The Pinkerton Matchmaker Read online

  The Pinkerton Matchmaker

  Christine Sterling

  Marianne Spitzer

  THE PINKERTON MATCHMAKER

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are all products of the author's imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblances to persons, organizations, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.

  The book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. All rights are reserved with the exceptions of quotes used in reviews. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage system without express written permission from the author.

  Scriptures quoted from the King James Holy Bible.

  The Pinkerton Matchmaker

  ©2018 Christine Sterling and Marianne Spitzer

  Cover Design by Virginia McKevitt, www.virginiamckevitt.com

  Editing by Carolyn Leggo

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS FROM CHRISTINE

  I couldn’t have done this without the gifts provided by my Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. I dream of the day we meet, and he looks at me and says, “This is my daughter, with whom I’m well pleased.”

  To my husband, Daniel, you inspire me to continue pursuing my dreams. Thank you for your love and support. I love you, sweetheart.

  For my beautiful daughters, Rebecca, Nora & Elizabeth. I love you to the moon and back.

  To my family – Mummy, Daddy, sister & brother. Thank you for your support on the wild and crazy ride to this point. It has been 48 years in the making but I’ve arrived.

  I am so grateful to the authors that have joined us on this journey. It is such a blessing to be working with you. Each one of you is a writing powerhouse and to be in the inner circle has helped me grow as a writer exponentially.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS FROM MARIANNE

  There are many people I would like to thank for their help and understanding while I wrote this book, but first and foremost, I want to thank God for all His blessings. Without Him I am nothing.

  I also wish to thank my family and friends for their patience and understanding when I disappear into my writing world especially my son, Lance, for his unwavering support.

  I am grateful for the authors who are making this series possible and our talented cover artist, Virginia.

  Last, but by no means least, I would like to thank my loyal readers who read my books and leave reviews. I couldn’t do this without you. You’re the best.

  FOR VIRGINIA

  The hardest part of launching a new series is to engage the right people at the right time. This series was just an idea when I (Christine) first saw a cover you had created, I fell in love and knew I had to create a book for that cover.

  That book will be crafted … someday!

  When I asked if you would take on a full series of covers, pulling together a cohesive branding for a diverse group of authors and personalities, you jumped right in and far exceeded our expectations.

  Marianne and I are blessed that you are representing The Pinkerton Matchmaker series by designing covers, graphics and providing insight in all areas.

  You are a gifted designer, but more than that, you have become such a wonderful friend and will always be a part of our writing family. We love you.

  TABLE of CONTENTS

  A Note to Our Readers

  The Pinkerton Code

  The Denver Tribune Editorials

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Christine Sterling

  Marianne Spitzer

  A NOTE TO OUR READERS

  Even though this book is a work of fiction, the Pinkerton Agents and their exploits are very real.

  Allan Pinkerton, a Scottish immigrant, and Edward Rucker, a Chicago attorney, started the North-Western Police Agency in the early 1850s. It later became the Pinkerton Detective Agency.

  Established in the U.S. by Allan Pinkerton in 1855, the Pinkerton National Detective Agency was a private security guard and detective agency. Pinkerton agents were hired as both bodyguards and detectives by corporations and individuals. They were active in stopping strikes, illegal operations, guarding train shipments, and searching for Western outlaws such as the James and Younger gangs.

  Pinkerton agents were known to be tough yet honest. For the most part, they followed local and state laws. However, as with most situations, a few were known to be ruthless. Local law didn’t always approve of having an agent in town since they could investigate more fully than the sheriff. Going undercover gave the agents greater leeway for investigations but could also lead to corruption and violence.

  As the West became more settled, crime increased, and local authorities were at times overwhelmed. It was not uncommon for Pinkerton agents to be hired to track down the worst of these criminals. Not encumbered by state or local boundaries, the agents followed and pursued their quarry where the clues led them.

  The Pinkerton Agency was also one of the first companies to hire women. Kate Warne led the way for the women agents that followed her.

  As the case load grew, new offices were established around the country, with the main office in Chicago, Illinois.

  We created this series with these heroic men and women in mind. These are works of our imagination and no way reflect the true cases or activities that the Pinkerton Agency may have engaged in.

  These are our stories of the men and women that braved danger and love to bring their own brand of justice.

  THE PINKERTON CODE

  Allan Pinkerton's agents were required to comply with a specific code of conduct while working for the Pinkerton Detective Agency.

  According to the agency's records, agents were to have no addiction to "drinking, smoking, card playing, low dives or slang".

