The Harrison: A Beautiful Place to Die (Madeline Donovan Mysteries Book 2)

by Madison Kent

"It is not something she would have had. If she owned something like this, I never saw it. The way she was, if she had obtained something like this, she would have sold it to help the family...that's the kind of girl she was. Who could she have met that would have given her such a valuable piece of jewelry in the short time that she was missing? And if she met someone who gave her such an item, why would they then harm her? None of it makes any sense," said Mr.Gapinski.

  "Did you speak to the police about the ring?" asked Hugh.

  "I did, but they dismissed it by saying young women do not tell their parents everything, and that if she had a secret love, she might not have told us about it."

  "It does seem as if your constabulary here is satisfied with easy answers and not inclined to dig deeper into these matters," continued Hugh.

  "Yes, our city is understaffed for such matters, and because there is no clear evidence, they are content to leave it alone," said Madeline. "I believe this ring may be of some importance."

  "I will keep it safely locked away in the event it might be needed as evidence," said Mr. Gapinski.

  Riding back in the carriage toward their home, Hugh asked, "What was that actually all about, the business of the ring?"

  "It is the same ring found with Maria's things. I will tell Louie and leave it to him to take the information to the police. There is no way they can now dismiss the connection between these two girl's deaths. I will ask Louie to confer with Mr. Gapinski―I thought it was best to let Mr. Falco present this information to him."

  "I see why you didn't say anything. That could be a blow he might not be ready for."

  "I'm hoping that Louie Falco might bring his ring to Mr. Gapinski to confirm it and then go from there."

  "You are knee deep in it now. I can't imagine Jonathan not wishing to throw himself into this investigation with you when he gets here. Do you wish to stop at The Harrison?"

  "Yes, you are predicting my wishes just as in London."

  The carriage let them off on the corner of Erie Street where Little Tony, the newsboy, was busy hawking his papers. In his loudest staccato voice, he rang out, "Another three gone missing, disappearance frightens neighborhood. Read all about it―one murdered, six missing".

  "Tony, what is this all about?" asked Madeline.

  "Two tourists visiting and one more local girl...vanished. The papers been selling like hotcakes off the griddle, my best morning in two weeks. Where'd ya' think those girls got themselves to?"

  "It is a mystery, Tony, and hopefully someone will find out before anymore go missing," said Madeline as Hugh paid him for two papers.

  Just then, Patrick Harrison came out, flushed-faced with beads of sweat on his forehead, and yelled at Tony, "Take yourself away from here, young man. This is a place of business. People don't wish to be bothered with your screaming. Out―out."

  "All right, mister...all right," said, Little Tony, as he moved across the street closer to where Jacob was.

  Patrick Harrison strode past Madeline and Hugh without even looking up at them, as if they were invisible. He marched through the doors with angry words to the doorman to keep Tony from reentering the space in front of his hotel.

  When they entered, an excited Marilyn leaped from her place in the French cafe where she sat with her twin sister. Waving to them, she held a piece of paper in her hand, "Madeline, it is opium, just as you had guessed. Imagine, what a discovery."

  Madeline leaned over to embrace her and thank her for what she had done.

  "Will you go to the police with this information?" asked Marilyn.

  "Of course. I must. There is other startling news also."

  She went on to tell Marilyn and Nancy of what she discovered about the supposed engagement rings.

  "Did you see Mr. Harrison run out to the street and chase poor Little Tony away?" asked Madeline.

  "Yes, the missing women...at least, I think that's why he acted the way he did," said Marilyn.

  "All the brothers were in the lobby. They were huddled around together over the paper," said Nancy.

  "The tall one, what is his name?" asked Hugh.

  "That is Christopher, the one with a little gray at the temples."

  "He appears to guide the others. They do all the talking, and he barely says a word but seems to control them," said Hugh.

  "He never said one word to me when we had our meeting. I don't know if it's arrogance or just pure pride that he feels he is so far above the mere mortals who come to his hotel," said Madeline.

  When the three brothers left through their private elevator, everyone returned to their normal chatter.

  "I think they are finally feeling a little pressure about the girls. Have you or Nancy heard anything about the new ones who are missing?" asked Madeline.

  "When Little Tony began calling out, most people went out to buy a paper. I only know what we read...two of the girls missing are tourists, the other is local. The two girls were visiting the Auditorium Building. The other, it is not known where she was last," said Nancy.

  "Then the brothers should not have been concerned if they were not associated with their hotel," said Hugh.

  "Perhaps they know the police will be more likely to be vigorous in their search as the numbers of girls gone missing will have the city's residents demanding some action," said Madeline.

  Marilyn handed Madeline the remains of the chocolate and the results.

  "I suppose the police will question me now," said Marilyn.

  "I can't imagine that they wouldn't, you don't mind, do you?" asked Madeline.

  "No, of course not. I would like to help in any way I can, those missing girls could be any one of us," said Marilyn.

  "There is Lady Mary on the outside patio. She is with an older man I have not seen before," said Madeline.

  "I have seen him with her. I think he is a hotel guest. He, like Alfred, appear to take a protective watch over her."

