Butterfly Palace (10 page)

He stopped. “He’s all right?”

“Oh, of course. I saw the villain myself and warned my uncle just in time.” She warmed at his expression of admiration. “The police are searching for the man, but I think he escaped. Did you see anyone running through the park? He came this way.” She described what the fiend wore and what she could remember of his appearance.

She gasped, putting her hand to her throat. “One of those men you were speaking with. He had on a white shirt just like my uncle’s attacker.”

“There are many men with white shirts.” He began to walk again.

“But that fellow was about the same height and build. Who was he? The police should interrogate him.”

“I don’t know his name. The other man was Miss White’s brother. But it would be a kindness not to drag the fellow into something like that. I would have noticed if he’d run past us to where
Miss White was sitting. And he was not panting or showing any signs of exertion when we went to talk to his sister.”

“That you noticed.” She wasn’t about to let him talk her out of such an important clue. “It can’t hurt to tell the police. If he’s innocent, no harm will come to him. And it might spare my uncle another attack.”

“Any reason why he might be attacked?”

“He wishes to give women the vote. That’s not a popular move.”

“No, it’s not.”

He lifted a brow and smiled. “What is your view? Wouldn’t you like to vote?”

Would she? She hadn’t given it much thought. “Perhaps.”

They reached the sidewalk and stood waiting for the lorries and drays to pass so they could cross. Her aunt and uncle were still sitting at the outside table. Her aunt gave a discreet wave and smiled. Belle knew her aunt would approve of Drew.

The street was clear, so she lifted her skirts free of the mud and dashed across to the café. Her fingers held tightly to Drew’s arm, and if she had her way, she intended to make her claim on this man very clear to Lily.

NINE

T
he two men, hands pocketed, strolled along the river walk in the fading light of day. Drew had requested the meeting, but now that he had Ian’s attention, he was beginning to wonder if he’d overreacted.

The sunset threw brilliant colors onto the water, and the rich scent of river mud filled the air. They reached a vacant bench with no one around. Drew gestured to the seat, and the two settled onto it.

Ian’s erect military bearing and muscular build were at odds with his age of about fifty. He’d been with the Secret Service since his late teens, first as a Pinkerton agent, then staying on when the real agency was formed. Even after all these years, Drew didn’t know him well. The man kept his private life well hidden.

“What’s this all about, Drew? You have new evidence on the counterfeiters?”

Drew shook his head. “Everett Marshall was nearly shot earlier today.”

Ian absorbed the news, then frowned. “Political reasons?”

“I hear he plans to try to get through women’s suffrage, and someone isn’t happy. I thought you should know. There may be more attempts. It’s possible it was an attempted political assassination.”

“It might be our problem, but it could have been a random event that we wouldn’t handle. Did they catch the shooter?”

“No, he escaped.”

Ian took out his pipe and a pouch of tobacco. “That puts a different spin on it.”

“And what if it’s part of something bigger?” Drew had been unable to put his finger on why Everett’s attempted murder had set all his alarms ringing. It was more than just a liking for the man. This felt bigger, more sinister than some random attack from a disgruntled citizen.

“How much do you know about Marshall?”

“Not much. He’s been my introduction to Vesters. Rich as Job but he seems to be in politics because he cares about other people. He’s in charge here of the big push to reelect President Roosevelt.”

Ian lit his pipe, then took a puff. The scent of pipe tobacco mingled with that of the flowers across the walk. “I’ve met Marshall a few times. I recently heard he might be planning a run for the presidency after he wins his bid for a senate seat. I’m sure Teddy Roosevelt would support him. I assumed he might be involved with Vesters and the counterfeiting since they are friends, but we’ve found no evidence linking him to the others.”

Drew shook his head. “He doesn’t seem the type, and he’s got plenty of money. No reason for him to do it.”

“Did you ever figure out how he became associated with Vesters?”

“Vesters put a lot of money into his campaign.”

“Why?”

“He felt he was more sympathetic to business. And I think he’s had his eye on Marshall’s niece.”

