Caroline Clemmons [Clemmons - An Agent For Magdala

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Denver, Colorado ,

November 1871

Douglas Cloud Ryan stared at the beauty who stepped into the common room of Pinkerton Detective Agencys Denver Headquarters. The woman was trim except where it mattered and stood ramrod straight. Her auburn hair caught the light and shone like a sunset. Even he could tell her clothes must have cost a bundle, to say nothing of the jewelry she wore.

His best friend, Jake Hunter, elbowed him. You trying to catch flies in that gaping pie hole?

Very funny. He leaned toward Jake. Whats a rich, society type like her doing here? Surely Archie hasnt hired her.

Jake leaned back and crossed his ankles. If shes in this room, shes been hired as a trainee. Besides, you dont know if shes rich or a society woman. Only sure thing is that shes a beauty.

The jewelry might or might not be fake but Cloud knew quality clothes when he saw them. Whew, imagine being paired with her. A guy would be toting and fetching constantly. Man, Im grateful Archie promised me I wouldnt be paired with a woman and marry her.

Jake stared at him. Hey, you forgot the if possible he tacked onto that promise.

Naw, but Im holding him to his word. Youd better believe Im not getting married, and you can take that to the bank.

He pointed his thumb at his chest. If and when I decide to step into the parsons noose, Ill choose with whom and when. I dont see why Archie got this burr under his saddle to have agents marry and pair up on cases.

You have to admit a woman can get into places a man cant. Thats what happened in the war that convinced Archie to try this experiment. One of the women in this room may prove to be as valuable as Kate Warne.

Hmph, and they may not. Likely that was a once in a lifetime occurrence. Were not at war now. Even if a woman might help, shes not doing so on my case.

Jake exhaled and sat up. Wouldnt mind being paired with a woman like her. She looks perfect to me. Wonder how long that auburn hair is. Cant you just imagine it spread across a pillow?

Man, get hold of your imagination. Cloud gestured with a jerk of his head. For Petes sake, see how shes standing, paused at the door to make an entrance so everyone here will notice her. Bet shes snooty and feels she should be given special privileges. No, thank you.

Jake shot him a sardonic grin. You can tell all that with one glance, huh?

Of course I can. Were taught to observe people. Our lives depend on that ability. Youll see Im right about this one.

Jake chuckled. One of these days, Cloud, some woman is going to take your conceit down a peg or two.

***

Maggie Harper pressed a hand to her roiling stomach as she stood in the doorway of the Pinkerton headquarters main room. Grateful shed been accepted by Archie Gordon as a Pinkerton agent, she sensed she was out of her element. She gathered her courage and scanned the room. Composing her own features as shed been schooled all her life, she searched for a friendly face. Others in the room were engaged in conversations and paid her no heed.

That is, except for two men who watched her as they laughed and made comments, no doubt rudely poking fun at her expense. Their attention created a desire to check her hair and clothing for defects. She retained her perfect posture, refusing to give into the insecurity the mens scrutiny caused.

Actually, one man appeared only to add comments to the first mans obvious criticism. That first manthe more handsome of the twoacted as if she were a circus sideshow freak. Sometimes in the past shed felt as if she were but his attitude ignited her anger.

The handsome man should have learned better manners by this time in his life. Even from across the room, his blue eyes were startling. Too bad his behavior didnt match such beautiful eyes.

She spotted Marianne, Archie Gordons right hand, and hurried to her side.

Marianne smiled and gently grabbed her arm. I came to look for you. Archie wants to see you in his office.

The two women walked together toward the directors private rooms. This was the big moment and soon Maggie would learn her fate. The small amount shed managed to choke down at breakfast threatened to come up and she swallowed hard.

Would she have applied to be a Pinkerton agent if shed known the conditions beforehand? She couldnt decide if being aware shed have to marry a male agent would have stopped her. Probably, because knowing she could have the marriage annulled at the end of the case didnt relieve her anxiety.

The thought of being paired with a strangerno doubt at times in intimate settingsset her insides quivering. A vice constricted her chest and made breathing difficult. She was grateful for Mariannes comforting presence.

Archie rose to greet them, a broad smile peeking through his russet beard. Come in, come in, Maggie, and have a seat. I hope youre excited about your first case.

She sat in one of the chairs facing his desk. I certainly am. Plus, Im trying to assimilate into American culture. Things are quite different here. I appreciate you accepting me into the program.

Having Allen Pinkertons letter of reference guaranteed that. Id be interested to know how you came to know him.

He and my father are friends. She didnt want to go into the involved explanation.

Apparently Archie accepted her brief clarification. Good, good. You understand youre a trainee on this first case and will be paired with an experienced agent.

Maggie nodded even though she didnt fully comprehend the plan. Shed thought an agent was an agent but could understand why she needed an accomplished partner. But, marriageeven a paper marriagewas difficult to grasp.

Archie drummed his fingers on his desk and looked at Marianne. Where is Cloud Ryan?

The door opened and in swaggered the man whod made fun of her earlier. You wanted to see me, Archie?

Have a seat, Cloud. Maggie Harper, meet Cloud, whose real name is Douglas Ryan. The unusual color of his eyes earned him his nickname. Personally, I think Sky would have been a better choice. Cloud, you and Maggie will be paired on an important case that just arose.

Cloud jumped to his feet. Wait a minute, Archie. No way am I going to work with a woman. You promised me I could go out alone as usual.

Archies eyes narrowed and sent a stern look Clouds way. I said if possible. Henry Barker was shot last night and wont be able to travel for a couple of weeks. Its imperative that you two get underway today.

Cloud stuck out a hand in protest. Now, look, Archie

Archie rose to his feet. You do want to remain a Pinkerton, dont you?

Yeah, yeah, you know I do. Muttering under his breath, Cloud resumed his seat.

The ceremony will take place right away and youll leave for San Antonio, Texas immediately afterward. The Menger Hotel guests have been the victims of clever jewel thieves. Your job is to capture the burglars. This is a family-owned business. William Menger died earlier this year so youll talk with his widow, Mary, and her son, Louis William. Youll pretend your families are long-time friends with the Mengers.

He looked at Cloud. You pulled off being an English Duke so I know you can handle this. Youll register as Princess Magdala of Bayergrovenia and her husband, the Duke of Montpelier. A ladys maid and valet will join you in San Antonio.

Archies pronouncement surprised Maggie and she could only stare at him.

He made a shooing motion with his hands. You two run along now and get your gear together. The wedding ceremony will be at ten oclock. The stage leaves at noon.

Still muttering under his breath, Cloud stormed out.