An Agent For Lydia Read online

  “What about the next person set on revenge? Or, the next? There’ll always be those who seek to settle a score for being caught or their kin being in prison. I hadn’t realized how vulnerable Lydia would be until I was attacked. I have to save her from that vengeance.”

  “You know she’s a good shot and can throw her knife like a circus performer. In a fair fight, I’d bet on her.”

  “In a fair fight, I believe I could have beaten the Upton brothers. Their sort won’t fight fair and their idea of retribution is horrifying.”

  Kit clamped his jaw and crammed his hat on his head. “I’ll be back to visit when I’ve thought about this predicament.”

  Nurse Henry came in as Kit left. “We’ve had a reply to the telegram. Mr. Gordon is sending someone here to arrange for your care. That’s not necessary as we offer excellent treatment to all those in our hospital.”

  “He doesn’t mean it as an insult. Mr. Gordon is not a patient man. He also believes in looking after his employees. I imagine he’s sending a couple of men to apprehend the two who attacked me.”

  “He need not bother. The police are looking for them.”

  “Ma’am, those men have disappeared to where the police will never find them. Pinkerton agents will.”

  Chapter Three

  April, 1872

  Lydia finished her weekly reading to the three- through five-year-old orphanage children and set out for home. Spending time in the afternoon with those who needed extra attention was rewarding. The children always acted happy to see her. Matron Allsup left no doubt she was grateful for Lydia’s volunteering.

  From the carriage, she spotted a friend pushing a baby buggy into a store. A catch in her throat reminded her that her friends from school were married and most had children. Was that to be denied her?

  If only she knew what had happened to Jake. His devotion had appeared genuine. She hadn’t believed he willingly missed their wedding. Two years later with no word, she had to admit if he loved her and was alive he would have contacted her.

  Kit was silent on the subject but she could tell he knew something. Why wouldn’t he tell her? What was there to tell?

  Back in her home, she went to her room. As much as she hated admitting the fact, privately Lydia acknowledged she was despondent—had been since Jake disappeared. Perhaps a distraction would boost her mood. She picked up a novel and read. As usual when she had a good book, she lost track of time.

  Her mother rapped on the bedroom door. “Lydia? Lydia Jane, time to get ready for dinner.”

  Suspicious, she closed her book. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”

  “Wear your new green and gold dress. Your father has invited friends to dinner and we must look our best. I’ll be in shortly to help you with your hair.”

  Lydia would wager the friends Papa invited included an eligible young man. Her father was determined she marry someone from his circle. No matter how many times she pleaded with him to stop, he continued inviting men of whom he approved to dine. None of them had interested her so far.

  She hated the subterfuge. In fact, the process made her feel like a prize heifer being auctioned off to the highest bidder. If she was ready for one, she could find a husband on her own.

  But, she wasn’t certain she wanted to marry. Trying to move on from her broken heart, she would be polite to tonight’s guests. She donned her new dress and allowed her mother to fuss with her hair until it was in a becoming style. Perhaps Lydia would even like this man.

  After the guests had gone, her father speared her with a gaze. “What did you think of Horace? He’s a good catch. Family has founded their wealth on real estate in Chicago. Even the fire didn’t hit them in the pockets.”

  “He seemed nice, but not someone I’d want to see again.” She paused before continuing, “Papa, I appreciate that you’re trying to help, but please don’t ask any more young men for dinner. I feel as if I’m on the auction block.”

  “You know I’m only interested in your happiness. You can’t continue moping around and pining for a man so inconsiderate he left you at the altar. Horace would be a perfect husband for you. Acted like he fell for you tonight.”

  She laid a hand on her father’s shoulder. “I’m not in the least attracted to him. Don’t you see, Papa, encouraging him would be unfair.”

  “Listen here, young lady. You need to marry and I intend to see you wed someone who’s suitable. While you live under this roof, I’m responsible for your welfare.” Red suffused his face and he stabbed his forefinger at her. “You’ll be engaged and married by fall, do you understand?”

