The Bachelor's Bride (The Thompsons of Locust Street #1) - Holly Bush Page 0,51

like you are. And don’t eat before you come. Mother will have enough food for a thousand.”

Elspeth stopped walking and pulled Mr. Pendergast over to one of the large trees where they could speak quietly out of the crowd of people going by them. She looked up at him and searched his face.

“What? What is it, Elspeth? Do you see one of those men?”

She shook her head. “No. I can’t tell you everything that is going on with my family, even though I feel as though I could. But I can’t.”

“Don’t worry about—”

“But you should know. You’re concerning yourself with our safety.”

“What is it, Elspeth? What do you want to tell me?”

She searched his eyes, hoping that her instincts were correct and that Muireall was wrong. “The danger is to all of us, but it is particularly dangerous for my youngest brother, Payden. Please, please keep him safe if you can. He is so precious to us.”

“Of course,” he said, looking at her curiously. “Of course. I promise. Let us make our way back to your house now.”

She linked her arm with his and they returned, walking slowly and quietly until they stood in front of number seventy-five. “Thank you, Mr. Pendergast,” she said when Mrs. McClintok opened the door for her. “I look forward to your family’s party very much and to seeing you again soon.”

“And I you,” he said as he tipped his hat, staring at her until she turned and entered the house.

“Where is Schmitt?” Alexander asked Bert Kleinfeld.

Kleinfeld shrugged. “Dunno. He hasn’t been here all morning.”

Alexander moved the stack of documents and folders to his other arm. “We’ve got a council meeting next week, and there are all kinds of things on the agenda that he has to get ready for. I’m going to need your help sorting through some of this.”

Kleinfeld followed Alexander into his office, and the two men sorted through the stacks of papers. They heard the bell over the door to their office ding and Schmitt’s booming voice.

“Where is everyone?”

Kleinfeld ran from Alexander’s office. “I’m so sorry, sir, I was not at my desk. I was helping Mr. Pendergast.”

Alexander followed Schmitt down the hallway to his office. “Good morning, Mr. Schmitt. There are several items that will be coming up at this month’s meeting that we should review very soon.”

“Alexander,” Schmitt said and smiled. “You are all business when it is a beautiful day outside. The birds are singing. The police have decided I didn’t kill that whore, although God only knows why they care. Smile, Alexander, smile.”

He closed the door to Schmitt’s office. “The police have dropped the charges?”

“Apparently, they’ve had a confession from some poor drunk. I am in the clear.” Schmitt shrugged. “Which is just as well, considering I didn’t commit the murder.”

“That’s good, sir.”

“And,” Schmitt leaned over his desk, lowering his voice to a whisper, “I had a visit from the gentlemen who were looking for information about the girl, that Thompson girl, who you’re sweet on.”

Alexander could feel sweat break out on his forehead and heard the tattoo of his heartbeat in his ears. “They visited you?”

“They did, and they did not harm a hair on my bald head!” Schmitt guffawed at his joke. “They told me they wouldn’t be bothering me anymore. That they were closing up shop. I could not decide whether whatever they’d wanted to know no longer mattered or if they’d found out what they needed. In any case, we’re clear, Pendergast! We’re clear.”

“Very good, sir. I’m happy for you on both counts. But are you sure this is not just a ploy to get you to let your guard down?”

Schmitt shook his finger at Alexander. “This is exactly the reason I pay you the outrageous salary that I do. You’re a smart one. But I’ve already thought of that. I had some of my men take a look at the building those men were working out of. It’s empty. Cleaned out. They’re gone!”

“That is exceptionally good news, then,” Alexander said. “I’ve got Kleinfeld working on the contracts for the new dock buildings, and I’m going to do some research on this union that is forming. Perhaps we can negotiate something before there are more involved in it. I’m headed to the newspaper offices to see what my sources have to say unless you need me to do something else.”

“No, no, Alexander. Do as you wish. You always have me prepared for my meetings. And by the way, Mrs. Schmitt is very thankful