An Agent For Lydia Read online

  She hated he was using his real story, poor man. “Does that mean you cheat?”

  “Never! Well, except to lose when I need to. Last night, I could have cleaned those guys out of cash, but that would have called too much attention to us. Besides, it probably would have caused a fight. This is why my dad and I parted ways. When he drinks, his judgment clouds and he wins too often or keeps drinking and loses. He’s been in more fights than I can count, ended up in jail for damages from fights, and had men shoot at him.”

  “Ah, poor little Jack. I feel sorry for you. Lily LaBelle is from Springfield, Missouri. I went there once when I was fifteen. Where is Gentleman Jack Jackson from?”

  “Boston. Haven’t been there in a long time but I remember it well.”

  The city’s name created a sense of wistful longing. “Ever since I learned about the Boston Tea Party in school I’ve wanted to visit the city. I’ll bet it’s very different from this.” She gestured toward the window.

  “Complete opposite. Instead of dust, you can smell the sea. The wharves smell of fish and rubbish, but I still liked going there.”

  “Tell me about the men we’re pursuing.”

  “The Milo Gang robbed banks in four states. We know they’re guilty but not what they did with the cash they stole. Most have been captured and hanged by vigilantes. Our job is to arrest the remaining two members of the gang after we learn where they’ve hidden their bounty.”

  “I remember that much from Archie. I was hoping you could be more specific.”

  “We can go over the notes when we get to our hotel tonight.”

  He removed his jacket and folded it into a square. Offering it to her, he indicated the seat. “Use this as a pillow and nap while we don’t have to share the set of seats with others.”

  “You use it, Jack. I’ll use my tote bag.” She placed the bag near the wall and lay down.

  “Is this what you thought your job would be like?”

  She couldn’t stop her laugh that erupted. “There’s always something new on an adventure.”

  ***

  After what seemed days, they reached Laramie. Jake retrieved their luggage and they headed to a nearby hotel.

  She took a deep breath. “Not having soot blow in my face is nice. No one could remain fresh and tidy on a train. Mmm, walking feels good, doesn’t it?”

  “And, a meal and bed will be even better.”

  “I agree with that, Gentleman Jack. Where do we go from here?”

  “I plan to order a steak as big as a dinner plate.”

  In frustration, she sighed with a whoosh. “I meant where are we traveling next?”

  His chuckle let her know he’d understood what she asked. “I’ll tell you in the privacy of our room. There are too many ears here.”

  She lowered her voice and nodded toward the wall. “Look, there’s your wanted poster. I hope you don’t get arrested.”

  He set down their bags then reached out and removed the poster. “The drawing is pretty good.” He folded it and tucked it into his pocket before he reclaimed their luggage. “Irritates me Archie thinks I’m only worth a hundred dollars.”

  She nudged him to walk toward the hotel. “At least it says ‘wanted alive’ instead of ‘dead or alive’. A hundred dollars is a lot of money.”

  Once they were in their room at the shabby hotel, she scanned the sparsely-furnished room. Odors from the dining room and kitchen filled the building. Exhausted as she was, her stomach rumbled from hunger.

  Jake put his ear to the wall between them and the next room. When he turned to face her, he shook his head and whispered. “Walls are like paper. We’ll have to be careful what we say.”

  He pulled a sheaf of papers from his suitcase. After reading each page, he handed it to her. One sheet was a sketch of two men, Jamie Milo and Winton Evans. The cold expressions on their faces made her shudder.

  She read with interest what Archie Gordon had provided.

  Beginning at the end of the war, the Milo Gang has terrorized the Midwest and inspired the creation of numerous similar gangs who copied their crimes, leading to several high-profile robberies. Their gang attracted several new members soon after the end of the war. They started by robbing and murdering travelers in Johnson County and began to branch out to other counties, where they raided merchants and communities.