  Her father turned and stomped from the room.

  Lydia sighed as she watched him leave. At least she wasn’t forced to answer him. She picked up the newspaper her father had left near his chair. If he hadn’t worked the crossword puzzle, she would. As she searched for the puzzle, she came across a short item that caught her eye.

  Pinkerton Agency Accepting Women

  Mr. Archie Gordon, head of the Denver Pinkerton Agency, has announced that his office is accepting applications from women willing to work alongside seasoned Pinkerton agents. Applicants must be in good health and fit enough to withstand harsh living conditions. A pleasant outlook, loyalty, and dedication will be helpful.

  The address and contact person were given. Lydia almost jumped for joy. She immediately went to her room and wrote her application. She intended to find out what was so all-fired mesmerizing about being a Pinkerton agent.

  When Kit visited several days later, she told him about the job and that she’d applied.

  He rubbed the back of his neck, a frown marring his brow. “I don’t know, Lydia. Those Pinkertons get into some dangerous situations. An agent, you would have me worried all the time.”

  Hands braced on her hips, she faced him. “Are you saying you don’t think I can do the job?”

  He held up a hand. “Calm down, that’s not what I meant. I know you can and they’d be lucky to have you. I meant I’m not sure you should try. Think of the consequences. You could be killed or worse, tortured until you wished for death.”

  Suppressing a shudder at his assessment, she said, “I’ve applied. If I’m accepted, I’m going to Denver.”

  Kit hugged her. “You’re like my sister. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you. In spite of that, if this is what you want then I wish you luck, little cousin.”

  Mollified, she smiled. “Thank you, Kit. I was sure I could count on your support. Mama and Papa are a different matter. They’re going to have a fit if I’m accepted. I may be disinherited and tossed into the street.”

  His deep laugh rippled. “While I’m sure they’ll hate the idea, I don’t think they’ll go to that extreme. If they do, you can always find a home at my place. I could use a good cook.”

  “You rascal—only offering me help so I’ll feed you.”

  Each day, Lydia watched for the post. Home delivery wasn’t that old in Topeka. She was grateful she would see an answer before her parents.

  Two weeks after she’d sent her letter, she received a reply. Sliding it from the other mail, she stuffed it into her pocket. “Mama, the mail is here.”

  “Why, thank you, dear. You’ve certainly been eagerly greeting the post each day. Are you expecting a special letter?”

  Not any longer. “Nothing. I’m going to my room for a while. Call out if you need me.”

  She hurried to the privacy of her bedroom and closed the door. Sinking onto the armchair by her fireplace, she tore open the envelope.

  Dear Miss Wood,

  It is with pleasure I inform you that you have been accepted into the recently established female Pinkerton agent program. You will be paired with one of our seasoned agents on your first case. Please report to our Denver office at your earliest convenience.

  There was more but she stopped there and covered her mouth with her hand to quiet laughter bubbling from inside her. She’d been accepted and would leave right away. Then,
a sobering thought occurred to her. She had to face her parents and tell them of this new development.

  Chapter Four

  May, 1872

  Jake returned to the Denver office from the first assignment since his convalescence. Before he sent him on a case, Archie had insisted Jake train for weeks after doctors had released him. He’d gone daily to a sports trainer who led him through tough routines.

  Archie looked up when he entered the director’s office. “Nice to have you back, Jake. Congratulations on the arrest. Any trouble you care to mention?”

  “None. After all those weeks with that trainer, I’m in the best shape I’ve been in my life. I’m ready for something more challenging than embezzlement.”

  Archie held up a staying hand. “I have something major that’s just been sent us that fits with your expertise. Your beard and mustache will be great for the next job. You know about the female partners, right?”

  A sense for foreboding crept up Jake’s spine. “Yeah, so?”

  “There’s a young woman who I find matches your skills for this new assignment. You’ll have to marry to work together, but you do realize it’s only on paper unless the two of you wish to alter that arrangement?”

