A Girl Like That Read online

  A laugh exploded from Eddy’s mouth. “Sure I am. Just kiddin’. I’ll get right on this for you.”

  Relieved, Sam shook his head and grinned. He gave a sizable retainer to the detective and left, with a promise from Eddy to report to the office every day.

  Eddy almost had him going this time. The man had a sick sense of humor. But a moment of doubt worked at Sam’s mind. For just a moment, Eddy had sounded afraid. Impatient, he clamped down on his imagination. Eddy would be fine. He was the best detective in town.

  Thirteen

  Katie pushed the needle into the satin fabric and pulled the thread through. She’d known this day would arrive sooner or later, but she’d hoped it would be a little bit later.

  “Rosie, dear, it’s grand to see you back. The show wasn’t the same without you.”

  Rosie patted the puff across her face and laughed. “Don’t be silly, Faye. I’ve been here every day, cheering you all on.”

  “Yes, but that’s not the same, and ya know it.”

  Katie bit her lip to keep back the tears. She was happy that Rosie was fit and ready to take over her role as Sally. And this, of course, put Patsy back in the housemaid role. At least Katie wasn’t complaining the way Patsy was. She wasn’t about to make that kind of fool of herself.

  Rosie stood. As she walked by Patsy, she smiled. “I thank you for filling in for me, Patsy. I’ve been watchin’, and you did a wonderful job.”

  Katie lifted her eyes and glanced at Patsy. Surely the girl would be gracious.

  “I don’t know why I couldn’t have continued with the part,” Patsy snapped. “After all, as you admit, I did a good job.”

  A ball of anger clutched at Katie’s stomach as she saw a pink flush wash over Rosie’s face. Oh, how she’d love to grab a handful of Patsy’s sleek black hair and yank it from her head. She looked at Rosie and was met with a smile and a shrug. Katie grinned.

  “And you, Katie girl. . .” She placed a gentle hand on Katie’s shoulder. “You’re the talk of the town. Your singing is causing quite a stir.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes indeed.”

  A flush of pleasure warmed Katie’s face at the praise. “I love doing it.”

  “There’ll be other acting roles for you, too. Don’t you be worrying about that.” With a smile and a pat on Katie’s shoulder, Rosie took her leave. The room quickly emptied, leaving Bridget and Katie alone.

  “You’re not frettin’, are you?” Bridget laid her sewing on her lap and peered at Katie.

  “I’m fine.” Katie smiled at her friend. “You don’t need to be worrying over me about every little thing. Besides, this will give me more time for my work at the kitchen. And maybe I’ll find other places to volunteer.”

  “Oh, Katie, I have some news for you. I forgot to tell you.” The gladness in her eyes proclaimed her news was happy.

  “What is it? Tell me.”

  “Benny O’Malley stopped by this morning with a note from me mum. They’ve formed a child care center of sorts. Mamie Todd is running it, with some of the young girls helping. She already has three little ones.”

  “Oh, that is good news! I wonder if there’s anything we can do to help.”

  “No doubt about that. They’ll be needin’ blankets for pallets and kitchen stuff, too, I’m sure.”

  “Good, let’s get right on that this afternoon. I’ll ask Pa to help, too.”

  “You know somethin’, Katie?”

  “What?”

  Bridget’s lips puckered into a smile. “You have a lot more excitement in your eyes when you’re talking about helping people than when you’re talking about show business.”

  Surprised, Katie stared at her friend. Bubbles tickled her stomach as she wrapped her mind around her friend’s words. It was true. She felt her eyes crinkle. “Bridget, I believe you’re right. But that doesn’t mean I’m giving up show business.”

  Bridget tossed her red curls and laughed. “I never expected ya would.”

  The girls went shopping as planned during the long afternoon break. Katie’s father had been generous, so their arms were piled high with parcels when they climbed into a public carriage and headed to the Thornton home.

  “Bridget!” The tiny version of Katie’s friend ran pell-mell down the steps and flew into Bridget’s arms, sending packages flying.