  Additionally, a Pinkerton agent …

  Could not accept bribes

  May never compromise with criminals

  Should willingly partner with local law enforcement

  Must refuse divorce cases or those initiating scandal

  Would be expected to turn down reward money

  Cannot raise fees without client’s prior knowledge

  Should keep clients appraised on an on-going basis

  THE DENVER TRIBUNE EDITORIALS

  Sat. April 22, 1871

  Female Agents to join National Detective Agency.

  Help Wanted: female agents to join the National Pinkerton Detective Agency

  Seven years ago, the National Pinkerton Detective Agency moved into the new office location at 427 Chain Bridge Road, Denver, Colorado Territory. Since then stories have swirled of brave men solving crimes and fighting for justice.

  But a new time has evolved, and the agency is now seeking able-bodied women to join the ranks of private investigations.

  We need daring women who seek adventure and are of sound mind and body. You will help the criminal elements answer for their crimes and secure safety for their victims.

  You will train with an existing agent, and after your first case, you will earn the rank of private detective. Paid training, transportation, uniforms, and accommodations will be provided. You will become a part of a noble profession and pave the way into the future.

  This editorial has been placed in newspapers throughout the nation, so the quickest responses are appreciated.

  Please send inquiries and a list of skills to Mr. A. Gordon at the
above noted address. Interviews will occur on the premises the week of May 16, 1871.

  Ed.

  CHAPTER 1

  April 1871, Denver Colorado

  Archie waited for the knife to fly over his head and stick itself in the wardrobe along the wall. Agent Bronson Wauneka sat in the opposite corner of the room, playing with his knife and grinning. His white teeth clashed with the deep color of his skin.

  He twirled the tip of the blade on his finger once more before sending it swishing in Archie’s direction. He grunted as the satisfactory thud of the blade hitting the wood sounded in the room.

  “You didn’t blink that time, old man.”

  “Neeps and haggis, Bronco. How many times have I told you to stop throwing those knives in my office?” Archie growled at the young man, who let out a laugh.

  “I lost count,” he chuckled, walking across the room to retrieve the weapon from the wood.

  “Look at that,” Archie said. He pointed at the door of the wardrobe which was peppered with small holes and nicks, “I am going to need a new cabinet if you keep this up. Pretty soon we will be using that for firewood.”

  “It isn’t that bad,” a lyrical voice interrupted them. “The holes in the wall are much worse.”

  Marianne was correct. The wallpaper was torn in several spots, revealing the plaster behind the walls.

  It was rare that Bronco missed his target, but when he did, the force he flung the knife would cause significant damage.

  Archie learned not to flinch or blink when Bronco was in one of his playful moods. He had no desire to be on the receiving end of the Indian’s blade.

  “What do you want, Marianne?” Archie had lost his patience this afternoon and snapping at his secretary didn’t provide any relief. Marianne laughed again and entered further into the room. “Did I tell you to come in?”

  “Of course not, but here I am just the same. I needed to make sure that it was safe before entering.” She turned to Bronco, who had taken his seat. “Good evening, Bronson.”

  “Ma’am,” he replied, tipping the point of his knife to his forehead. “You look mighty pretty today, Miss Marianne. Tell me, is that a new dress?”

  Marianne gave a little twirl, extending her skirt out so it flowed gracefully. “Why, yes. Yes, it is.”

  “Out. Right this second. Out.” Archie pointed towards the door, glaring at them both.

  Marianne stopped twirling and looked at him. She raised an eyebrow and pursed her lips. He hated it when she looked like that. It meant that she was about to chastise him for one thing or another.

  She opened her mouth to say something, but instead, turned back to Bronco. “Pearl made peach pies today. I think they are divvying them out in the kitchen right now. I don’t know where she found the peaches this time of year, but if you want to grab a slice you better hurry.”

  Bronco stood, coming over to give Marianne a quick peck on the cheek. “You are a bright light in this sad world, Miss Chapman.” He looked at Archie and laughed again. “I don’t know why anyone hasn’t snatched you up.”

  Marianne turned away, a pained expression quickly clouded her features before it was gone. Archie thought for a moment that he may have imagined it.

  “That’s it, Bronco.” Archie’s voice was rising, and he started to come out of his chair. “Leave my secretary alone. She isn’t going to become one of your conquests.”

  Bronco’s laugh followed him out the door, leaving it open as he left. “Hey, Pearl…,” Archie could hear him call as his boots thudded towards the kitchen.

  He turned back to his secretary and grumbled, “Now, what do you want?”

  “I came to warn you.”

  “Warn me?” It was Archie’s turn to raise an eyebrow.

  “Yes. The editorial was printed in the Denver Tribune today. It is only a matter of time before someone finds it.”

  Archie raised his hands in front of his mouth, his fingers touching. He tapped one finger against his lips before responding, “And by someone, you mean one of the men?”

  Marianne huffed, “Boys, more like it. But, yes. I can think of several that are going to be in here faster than you can say ‘Bob’s your uncle’.”

