“Miss Greene,” a man behind a large desk called. “Come in, please.”
The well-dressed man was about her father’s age, his hair slightly silver at the temples. “How . . . how do you know who I am?”
“Your father and I are acquainted. You and I have actually met a time or two, not that I expect you to remember. I am Captain Harrison.”
Ah, yes. “Your niece is Miss Ida Harrison.”
“Indeed, she is. Was there something you needed from Detective Ellison today?”
She didn’t hesitate. If Ellison’s help was good, Captain Harrison’s was even better. “I received this note not even an hour ago.” Pulling out the paper, she handed it to Harrison.
Harrison whistled and passed the note to the other men. “Looks like Mulligan’s got himself in a spot of trouble.”
That was what scared her. “Who is this O’Shaughnessy person?”
“The man who’s trying to take over Mulligan’s territory,” Ellison explained. “I’m surprised you didn’t know, seeing as how friendly the two of you are.”
Justine ignored the dig. “Should I be worried? Will he hurt Mr. Mulligan?”
“One of them’ll likely end up dead.” Harrison shrugged. “Better for us if those types take care of themselves, anyway.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means we don’t have time to get involved in those downtown gang wars. They sort it out amongst each other. Saves us the trouble.”
“But, this is clearly blackmail. Can you not do something? At the very least come down to Broome Street Hall and speak with this O’Shaughnessy person. It might be nothing to worry about, but it also could mean a man’s life is in the balance.”
Another officer in the room chuckled. “O’Shaughnessy isn’t the type to bluff. If he says Mulligan’s in danger, then believe it.”
That was worse news. “But I cannot get ten thousand dollars by sundown.”
Ellison lifted his hands and let them fall. “Then I suppose Mulligan’s reign is over. Bound to happen sooner or later.”
“Detective! I cannot believe officers of the law would behave so callously over a man’s life.”
“Now, don’t grow hysterical,” Harrison said. “I understand this is upsetting to you but it’s not something the department can get involved in. I’m afraid Mulligan will need to figure this out on his own.”
“What if my father asked the department to become involved? Would you do it then?”
“No, I wouldn’t. Besides, your father would understand that these are two violent criminals and the city would be glad to get rid of one of them. He’d let it play out.”
With a snarl, Justine snatched the note, spun and marched to the door. And to think, she used to admire these officers. It turned out many of them weren’t admirable; they were corrupt and unreliable.
Haven’t you learned by now who really has all the power in this city?
She’d have to handle this herself.
Great Jones Street was only a few blocks away. Still, it seemed like an eternity before she stood outside Jack’s club. A fight was underway in the boxing ring, everything going on as usual. Perhaps the note had been a bluff.
The boys at the door wouldn’t meet her eye as she climbed the steps. “I need to see Mr. Mulligan.”
“Beg your pardon, miss,” one said as they both moved to block the entrance. “But we have orders not to let you inside.”
She rocked back on her heels. “Orders from whom?”
“Mulligan.” He pulled at his shirt collar. “I’m awful sorry, miss.”
Jack had barred her from the club? Her chest squeezed like it was caught in a vise. “Is he here? Please tell him I need to see him right away. I’ll wait.”
“He and Mr. Rye left—”
“Shut it, you idiot,” the other boy hissed. “He doesn’t want her knowing his business.”
She ignored the unhelpful one and focused on the boy who spoke first. “Left to go where?”
“I couldn’t say, miss.”
“He might be in danger. Please, tell me.”
The unhelpful boy sighed. “They don’t tell us where they’re going. We’re just supposed to guard the door.”
“Is Mr. Cooper here or did he go, as well?”
“He’s down in the cellar.” This was from the helpful boy, earning him a smack on the back of the head from the other guard.
“Thank you,” she told him and hurried to the metal doors that she assumed led to the cellar. “Mr. Cooper! I need to see you immediately. Please, Mr. Cooper.” She gave the metal a solid bang for good measure.
The metal door swung open seconds later. “Miss Greene?” Cooper appeared, glancing up and down the street. “What are you doing here?”