  Laughing, Bridget swung her little sister around then set her down on the ground. “Now look what you’ve done, you little scamp. Start picking ’em up now.”

  A few minutes later, Katie and the two sisters dropped the parcels on Betty’s little bed.

  “Sister, I fell in the sewer, and a nice man jumped in and saved me.” Betty was bubbling over with excitement.

  “Ma, what’s she talking about?”

  Bridget’s mother had come in from the other room, wiping her hands on a towel. She smiled at Katie and gave her elder daughter a hug. “I wasn’t expectin’ you until evening. You’re still coming for the weekend, aren’t you?”

  “Of course, Ma. We brought some things over for the child care center. Now what’s this about Betty fallin’ in the sewer?”

  Bridget’s mother waved her hand and gave a loud, dramatic sigh. “It was quite a thing, let me tell you. Some other children crowded Betty over the edge of the ditch. Mr. Nelson jumped in and saved her. Carried her to the Flannigans’ to find me.” She shook her head. “He was a mess, he was.”

  Katie placed her hands on her cheeks, her eyes wide. “Do you mean to say Sam. . .I mean, Mr. Nelson. . .actually jumped into the sewer?”

  “That he did. Plucked our Betty out of the slime and marched over to the Flannigans’ with her in his arms.” She smiled at her little girl. “He’s a hero, he is.”

  Sam never said a word about it. Why hadn’t he told her about saving Bridget’s little sister? Had he thought it would sound as though he were tooting his own horn?

  Warmth and a tenderness she hadn’t felt before filled her heart. He truly was a good man. Even if he should decide to continue representing Howard, she would still know that he was a good man.

  Katie watched as Bridget tore open the packages and presented the goods to her mother, who watched with astonished eyes.

  “Oh, you darling girls! I can’t tell you what this means.”

  “Mrs. Thornton, if Mrs. Todd and the other ladies won’t be offended, I think there are others who would be happy to sponsor this endeavor until you get things going.”

  “I don’t think anyone would be offended. I know I wouldn’t. This is to help our people. And I know you won’t approach anyone who would try to bring shame on us.”

  Katie and Bridget got back to the theater just in time for Katie to run through her new song before the performance. When she walked out onto the stage, her eyes found Sam. He winked, and her heart fluttered. Then she began to sing.

  ❧

  Sam slammed into his father’s office and threw the folded newspaper on the massive oak desk. “They killed him.”

  “What? Who killed whom?” He picked up the paper and scanned it. “I don’t see—”

  “There. Right by that advertisement. It’s Eddy.”

  “Davis?” He peered at the small print and read aloud:“ ‘A body found beneath the Clark Street docks on Tuesday night proved to be that of Edward Davis, a private detective. The absence of money or other valuables lead authorities to assume Mr. Davis was the victim of robbery.’ ”

  “It wasn’t robbery, Father. You know it wasn’t. He got too close to something illegal. It was Howard.”

  “You’re making assumptions, Sam.”

  “Maybe. I don’t think so. Eddy implied the case was dangerous. Then he laughed and pretended to be joking. I should have known he was serious. Looking back, I can see it. But all I could think of
was finding something on Howard.” Sam tightened his lips and took a deep breath. “If it’s murder, I’m going to find out.”

  “Don’t do anything foolish. There’s no proof Howard had anything to do with the death. It could have been a simple robbery as the police believe.” He sighed. “And if it was murder, you could find yourself in danger. Leave it alone, Sam. Please.”

  Sam threw a short nod his father’s way and left the office. He stopped briefly at his own desk to look over some files and then started toward the door.

  “Sam, wait a minute.” Jack was just leaving his office. “Where’ve you been keeping yourself? You’re in and out of the office all day, and I haven’t been able to catch you in weeks.”

  “Sorry. I’ve been really busy. How’ve you been?”

  “Fine, fine.” He lowered his voice. “I guess you’re still seeing that girl.”

  “Shh. I haven’t told my parents yet.”

