by Tony Masero
‘Couldn’t have happened to a nicer pair,’ mused Kirby.
‘And your girls, Belle?’ Pinkerton asked. ‘What would you like to do about them, they seem to have been most helpful in all of this.’
‘Yes, they’re all fine bar one,’ Belle said, fiddling with her gloved fingers at the memory. ‘We were all sad to lose Lulu, she was one of us and incredibly brave, the girls miss her terribly.’ Belle sighed, ‘I think though, I have had enough of running a cathouse, if you don’t mind. I’d like to suggest that you offer The Belle Tower to Clara and the girls, let them run it and benefit from it if that’s what they want.’
Pinkerton ran a hand through his beard, then spread his hands wide, ‘Fine, I was going to suggest a financial remuneration of sorts in lieu of their service. But if that’s what they want then it will be arranged, if they also wish to continue intelligence gathering for us then I’ll be only too happy to put them on the payroll for that as well. As for you, Belle, I’m sure we can find something more useful that you can be doing.’
Belle held up a finger, ‘One thing,’ she said.
Pinkerton raised an eyebrow in question.
‘I’d like to take some time out first. Kirby and I have some catching up to do.’
Pinkerton smiled and turned his attention to Kirby, ‘And what do you say on that score, Kirby Langstrom?’
‘Hell, Mister Pinkerton, you know Belle, she always gets her way.’
‘Well, I have to say it’s good to see you back with us again. I was sure you were gone when I saw your poor body floating away from me in that wee boat outside of Richmond.’
‘I was well taken care of,’ Kirby said with a faintly faraway look as memories of Lizbette flooded into his mind.
‘Yes, your lady wife, my condolences for that, Kirby. I do believe you will indeed need some time after that sad loss. So, take a break, the pair of you. Reacquaint yourselves, then return energized and ready for work.’
‘And you will carry on as usual, Mister Pinkerton?’
‘Aye, I shall that. Remember the Pinkerton Agency motto, ‘We Never Sleep’, well in my case it’s only too true.’
‘Mine as well, if I’m lucky,’ muttered Belle with a secretive sidelong glance at Kirby from the corner of her eye.
Kirby caught the murmured words and took a long moment considering what exactly Belle Slaughter might have meant by them.
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If you have enjoyed this adventure of Belle & co.
Then read:
BELLE SLAUGHTER 1:
OVER YOUR DEAD BODY
BELLE SLAUGHTER 2:
LAMB TO THE SLAUGHTER