  Archie looked at his secretary without speaking. In times like these she was usually correct.

  Marianne had been his secretary since the office opened nearly seven years ago. She showed up on the porch of the large mansion that served as their headquarters, demanding a job. Her brother had been killed in a gunfight and she had nowhere to go.

  Archie decided to take a chance on the young woman and offered her a job as a housekeeper. She spent those early days cleaning up after the agents that slept in the dormitory behind the house.

  She was cleaning Archie’s office when she suggested several ways to streamline the process for intaking new cases and sending agents out on behalf of the agency. She also took over the greeting of guests, offering them a cup of tea and listening to their stories before they ever reached Archie.

  She took meticulous notes and drafted much of Archie’s correspondence before sending it to the Chicago headquarters.

  Before he knew it, she had wormed her way into the front of the agency. And into his heart.

  Archie immediately dismissed the thought. He viewed her the same as all the other agents. As a friend, extended family, a younger sibling, meticulous employee.

  She was a friend to his younger sister, Victoria.

  She was indispensable in knowing exactly where the agents were at any given moment.

  She knew more about his agents’ lives than he did.

  The 13 agents stationed at the Denver office didn’t pay her much mind, and therefore didn’t censor the conversations when she was present. Archie knew she listened intently and could repeat almost anything back verbatim. She was a soul of discretion, though. She didn’t betray confidences unless specifically asked or if she was concerned about the safety or wellbeing of her men, as she called them.

  Archie wondered if she included him in that category. She had never given him any indication that she thought of him as anything but an employer.

  That is how it will stay, he thought.

  He didn’t… couldn’t… wouldn’t see her as a woman. No matter how enticing her lips were.

  Archie came out of his thoughts as he realized they were no longer alone. Pearl, the cook Marianne had hired a few months prior, came in bearing a tray with two slices of pie and cups of steaming coffee.

  “I thought you should get these before the lads decided to gobble them up. The coffee is fresh. I know you will be working late tonight.” She placed the tray down on the corner of Archie’s desk. “I’m headed out for the evening. Is there anything else you need tonight?”

  Marianne picked up one of the cups and gave Pearl a large smile. “No, thank you. We will be finishing up soon. I’ll put the dishes in the kitchen when we are done. Do you have one of the men walking you home?”

  Pearl was the one person that didn’t live in the house turned office or the dormitory behind it. She lived across town with her parents and younger sister. Marianne insisted that someone walk her home on evenings she stayed later, as the roads were dark, and Marianne didn’t want to have to worry about her safety.

  “Mr. Tanner will be walking me home tonight.” Marianne nodded and watched Pearl leave the office.

  Archie looked from Marianne to the pie, then back to Marianne again.

  “Why doesn’t anyone think I’m in charge?”

  Marianne blew on her coffee before taking a sip. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “Just then. Pearl looked to you to be dismissed. Bronco kissed your cheek earlier.”

  “Would you like him to have kissed yours instead?”

  “That isn’t the point, Marianne. People are not coming to me anymore unless they really need something. Instead, they look to you for guidance.”

  “I don’t think it is that, Archibald. They see how busy you are and if I can
run some of the interference, why not? Besides, you would be terribly frustrated answering all the questions. Patience isn’t one of your best virtues.”

  She put her cup down and picked up the plates of pie, placing one in front of Archie.

  “Eat. Pearl went to all that trouble. The pie looks wonderful.”

  Archie shoveled a forkful of pie into his mouth and chewed. It really was exquisite. The peaches were sweet with a hint of cinnamon under the flakiest crust he had ever tasted. “I’m glad you hired her,” he said taking another bite of pie.

  “I know. We both know I’m no cook, and I doubt Victoria can boil water. So, it made sense to bring in someone to help prepare the meals.” They ate their dessert in a comfortable silence.

  “I do have patience.”

  “Of course, you do.”

  “I have been with the agency for over twenty years.”

  “Of course, you have.”

  “Where do you think she found peaches this time of the year?”

  Marianne halted the fork with her pie on it and looked at him. “I haven’t really thought about it. I guess they are the peaches she canned from last year.”

  Archie thoughtfully chewed as he looked at her.

  “I want the men to come to me from now on, if there are any questions or concerns about what the agency is doing.”

  “Of course.”

  “I want you to send the men my way no matter what.”

  “No matter what?”

  “No matter what.”

  “Absolutely. I can do that.”

  “Good. It is settled. I’m in charge, I run this agency, not you, Marianne; and I will be handling all the agents’ concerns from this point forward.”

  The house shook at the sound of the front door slamming. “Marianne!” a voice boomed through the foyer. “Marianne, I need to speak to you right now!”