He nodded. “After breakfast, she told me to tell you that she’d be at the mercantile.”
“Thanks, Luke mumbled and returned to the dining room. Regina would be all right with Gretchen and Horace while he answered his screaming hunger. Bacon, fried potatoes, and fresh biscuits with honey were on the menu and suited Luke perfectly along with several cups of coffee.
With his hunger satisfied, Luke strolled across the road to the mercantile. Regina was nowhere in sight, but Horace was behind the counter. The rest of the store was empty.
“Good morning, Horace,” Luke announced happily as he walked through the door.
“Luke, welcome to my store. Come in. Regina is upstairs with Gretchen having tea, and I suppose talking each other’s ears off. Care for some coffee? I have a pot on in back,” Horace said.
Luke lifted his hand. “No, thanks, I just had three cups at the hotel with my breakfast.”
“Have a look around. You never know I might have something you can’t do without,” Horace suggested.
Luke smiled as he walked around the decent sized store. When he walked back to the counter, he said, “Tell me, how big of an order did you place with that drummer?”
Horace grinned, “Not as big as you’d think. Most of what he offered wouldn’t sell here. Not that the ladies wouldn’t like the lacy things, I’m sure, but they’d be too embarrassed to buy them. I told him he’d be better off in a larger town that had a women’s store. Women feel a bit uncomfortable buying their simple undergarments here even when Gretchen helps them.”
Luke laughed out loud. “I never thought about that. Makes life interesting.”
“That it does, my boy, that it does.”
“I took a walk around town,” Luke said stepping closer to the counter. “You said the newspaper closed down, but the place looks clean, and I saw a light on in back.”
Horace shrugged. “Not exactly sure who or what they use it for now, but Magee owns the building. The paper never sold well, and the man who ran it shared the space with some author fella who came from somewhere back East. The author stuck around for a while after the newspaper man left town, but about two months ago the author just up and left. At least we assume he left. He just wasn’t around any longer. People come and go in small towns.”
“Yeah, I suppose. It is a nice little town. I met Magee at the saloon last night. Seems to be an agreeable person,” Luke said.
Horace nodded. “I don’t get over there too often, but Magee doesn’t like to get his hands dirty. He has his man Red take care of problems with rowdy customers, and he keeps an eye on the girls. Magee doesn’t allow anyone to rough up the girls if you know what I mean. Rumor has it that Red’s planted more than one difficult cowboy out somewhere beyond the saloon.”
Luke whistled. “What about the sheriff? Surely, someone complains when a ranch hand turns up missing.”
Horace leaned closer and lowered his voice. “I think Magee pays the sheriff to look the other way. If anyone in town has a problem, the sheriff is good at looking into it and usually finds the person responsible for the trouble except at Magee’s. He lets Red handle the rough stuff over there.”
Interesting, Luke thought. That makes sense.
“I suppose,” Luke answered. “Every saloon has a strong arm. I met Red last night. He reminded me more of a gunslinger than just a hired hand.”
“He acts like one, too. He’s the only drawback to life here. He makes all the local ladies nervous with his slimy over polite manner and leers. Gretchen goes out of her way to avoid going anywhere near him if she sees him out and about.”
“That’s a shame. Treefall is a nice town. A man the likes of Red Conroy can spoil the image mighty fast,” Luke said hoping Horace would say more about Red or Magee.
“True and I doubt he’ll move on as long as Magee pays him,” Horace added.
Before they could continue their conversation, Regina came through the curtain that separated the store from the back room.
“Good morning, Luke. Gretchen thought she heard voices down here. Were you looking for me? I left word where I’d be with the desk clerk.”
Luke nodded, “He told me. Thought I’d come by and see if you’d like to take a walk around town again.”
“I’d like that,” Regina answered. After saying thank you to Gretchen and wishing her and Horace a good day she left on Luke’s arm.
Chapter Eleven
Luke shared what he had learned the night before with Regina as they walked through town. It was the best way to ensure privacy. Walls are thin everywhere, and you never knew who might be listening.