  He couldn’t suppress a grimace. “Marrying even on paper is not my first choice but I’ll do what’s required.” No one fought Archie and won.

  That thought brought a smile to his face. “I remember when Magdala and Cloud set off after those jewel thieves. Maggie was classy when she arrived. But, man, Cloud really cleaned up in style, didn’t he?”

  “I feel they were convincing. Now it’s your turn.” At a rap on the door, Archie called, “Enter.”

  The door opened and in walked the last person Jake ever expected to see again. He leaped to his feet. “L-Lydia?”

  Her eyes widened and she stared at him. Her mouth opened but emitted no sound. She blinked and moisture shone in her eyes but no tears were shed.

  After a deep breath, she took the seat beside his. “Jake Hunter.” Ice coated her words.

  Archie smiled. “Oh, I see you two know one another. That makes this easier. You’ll be paired to locate not only the Milo Gang, robbers who stole a large Wells Fargo payroll, but to discover where they’ve hidden the cache. Doing so will require a trip to Wyoming and a new hide-out called the Hole-in-the-Wall.”

  Jake grabbed the edge of Archie’s desk with both hands. “That’s too dangerous a place for her.”

  Lydia leaned forward. “I’m to be paired with… him?”

  She didn’t have to make it sound as if he were a disease. The Good Lord knew she had reason to feel that way but hearing the distaste in her voice stung.

  Apparently Archie didn’t notice. “Jake, you’ll be Gentleman Jack Jackson, a card shark and gambler on the run from shooting a card player in Rapid City, South Dakota. Miss Wood, you’ll be Lily LaBelle, saloon singer and dancer.” He consulted a sheet of paper on his desk. “I understand you do sing.”

  “Only for family and friends but not professionally.”

  Archie rubbed his hands together. “Good, good. Well, you’ll be married this afternoon and leave right away. We’ve prepared wanted posters which we’ll circulate right away, so be vigilant. I suggest you spend some time visiting saloons to let Miss Wood get the feel for the job. You’d better get lunch and visit the costume closet to get packed for your trip.”

  He leaned forward. “This is important. No doubt there will be other criminals there. You are not to try arresting them or confront them in any negative way. Possibly other agents will be on hand but give no sign if you recognize them. Understood?”

  Jake nodded. “I understand. Don’t interfere with anyone but cozy up to the Milo gang.”

  Lydia nodded but said nothing.

  “Good, good.” Archie stabbed a button on his desk and his right hand appeared. “Marianne, help Miss Wood find the costumes she needs and then help her get ready for her wedding to Jake.”

  “This way, Miss Wood.” Marianne gestured toward the door.

  As if still stunned, Lydia stood and looked over her shoulder once as she followed Marianne.

  Jake slapped a hand on the desk. “You set me up, didn’t you? Somehow you knew Lydia and I were engaged before my accident. You must also know I didn’t want her to know I was alive.”

  Archie looked surprised but Jake would bet it was pretense. “You make it sound as if I sought out the young lady. She wrote to me in response to our newspaper ads. I don’t understand your objection.”

  Jake gestured wildly. “Better she should move on with her life with some nice, stable businessman who’d see she was never in jeopardy. With this job, she’ll always be in danger. Too late I realized that even married to me she was a target.”

  “Tell me why you didn’t become an insurance salesman or an accountant or a professor.”

  He snapped, “Easy, I wanted to make a difference.”

  Archie shook his head. “Each of the people I mentioned makes a difference in many lives. Why did you want to be a Pinkerton agent?”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “Guess I wanted adventure while I upheld the law.”

  He realized he’d played into his boss’ hands and stabbed his finger at Archie. “That’s not the point. Lydia has had a sheltered life and needs to be protected from danger.”

  “Who are you to judge? She has the right to decide her life for herself—and she has. Get over it and follow orders.” Archie made shooing motions with his hands for Jake to leave.