  “What do you mean, yet? Why would you want to tell them and upset them? Unless. . .” He shot a worried look at Sam. “You’re not serious about her, are you?”

  “Jack, I’d love to stand and talk, but I have things to do. I’ll see you later.” Sam grinned to soften his words and left the building.

  Driving toward the docks, he tried to set a plan of action. He had no idea how to start his investigation. “God, I could use some direction here.”

  The dock was teeming with activity as workers loaded and unloaded the boats that carried goods up the river and back. Sam tried to question a number of men who were willing to stop and listen to him. But if anyone knew anything about Eddy, he wasn’t talking.

  Discouraged, Sam walked to Howard’s lumberyard and warehouse where he got the same response as before. He spotted the two men he’d spoken with in the shed the last time and walked over to them. “I don’t suppose you men have thought of anything since the last time I was here.”

  The bearded one spat his glob of tobacco out of the side of his mouth. “Listen, fellow. If I was you, I’d get out of here and not come back. There’s nothing for you here but trouble.”

  Realizing he wasn’t getting anywhere, Sam turned to leave. He spotted two men by the warehouse gate, whispering. One pointed in his direction. Sam started toward them, but they turned away. Anger like a hot poker stabbed him as he left. They knew something. Some of them did, anyway.

  He’d left his carriage in a livery across the bridge, so he headed there. The sound of footsteps caught his attention, and he turned to see a figure dart behind a building. Suspicious, he ambled on down the street, listening intently. This time, when he turned, he saw the man plainly. With long strides, he got to the man before he could duck behind another building. “Okay, why are you tailing me?” He grabbed the man’s arm and frowned into his eyes.

  “Hey, wait a minute. I’m not meanin’ you no harm. I got a message for you.” He jerked his arm away.

  Sam gave a short laugh. “If you have a message for me, why were you sneaking around? Why not just give me the message?”

  “Cuz I don’t know ya. That’s why. Didn’t want no fist in my face.”

  “Okay, okay. What’s the message?”

  The man looked around then leaned in closer to Sam. Lowering his voice, he said. “There’s some of us what wants to help you. But we gotta be careful, ya see?”

  Excitement shot through Sam like a bolt of lightning. “Yes, I understand.”

  “Okay then. Here’s the deal. There’s an old shed in back of Wiley’s Feed and Grain in the Patch. Be there at midnight. And make sure you’re by yourself.”

  Before Sam could answer, the man turned and slipped around the corner. Should he follow him? Sam hurried to the corner and looked down the street, but there was no sign of the messenger.

  Deep in thought, eager with a hint of dread running through him, Sam walked to the bridge and crossed over to the livery stable. Was he finally close to an answer to the Flannigan question? Would he discover something tonight about Howard’s shady dealings, perhaps even something that would lead to the truth about Eddy’s death?

  Avoiding the office, he urged the horse toward home. He needed to calm down before facing his father’s scrutiny. It wouldn’t do for him to find out what Sam planned to do. He’d say it was foolhardy and probably forbid Sam to go. Right now, the one he needed to talk to was his mother. He couldn’t tell her what he planned to do tonight, but he could ask her to pray with him.

  Suddenly a vision of Katie’s face filled his thoughts. Yes, it was time to tell Mother about Katie, too. She’d understand and perhaps help prepare the way for Sam to tell his father.

  But not yet. First, Sam needed to get this other situation taken care of. Tonight, at midnight, he’d be waiting at a shed in Conley’s Patch.

  Fourteen

  “So you see, they need to get the child care center going so the women can work. They need more space. Even one extra room would help. The men can do the building. Once they get all the supplies they need, they can take care of it themselves.”

  “I think it’s a wonderful idea.” Rosie’s eyes shone. “I get so tired of hearing about how lazy and worthless the immigrants in the Patch are. You can count me in. I’ll do what I can.”

  Katie glanced at Bridget and smiled at the murmurs of agreement coming from the lips of the actresses and seamstresses. Rosie’s enthusiasm had stirred up their interest.