“That is quite interesting about the newspaper. Do you suppose that is where they printed the books?” Regina asked.
“I do, and it might still be in use. I saw a light on in the back of the office when I passed. I’m not sure what they might be printing since the author left town under unusual circumstances. Maybe they’re just using it for additional storage,” Luke suggested.
Regina stopped walking and looked up at Luke. “This may sound impossible, but if Magee was using the press with the author for a share in the profit of those books, and the author let town wouldn’t Magee want to continue making money?”
“I suppose. What are you thinking?”
“He needs someone to write the books, and we’re looking for a missing teacher.”
Luke hissed. “That scum Magee had Red abduct Miss Stegler, and they’re forcing her to write illicit books.”
Regina nodded, “My thoughts exactly.”
“Archie was right when he thought these two cases might be connected. I’d send a telegram, but Horace said the sheriff isn’t completely honest. He turns a blind eye to whatever Magee and Red do at the saloon. I could use a ruse we all use occasionally,” Luke explained.
“What?”
“I can send a cryptic message to my Aunt Marianne in Denver. Mention I stopped here and will be going on soon to visit the twins. Archie will understand that I mean I’m investigating both cases with some success,” Luke said while staring off into the distance. “Marianne understands when we send messages to her. Sometimes we call her sis or aunt. One former agent sent one to his mother Marianne.”
Regina laughed. “She certainly is useful around the office besides her friendly helpful nature. Now, how are we going to get the information we need?”
“She is that. I doubt the agency would work quite as efficiently without her. I spoke to Magee last night about you playing the piano and singing. He said you should come along tonight and try out. Did you alter your dress?”
Regina nodded. “Yes, it wasn’t as hard as I thought it’d be. I suppose I should thank my step-mother for insisting the neckline was a bit lower to entice the right man.”
Luke raised one eyebrow and scowled. “Just how risqué is that dress? I need to see you in it before we go to Magee’s. You’ll have to change there later. You can’t be seen walking on the streets in that dress.”
Regina twirled around and winked at him. “The dress is different from anything I’ve ever worn. It will be interesting.”
Luke grabbed Regina’s arm. “Listen carefully, please. I saw the look in Red’s eyes last night when I asked about a job for you. He seemed eager, too eager, to have a new female in the saloon. That man is dangerous. You need to be alert every time he’s near and even when he isn’t. I intend to be there at all times while you play, but things can turn bad in a heartbeat. Don’t let your guard down.”
The twinkle in Regina’s eyes disappeared replaced by the determination she drew on in difficult situations. “I promise. I want to find Miss Stegler and the connection, if any, to the book printing but not at the cost of your life or mine. Please remember that I need to play a role that I enjoy what I’m doing if Magee hires me. If I appear to be laughing with the men in the saloon and playing a few bawdy tunes, it’s not the real me. It’s the agent me playing the role I need to at the moment.”
Luke took Regina’s
hand. “Let’s walk a bit more before heading back to the hotel. You have the right attitude, and I promise to hold in my jealousy.”
Jealousy? Why did I say that? What will she think? Just ignore it, she will, too. Luke thought.
Regina didn’t ignore it. She looked up at Luke and whispered, “You’d be jealous? Why?”
Luke saw the mischief return to Regina’s eyes and stammered, “I meant I’d be protective.”
“All right, I can believe that, maybe,” Regina grinned at Luke and continued walking.
He’d get jealous? Regina thought. Be careful. He may drive you crazy, but he’s also the type of man that could steal your heart.
Regina and Luke ended their walk back at the hotel. They returned to their rooms under the watchful eye of the desk clerk. Regina couldn’t help herself and winked at the man. He began to turn red and ducked down behind the desk as if he was looking for something. Luke shook his head at the interaction. Yes, Regina would handle herself well at the saloon if he could only keep Red away from her.
Luke stopped at the head of the stairs and said, “I’ll knock on your door in a bit to see that dress. We have to be sure it’s uh well that it will make Magee happy without sending Red Conroy into some sort of fit.”
