An Agent For Delaney Read online

  “What guns are you giving her? If she’s inexperienced, she could be dangerous.” Griff didn’t like the idea of her having guns she didn’t know how to use.

  “We started giving them Colt Navy Pockets. They’re smaller and less heavy. Now, we also give them Derringers. The ladies can hide them more easily. I’ve been surprised at the number of ladies who already know how to shoot and have their own firearms.”

  Griff considered that for a moment. “I suppose a woman who is interested in detective work might want to be familiar with guns and shooting. I’m doubtful Delaney knows though. She went a little pale when Marianne told her about the guns.”

  “I noticed. You’ll most likely be teaching her to shoot. You’ll need to do so as you travel and when you get to Tuckertown. We need you there quickly. It’s a rough mining town.”

  Griff eyed Archie. “Are you sure she’s the right choice as a Pinkerton Agent? She seems very delicate. She has a sheltered look about her, as if she’s been protected, kept away from the world.”

  “Don’t let her looks fool you. She’s tougher than she appears. She’s also just who we need to help solve this case.” When Griff opened his mouth to speak, Archie held up a hand and hurried on. “Don’t ask, because I won’t tell you about the case until tomorrow. That’s when you’ll be married. The next day, you’ll leave for Tuckertown.”

  Marianne stuck her head into the office. “Delaney is changing. Her ring size is five. Archie, get the rings out, and Griff you pick one. Also, Archie, I’ve given her the Pinkerton badge, so you don’t need to.

  “Griff, you can walk Delaney back to the boarding house. It’ll be a good way for you two to get acquainted. Take her out to dinner too. After you get that hair and beard trimmed.” She turned around and headed back to the stairs.

  “Yeah, you are the head of this office,” Griff chuckled.

  Griff tucked Delaney’s hand more securely onto his arm. It felt right there, which surprised him. He thought her touch would make him feel awkward. Tomorrow this woman would become his wife. Even if it was only temporary, she would be legally his to protect and live with. That thought brought other ideas to mind. He shoved them aside. If he wanted to get the marriage annulled, he couldn’t let his mind wander in those directions.

  “What do you suppose the case involves?” Delaney asked.

  “Archie mentioned it was chosen for us because of your skills. What talents do you have that gives him that idea?”

  Delaney was silent as he guided her across the street. “I suppose it’s because of my education. I have a degree in chemistry. I’ve also taken classes in mineralogy, geology, physics, biology, and, let me think. I believe those are the ones which will pertain to any case we might be assigned.”

  “You went to college?” Griff was surprised. Most women didn’t have higher education. Many never finished high school, leaving after eighth grade.

  “Yes, after the war. I did nursing the last two years at Western Sanitary Commission hospital at Jefferson Barracks.”

  “That’s in Missouri, isn’t it?” Griff was shocked at Delaney’s revelation. He knew many women did nursing during the war, but she was so young. He knew she was twenty-six now. At the end of the war she would only have been twenty.

  “Yes, south of St. Louis.”

  When she didn’t go into more detail, Griff glanced down at her. Not all of her memories are good ones. Mine aren’t of the war also. He didn’t like talking of his either.

  It was obvious she was intelligent. Beautiful too. She came up to his nose and he was tall. Her slim build was so very delicate. Her bones seemed to be too tiny to hold her up. High cheekbones narrowed to her chin creating a heart shaped face. Black hair with glints of moonlight was drawn back into a bun, leaving her long neck bare. The color of her eyes reminded him of fine brandy.

  He studied the gloved fingers resting on his arm. He’d chosen a ring and the smallness of it had made him wonder if it would fit. Seeing how slim her long fingers were assured him it would.

  How could such a dainty woman want to be a Pinkerton Agent? Would she be able to handle the harshness of the job? Would he be able to keep her safe? That was his greatest worry. That she would come to harm as they worked the case. He wouldn’t know how much danger she might be in until tomorrow, after the wedding when they found out about the case.

