“Magee’s?” Regina inquired.
“The local saloon,” Gretchen said crinkling her nose. “I wish it would close, but I do suppose it’s there to stay.”
Regina smiled, “I understand how that could be annoying.”
Gretchen nodded her agreement and Regina was thrilled she learned the local saloon had a piano. She’d ask for a job playing and singing in the saloon. It would be the perfect cover to find out about Red Conroy and the missing teacher. Now, if she could only convince Luke. She had a feeling he wasn’t going to be any happier than he was the last time she suggested something similar.
Regina had learned quite a bit about Treefall by the time they pulled into the Miller’s stage stop. When she obtained employment at the saloon, she would learn more from the working girls.
After a filling meal of beef stew, freshly baked bread, and dried apple pie, Luke stood and asked Regina if she’d like to take a walk and stretch her legs. Regina readily agreed. It had been a long trip sitting, and she wanted to speak with Luke privately.
They strolled far enough away from the building so as not to be overheard.
“I was impressed with how much information you got out of Gretchen,” Luke told Regina as they walked.
“You know I didn’t do much. She enjoys talking and telling me about her town. We’re fortunate she lives in the town we need to investigate. I did find it interesting that she said the newspaper office was closed. Do you suppose whoever owned it left the printing press behind and whoever is printing those books have taken over the office?” Regina asked as they strolled further from the stage stop.
Luke stopped and turned toward Regina. “I thought that myself. If those books are being printed in Treefall, a closed newspaper office would be the ideal setup. I just don’t know how the abducted teacher fits into all of this.”
“Maybe it doesn’t. The woman who hired us knew it was Red Conroy that took Miss Stegler. He must have been around their town at least a few times for her to recognize him. Maybe he saw Miss Stegler and wanted her. He could be holding her at a cabin or house somewhere away from the town,” Regina suggested.
“That’s a good possibility,” Luke agreed. “It just seems odd that he would abduct her from a town fifty miles away. She must have caught his eye. Miss Stegler must be quite a beauty.”
“Maybe, or maybe she was alone and vulnerable. You told me there aren’t a lot of women in this part of the Territory. Maybe he wanted a woman for umm for, you know.” Regina blushed trying to figure out the correct way to explain her thoughts to Luke.
“I understand what you mean. Yes, women are scarce out here, and she wouldn’t be the first woman abducted for those reasons. We need to consider everything and every possible situation. There still might be a connection between the books and Miss Stegler. Archie doesn’t believe in coincidences, and maybe we shouldn’t think of them separately until we’re positive they’re not connected,” Luke said. “What do you think?”
“I agree. We should keep an open mind. What do you plan to do when we get to town?”
Luke thought for a moment. “Well, since I’m supposed to be a gambler, I think the best thing is to check into the hotel, get a bath and shave, change into my black suit, and wander into the saloon.”
“I agree. If Gretchen is correct and they no longer have a piano player at the saloon I might be able to get the job. You could find that out while you’re there. I have had several years of piano lessons and play well. I was also in the school choir. I don’t suppose the men want to listen to hymns, but my friends and I learned a few songs that the school wouldn’t have approved of,” Regina confided with a twinkle in her eye.
“Each time we talk I see a different side of you. Are you going to stay out of mischief while I’m at the saloon?”
“Of course, I plan to take that red satin dress with the black lace trim that my step-mother was sure would lure some man of means into proposing to me to help her society image and turn it into a dress that I know the men in the saloon will love,” Regina said and smiled at Luke.
Before he could respond, Regina continued, “Don’t worry, I won’t make it too risqué. My best friend, Christina, brought the dime novels, some sheet music with a few bawdy tunes that I remember note for note, and magazines with rather revealing fashions to school. I think I can fashion a dress that will appeal to the saloon patrons but will still keep me looking like a lady,” Regina laughed out loud as Luke just stared at her.
Luke shook his head.