Regina responded just before disappearing into her room, “Don’t worry. I’ll be all right. Remember if he touches me I can always shoot him.”
Luke shook his head again knowing this case was going to either kill him or entertain him. Fifteen minutes later he knocked on Regina’s door.
When she opened the door, his jaw nearly fell to his feet. She was the most enticing woman he’d ever seen. Her hair was loose past her shoulders, and while the dress’s neckline was low it hid what it intended to hide, but Luke’s eyes were still drawn to Regina’s neckline. When he stepped back and saw the dress came to just below her knees he felt his own knees begin to buckle. She was a beauty.
“Come in before someone sees me like this,” Regina whispered.
Luke obliged and stepped into the room closing the door behind him. “You look beautiful. Can’t you make yourself less lovely? Red Conroy is going to try and claim you as his. Just tell him you’re my traveling companion and hopefully, that’ll be enough to keep him away from you.”
“I don’t know how to change my looks. I think it’s the dress. You wouldn’t think I looked good if I wore a frumpy dress with a severe bun.”
“I’d think you’d look lovely wearing anything you chose,” Luke said then cleared his throat and walked to the window. “You need to wear a regular dress and carry that one in a bag. Do you have anything else for your feet beside those walking shoes?”
Regina reached into a drawer and pulled out a pair of red satin slippers. “I made these from the fabric I cut off the bottom of the dress. My step-mother would faint if she knew I destroyed the dress she paid a small fortune for. Imported fabric and lace might work for Chicago society, but I’m not sure how well it will be accepted here.”
“Oh,” Luke stammered. “It will be accepted here more than you know. Seeing you in that dress makes me think we should come up with another plan.”
“We can’t. Red Conroy abducted Miss Stegler. I’m sure of it. If we both pay attention, we may learn where she is before they tire of her or no longer need her and do away with her. We can’t let that happen,” Regina asserted.
“I agree. You should change and get some rest. They won’t expect us at the saloon until after eight. We can have a late supper and then see Magee. I told him you sing, too and I suppose he’ll expect you to entertain the men. You do know a lot of popular tunes, don’t you?”
Regina looked at him, and he saw the glint in her eye. “Why Mister Smith are you trying to tell me that Mister Magee wouldn’t appreciate me playing and singing Amazing Grace to his customers.”
“Don’t you know anything besides Hymns?” Luke asked worry etching across his face.
Regina shrugged, “Would Beautiful Dreamer, Little Brown Jug, Oh, Susanna, or the Valentine Polka suffice.
“Should be good for a start, but Magee might want some bawdy music. Can you do that?”
“Of course,” Regina said proudly. “I’m an agent of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. We know how to work under duress and not let anything stop us from achieving our goal.”
Luke wanted to pick her up and swing her around. Not only was she beautiful and smart, but she was also determined. He understood why Archie hired her and paired her with him, yet, he wondered just how much Marianne had to do with it.
Luke took a step back and said, “Get some rest. I’ll knock about seven, and we’ll have supper before heading to Magee’s. I’m sure he’ll let you change there.” He slipped out of the room before Regina could respond.
Chapter Twelve
Regina was nervous walking to the saloon with Luke. Not that she doubted she could entertain the customers with her singing and piano playing but how would she deal with Red Conway and Magee. She’d staved off enough unwanted suitors at dances, but these men were not gentlemen. Not that all the gentlemen she knew acted as a gentleman should, but at least she was prepared for their advances. Red Conway carried two guns and apparently knew how to use them and abducted a woman. Magee was most likely a criminal. This was a true test of her new-found employment. She couldn’t fail.
Luke held the batwing doors open for Regina, and she stepped into the noisy saloon. Faces turned toward the newcomers and silence enveloped the saloon like a shroud when Regina walked in. Every eye was on her. Some smiled, some stared, a few nearly fell off their chairs. Luke held her hand and walked up to Red Conroy. “We’re here to see Magee.”