Ian’s gray eyes bored into Drew. “You seem more concerned than an initial look at this might warrant.”

“It feels like it’s the tip of something larger.”

“Of what? I’ve learned to trust your instincts.”

Drew chewed his lip. “The money Vesters used to donate to Marshall’s campaign might well have been counterfeit.”

“So you wonder if Marshall himself might be involved?”

“No, that’s not it. Vesters may have some other ulterior motive for helping Marshall. And we know what a manipulator Ballard is.”

“You did well to bring this to my attention. I’ll poke around and see what I can find. I want you to stay out of it though. Your job is to get the counterfeiters. I’ll handle anything else that comes up. That last ring you brought in has been helpful. The kingpin agreed to tell Vesters you’ve worked for him.”

“That will help.”

“Is that all?”

Drew hesitated. He owed his boss the truth. “My ex-fiancée is here.”

Ian’s eyes widened. “You’ve seen Lily?”

“I’m surprised you remember her name. It’s been four years.”

One gray brow rose. “I’ve seen the toll losing her has taken on you. Her mother died recently.”

“You’ve kept tabs on her.”

Ian shrugged. “Regret has a way of fueling obsession. If our budget hadn’t been cut, I had meant to get some money to her anonymously. Then I heard she found a position and moved to Austin.”

“Yet you didn’t warn me.”

“I would have. I had no idea you’d run into her so quickly. Where did you see her?”

“She works for Marshall. She’s a housemaid.”

“Well, that’s an interesting twist. Has she seen you?”

Drew rubbed his head. “Not only has she seen me, but she’s determined to help.” He told Ian what Lily had overheard and how he’d been forced to reveal why he was in Austin.

Ian took another puff of his pipe. “Sloppy, Drew, very sloppy. This seriously compromises the investigation. She’s likely to tell someone what she knows.”

“Not Lily. And there’s more.” He told Ian about Jane White and how Lily had come to be acquainted with her. And about the warning her brother had issued.

Ian stroked his white goatee. “You need to find out what he knows. But I don’t have to tell you that. You’re good at your job.”

“I’m going to see Nathan and try to convince him to trust me. His family seems to have fallen on rough times. Can I offer a reward?”

Ian shook his head. “Sorry, there’s no money in the budget right now. If Lily wants to help, let her. They likely feel they can trust her a little since she helped Jane.”

Drew clenched his jaw. “I don’t want Lily in danger. I’ll take care of it.”

Ian gave a bark of a laugh. “Drew, you can’t save the world. You walked away from Lily to save her once before. I’ve regretted encouraging that decision. I saw you as a bright young man with much to offer the agency, and I thought a wife would hinder your effectiveness. But I was wrong. A life lived without a family is a lonely one.”

“You don’t have a wife?” Drew wasn’t sure if he was overstepping, but Ian had moved this discussion to something personal.

Ian looked down at his hands. “I did once. She was killed when someone shot at me. I thought to spare you that. But the happiest years of my life were the ones we spent together. I don’t think she would have wanted to never have experienced that even if it meant a longer life. Some things are worth the risk.”

“Not to me.” He couldn’t live with himself if he brought Lily harm. Losing his father had nearly killed him. “I did the right thing. I can’t have her death on my conscience.”

“You can’t second-guess fate. All you can do is live your life one day at a time. You really should let go of that obsession with Ballard.”

Drew clenched his jaw. “I’ll get him behind bars yet.”

“And if he slips away again, you’ll just let her go a second time?”

“It’s for the best.”

For all his courageous words, Drew prayed he was strong enough to do the right thing.

The kitchen was a scene of pandemonium when Lily stepped inside. She’d tried to find a cab, but all she’d seen had been full and she had to wait for a trolley back to the Butterfly Palace. She was quite late. Kitchen maids scurried to and fro with bags of flour and sugar. Several stood at the stove stirring pots of something that steamed out delicious smells. Several apple pies stood cooling on the large wooden table, and another woman carved the turkey.