“Just imagine a Can-Can dancer. I think their dresses are more appropriate than one I assume might be worn in a saloon. I read somewhere that some girls only wear underthings,” Regina continued and blushed again this time. She hurried away calling over her shoulder, “Just remember to refer to me as Reggie in the saloon.”
Reggie. Yes, Luke could see that Reggie would be more fun than Regina and he’d have to watch out for her. Reggie just might be a handful and make a good agent, but only if she didn’t storm into a situation without thinking first.
Chapter Nine
The stage passed a lot of open range land on the way to treefall and Regina saw more cattle than she could count. The wide-open spaces, winds blowing the grasses, and the stands of trees enthralled her. As the stage rambled on past a small copse of trees, a flock of large birds she couldn’t identify took flight. Regina tried to strain and see them, but they flew off before she had much of a chance. The landscape was vastly different than the buildings in Chicago or her grandparent’s farm. Her grandparents had some dairy cows, but they looked much different than the cattle meandering on the plains. For a moment, her heart ached, and she missed them terribly, but she was also grateful for the lessons learned on their farm. She could ride, shoot for protection or food, cook, and do a variety of outdoor chores as well as keep house.
Gertrude’s voice brought her back from her musings. “We’re nearing town now,” the older woman said excitedly. I can’t wait to see my son, but I already miss my daughter and grandchild.”
“I have five younger brothers and sisters, and I miss them, too,” Regina offered. “Not as much when I remember how wild they can be, but the quiet moments when they curled up next to me as I read them a story.”
“Five siblings younger than you. Your hands must have been kept busy,” Gretchen said.
“No, I spent most of my school years in boarding school and summers on my grandparent's farm.”
Gretchen’s face showed concern. “That doesn’t seem quite fair to be away from your family.”
Regina stated, “My step-mother…” Gretchen raised her hand with her palm toward Regina. “You don’t have to say more. I was raised by a step-mother. She could be difficult, but then she was that way with everyone. My best friend also had a step-mother, and you’d never know she hadn’t given birth to her. She was the sweetest woman. I suppose it depends on the type of person they are before they take on the responsibility. Oh look, you can see Treefall in the distance.”
Regina was grateful for the change in subject. She realized if she began to speak about her childhood, she might give more away about her life than she wanted. Remembering her training, Regina recalled that she should share just enough information. Too much leads to more questions. Regina looked at Gretchen and smiled at the excitement on the woman’s face and then craned her neck to see what Gretchen pointed out.
As they came around a curve, a town came into view. It didn’t appear to be any different than many she’d seen on the stage ride from Cheyenne. They passed several small cabins and a few buildings Regina would only describe as shanties before they slowed while entering the town proper. Regina saw the church first with its empty bell tower. It was a comfort to see the residents would worship each week in a town that harbored a man with the reputation of Red Conroy. That meant there was hope she and Luke could find Miss Stegler. Not everyone in this town was a criminal.
Luke observed the town as they drove through but saw thing
s differently than Regina. He first noticed the saloon. Well taken care of, painted white with ‘Magee’s’ boldly printed above the door in bright red paint, second floor with large windows that he assumed opened for the soiled doves to call out to customers, the apparently shuttered newspaper office, cowboys spending a day away from the ranch, a few well-heeled men carrying their guns in tied down holsters. One of them might be Red Conroy. Luke’s gut told him there were too many gunslingers in this one small town and if the sheriff was in someone’s’ pocket, he’d bet it was Magee’s.
Luke glanced at Regina and saw the look of excitement on her face. He remembered his first case and wanted to jump in with both feet and solve it immediately, but the old adage of one step at a time was something Regina needed to experience on her own. It wasn’t something that was easy to teach.
The stage stopped in front of the hotel, and all five occupants alighted. Gretchen hugged Regina and pointed across the road. “The mercantile is just across the way. Please drop by tomorrow after you’re settled in and have tea with me.”