  “Here is where I’m staying.” Delaney stopped in front of a large plain rectangular building.

  Griff cleared his throat. He didn’t know what to say. Leaving her didn’t seem right. He couldn’t protect her here.

  “I can ask if you can join us for the evening meal. Mine are included in the cost.” She looked at him, doubt was evident in her eyes.

  “No, let me take you to supper. We can talk and get to know each other better without other strangers at the table. I’ll come pick you up at six o’clock. Archie gave me the name of several restaurants nearby.”

  Delaney dropped her eyes and nodded. Then she lifted her head. “Thank you. You’ve been so kind. This is uncomfortable for both of us. I look forward to getting to know you further.”

  Removing her hand from his arm, she climbed the steps and entered the house without looking back.

  Delaney pressed her hand to her chest trying to still the rapidity of her heartbeat as she leaned against the closed door of her room. Even though no skin touched between them, when Griff had taken her hand and wrapped her fingers around his arm, a feeling inside her of safety and a pull for him enveloped her as it had when she first saw him. That’s ridiculous. I’m imagining it because we are being married tomorrow. He’s just a man who I will spend the next few weeks solving a case with. As soon as we get better acquainted I won’t have those feelings. She ignored the thought that they would be living together and that might be a continuing influence.

  Chapter Three

  Griff watched the lovely vision walk down the stairs and into the parlor. If he’d ever thought of having a bride, Delaney was exactly as he’d imagine. Tall, yet delicate, hair so black it shone with silver highlights, rich red lips with a natural upturn making it look like she was smiling. Her dress was a deep blue-green velvet. The skirt without embellishment was drawn to the back in a bustle. The bodice fit her form perfectly and was embroidered down the lapels and the inset. Off-white lace edged the collar and cuffs and a wide lace jabot decorated the center inset.

  Marianne stood just in the wide doorway to the parlor with a smile on her face. To Griff she looked like a proud mother of the bride. Judge Hotchkiss, who would perform the ceremony, and Archie stood beside him in front of the large fireplace.

  Delaney’s eyes were downcast and pink tinged her cheeks. It struck Griff that this was certainly not the wedding she probably dreamed of as a girl. He’d do what he could to make the day pleasant so when the annulment happened, at least she’d have good memories.

  When she stood by his side, Judge Hotchkiss began, “Please join hands.”

  This time skin touched skin, and tingles shot up his arm and spread through his chest. Griff looked at Delaney and found her eyes wide, staring at him. Had she felt the same tingle? Sort of like a static shock but not painful.

  Their eyes seemed locked together as the vows were spoken. When he slid the ring in place it seemed so right. No, I’m just caught up in the ceremony. As soon as the case is done, we’ll part ways. That thought brought a stone into his stomach.

  “You may kiss your bride.”

  That slammed into Griff, bringing his thoughts back to the present. Delaney was now blushing red. He leaned down and brushed his lips across her cheek. Her eyes told him thank you. He certainly didn’t want to embarrass her and a kiss on the lips would have for sure.

  “Let’s go into the dining room,” Marianne said. “We’ll have luncheon and cake before any discussion of the case. This is a wedding and we’ll do a bit of celebrating.”

  “I must beg off,” Judge Hotchkiss said. “I’m due in court shortly. My secretary will
have lunch for me in my chambers.”

  Griff held Delaney’s hand as they went to the dining room while Archie saw the Judge out and Marianne went into the kitchen. He hadn’t a clue what to say. It seemed his wife didn’t either. His wife. The idea struck him as odd yet not. He’d never thought to marry. Yet, here he was, married to a stranger, getting ready to head off to solve a case he knew none of the details of.

  Delaney stood awkwardly beside him. Griff could tell she was uncomfortable standing so close. They’d had an enjoyable supper last evening. He’d taken her to a small family restaurant near her boarding house.