  They robbed their first train near Cheyenne. On the evening of October 6, 1868, Max Milo, Sam Milo, and Jeff Sparks boarded an Ohio and Mississippi Railway train as it started to leave the Cheyenne depot. They broke into the express car, restrained the guard, and broke open a safe containing approximately $16,000. From the moving train, the three men pushed a larger safe over the side, where the rest of the gang was waiting. Unable to open the second safe, the gang fled as a large posse approached.

  Later, passenger George McClanahan stepped forward to identify two of the robbers. The three men were arrested, but were released on bail. When McClanahan was shot and severely wounded, the other passengers refused to testify and all charges had to be dropped. Contents of the safe were insured by Wells Fargo Express Company, which hired our Pinkerton Detective Agency to track down and capture the gang.

  On November 17, 1868, the Daviess County Courthouse in Gallatin, Missouri, was robbed. Max Milo was identified, arrested by Pinkerton agents, and sentenced to 25 years in the Missouri State Penitentiary in 1869.

  Three robberies in Nebraska followed in quick succession, in February and March 1869. Jamie Milo and fellow gang members Bert Price and Marvin Gallagher were caught by Pinkertons led by Allan Pinkerton’s son Emmett, but broke out of jail on April 1. A second train robbery occurred in December 1870, when two members of the gang robbed another train leaving the Cheyenne depot. The robbers netted $8,000, which was reportedly turned over to the brothers. A third train, owned by the Ohio & Mississippi, was stopped by six members of the gang on July 10, though supposedly the Milo brothers were not involved. Ten Pinkerton agents waited inside and a shootout ensued. After several of the gang members were wounded, the would-be robbers fled.

  In March 1872, the residents of Cheyenne formed a vigilante group with the aim of killing the gang. In response, the gang fled to Iowa where they robbed the Harrison County treasury of $14,000. The next day, they robbed the Mills County treasury of $12,000. Pinkerton detectives quickly located the men and arrested them at Council Bluffs, Iowa. On April 12, the gang escaped from their Iowa jail and returned to Wyoming.

  The Milo Gang then robbed its fourth train on April 22. Twelve men boarded a train as it stopped at a train depot in Cheyenne. As the train pulled away, the gang overpowered the engineer and uncoupled the passenger cars, allowing the engine to speed away. After breaking into the express car and throwing express messenger Billy Hankins off the train (causing fatal injuries), the gang broke open the safe, netting an estimated $75,000. This robbery has gained national attention and was published in many major papers. Publicity like this does not help our reputation. Pinkertons pursued, but the gang broke up and fled.

  The gang attempted to rob another train the following week. Pinkerton detectives had learned of the plan and ten agents were waiting aboard the train. When the gang broke in, the agents opened fire, wounding two of the gang. Everyone was able to escape except Victor Embry, who identified the other members in exchange for leniency. Using the information, the detectives arrested Chuck Green and Tom Graford the next day.

  All three men were taken by train to jail. However, on May 10, 1872, three miles outside Cheyenne, Wyoming, the prisoners were taken off the train, and hanged by the neck from a nearby tree by a group of masked men calling itself the a Vigilance Committee. Three other gang members, Henry Jefferson, Jeff Sparks, and Declan Moore, were captured shortly after in Nebraska and returned to Cheyenne. In a grisly repeat, they too fell into the hands of vigilantes and were hanged from the same tree. The site is being called Hangman’s Crossing, Wyoming.

  On April 27, 1872, Pinkerton agents captured Eric and Walter Milo in Laramie. The men were jailed at the county jail. They were quickly tried and convicted of robbing the train. Because of the threat of vigilantes, they were moved to a more secure jail. The day after their move, the vigilantes broke into the vacated jail, hoping to catch and lynch the men.

  Jamie Milo, the gang's leader, and Winton Evans were tracked to the Canadian border. With the help of United States Secretary of State Emmett H. Seward, the men were extradited in October under the provisions of the 1842 Webster-Ashburton Treaty. Both men were returned to join the other prisoners. They escaped and disappeared.