“Love, where have you been?” Emily tossed an apron at Lily. “Mrs. O’Reilly is on a rampage looking for you. The guests for the dinner party are arriving any minute, and the table still isn’t set.”

“I’ll do that now.” Lily took off her hat, then tied on the apron.

What would she do if she lost her job? She couldn’t go back to Larson with her tail tucked between her legs. She had to do better, focus on doing her best for this job. Being around Drew distracted her.

Mrs. O’Reilly dusted the flour from her hands onto her already soiled apron. “Lily, there you are. You seem to be making a habit of tardiness.”

Lily eyed the housekeeper, uncertain of the woman’s deceptively mild tone. “Yes, ma’am. Sorry I’m late. I’m about to set the table.”

“We’ll talk later. There’s no time now.” Mrs. O’Reilly pointed to the kitchen door. “Go.”

Lily went. The stack of china in her hands was heavy and cumbersome. Emily was in the large dining room smoothing the linen tablecloth on the massive table. Lily lowered her burden to the sideboard, then began to set the table.

She turned to see Mr. Lambreth leaning on the doorjamb as he watched her. “You needed something, sir?”

He shook his head, but his pale blue eyes looked her over. “I thought we might go for a walk after you get off work tonight.”

She caught her breath. “I’m just the maid, Mr. Lambreth. I hardly think your father would approve.”

“He’s not my father, and I really don’t care. Don’t you ever feel smothered by social expectations? I’ve been watching you, and I like you. You’ve got spirit.”

When he took a step closer, Lily backed up. “I’d better get back to work.” His soft chuckle followed her into the hall. Could he seriously be attracted to her? He was very handsome, but if Miss Belle objected to her talking to Drew, she’d be doubly angry about Mr. Lambreth.

As soon as she stepped into the kitchen, Mrs. O’Reilly pointed at her. “Miss Belle wants you in her bedroom. At once.”

Lily gulped and ran for the back stairs. Her pulse was galloping when she stepped to her mistress’s door and turned the knob. “Miss Belle, you needed me?”

Still in her corset and underthings, Belle was seated in front of the dressing table. The curling iron and pins were laid out on top also. Her pout clearly showed in the mirror. “I’ve told my uncle I’m taking you for my lady’s maid. You should have been here waiting on me! I’m going to be late, and it’s your fault.” She poked at her hair. “My hair is a mess. Do something with it.”

“Yes, miss.” Lily grabbed the brush from the dressing table and began to smooth out Belle’s brown locks. The wind had caught and tangled it, so it took several minutes before it was ready to style. She gathered it into a loose chignon, then curled strands at the side of Belle’s face. “You look beautiful. You could model as a Gibson girl.”

Belle sniffed and tipped her head. “It’s passable.” She swiveled on the seat, then stood. “Help me dress. The new bronze silk is in the closet.”

“Of course.” Lily opened the wardrobe. She heard something thump in the closet and stepped back. “Did you hear that?”

“What?”

“I thought I heard something in the closet.” The hair rose on the back of her head when she heard what sounded like fingers rapping on the wall. “That.”

Belle stepped closer. “Are you trying to fool me? I need that dress, Lily.”

“Yes, miss.” Lily swallowed hard and pushed aside a couple of dresses to find the one for tonight. The bronze silk was as wrinkled as a new baby. “I—I need to press this, Miss Belle.”

Belle was right behind her, and she grabbed Lily’s arm roughly. “I’ve half a mind to send you packing! You
knew
this dinner was important, yet you were lollygagging with Mr. Hawkes when you should have been here preparing.”

“I didn’t know you were going to take me as your maid.”

“If you’d been home when you should have, you would have been told.” Belle’s eyes spit fire. “Press it at once.”

At least she wasn’t fired. Yet. Lily removed the dress and hurried to the utility room where she eased the wrinkles out of the delicate fabric. Though she’d hurried, it was still nearly half an hour later when she returned to Belle’s room.