Chapter 2
Play practice had gone well, but Spencer’s heart wasn’t in it.
He was grateful just to be the understudy for the handsome prince rather than hold the starring role.
Acting had been a wonderful release for him over the years.
After particularly stressful days seeking to bring criminals to justice with the Pinkertons, Spencer felt the theater was an escape.
Not only that, but many of the men and women employed by the Pinkerton Agency were encouraged to take on acting lessons in order to better play roles in which they might stop illegal activities.
Spencer hadn’t really intended to stay with the amateur theater for as long as he had, but his attraction to Dr. Carrie Vogel had kept him interested enough to remain.
Carrie was unlike most of the young women he’d met.
She was brilliant and more than a little talented in a wide variety of things.
Spencer had done some research into her background and education, as well as the job she currently held.
She wasn’t sitting around hosting tea parties or seeking to better herself in marriage.
She was engaged, but Spencer could tell that the biggest attraction Carrie held for the man was their common interest in medical research.
In fact, he’d done some investigating on Oswald Nelson.
The man didn’t come across as someone who could be trusted but, as far as Spencer knew, had done nothing illegal.
Upon meeting the man, Spencer was even less impressed.
But Carrie was an entirely different story.
Spencer could listen to Carrie talk about her studies for hours. She was fascinated by her patients and their needs, whereas her fiancé was fascinated with himself.
Spying Carrie, Spencer made his way to her. She seemed no more interested in playing her role as the beautiful princess than he did the role of prince’s understudy. Before he could ask her what was wrong, the director approached the group.
“As you know, we have one more week before we open the play,” the man began. “I need all of you to make sure you have been fitted for your costumes. We will meet every night and all day Saturday to make certain that we are ready. If you have any concerns, please voice them now.”
Carrie stepped forward. “I’m afraid I am giving my notice. I learned today that I will be returning to Cheyenne in a matter of days. I know that Lydia can handle the role perfectly.” She glanced at the young woman who was her backup. “I do apologize that I couldn’t give you more warning.”
There was a buzz of comments among the actors and actresses while the director did his best to consider the situation.
Finally, he gave a nod and motioned to Lydia.
“Come to my office. Mary, you come as well. Carrie, I can only imagine this has something to do with either your work or family and therefore will not pry; however, we are heartily sorry to lose you. It has been a pleasure to have you working with us this last year.”
“Thank you.” She turned away and headed to her dressing room.
Spencer followed at a distance. He wasn’t at all sure what was going on, but it at least gave him an answer as to why she’d seemed distracted, even troubled, that evening.
Carrie was pulling on her fitted jacket when Spencer reached the doorway. He stood silently watching . . . waiting for her to notice him. When she did, he could only offer her a smile.
“What was that all about?”
“It’s a long story.”
“Good, then you can tell me over a late supper. I haven’t eaten yet, and you have a look that suggests you probably haven’t either.”
“I haven’t.” She picked up her purse and wool hooded cloak. “Where did you have in mind to go?”
Their friendship over the last year had given them a familiarity with each other that Spencer would have liked to have moved toward something more intimate, had Dr. Vogel not been engaged.
“I was thinking perhaps O’Malley’s. They have the best Irish stew and soda bread.”
Carrie actually smiled. “I should have expected that from an Irishman.”
“I’m only part Irish. I could have suggested French, English, or German food just as easily,” he teased.
“O’Malley’s is fine. Let’s go.” She brushed past him, heading for the back exit. She paused only long enough to put on her gloves and pull her cloak around her shoulders, then she raised the hood to cover her lovely blond hair.
Spencer followed after her, taking hold of her arm as they stepped into the alley. “You’ve a taste for danger tonight. Dark alleys aren’t exactly the safest place to be.”
“But I’m with a Pinkerton and have no fears.
I know you’re armed and alert. You’ve already noticed the drunk at the end of the alley and the policeman who’s about to roust him.
I’m fairly certain you’ve even seen the little boy and his dog who are hiding behind that stack of pallets at the opposite end. ”
“What about the shirtless old man on the fire escape up three stories?”