  He’d learned that she had lost her mother at an early age and didn’t have a very good relationship with her father. Seems he’d been neglectful of his only child. Once Delaney had turned fifteen, the man had left to make his fortune in the gold fields of the West. Fortunately, he’d left the house to her without debt. She was able to rent it out, generating income for herself and taxes. Delaney was thankful he’d put her name on the deed as well as his.

  She’d managed to finish high school by the time she was sixteen, then hired on as a mother’s helper until she was eighteen and could become a nurse at the military hospital.

  When the war ended and she decided to go to college, Delaney sold the house she’d grown up in, saving every penny she could. She’d saved enough to attend college, taking as many courses as she could and working as a waitress.

  Once she had her bachelors degree, Delaney stayed at the school as a teaching assistant, studied, and received her masters degree in chemistry. That was earlier this year. Applying for the Pinkerton Agency was a way for her to use her education, as there were few jobs available for women in her field.

  “Come, sit down. Pearl is ready to serve.” Marianne’s voice caused Delaney’s hand to jerk from his. She blushed, but allowed him to help seat her as Archie did for Marianne.

  Delaney could barely believe she’d done it. Actually gone through with the wedding. Doubts made it difficult to breathe let alone eat anything. She picked at her food, not wanting to insult Pearl or Marianne by not eating anything. She didn’t know if she could choke down any cake. Well, if it’s chocolate, I might be able to. The thought eased her tension and brought a slight grin to her lips.

  Looking across the table at Griff, her husband, she saw he was chatting with Archie about several of his recent cases as he forked food into his mouth. At least he doesn’t talk with his mouth full or chew with his mouth open. Reminded of their meal last night, Delaney thought about how she’d felt and their conversation.

  All evening she’d felt secure. She knew he’d protect her no matter what. His care of her seemed to come naturally. As they’d walked to and from the restaurant, Griff had kept her hand tucked into his elbow. When he guided her up the steps into the restaurant, his hand was placed low on her back. It made her feel safe. At no point during the evening did she feel vulnerable, a sensation she lived with constantly since her father left.

  When he’d shown up at the boarding house, Delaney saw that he’d done as he’d been instructed. His hair and beard were neatly trimmed. She suspected he’d bathed also. Marianne had told her Archie would be sure to recommend it.

  It didn’t surprise her that Griff had worked in intelligence during the war. Something about him just screamed observant and cautious. As soon as they’d entered the restaurant, he’d surveyed the room, then asked for a table at the back, in the corner. The staff had to move the table so that neither she or Griff sat with their backs to the rest of the room.

  They’d conversed easily over their meal. He’d made her laugh when he demonstrated the various voices and accents he could use, slipping from one to the next as he said without stopping.

  Pearl finally came into the dining room with a tray and began gathering the dishes. “I’ll be bringing the cake in a moment.”

  The cake was decorated with artificial flowers on the dark brown frosting. Delaney’s mouth watered. At least the frosting is chocolate. Pearl handed her a large knife. “You may do the honors, seeing as how you’re the bride.”

  It surprised Delaney when Griff stood when she did. “I think it’s tradition that the bride and groom cut the cake together.” He smiled down at her as he spoke.

  The same tingle that had occurred when he touched her before shot up her arm when he placed his hand on hers. With gentle pressure, Delaney’s hand holding the knife sliced through the confection. When her hand was released, there seemed to be a loss of some sort. She didn’t understand what it might be. As Delaney served the cake, Archie began talking about the case they were going on.

  “There’ve been a number of deaths in Tuckertown the sheriff thinks are suspicious. He contacted me and wants them investigated.”

  “Archie.” Marianne waved a fork loaded with chocolate cake at him. “We are celebrating their wedding. Wait until we get to the office before you get started on business.”

  Delaney shared a quick glance with Griff. They both grinned. It was pretty obvious who ran the Denver Pinkerton Detective Agency office.