  He was short, with a bulging chest area that protruded through his coat jacket. For a moment, she wondered about what the witness had said about the person who pushed Maria. He fit the description, as did Patrick. But, of course, there were a hundred people within her neighborhood who probably would fit that description.

  During their return ride, Hugh and her both sat reading the article about the missing girls.

  "When Jonathan arrives and writes about the Auditorium Building, he will find he has another story as well now to write about," said Hugh.

  "I think I will go to the police station," said Madeline.

  "And I back to meet with my building designers," said Hugh.

  She found that this time the police officer was interested in what she had to say. They took the chocolate and said they would investigate the situation with the rings. She left hoping that now the story of the missing girls would receive the attention it deserved.

  Tomorrow Jonathan would be there, and they would be able to hear his thoughts on these matters.

  Chapter Ten

  Jonathan Arrives

  They were all anticipating Jonathan's arrival with joy, as another member of their cherished group from London would join them. Jonathan sent a ship-to-shore telegram stating they should expect him at five at the latest. His train was to arrive in Chicago around noon, but he had things he needed to attend to before meeting with them.

  Madeline would not see Hugh and Phillip until the late afternoon when they planned to gather for tea to welcome Jonathan. She would use that day to prepare the house, gathering flowers from her moonlight garden and purchasing additional radiant roses from the market.

  She had visited Louie Falco, who had agreed to meet with Mr. Gapinski to tell him of the similar rings found in both their daughters belongings.

  Perhaps tomorrow she would go to the hotel and ask Alfred's assistance to do her canvassing of the businesses at the Harrison regarding the missing girls.

  She had spent more time on her appearance, hoping to garner the approval of her male friends. During her time w
ith them in London, they almost always saw her in a mourning dress. The burgundy satin dress, the back accented with bows on the decorative flocked purple paisley. It was the latest fashion seen on State Street, and she had recently acquired it as a gift from her father.

  Mrs. O'Malley was away for the weekend visiting an ailing friend, so she poured the tea as her guests arrived. Her father also declined to be included in their dinner, as yet another baby had decided to be born on that rainy day. Just as with Hugh's arrival, the early autumn weather had produced dark clouds and a steady, dripping rain to invade their happy reunion.

  Phillip arrived first at promptly at four.

  "You look very lovely, Mrs. Donovan. What news of Jonathan?" asked Phillip.

  "Thank you, Phillip. Jonathan has sent a telegram stating he should be here no later than five. It will be grand to have all of you here with me again. How are you, Phillip? Are you still enjoying your time at sea as always?"

  "Fine...fine...and yes, I don't suppose I will ever meet a lady I will love as much as the sea. I think I am resigned to bachelorhood."

  "You are so young to say so. I'm sure time will change all that. Someday someone will walk about the ship and you will think of nothing else after that. You have far too much kindness and compassion within you to not share that with a woman."

  "Maybe someday, but I don't think for a long time. On the other hand, I think Hugh is at the time of his life where he is seeking a companion for life. He certainly was happy to be coming to America, and if I may speak plainly, I don't think it was just to purchase property in America."

  She put her head down for a moment to hide her slight blushing at his words.

  "I hope I have not spoken out of turn, but I believe we have an understanding between us that allows me to speak openly," Phillip said in an apologetic tone.

  "Of course...you may always do so. I suppose I am not ready to hear such words yet, however flattering they may be. I do so admire your cousin and value his friendship in every way, but I do hope he does not wish it to be anything more than that. As you have said, perhaps someday," replied Madeline.

  "Would you like me to share those thoughts with him?" he inquired.

  "Oh...no...I wouldn't for the world wish to offend him in anyway. I think he knows me well enough to realize that for himself," she said shyly.

  "After the business in Whitechapel, I thought you might have been reluctant to have put yourself in a position of possible danger again."

  "It is curious. I once thought that also, but it gives me purpose, and that is something I dearly need."

  "I hear him now coming down the stairs," said Phillip as he opened the door for his cousin.

  "A good cup of tea―always welcome on an afternoon like this," said Hugh.

  "Yes, please come and join us," said Madeline.

  "May I say you look lovely," he continued.

  "Thank you, both of you look rather dashing. It is a dreary day, but it will be all the brighter because you are here. I had planned on perhaps going to the Austin House for dinner. I have been there only once, but they have fine dining and an orchestra with a large area for dancing. It is a gay atmosphere, and I think you might both like it," said Madeline.

  "We will be reunited, and that will make wherever we are pleasureable," said Hugh.

  Peering through the window, they could see Jonathan arriving. Pulling his coat up around him to protect him from the rain, he scurried up the stairs. Hugh went out to greet him as he was carrying packages and Hugh wished to assist him.

  He had brought with him caramel biscuits, two small baskets of fruits and vegetables, along with scented candles for Madeline.

  "What a kind gesture," said Madeline. "We would have been more than happy just to see you. You are too generous to bring all these treats for us."

  "I hope there is enough to pass along to all of you. Where is your father?" asked Jonathan.

  "Just where he almost always is, tending to a patient. One of our neighbor's is having a baby. She wasn't expected to deliver for two more weeks," said Madeline.

  "I'm sure I shall see him. I will be here a full month," replied Jonathan.