“Maisy,” Red hollered. “Go tell Magee that Smith is here and he brought the lady singer.”
An attractive young woman attired in less than Regina usually slept in scurried past them and hurried down a hall alongside the bar. She returned quickly, and a few minutes later, Magee strolled out.
He stopped and looked Regina up and down. “She’s pretty enough, but can she play and sing?”
Luke nodded and led Regina to the piano. She gave him her coat and sat down to begin playing a rousing Oh Susanna. She sang along, and soon all the men in the saloon joined her. The clapped and hollered when she finished.
“She can play and sing,” Magee admitted. “The customers seem to like her, but I don’t think she’ll attract business dressed like their wives. She needs to dress differently.”
“She brought a dress to change into,” Luke said.
“Maisy,” Magee said. “Take the lady to an empty room where she can change.”
“Sure,” Maisy answered and led Regina up the stairs. She opened the door to an empty room.
Maisy entered and lit the lamp. “This is my room. Don’t take too long. Magee gets impatient. You can leave your things here. No one will come in. I’m Maisy by the way.”
Regina smiled, “I’m Reggie. I’ll change quickly.”
Maisy left her alone, and Regina changed as quickly as she could. Grateful she brought a pair of black stockings with her when she grabbed her dresses before leaving Denver, her legs would at least be covered. After donning her newly altered dress, Regina made sure her Derringer was strapped high enough on her thigh, so it wouldn’t be seen. She slipped her feet into the slippers and took a quick look in the small mirror on Maisy’s wall before taking a deep breath and returned to the saloon.
Regina wasn’t exactly sure how a woman enters a room in a saloon, but it didn’t seem that it should be much different than the way she entered rooms at a dance. She descended the stairs slowly, smiling, and making sure she took each step carefully so she wouldn’t fall. She did have to admit to herself that the shorter skirt made her descent easier.
Luke’s heart nearly stopped when he saw her walking down the stairs. All heads joined Luke as they watched Regina descend the stairs. Her black stockings added a hint of mystery to her dress and Luke was pleased she didn’t walk down with
bare legs. Would Archie fire him for allowing Regina to place herself in this position or worse? Maybe he’d shoot him. Luke thought at that moment that he deserved it.
The men began whooping and hollering again as Regina finished her walk down the stairs. Red looked like he wanted to scoop her up and run off. Luke fought off the urge to walk up to the man and punch him for his thoughts. Regina was his partner, and he needed to protect her, but there was something more. He didn’t know what he’d do if something happened to her.
Magee met Regina at the bottom of the stairs and held out his hand. Regina took it and tried not to recoil at the meaty, sweaty palm.
“You look lovely Miss…?”
“Tucker but you may call me Reggie,” she answered offering her sweetest smile.
Magee nearly fell over when he saw that smile. This woman would be the perfect addition to his saloon. He turned to the men in the saloon and announced, “This here lovely lady is Reggie, and she’s going to entertain you with singing and piano playing. I’m putting a beer mug on the piano. Be sure to let her know you appreciate her.”
“Thank you,” Reggie said not knowing what else to say.
“We can discuss a salary later if you do as well for the next few hours as you did with the first song.”
Reggie nodded and sat at the piano. She began playing a love song, and many of the men hummed along. Most were half-way drunk, and some tried to sing. Luke found an empty table and sat. None of the men were interested in playing cards which was fine with him. He’d just as soon sit and listen to Regina.
At midnight, Magee spoke to Regina, and she nodded. As she hurried up the stairs, Luke watched closely to be sure neither Magee or Red followed. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw her walking back down in her coat. It was late, and Regina decided walking back to the hotel in her red dress and coat with Luke was safer than loitering in Maisy’s room changing. She dumped the coins from the beer mug into her reticule and left with Luke.
On the walk back, Regina explained, “Magee said he’d pay me twice what the girls average each night. He said I wouldn’t have to work upstairs. I told him that was good because I don’t like strangers to touch me. He assured me that Red wouldn’t allow any of the customers near me.”
An Agent for Regina Page 6