Chapter 8
Spencer wasn’t surprised by Edward Vogel’s reaction to him.
In fact, had he done otherwise, Spencer would have wondered at his handling of the matter.
Carrie had told him how extra cautious her father was when it came to strangers.
That along with his own research regarding Chief Vogel had given Spencer a pretty good understanding of what he might expect.
They passed out the back of the house and across the yard to a small wooden-framed building at the back of the yard. Vogel unlocked the door and entered, leaving it open for Spencer to follow. By the time Spencer entered and closed the door, Vogel was already making a fire in the stove.
Spencer stood, watching and waiting. With the light from the windows streaming in, he could see this was a woodworking shop. There were a variety of projects in various stages of development. Even if Carrie hadn’t already told Spencer all about it, it was clear this was Edward Vogel’s domain.
Vogel worked in silence to get the fire going, then when he seemed satisfied, he closed the door to the stove and turned with a narrow-eyed gaze.
“What in the world makes you think you can just marry my daughter without discussing it with me first?”
Spencer gave a slight nod. “That would have been my preference as well, sir. I suppose we did rush things a bit, but Carrie was eager to move back to Cheyenne.”
Vogel kept watching him. It reminded Spencer of times he’d stared down a suspect he’d just apprehended. Well, the man was entitled to wonder about his new son-in-law. Spencer would patiently endure whatever questions or scrutiny the man had in mind.
“Grab a chair and come sit over here.” Vogel sat in a chair already positioned near the stove.
Spencer did as instructed. The wooden chair felt something like the seats he’d encountered in witness boxes at court. It seemed appropriate.
“Who are you, Spencer Duval?”
Spencer smiled. “I’m a man of God, sir. Well, not to say I’m a preacher, because I’m not. I’ve spent most of my adult years in law enforcement like you. I graduated college in Philadelphia and have done what I could to keep the peace ever since.”
“I suppose yours is more detective work than walking the streets?”
“I’ve always done a mix of jobs. I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty, nor to study the procedures of other officers.”
“You mentioned Philadelphia. Is that where you’re from?”
“Yes, sir. Born and raised there. Some time in New York as well. Lately, however, it’s been Chicago. For the last five years, I’ve called it home.”
“Where’s your family?”
“All dead, except for a gracious man who took me under his wing after my mother passed on. I was fifteen at the time.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Family is important.”
“They are. I think about my folks often. They were good people who raised me to know God and fear Him.”
“I’m glad to hear that you’re walking with the Lord.”
“I find it impossible to consider doing otherwise. My faith has gotten me through a great many things. On her deathbed, my mother made me swear to never forsake God. I assured her she didn’t need to worry about that. I couldn’t begin to imagine life without Him at the center.”
“I feel the same way,” Vogel replied. “I’m part of a men’s Bible study on Saturday mornings. Maybe you’d like to join us?”
Spencer didn’t hide his smile. “That would be wonderful. Thank you.”
“So how did you meet my daughter?”
“At the theater. We had both signed up as volunteers in a local children’s theater.
It was a much-needed change from the intensity of our jobs.
Carrie with her research and me with my law enforcement duties .
. . well, we found playacting for children to be refreshing.
We were introduced and became fast friends.
I mentioned having trouble finding a church that I felt was strongly focused on the Bible rather than man’s teachings, and Carrie recommended her church.
So then we had yet another place where we saw each other and had a chance to speak.
Over the last year, we have had an opportunity to discuss many fascinating topics, and our friendship deepened. ”
“But she was engaged to marry Dr. Nelson.”
“Yes. We didn’t allow for anything but friendship in our relationship until Carrie ended the engagement. I suppose she told you that Nelson stole the credit for some of her medical findings?”
“She did write to us about some of that. Seems like it was quite a long time ago.”
“Yes, well, it wasn’t that long ago he did it again, this time with a major find that Carrie was responsible for. She was devastated by the betrayal.”
“And you offered her comfort and reassurance.”
“I certainly hope I did. I know her pain ran deep. Carrie has a brilliant mind and wants to make a difference in medicine. I don’t pretend to understand the things she does, but I do admire her.” He grinned. “Beautiful and astute.”