  Jake turned on his heel and stomped out of the room. How did Archie know about his engagement to Lydia? Someone had talked out of turn. There’d be the devil to pay when he found out who had meddled.

  ***

  As if in a trance, Lydia managed to rise and follow Marianne. Jake was here. That answered part of her reason for coming—she’d found him. He was alive and well. As much as that thrilled her, on the other hand she was crushed that in two years he hadn’t contacted her.

  If he’d changed his mind about marriage, why hadn’t he explained? How could he be so heartless as to let her wonder if he were alive, hoping against hope? Now she understood what Kit had withheld.

  All this time the man who vowed he treasured her as his sister had kept this secret from her. If he were here she would blister his ears. As soon as she had a chance to write, he was getting a letter that would scorch his eyeballs.

  She realized Marianne was talking to her. “I’m sorry, I’m afraid I didn’t hear you.”

  “I guess not. You looked a million miles away. Is something wrong? You knew you’d be paired with an experienced agent so that can’t be it, can it?”

  “N-No, not exactly.” She shrugged and refused to meet Marianne’s gaze. “I… um, I used to know Jake a couple of years ago.”

  Marianne offered a wide smile. “Oh, he’s such a nice man. He’ll make a great partner. Oh, here’s our women’s wardrobe closet.” She opened the door to what was a room rather than a closet. “Let’s see, a saloon singer and dancer. What a fun disguise that will be.” She moved along a rack of clothing and pulled out several dresses and handed them to Lydia.

  Lydia held up one in flaming orangish-red. “My, this is colorful and… short.” Garish was a better word. The skirt had an attached slip in bright yellow with ruffles on the bottom.

  “Oh, yes, you’ll need the proper stockings and boots.” She opened a drawer and pulled out several pairs of black silk stockings. “These will develop runs in travel, but I believe the saloon girls continue wearing them that way due to their expense. Here’s a black satin corset to wear on the outside of the dress. And, these ruffled bloomers will show when you dance.”

  Lydia stared at the attire she’d been given so far. She’d look like a trollope, but supposed that was the point.

  Marianne opened another drawer. “Pick out jewelry to go with the costumes. Nothing too tasteful, of course. Here, while you do that I’ll gather some face paint and feathers and combs f
or your hair. Oh, you’ll need a cloak. I understand it gets quite cold at night in Wyoming even in summer.”

  Before she thought, Lydia asked, “Do you think all saloon girls have terrible taste?”

  “Of course not, but for your purpose, you should. Concoct a story to explain how you became a saloon singer and dancer. Why you left home and so forth. You may not need it, but you should discuss it with Jake so your stories match. He’ll have one to explain how he became a gambler.”

  “I’ll come up with something credible.”

  “Here’s a dust coat for your journey.” Marianne paused. “Take this garter gun and holster. Keep it with you at all times. I understand you’re a good shot.”

  “I am and good at throwing my knife. I have a thigh sheath for it as well as an underarm one.”

  “Oh, well, there are underarm gun holsters, too. You’d better take one. Goodness, I forgot to get you a carpetbag. You can’t look wealthy so you can store your personal luggage here until you return.”

  “Thank you. I’d hate to lose all my belongings.” They included a cabinet card photo of Jake as well as her grandmother’s pearls. Right now, Jake teetered on being a villain but she still wouldn’t part with his photo. He’d meant the world to her for what seemed a long time. She wanted that reminder as a warning to never again trust a man.

  Before she had a chance to relax, she was married and on her way to the depot. Wearing the least scandalous of her costumes, she still looked cheap. Marianne had helped her paint her face and do her hair in a frowsy style. Heavens, she doubted her own mother would recognize her like this.

  She sent her husband a stern gaze. “Well, are you going to explain?”

  He shrugged. “I was injured and took quite a while to recover. By then, I figured you’d have married one of the men your father chose for you.”

  How dare he appear so casual and matter-of-fact about destroying her life?