An Agent for Meghan Read online

  An Agent for Meghan

  The Pinkerton Matchmaker Series

  Ginny Sterling

  Contents

  Introduction

  Foreword

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Epilogue

  An Agent for Fallon

  An Agent for Clementine

  An Agent for Gillian

  Joker’s Wild

  About the Author

  Praise for Ginny Sterling

  What can I say except I absolutely loved this story, I laughed out loud and I shed emotional tears.” – Amazon Reviewer (Lawfully Gifted)

  “This series has quickly become one my favorites. Love the storyline, love the characters, love the back stories and love the sweet romance between each couple.” – Amazon Reviewer (Remember Love)

  “What an amazing start to a new series, Healing Hearts, a clean contemporary and extremely emotional tale. I loved the characters, the angst, and the honest discussions, along with the chemistry and interactions. The people are broken, but with encouragement, friendship, and the added benefit of animals, it is the beginnings for healing.” – Amazon Reviewer (Remember Hope)

  Introduction

  Meghan Chambers is spoiled and she knows it. Growing up, she had everything you could ever ask for, except affection. The close bond she has with her sister Bernadette is essential to her happiness, but when her sister is ordered to marry a stranger – a new adventure together sounds like just the thing to keep the duo in cahoots! There’s nothing quite so exciting, daring, or carefree as tracking down a villain – until she meets Jack Gaines.

  Jack takes one look at the pampered princess that he is being saddled with and laughs in sheer disbelief. There’s no way he’s going to willingly agree to be married to a hoity-toity-rich-girl like Meghan. He is tough, lethal, and was hired to track down a killer - not bungle a pretend marriage with a partner who looks like a prima donna.

  When Meghan proves to be more than just the frills and lace on her dress, can she earn Jack’s respect and trust when they need it most? Can Jack let down his guard to see that sometimes it’s okay to show a little tenderness and compassion towards his wife, the newest Pinkerton Agent.

  Foreword

  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

  Spring 1874

  There was so much yelling…!

  Meghan winced as she heard her father’s booming voice echo from the massive dining room where she’d excused herself not moments ago. She’d finished eating her meal and didn’t want to listen to her brothers discuss business over dessert. As she’d rounded the corner to return to her sewing, she heard the onset of an argument and stopped in her tracks.

  Arguments could be so scandalous to listen to!

  Her older sister Bernadette was arguing about her betrothal and her thoughts on the matter. Meghan knew it hung over her head as they’d grown up and frankly, she felt a little slighted that Bernie had been betrothed, but she hadn’t.

  She didn’t blame her sister in the slightest, but there was a certain way to handle their parents and head-on wasn’t it. Their father was a well-respected member of the community and the owner of Chamber & Sons industries. He was used to handling everything and getting his way. It had to be his idea, or he would doggedly dig his heels in, fighting any change.

  Curiosity was getting the better of her.

  Meghan knew just entering the room could make her a target if her father was on the warpath, and it sounded like Bernie wasn’t backing down in the slightest! Grabbing the tray of her father’s favorite raisin cookies from the maid walking towards the dining room where they were sitting, she put on a light and
airy smile… for nothing.

  No one even looked her way.

  They were too busy arguing back and forth between themselves, making her realize just how similar Bernadette and her father were to each other. Meghan had always tried to emulate her mother’s genteel behavior in order to gain favor. If there was a pecking order in the family, it was definitely obvious tonight. Her brothers were enjoying the display of temper, and Bernadette was spectacular to see in a tizzy… yet no one bothered with Meghan.

  “What about Paris, mother?” Bernadette said woefully, swinging her eyes from her father over to her mother’s serene expression. Meghan nearly dropped the tray as she quickly set it down. Bernadette was always the favorite and her brothers were the apple of her father’s eye.

  Meghan was one of the younger siblings and always felt ostracized. She’d even overheard the maids whispering that her birth was a mistake. That simple whisper had crushed her, but she would never let it show. Is this why she was left out of things? Bernie always included her in everything… but if she left to marry her long-time fiancé, Mr. Harrington, who would be left there for her?

  Wait! What? They’d discussed going to Paris? Without her? Meghan thought wretchedly, feeling so low at this moment. Why wasn’t she told about this?

  It would be such fun to see Parisian dressmakers and the latest fashions on display. She loved dressing up, more so than the rest of them. It was like playing pretend among the gentry. The more flamboyant and stylish, the more uppity you got to pretend to be. When she wore her favorite hat, a large straw chapeau adorned with ostrich feathers, she always pretended to be Queen Victoria. She would hold her head a little higher, enunciate a bit stronger with a softer tone, and make sure the people around her knew that she was special.

  Taking her seat, she picked up a cookie and nibbled on it delicately, fascinated by how ruddy her father’s expression was getting. Ohhh, he was in a fine temper! Bernadette flew to her feet, causing Meghan to jump, knocking the delicate sugars that dusted the treat onto her blouse.

  “Bernie,” Meghan hissed, reaching for her hand, “have a care.”

  Bright, flashing eyes swung towards her and Meghan swallowed hard, realizing it might not be her father’s temper she had to worry about.

  “Have a care?” Bernadette said shrilly, glaring at her. “Methinks you would be singing a much different tune if you were the one about to be forced into a marriage against your will. This is 1874, for crying out loud! Not the Stone Age.”

  Meghan let out the breath she’d been holding as Bernie turned back to their parents, continuing on. “I will not be a part of something so foolish, something so barbaric!”