“Her intellect would scare off most men. When she was in school here, she was always ahead of everyone else. When she graduated at sixteen and announced her desire to go to Chicago to the medical college, I have to admit her mother and I were hard-pressed to allow for it. Thankfully, a good friend had trustworthy relatives in Chicago who were willing to oversee Carrie’s move and attendance. ”
“I’m sure it was hard to let her go.”
“It was. It still is. I hope you know that I won’t brook any harsh treatment of my daughter. If you’re cruel to her in any way, you’ll answer to me.”
Spencer nodded. “I would expect no less.”
“What are your plans? I’m sure she intends to continue her research, maybe even open her own doctor’s office, but what about you?”
“I intend to pursue what I’m good at, law enforcement. I know you’re the chief of police, and I don’t expect any favors. However, I would like to know if there are positions available.”
Vogel smiled. “I’m sure we can find something for you, Detective.”
Spencer laughed. “I can walk a beat as well as deduce a criminal’s pattern of operation.”
“I think I’m starting to like you, Spencer.”
The door to the shop opened, and Carrie hurried inside. “That wind is getting colder.”
“Well, the sun is setting,” her father countered.
“That’s why I’ve come. Mama says it’s time to wash up for supper. Robert is home, and the food is on the table.”
“Then we’d best get to it,” Vogel said, getting to his feet.
“I hope Papa didn’t intimidate you too much.” Carrie came to Spencer’s side and gave him an apologetic shrug. “It’s his way.”
“Especially with men who intend to marry or have married my daughters.” Vogel put his arm around Carrie. “But never fear, I like your young man well enough. I even intend to give him a job.”
Carrie smiled up at her father. “Thank you, Papa. Spencer is a hard worker in every way. I know you’re going to enjoy having him around.”
They gathered around the large oak table that Carrie remembered from childhood. Back then it had seemed so massive, but now, with the addition of Spencer and Rosie as well as Greta’s fiancé, Michael Decker, the space looked much smaller.
Carrie had helped to get the table set, while her mother put the finishing touches on a large pork roast. Given the time of year, pork products were the main source of meat most families were eating.
The roast was accompanied by a brimming bowl of roasted potatoes and another of green beans. Papa had always enjoyed peas, so there was a bowl of creamed peas as well. Greta placed a basket of dinner rolls on the table and took her seat. Everyone looked to Papa for the blessing.
“We are doubly blessed tonight because Carrie and Spencer are here to join us. Let’s give thanks.” Papa bowed his head and asked a blessing on the food and all who were about to partake of the meal.
“And Lord, we ask that You would bless the marriage of Carrie and Spencer. Let them draw closer to You as they draw closer to each other. Amen.”
“Amen,” everyone around the table murmured.
Carrie said nothing but grabbed her glass of water and took a long drink. How could she ask God to bless their marriage when she knew it was a sham?
“I love that you can be here, Carrie. Spencer too.” Greta smiled at them both and offered them the rolls. “I was hoping you’d be my maid . . . well, matron of honor when Michael and I marry in May.”
Carrie wasn’t surprised by her sister’s request. “I’d love to stand with you, Greta.” Carrie took a roll. Her mother made delicious breads. “You’ll definitely want at least one of these,” she told Spencer, handing him the basket.
“I just wish you would have waited to marry here,” Greta continued. “I wanted so much to be with you. You’re my only sister, and that’s so special.”
Carrie appreciated Greta’s comment. It touched her heart.
Greta was really her niece, but they’d grown up together as sisters.
The bond they shared was very special, even though they didn’t share the same mother and father by blood.
They shared them in love and their day-to-day living.
Wasn’t that what really mattered? Carrie sighed. She needed a change of heart and mind.
“Where are you two staying?” Robert asked as he took the platter of roast and helped his wife.
“We’re going to rent a house, once we can find one,” Carrie said. “I’ll set up an office there, and Papa is giving Spencer a job.”
“That’s right,” her father interjected. “Rob’s been after me to hire more men.”
She smiled. “I know you won’t be sorry. Spencer is a talented . . .” She hesitated, knowing that Spencer wasn’t yet ready to announce himself an agent of the Pinkertons. She forced a laugh. “Well, you know how I feel.”
No one seemed the wiser and chuckled with her. Carrie looked at Spencer and smiled. “For the time being,” she continued, hoping no one would question her further, “we’re going to stay at the Inter Ocean Hotel.”