  On the night of May 11, about 65 hooded men traveled by train then marched four abreast from the station to the County Jail. Just after midnight, the men forced their way into the jail and the sheriff's home. After they beat the sheriff and shot him in the arm for refusing to turn over the keys, his wife surrendered them to the mob. Marvin Gallagher was the first to be dragged from his cell to be lynched. He was followed by brothers Eric and Walter Milo. Another gang member, Bert Price, was the fourth and last to be lynched, at around 4:30 am on April 12. It was rumored that the vigilantes were part of the group known as the Scarlet Mask Society .To our knowledge, no one has been charged, named, or officially investigated in any of the lynchings. Many local newspapers stated that "Judge Lynch" had spoken.

  Jamie Milo and Winton Evans are the most dangerous of the remaining gang members. They have been reported headed for the Hole-in-the-Wall, Wyoming. Jamie has a fiery temper and reasons to hate Pinkerton Detective Agency. Be aware: In spite of the danger, treasure hunters are searching for any trace of the rumored hoard of loot, but nothing has been found. Proceed with caution but get that money!

  When they’d finished studying their instruction s and the sketches, Lydia ha
nded Jake the orders and plopped onto the bed.

  “What purpose will capturing the remaining gang members serve? They break out of jail every time they’re arrested.”

  He tucked the papers back into his bag. “You saw what Archie said—get the money. I’m not quitting until we recover whatever is left.”

  She adjusted her crazy headwear. “How are we supposed to do that?”

  “I’m working on an idea and think I have a good plan. Right now, let’s go eat. My stomach is rubbing against my backbone.”

  Chapter Seven

  After they’d eaten, Jake suggested they stroll along the boardwalk. At this height, the night air was chilly even though it was June. “Too cold for you?”

  “No, I have my dust coat. If we were staying out a long time, though, I’d need something warmer.” She tugged on his hand. “Look at that sign, dancing girls.”

  “You want to check out the competition? Sure, why not?”

  They crossed the street and went inside the establishment advertising entertainment. A small stage stood at one end and a bar at the other. Between the two, tables held gamblers and drinkers. Near the stage, a man pounded on a piano that was only slightly out of tune.

  “Have a seat, Lily.” Jake held her chair and signaled the barmaid.

  A buxom brunette frowned at Lydia and leaned over to give him a view of her breasts. “What can I get for you, honey? Name your pleasure.”

  “We’d like a couple of beers.”

  The waitress returned with their beer. “You pay me.” She named an amount that was high for two beers.

  He supposed they had to pay for the dancing girls. “When does the show start?”

  She huffed. “In about five minutes.”

  He handed her payment with a very generous tip. “Thank you.”

  Smiling, she tucked the money inside her bodice. “Let me know if you need anything else, and I mean anything.” She hurried toward a door beside the stage.

  Lydia widened her eyes. “Well, she was subtle.”

  He couldn’t help laughing. No wonder he’d fallen so hard for her. She was feisty and not easily rattled.

  A man dressed in brown stopped at their table. “I’m Cy Baxter. You looking for a job, honey?”

  Lydia smiled sweetly. “Not tonight, but thank you. My fella and I just wanted to see your show.”

  “Harrumph, checking out the act to pick up some tips?”

  “You could say that.”

  Mr. Baxter walked toward the stage and signaled the pianist.

  The piano player broke into a new song and three squealing girls ran onto the stage. Their striped red and white skirts and black bodices matched that of the woman who’d brought their drinks. In fact, he leaned forward.

  “Wasn’t that middle one our waitress?”

  “You’re right. Oh, she’s smiling but hasn’t let her eyes know. I’d say she’s angry.”

  The song was “The Red Light Saloon”, a bawdy one filled with double entendres. Lydia didn’t appear at all shocked. He’d give a lot to know what she and Kit had gotten up to when they were younger. Or, maybe they’d continued their adventures until she came to Denver.

  Kit was in for a thorough grilling when they crossed paths. Kit was two years older than Lydia’s twenty-two and should have protected her rather than inviting her along on his escapades. Jake suppressed a laugh. Knowing Lydia, he’d bet it was she who invited Kit to accompany her. Possibly Kit had gone to keep his cousin from disgrace and harm.