  By the time the curtain went up for the evening performance, most of the troupe from actors to stage crew had pledged to help with food and supplies to get the child care center on its feet.

  With a light heart, Katie stepped out onto the stage. She glanced toward Sam’s seat, expecting to see him smiling up at her. Empty. Don’t be silly. He’s a busy man. Something must have come up.

  After the show, she said good-bye to Bridget, who was going home for the weekend. She watched the Harrigan’s carriage pull away with Bridget inside. The weekends were long without her friend, even though Katie had her solos the next day.

  She walked to the corner where her father waited for her. He held out his arm for her, and they walked down the plank street toward Ma Casey’s.

  The moonlight was bright tonight. There had been no fires this past week, and gradually the haze was lifting. Hope filled Katie’s heart as it did the rest of the city. Perhaps the devastation was over for now. She asked her pa as much.

  Scratching at his chin, he gave a shrug. “Well, it’s still mighty dry. Just as dry as before. The little bit of sprinkling we had last Sunday isn’t going to help much.”

  Katie sighed.

  “But it’s the third week in September. The rains are sure to come soon.” He nodded. “Yes, no doubt about it. It always rains in September.”

  They walked in silence for a few minutes. Katie hoped her father was right. But the constant fires were frightening. How much longer before lives were lost?

  Her father cleared his throat, a sure sign he had something to say that he knew she wouldn’t like.

  Katie’s stomach tensed. Something about Sam, most likely.

  “Daughter, I’ve got something I’m wanting to say.” He continued to walk, looking straight ahead. “I know you like the lad. And I can’t say I don’t. It’s a good thing you got over the arguing, but I still have the same concern as before.” He took a deep breath and let it out loudly. “If he’s serious about you, he’ll be taking you home to meet his folks. If he doesn’t do that soon, then he’s just playing around with a pretty Irish lass.”

  Katie hated to consider the thought, but Pa was right.

  “I know what you’re saying, Da.” A little choking breath emanated from her throat. “And you’re right. I’ve already been thinking about it. And the matter will be settled soon, or I’ll not be seeing him. I promise.”

  He patted her hand, and they stopped in
front of Ma Casey’s. Reaching over, he pushed back her curls and kissed her forehead. “That’s the first time you’ve called me ‘Da’ since you were just a wee girl. It did my heart good.”

  “I love you, Da.” She leaned into his big, comforting chest.

  “And I love you, Katie girl. I’m praying your young man turns out to be true.”

  They walked up onto the porch and into the house.

  ❧

  Sam clicked at his horse and sat up straight in the saddle. It wouldn’t do to be too relaxed as he rode down the pitch black streets of the Patch.

  He’d looked all along the main business district of the Patch but still hadn’t found Wiley’s Feed and Grain. It had to be on one of the side streets. He urged his horse around another corner and squinted his eyes to adjust to the difference in the blackness.

  A curse sounded from down the street, followed by a scream and then a shout of bawdy laughter. As he drew near, his stomach churned. Apparently, the Patch’s version of a prostitution district. Sam flipped the reins, the horse trotted to the next intersection, and they rounded the corner.

  He pulled out his pocket watch and peered at the face but was unable to see the hands or the numbers. Spying a tavern at the end of the street, he spurred his horse into a gallop and pulled to a stop in front of the rundown shack. The hitching post was full, with three sorry-looking nags, so Sam tied his mount to a tree branch and went inside.

  After the thick darkness of the outside, the tavern’s dim interior was enough illumination to see fairly well. Sam made his way through a mass of whiskey-reeking men and, to Sam’s dismay, a number of women as well. He stepped up to the scratched counter and started to pull his watch out then thought better of it.

  “Name your poison.” The man sported a patch over his left eye and squinted the other at Sam.

  “I’d like to purchase a block of matches, please.” Sam tossed a coin on the counter.

  Without a word, the man turned and grabbed the block and laid it in front of Sam.

  “Anything else?”