  Chapter Four

  Griff held the chair for Delaney as she sat down in front of Archie’s desk, then moved to his. Archie was flipping through papers while Marianne poured coffee. Once everyone was settled, Archie passed papers to Griff and Delaney. Marianne took another stack with Archie pinching his lips together as she sat at the end of his desk.

  “Now, may I go over the case?” Archie’s tone evidenced his irritation at being stopped while they ate dessert.

  “Oh my, yes. What are you asking me for? You are the boss.” Marianne took a delicate sip of coffee.

  Archie muffled a humph. “As I mentioned earlier, there have been suspicious deaths in Tuckertown. Sheriff Asa Emery contacted me. He’s not equipped to keep the mining town under control, miners being as rowdy as they are, and investigate what he thinks might be murders.” He gave them a few moments to review the information he’d given them.

  “He’s listed several deaths with no apparent cause,” Griff said. “There are also mining accidents and a brawl or two in which someone died. He considers all these suspicious?”

  “Yes, it seems all of a sudden the death rate in town jumped up. It has made him suspicious that even those with seemingly normal causes of death might not be.”

  “Does he have any speculation as to who might be murdering people or why?” Delaney looked up from studying the papers.

  “Not that he mentioned. You’ll need to question him on that when you get there. You’ll be leaving on tomorrow’s train to Colorado Springs. Then you’ll transfer and travel to Breckenridge. From there, you’ll need to get a wagon and go through the Mt. Lincoln pass to get to Tuckertown.” Archie speared Delaney with a sharp gaze. “It’ll be tough going. Sheriff Emery says it’s a three-day trip in good weather. We’re in November so it’ll most likely take longer.

  “Tuckertown is a primitive mining town. There are some houses, a store, the mining office, as well as several saloons. Not sure what else. I’ve got a trunk with essentials; blankets, pans, food, utensils, and such. Also, ammunition. You’ll be having shooting practice along the way.” He shot Griff a look.

  “You’ll need warm clothing. Delaney, do you have good winter wear? It will be cold and may snow,” Marianne said.

  “I think so, but Missouri isn’t as cold as here.”

  “Marianne, fix her up. I don’t want her freezing to death on the way.” Archie waved a hand, indicating they should do so now.

  When the ladies were out of the office, Griff spoke. “Are you sure this is a good idea, taking Delaney through the mountains during the winter?”

  “If she wants to be a Pinkerton Agent, she needs to be able to handle tough conditions. You know that. Besides, her skills with her nursing background, as well as her knowledge of chemistry and all, will be an asset to the case.”

  Griff thought for a moment. “You think someone is poisoning people?”

  “It’s a poss
ibility. That’s why I chose this case for her. You’ve had experience with murder before. It makes a good match.”

  Griff didn’t reply to the dual nature of Archie’s comment.

  Delaney stood beside her trunks on the narrow porch of the boarding house as Griff and Archie stopped the wagon they were taking to the train station. There were two trunks in the back. The men got down and hefted hers onto the wagon bed.

  “I’ll only be taking this one.” Delaney pointed to the black trunk. “The other you can take to the office to store, please.”

  “Of course, not a problem. It’s common for our lady agents to leave some of their belongings.” Archie hefted one trunk while Griff the other.

  Griff handed her up onto the wagon bench and climbed up to sit next to her, Archie on her other side. She’d stayed alone at the boarding house the previous night as men weren’t allowed, whether the couple was married or not. He’d stayed in the carriage house dormitory.

  They were silent as Archie drove them to the train station. Griff noticed the cuffs on Delaney’s dark gray coat were frayed. It looked heavy and warm. He wondered if it was hers or if Marianne had supplied her with it. The skirt below was blue, absent of any ruffles or pleats around the hem. At least she’s wearing practical clothing. He knew she’d been wearing gloves, though they were hidden in her pockets at the moment.

  It wasn’t long after they arrived at the station that the train they were catching arrived. Archie gave Delaney a hug and murmured a few words to her. Then, he shook Griff’s hand. “Be careful. Bring her back safely. Good luck with the investigation.”