“I will do that,” Regina said. “I think I’d like to stay here and visit for a while. I’m a bit tired of traveling,” she lied but needed to allow Gretchen to believe she still had miles of travel ahead of her. “A soft bed, hot bath, and warm meals sound good for a few days or more.”
“You get that bath and a good night’s sleep, and I’ll see you tomorrow,” Gretchen said as she waved and crossed the road to the mercantile with Horace following dragging a large gray trunk.
Luke walked up behind her and said, “Let’s check into the hotel and then get something to eat at the café. We might hear something. People enjoy talking during meals.”
Regina smiled and nodded, “After you, Mister Smith.”
Luke carried their bags into the hotel and arranged for two rooms. The clerk stared at both of them as they signed the register. “I have a room on the first floor for the lady and you, sir, I can put on the second floor.”
Luke understanding his inference, answered, “You’ll put us both on the second floor, in rooms next to each other, and if at all possible, I’d like the room that looks over the street. I like to watch people.”
The clerk scowled but agreed and gave Luke the key to room 201 at the front of the hotel. Regina would be in room 203. Luke picked up the bags and started for the stairs.
Regina hid a smile. “He thinks we’re up to something.”
“If he only knew,” Luke answered back.
Luke placed Regina’s bags in her room and then left to unpack his bags. “I’ll knock in about fifteen minutes, and we’ll go to the café.”
“I’ll be ready,” Regina said as she closed the door and surveyed the small but tidy room. She sat and bounced on the bed. It was surprisingly comfortable, and the small closet was adequate for her needs. She was pleased to see a mirror above the small washstand but frowned when she looked at herself. When did her hat slip a bit to the side and her hair was loose. She quickly removed the pins, brushed her hair and pulled it back into a neat twist at the back of her neck and replaced her hat. Splashing some water from the bowl on the washstand on her face removed most of the trail dust, and she felt better. She was ready when Luke knocked.
They strolled out of the hotel under the glaring watch of the desk clerk. “That man thinks we’re up to no good. I told you that when we went upstairs but I think the fifteen minutes since he saw us has let his imagination come up with more scenarios. Maybe he thinks we’re bank robbers or you’re the head of a rustling operation,” Regina said her glee apparent on her face.
“That could be, but he might think you’re a madam and in town to open a house of ill repute,” Luke responded the mischief dancing in his blue eyes.
“If that were the case, I think he’d be smiling,” Regina said doing her best to hide her blush.
Luke laughed, “You might be right. Let him think what he wants. It’ll keep him off guard if he expects the worst from us.”
“As long as he doesn’t snoop in our rooms.”
Luke stopped and stared at Regina. He whispered, “You didn’t leave your badge and identification in your room, did you?”
She shook her head slowly, “I have them in my skirt pocket along with my Derringer.”
Luke smiled. “That’s what I’d expect from my partner.” He pulled open the café door and allowed Regina to enter first. They found an empty table near the window and sat.
The chicken and dumplings special was delicious as was the cherry cobbler. Regina was pleased they offered tea and not just coffee. They didn’t hear any useful gossip but were greeted by several friendly townsfolk.
“People in this town are nice. I hope we’re wrong about terrible things happening here. If a man like Red Conroy could abduct a woman right off the street, none of the ladies in town are safe,” Regina offered.
Luke nodded his agreement. “Maybe I’ll learn more at the saloon tonight. I think we should head back to the hotel. I need to sleep for a couple of hours and head to the saloon about ten. Men’s tongues are freer after they’ve had a few drinks, and I’ll start a card game. Men enjoy talking when they’re winning.”
“You’re going to cheat and let them win?” Regina asked.
“No, ma’am, but I will be able to tell who might hold the best hand and if it’s me, I can fold and let someone else win. I don’t believe that’s cheating exactly.”
Regina smiled at Luke’s reasoning.
