I know him by reputation.”
“Then you’ll understand why I don’t always inform him of my every move.”
“But surely he is aware of your trips downtown.”
“Of course.” She didn’t mention that her father believed she spent her time strictly at the legal aid society with her sister.
He seemed to sense her deception. “Ah, I see.” He chuckled, the lines around his eyes deepening. He must laugh often, she realized, to have those lines. The amusement caused him to appear younger and even more appealing, and warmth slid through her, her stomach doing funny things.
Never mind the boxing downstairs. Mulligan’s looks and charm were a dangerous one-two combination to a woman’s peace of mind.
She hated that he affected her at all. No one, not even her sisters, knew there had been a man in Justine’s life for part of last year. A few years older than her, Billy Ferris had been a plumber’s apprentice. They met when Justine hired Billy’s employer to fix some leaky pipes in a tenement on Mott Street. Billy was sweet and kind, the type of man who never argued or became angry. They’d grown apart after a few months, however, their relationship barely intimate, and she hadn’t been brokenhearted when Billy called it quits.
She never considered marrying him. As she’d learned, married women had fewer rights than unmarried women, ceding everything to their husbands. The wrong choice was disastrous, no matter the name and pedigree of one’s father.
Justine had seen enough results from unfortunate choices to last a lifetime.
Still, she had cared for Billy. If she were to marry, she’d prefer someone boring and predictable, like him. She didn’t care for fireworks and passion. She’d rather have comfort and reliability.
So, why was she noticing Mulligan’s looks and feeling things?
“Tell me of the legal aid society,” Mulligan said, breaking into her thoughts. “Busy, I suppose?”
“Busier than we could have dreamed. It has been exhausting but rewarding.”
“I’m not surprised. I have met your brother-in-law and he is a force of nature.”
“You know Frank?” That surprised her.
“Of course. It was inevitable we would cross paths now and again. He has the best legal mind in the state.”
“And you oversee the biggest criminal empire in the state.”
If she’d expected him to prevaricate or deny it, he surprised her by doing neither. “Indeed, I do. Does that bother you?”
“Why would it?”
“I couldn’t say, do-gooder. But I get the sense I am making you uncomfortable.”
“I am not uncomfortable. It’s merely that you’re not what I expected.” In the least.
He opened his mouth but a knock interrupted whatever he’d been about to say. At Mulligan’s command, the door opened to reveal a young man followed by Mrs. Gorcey. Wide-eyed and pale, Mrs. Gorcey rushed toward Justine. “Miss Greene, have you really found Robert?”
“I believe so. Mr. Mulligan has agreed to help us.”
“Mrs. Gorcey.” Mulligan approached and dipped his chin. “Welcome. I do hope we may arrive at a satisfactory conclusion for you today.”
“Thank you, Mr. Mulligan. I apologize for bothering you with my problems.” Mrs. Gorcey could hardly meet Mulligan’s eyes, her voice trembling.
“No need for apologies. I am always happy to help downtown residents whenever possible.”
Justine nearly snorted. Hadn’t he just asked her what providing help would gain him? She had a feeling that Jack Mulligan was not acting out of the kindness of his heart, yet he’d made no demands. Perhaps her speeches prompting him to do the right thing had affected him.
The door opened once more and two men entered. Mrs. Gorcey stiffened, giving a short intake of breath, and Justine deduced that one of these men must be Mr. Gorcey.
Sure enough, one man locked eyes with Mrs. Gorcey and stopped in his tracks. His gaze then darted around the room, possibly searching for an escape. As if sensing this, the other man put a hand on Gorcey’s shoulder and pushed him farther into the room. Still, Gorcey avoided his wife’s eyes, not acknowledging her in any manner.
“Robert.” Mulligan pointed to a chair. “Have a seat. Mrs. Gorcey?” He held out an arm as if to escort the older woman to a society event, and Justine rolled her eyes at the ceiling.
When everyone was seated, Mulligan crossed his legs and smoothed his perfectly creased trousers. “Robert, we seem to have an issue with your family.”
“I don’t have any family,” was Gorcey’s answer.
“No doubt you’re wishin’ that were the case,” Mrs. Gorcey snapped. Justine put a hand on the other woman’s arm in comfort and warning. They must remain calm.
“Well, this woman