to come and talk to them?” Ellison had done it in the past. He’d taken corrupt business owners aside and intimidated them with his badge and rank. He’d even threatened to go to the unions and help workers mobilize if the owners did not treat workers more fairly. All in all, it proved a more effective method than Justine acting on her own.
“I can’t. Captain will fire me for certain if I do. Sorry, miss. You know I always like to help but until this case is solved I’m in a pickle.”
“But . . .” She didn’t know what to say. He had never refused her before. “Is there someone else who can help, perhaps a detective not on this case?”
He gave a bitter laugh. “The entire precinct is on this case. And even if they weren’t, the factory owners aren’t doing anything illegal. I doubt I could convince another officer to help you.”
In other words, her only choice was Ellison and he was too busy at the moment. Even as she understood this, she struggled to accept it. Something had to be done. “I must try and help them. Do you have any suggestions at all?”
“You could try the new Department of Buildings. Thomas Brady is the superintendent. He might have an issue with the locked doors and whether there’s enough egress in case of a fire.”
“But the ages of the children and the hours they are forced to work?”
“As reprehensible as we find those practices, Miss Greene, I’m afraid not all agree. They’re more fixated on profits than quality of life. Come back in a few weeks and I’ll see what I can do, all right?”
Irritation swept across her skin, but she nodded and rose. “Fine. Good luck on your case.”
“I really am sorry.” He followed her to the door. “Some days I wish they’d just admit women into the department and give you a badge. Then you wouldn’t need me to intimidate these factory owners. You could intimidate them all on your own.”
She snorted. “As if they would listen to a woman, police officer or not.”
“Sadly, you’re probably right. Have a care, Miss Greene. It’s a rough city out there.”
It was what he said to her each time she saw him, Ellison’s special brand of goodbye. “You too, Detective. Thank you.”
In the corridor, she ignored the group of men gathered in the corner, whispering as they watched her depart. Ellison once mentioned the detectives teased him about his association with her. It made her so angry, their childishness. The atmosphere here was no better than upper Fifth Avenue, where one had to cater to the “right” people. Outsiders were looked down upon, no matter their net worth. Here, she was viewed as silly and frivolous because of her gender.
Sigh.
Humid air, sticky and heavy, greeted her outside. The responsibility she felt toward these families, these children, working in unsafe, cruel conditions weighted down her shoulders. God help them if there was ever an accident or a fire. Hundreds of lives could be lost.
It was then she heard a familiar deep voice, a cultured tone wholly out of place in this spot. Glancing over, she found him.
He was here. Jack Mulligan. At police headquarters.
She stared, unable to believe the sight. Mulligan was leaning against a sleek black brougham, his booted feet crossed at the ankles. Blue uniforms surrounded him, everyone smiling as they listened intently to whatever Mulligan was saying. He spoke animatedly, his hands gesturing, the life of the party. A perfectly tailored light brown suit hugged his frame, the hue complementing his dark hair and blue eyes. He could have been any industrialist or banker going about his daily business instead of a legendary kingpin.
The entire group broke out into loud laughter, some of the officers wiping tears of mirth from their eyes. She must have made some sound, a disbelieving squeak, because Mulligan’s eyes met hers. His mouth twisted into a half smile before he addressed his audience. “Boys, it has been nice catching up but I see a pretty lady that needs my attention.” He shook hands and slapped backs, but Justine didn’t wait around. Spinning on her heel, she started up the walk and headed north.
He wasn’t here for her, was he? Dread pooled in her stomach. If he was here to collect on that stupid agreement, then she’d have to think quickly. By reputation, Mulligan wasn’t the type to negotiate or be put off. However, there was a limit to what Justine would