  The men shook hands and Jonathan bowed slightly to her, giving her a broad, disarming smile.

  "This rain, it has followed me everywhere. My last assignment was in Connecticut. It rained every day, but we will not let it deter us from having a lovely evening together," he continued.

  Jonathan was slightly taller in height than Hugh and Phillip, all of them standing around five-foot-ten to six-foot tall. They all had different shades of brown hair, but Hugh had some wave near his forehead. But that was the only similarity. Jonathan was not the perfectly mannered and groomed gentleman like Hugh. He was somewhat disheveled, paced when nervous, and was anxious always to keep moving―in other words, an American. His words were not as carefully chosen as Hugh's, and he was franker in his observations. Being a reporter, it sometimes felt like he was always trying to get a story out of people, and would ask many more personal questions than Hugh would ever think to do. He had more of the boyish good looks than Hugh, who looked sculpted from bronze. She admired them both, as different as they were because they shared strong characteristics of integrity and kindness.

  "The tea is warming and feels soothing on a day like this. I have endeavored to be in as close proximity as I can to all of you. After consulting with several people, I took a room in what seems to be an exquisite hotel, the Harrison," said Jonathan.

  There was silence for a moment as Hugh, Phillip, and she all looked at each other, exchanging glances of amusement.

  "What is it?" asked Jonathan.

  "My friend, inadvertently you have put yourself into the heart of a mystery that could not be more suitable for someone like you," said Hugh.

  "That couldn't be more wonderful―it will prove highly useful. We must coordinate our efforts now that you have gained us even more access," said Madeline.

  "All right...will someone explain to me what you are all talking about," asked Jonathan.

  They started speaking at once, each eager to tell Jonathan all the news about the missing girls, the Harrison and the recent evidence Marilyn had discovered.

  "The Auditorium Building story pales in comparison to what you have all told me. Madeline, it seems you have done some first class detecting and assisted the police. I'd like to interview you about it. If you would like to remain anonymous, that would be fine. Perhaps you and I can visit the Auditorium Building together and then follow up with the interview," said Jonathan.

  "I think I'd rather not have my name attached to it, but yes, I would like to tell the story. The coverage of these missing girls should be on the front page, not the fifth or sixth," said Madeline.

  "We can continue our conversation at the Austin House. I think we should leave before the storm gets any worse," said Hugh.

  The Austin House reputation for lavish surroundings, and for enticing clientele of every age, young and old, to its doors because of its beautiful decor and modern dance music, was known to everyone. The dance floor wasn't extensive but large enough for thirty or more people to dance at the same time. Its decor included gleaming red walls with large oil paintings in ornately carved gold frames. It was high society at its best.

  They had just finished ordering when Hugh said, "Isn't that Patrick and Joseph Harrison?"

  "It is, and they look to be in a heated discussion. If only I could hear what they were saying," said Madeline.

  "That's where I come in. They don't know me. Perhaps I can strike up a conversation with them, or at least eavesdrop on the one they are having," said Jonathan.

  Hugh pointed them the two out who were standing against the long, granite top bar.

  "What luck to see them and to have Jonathan with us," said Phillip.

  "The quiet, rude one, I see him also. He is on the farthest end of the bar, and, of all things, he is actually engaging in conversation with a woman. How odd that he has removed hims
elf from his other brothers," said Madeline.

  "I shall be the interloper with that one. He has not seen me either. What is his name?" asked Phillip.

  "That one is Christopher. We shall ask the waiter to hold our dinner," said Madeline.

  "Here we are missing everything. I think we might do something about that. My lady...," said Hugh as he escorted her to the dance floor.

  While dancing, she could position herself nearer to the Harrisons. She didn't even hesitate to accept, feeling comfortable in his arms because she was playing a part.

  "Mr. Scott, it has been a long time since I have found myself on a dance floor. I do hope you will forgive me if I am not as adept as I once was."

  "They are playing a waltz. It is a most convenient choice as we an easily glide passed the area where Patrick and Joseph are standing," replied Hugh.

  "You will follow my lead, won't you?" Madeline asked.

  "What do you mean?" asked Hugh.

  "Please keep dancing, you'll see," she replied.

  She then wiped her brow and said, "Forgive me, I do feel a little lightheaded. Do you mind if we stop for a moment?"

  She had conveniently stopped within earshot of Patrick Harrison's conversation. Jonathan had easily placed himself on the other side of Joseph, offering to buy him a drink.

  The two brothers did not notice them at all, and with her back toward them, she knew it was unlikely that they would recognize Hugh, even though he had been present at the hotel when they had first seen the brothers.

  "Who would have thought our lovely dinner would turn out like this? None of us even sitting at our table, and all of us playing at this game," said Madeline.

  "It is difficult not to get involved in this intrigue. Whatever our conversation might have been―I do believe this is more stimulating," said Hugh.

  "It appears Jonathan has succeeded in engaging Joseph in conversation," she said quietly.

  The band had stopped playing temporarily and without the noise distraction, Madeline could hear Patrick say, "I tell you, she knows something and will not leave it alone. And the other one, he should be put in his place. How dare he behave that way. Something must be done."