  A massive hollow thump made everyone jump as the room grew silent. Her father had slammed his fists onto the table. The man she’d admired as a child had hit his limit and there would be nothing more said on the matter. This was the same reaction she’d had when she’d begged and pleaded to learn boxing. At first her father had laughed, but when he realized she was serious, he’d slammed those same fists down on his desktop in the library where she’d first inquired.

  Bernadette was sent to her room without dinner and it was just an ugly scene because she’d arrived at the table late. Meghan had dined, Bernie had not. She absolutely abhorred being sent to bed without dinner and there was nothing more terrible than a childish punishment. They were adults, yet being treated like children. She hated her sister being upset and they had always been close growing up. Everything in her wanted to comfort Bernie. They could think up a plan together and get her out of this mess.

  “Pray excuse me Father. I’ll go speak with her.”

  “No, Meghan,” her father said firmly. “Leave her be for now. She’ll come around when she has time to reflect on her behavior and come to her senses.”

  Meghan winced as she heard the slam of a bedroom door that echoed in the silent house. She was a year younger than Bernie and supposedly ‘the voice of reason’ according to her sister, but only because I hide it better, Meghan thought sagely.

  Nodding demurely, she sat down and finished nibbling on her cookie as she listened to her parents talk amongst themselves. She would wait until tempers subsided before reaching out to her sister and excusing herself again. Going against her father’s wishes would only result in another argument, something she didn’t want to experience again tonight.

  They were all a smidge spoiled… well, actually, they didn’t want for anything. Living in a large home, they were quite well-off financially. Her family sported gilt carriages that whisked them out to the countryside as a family for picnics. Their portraits had been painted and hung in the hall. She’d always been garbed in fancy frocks in a variety of colors and materials, with matching accessories for each one. Her parents had engaged the best tutors for the boys – who allowed Bernie and she to participate. They grew up learning from several dance instructors, musicians, as well and spoke several foreign languages. She could speak French fluently, which is why it bothered her so much that she wasn’t included in any discussions of Paris.

  But they were just things – and while most would treasure such a lavish lifestyle? Meghan felt utterly alone in the room with her family. She was looked over, talked around, and casually dusted off to the side in lieu of someone else.

  Just like now.

  “If you’ll pardon me,” Meghan said softly, getting to her feet. No one looked up, no one acknowledged her. Was this what it would be like if Bernie actually married, leaving her here? She had no prospects of marriage for herself, nor did it seem to be happening for her in the very near future… which is why she’d done the unthinkable.

  She’d mailed a letter regarding her interest in becoming a Pinkerton Agent.

  Meghan wanted a life of excitement, to be seen and heard, as well as a husband of her own. She’d heard rumors of the brave women who’d married their partners to uphold the law. The west seemed to be so wild and free compared to her life here in Boston. This was the biggest secret she’d ever kept in her life, not confiding in anyone! Perhaps if she told her sister, maybe the two of them could take off together? If Bernadette had to marry her fiancé, Meghan would not remain here to wither away in the shadows.

  Testing the doorknob to Bernie’s bedroom, she found it locked. As she stepped into her own room, she saw that someone had shuffled through her newspaper clippings and articles… where she’d hidden the advert that had been in the Tribune.

  The article that was now missing.

  Bernadette was hiding behind locked doors - it didn’t take a genius to put the two together. Bernie had seen the ad too. Meghan had done the exact same thing when she’d composed her letter in response, fearful that someone would discover her ‘antics’. She would give her time to simmer down, purposefully discuss the article with her, and they would formulate a plan together.

  Chapter 2

  Things were not going as planned.

  Jack was frustrated after the debacle of his partnership with Fallon. It was obvious she was head over heels in love with Rourke – and painfully so. He liked the pretty girl, but subtlety was not her strong suit, resulting in him being stabbed deep in his thigh.

  That wound still bothered him… and his pride.

  Thinking back, Jack sighed heavily as the memory of that night revealed a great many things that he had already known deep down inside yet chose to ignore. They were being followed into the dark alley, Fallon was terrible at keeping their cover, and she was obviously in love with someone else.

  They had walked silently down the wooden walkway that ran along the buildings of the main street through town. The stars had glittered overhead in the clear sky. As they came to the end of the block, Jack made an abrupt right, heading down an alleyway.

  They came to a stop in the pitch black and hesitated.

  “Listen,” he urged silently.

  At first it was almost imperceptible because of their boots on the walkway, but the moment they’d stepped onto the dirt alleyway, Jack
had recognized it. Something faint like that would never be noticed over the din of activity in town. It would have to be seen to be recognized by a person who’d heard it before or trying to identify something out of place.

  Fallon had opened her mouth to say something when he realized their location was compromised. Whoever it was, they were headed this way. Jack suddenly pushed her up against a wall and uttered a curse. He liked Fallon and had been curious at what it would be like to kiss the woman, but had no idea that he would be given the chance in order to hide their snooping around.

  Jack had kissed her and felt nothing.

  It was the weirdest thing. As he pressed his lips to hers, there was not much enthusiasm from either of them. It was a barely perfunctory kiss-reminding him of holding hands. There was more response from a fish gasping for breath than there was out of her – out of either of them. There were no sparks, no passion, no brazen wantonness that he had hoped to feel.

  He pulled away for just the briefest moment only to whisper, ‘they’re coming!’ before he pressed his pursed lips to hers again, wincing. He might as well be kissing a mule or a horse. There was utterly no attraction whatsoever.

  He heard a grating voice and the deadly click of a revolver. Jack froze against her and immediately stepped back.

  “What do we have here?”

  “Just out for a stroll with my wife.”