  A loud noise jerked him from his woolgathering. The brunette let fly a fist at another of the dancers. The victim landed on her ample rear while screaming. Cy Baxter rushed onstage and herded the dancers into the wings.

  Boos and jeers from the audience had Mr. Baxter rushing back onstage while mopping his brow with a handkerchief.

  He held up his hands for silence. “The show will soon resume if you’ll be patient.”

  Mopping his florid forehead again, he left the stage and hurried toward Lydia. “Honey, I gotta have a show and I mean right now or these people will get ugly. If you get up there and sing, I’ll triple what I pay those three.”

  “You haven’t heard me sing. What if I’m terrible?”

  The owner shook his head. “Don’t matter. I gotta have somebody.”

  Her face giving away nothing of her thoughts, she looked at him. “What should I say, Jack darlin’?”

  Surprised to be consulted, Jake nodded in the direction of the stage. “Appears Mr. Baxter is in trouble and I figure you’re the only solution he has available.”

  “Then I’ll be happy to sing a few songs.” She stood and faced Mr. Baxter. “Lead the way.”

  “You won’t be sorry, honey.”

  His curiosity piqued, Jake waited for Lydia to appear. When they were engaged, he’d heard her sing quietly to herself, but he’d never heard her perform. Her voice was pretty but he wondered if she could sing loud enough to compete with this rowdy crowd.

  Mr. Baxter came back onstage, this time smiling. “May I have your attention? For your listening pleasure, I present a special appearance by the famous Miss Lily LaBelle.” He stepped back and held out his hand.

  Lydia glided to center stage as if she did so every day. She nodded at the piano player. He resumed playing the bawdy song he’d been playing when the fight erupted. To Jake’s surprise, Lydia sang loudly and especially well.

  She didn’t dance, but swished her skirts and flounced around the stage. At the same time, she sent flirty glances to the men watching. When she ended the song, the audience cheered. A few threw money onto the stage.

  Next, she sang “Wait for the Wagon” followed by “Camptown Races” and “Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair”. After her rendition of “Do They Miss Me At Home,” she curtsied and left the stage.

  The audience had grown quiet during that song but erupted into cheers and applause. Some chanted, “Bravo” but many yelled, “More”. Lydia reappeared and sang “Listen to the Mockingbird” before disappearing backstage.

  Getting back to the table they’d shared took a while because every man she passed wanted to speak to her. Instead of hurrying, she smiled and spoke to each one. Jake was poleaxed. He’d had no idea what a great performer she was.

  She reached the table and sat down. After a couple of swallows of her beer, she said, “Whew, I needed a drink.”

  “Your performance was terrific. If I didn’t know differently, I’d think you performed onstage every evening.”

  “Thank you.” She leaned near. “Can we go to the hotel now?”

  “Of course.” He stood and escorted her to their room at the hotel. What an evening this had been.

  ***

  When Lydia awakened, Jake was dressed and slipping on his jacket. She tucked the cover under her chin. “What time is it?”

  “Don’t worry, Lily. I have some errands to run. I’ll have them bring up a bath for you if they will. You won’t have a chance for such luxuries for a while so enjoy yourself.” He closed the door behind him.

  She climbed from bed and pulled on her dust coat. Marianne had included a scandalous nightie and tawdry robe but Lydia didn’t want to wear them. She’d slept in her shift the past two nights. After gathering her soap and the towel, she waited.

  Soon she answered a knock and admitted a man and three women—the man toted a copper bathtub and the women carried pails of steaming water. She had no idea how to respond but to tip them and offer her thanks. The tips garnered smiles.

  Quickly so the water wouldn’t be too cool, she stripped and climbed into the tub. Heavenly. After several days of dusty travel, she was eager to wash her hair and scrub her skin. She despaired of hurrying but didn’t want to be exposed when Jake came back to the room.

  She dressed in a green dress trimmed in black lace. Red taffeta ruffles decorated the underside of the petticoat. Her hair was still damp but she’d arranged it the way Marianne had and affixed a headpiece of green and black feathers. She was finishing with her face paint when he returned.