice grew quiet and serious. “Mostly, be careful of his mercurial temper.” She knocked on the large mahogany door.

  “Yeah,” came from behind the door. Then it opened to reveal Eldon at a large dark wood desk. A bulky man of about five-footten, thinning brown hair, mustache, and thick lips stood in the opening, still grasping the doorknob. “Good afternoon, Margaret.”

  “Hello, Jimmy,” Margaret said as she pulled Fiona into the room and passed him on her way toward the front of Eldon’s desk. Startled, Fiona almost forgot to remove her cap, which she pulled from her head and held tight in front of her.

  After a quick glance at the grandfather clock on the right, Eldon stood and extended a hand to Fiona. “You’re early, kid. I like that.” He looked to where Margaret still held her arm. “I don’t think Finn’s gonna run, Babs, so you can let him go.”

  “You’d be surprised.” She turned and looked directly at Fiona. “Have you had lunch?” Fiona shook her head. “Then come to the kitchen when you’re done. I’ll have a sandwich ready for you.” She looked directly at Eldon. “Don’t know if you have something planned for him already, but he needs to eat. He’s too skinny.” With that, Margaret gave a smile to Fiona and left.

  As soon as Margaret crossed the threshold, Jimmy closed the door and positioned himself behind Eldon, crossed his arms and scowled at her. Eldon had retaken his seat once Margaret left and joined Jimmy in staring at her. Then, he leaned forward, put one elbow on the desk, his hand resting against his chin. “How old are you, kid?”

  For a little less than two years, Fiona had been telling everyone she was almost sixteen, mostly to explain away not having facial hair, and decided it was about time to get older. She couldn’t claim her real age of twenty-three, in fourteen days, because she looked like a teenager in male guise. “Gonna be seventeen in a couple weeks. Mr. Chambers didn’t have no problem with me driving for him, so long as I didn’t get caught by the cops. I ain’t goin’ to no school no more. Don’t have a problem working hard, odd hours, I’m honest, and know how to mind my own potatoes. I hit on all six, Mr. Graham.”

  Eldon laughed hard and slapped the desk’s top with the hand that had just cupped his face. “Take it easy kid. This isn’t an interrogation. I was going to ask if I needed to talk to a parent before you start working for me.” Fiona sneered. “I’ll take that as a no. Okay, you’re on your own, your own man. This is what I expect from you.” He stood and put his hands in his pockets. “I have a couple restaurants in this town needing to be kept in supplies to feed the hungry citizens of our growing town. You’ll mostly be delivering those supplies. Every now and again, you may need to deliver a package or run other errands for me with no questions asked. As my sister has plans for your stomach this afternoon, I want you to stop by Graham’s Bit of Charm, on Chestnut Street, first thing in the morning. You do look like you could use a couple good meals. Margaret will need chauffeuring around every now and then. Jimmy would prefer to do it, but I need him with me for our business meetings.”

  Eldon went over the particulars and expectations for each establishment listed, and where to pick up the truck she’d use for these jobs. Also, she’d be solely responsible for keeping the truck in good running condition, any supplies to be put on his tab. At her nod of understanding, Eldon moved in front of her, leaned his backside on the desk, and crossed his arms over his chest. “You already know how important my kid sister is, so I probably don’t need to remind you of what happens if she’s harmed in any way. You do want to see your seventeenth birthday, don’t you?”

  “Yes, sir,” Fiona said with a firm nod. “I’d never let anything happen to Miss Margaret.”

  “Good.” Eldon moved back to his chair. “You do good by me, Finn, and there are chances for better jobs and more pay. I reward loyalty and hard work.”

  Fiona straightened her shoulders. “I won’t let you down, Mr. Graham.”

  Eldon smiled wickedly. “You’re the only one who’d suffer if you did.” Fiona suspected he didn’t use the word suffer lightly. He confirmed her assessment with his next words. “I punish with the same fervor as I reward. As for Margaret? Jimmy would kill you, painfully I might add, as he has his sights on my sister, Finn.” As Eldon ignored the sharp intake of breath from Jimmy, Fiona decided she should ignore it too. “I haven’t decided if I want to allow him the privilege. That would be granting quite the boon, to anyone.”

  “You don’t have to worry, Mr. Graham.” Fiona wondered at the underlying tension between Jimmy and Eldon. Was it because Eldon dangled Margaret on a string to keep Jimmy in line? Not a safe game to play, not with dangerous men, and both fit in that category. Fiona planned to stay as far away from it as humanly possible given her working conditions. She didn’t want trouble.

  Her plans were set in her mind, and she’d do whatever necessary to accomplish her goals and get out of this horrid town.

  Seemingly satisfied with her answer, Eldon said, “Then start calling me Eldon. I hate the Mr. Graham stuff from people I like.” Eldon handed her some money. “I expect you to wear a clean shirt and tie when on the clock. Make sure you pick some up before morning.” He turned to Jimmy. “Show Finn to the kitchen, so Margaret can get some pounds on the kid. Oh, and Jimmy, try not to dawdle or drool over Margaret. We still have business reports to go over.”

  Jimmy started toward the door, and Fiona followed, noting Jimmy clenching and unclenching his fists as they went. He didn’t even glance in her direction. Yup, trouble brewed between the two men. Not for the first time that day, Fiona wondered what she’d managed to get herself into this time.

  Chapter Five

  MARGARET SAT AT a table set close to a window niche in the kitchen, wondering how long Eldon would keep Finn in the office. For the millionth time, she straightened the silverware, adjusted the cloth
napkin, and shifted the glass of milk. This time her hand paused. What if Finn didn’t like milk or thought it baby stuff? Would he think her treating him as a kid? She frowned. Why had making an impression on a street kid, a male at that, become so important to her? Beyond, of course, appreciating he’d saved her from hoodlums, the comfort of their verbal interactions, and she couldn’t forget the zinger she got from their first, innocently meant touch.

  There was something she couldn’t put her finger on concerning Finn that Margaret intended to understand. It was more than the fact Finn’s dark brown hair, caramel colored eyes, and tanned skin made him so beautiful in his handsomeness. Or that those lips were so expressive, begging a kissing. There had been strength in the arm Margaret had latched on to when walking him to Eldon’s office. However, what had grabbed Margaret’s attention was the mix of compassion and loneliness she’d seen in Finn’s gaze. The same aloneness coursed through her own blood. A solitary life awaited her and wasn’t likely curable. Despite Eldon’s wish for an advantageous marriage, Margaret had no interest in men.

  Maybe what had drawn her to Finn was the need for a friendship with a comparable soul. Still, below it all lay the niggling feeling Finn was not as he appeared to be. In college, the more athletic, almost boyish women in her class drew Margaret’s interest; so perhaps, Finn, young with a hint of feminine quality, simply reminded her of the very women she preferred to give her attention.

  Footsteps sounded from the hall, and Margaret turned to see Jimmy enter the kitchen, with a subdued Finn right behind him. Her heart leaped at the sight of the young man clutching his Newsboy cap tight in a fist. “Finally,” she said, as pleased at the sparkle lighting Finn’s gaze meeting hers as she felt baffled by the pleasure she received from it. “I thought I’d have to bang down the door to rescue this poor kid. Please, Finn, come over here and eat.” As Finn glided around Jimmy and did as told, Margaret said to Jimmy, “Thank you, Jimmy, you can go. I’m sure Eldon has better things for you to do than babysit us.” She stood there until, with a grumble, Jimmy turned around and exited the kitchen.