Chapter Ten
Luke walked into Magee’s a little after ten. He noticed the piano was silent and had been shoved up against a corner wall. Perhaps Regina could get a job playing it and find out something that could help their case. He still didn’t like the idea of her working in the saloon, but if he were there, he’d take care of her.
Taking in the rest of the saloon, he noticed the man sitting on a high stool next to the bar. With his shock of red hair, Luke assumed he might be Red Conroy and probably the bouncer. He could see the man wore a two-gun holster and kept an eagle’s eye on the girls. A stocky man stood behind the bar pouring drinks. He’d find out soon if he was Magee, but he doubted it. The owner would most likely be in the back somewhere.
Three young women flitted from table to table whispering in men’s ears and winking at others. Regina was right about the saloon girls’ attire, but then they weren’t dressed much differently from others he’d seen across the country.
He strode straight to the bar observing the men seated at tables before ordering a beer. The barkeep greeted him with a, “What’ll ya have? You’re new around here.”
“Beer,” Luke answered. “Just passing through.”
The barkeep nodded and drew a beer placing the mug on the bar in front of Luke. After dropping a coin for his beer, Luke lifted the glass taking a sip and watching the patrons in the mirror behind all the liquor bottles that graced the wall directly behind the bar.
Luke noticed a table of men dressed better than the cowboys in range clothes playing Poker and he strolled over beer in hand.
“Evening, gentlemen, have room for another player?”
The men looked at the stranger dressed in a black suit and string tie. The one holding the cards nodded, “Sure, if you want to lose some money, stranger, grab a chair.”
Luke did that and held out his hand, “Luke Smith. Nice to make your acquaintance.”
The man introduced himself as Colby, a local ranch owner. The other three men offered their names and Colby dealt the cards.
After a little more than two hours, the table began to break up. Luke broke about even which was ideal. He didn’t make any enemies and was sure he’d be invited to play another night. What little information he gleaned he’d share with Regina in the morning. As he was preparing to leave, a short man with a pot belly and graying brown hair walked into the saloon from an area down the dark hall next to the bar. From his dark suit, vest, and tie, Luke knew that must be Magee. Maybe he’d get a chance to meet him if he asked
about a job for Regina.
Luke set his empty beer mug on the bar and asked the barkeeper if anyone played the piano. After hearing about the unfortunate demise of the previous player during a wild shootout in the saloon Luke had second thoughts about suggesting Regina play, but he knew she was right. She could talk to the girls in ways he couldn’t.
He asked the barkeep, “Is the owner around. I know someone who might like to play that piano.”
“Yeah, that’s him at the end of the bar. Name’s Magee.”
Luke nodded his thanks and approached Magee.
“Evening,” Luke said. “Name’s Luke Smith, and I might know someone who’d be interested in a job playing that piano. Heard you lost the last player.”
Magee held out his hand. “I’m Magee, the owner. Nice to meet you, Smith. What can you tell me about the fella who wants to play the piano?”
“First, it’s not a fella. Her name is Reggie, and she plays well. She sings, too.”
“A woman, hey, that would be good. Bring her around tomorrow night, and we’ll see if my customers like her,” Magee said.
Luke could see the lust grow in Red’s eyes as Luke talked about Regina. He certainly seemed like the type that would grab a woman off the street. Now, they needed to find where Miss Stegler was.
As Luke entered the hotel, the night clerk who Luke hadn’t met looked up from whatever he was reading and greeted Luke with a smile and nod. Regina’s room was quiet when Luke arrived upstairs. He hoped she slept well and walked into his room, stripped off his clothes and boots, and dropped down on the bed. It had been a long day, and he drifted off to sleep immediately.
It was well past nine the following morning when Luke awoke. He dressed quickly and knocked on Regina’s door. No answer. He walked down to the hotel dining room, but she wasn’t there. The disapproving desk clerk was on duty, but Luke needed answers.
“Did you see Miss Tucker this morning?”
An Agent for Regina Page 5