She laughed as they continued to move in the direction of the police officer. “I saw him.”
“You’re getting better at observation.”
“I had a good teacher.” Carrie looped her arm through his.
“All of your suggestions have made me a better researcher. I never imagined that Pinkerton training would help in medical findings, but careful observation is needed in both. And just as with criminal investigations, medical situations are often not what they seem.”
Spencer was surprised by how carefree she suddenly seemed. He was even more surprised by the way she clung to his arm. Usually, she allowed very little physical touch.
“So tell me what’s happened. Something has changed.”
“Your observation skills are as good as ever.” Carrie gave him a quick glance and waited until they reached the street.
The policeman was far too concerned with the drunk to give them much attention, but Spencer gave him a nod as he looked up. The man seemed to recognize Spencer as safe and nodded in return.
The streets were crowded tonight. Chicago was always alive with masses of people moving quickly from one place to another. Spencer spied several he figured to be up to no good. No doubt at least a dozen pickpockets were working the block. He’d already picked out six who were wreaking havoc.
“Keep your purse close,” he whispered against Carrie’s ear.
He maneuvered her through the people and past the dangers until they safely entered O’Malley’s.
Here, Spencer relaxed a bit. He knew the people and the layout.
The folks were good, honest souls who kept the rowdies under control.
And unlike most of the pubs around the neighborhood, Sean O’Malley believed in limiting his customers’ drinks.
When they started showing signs of becoming disorderly, he vacated them from the premises in quick order.
Given Sean was six-foot-six and weighed two hundred and fifty pounds of solid muscle, few questioned his decisions.
If they did choose to protest, they didn’t do it more than once.
Spencer found them a table in the corner and motioned the serving girl over. She fixed him with a smile. He knew she fancied him. She’d done her best to sweet-talk him on more than one occasion.
“Spencer, for sure I’ve missed yar company. Yar lookin’ mighty fine tonight.”
“Thanks, Eileen.” Spencer looked to Carrie. “Do you know what you want to eat?”
“Not really. Why don’t you order for the both of us.”
Spencer sensed Carrie was overwhelmed with all that she had on her mind. “We’ll have the special and coffee.”
“Ah, now luv, wouldn’t ya want to be havin’ a fine pint with yar food? And what about the lady?” Eileen winked at Spencer. “A bit of ale would thaw that ice.”
“Coffee will be just fine, Eileen.”
She shrugged and walked away, avoiding the customers who seemed inclined to draw her attention by being a bit too familiar.
“She’s rather forward, isn’t she?” Carrie said, pulling off her gloves.
“She is, but she knows I’m not interested. Now, tell me what’s happened.” Spencer wasted no time.
Carrie drew a deep breath and settled back against the back of the booth. “I put an end to most of my life today.”
He frowned. “What do you mean by that?”
“I ended my engagement and my position at the Nelson Research Laboratory.”
“Start at the beginning and tell me everything.” Spencer wanted to say he was particularly interested in the part where she ended her engagement, but he said nothing.
Carrie unbuttoned her cloak and shrugged out of it. “Well, if you’re really sure you want to hear it.”
He laughed. “I want to know it all.”
Just then Eileen returned with two coffees. It was exactly what was needed to ward off the cold. “I’ll be right back with yar stew and bread.”
“The coffee smells nutty,” Carrie commented, bringing the cup to her nose. “I much prefer the coffee here to almost anywhere else.”
“I do too. They make a good lamb stew as well.”
Eileen came with their stew, as well as a plate of soda bread and butter. “Ya might wanna save room for dessert.” She leaned a little closer to Spencer. “We’ve got a fine bread pudding and a vanilla sauce that will make you weep. There’s even fresh cream if yar preferrin’.”
“Eileen! Come bring me a beer!” a man yelled from across the room.
She rolled her gaze upward. “For the sake of all the saints.” She shook her head and made her way back to the bar.
“Honestly, I’m not sure you’re safe here,” Carrie said with the hint of a smile.
Spencer laughed and tore off a piece of the soda bread. “Forget her. I want to know what’s happened to you.”