Abigail stretched out a hand. “Give me that one with the food and be careful you don’t break the jars. Don’t crush the sandwiches either, Judith. I heard station food is dangerous. Even if there’s a dining car on the train the food will be pricey.”
“Won’t be as good as yours even if it’s free.”
Abigail narrowed her eyes and tilted Judith’s chin so she could examine her face. “Uh oh, what did you do? I know when you start sweet talking me you’re up to something.”
Judith grinned. “I’m not up to anything. I’m just excited to be on our way. I know we’re going to find Josiah.”
Chapter Two
Once they arrived in Denver, they found the Pinkerton office before they even checked into a hotel. Judith wanted no time wasted before someone went to help her brother. She left Abigail sitting with their luggage in a reception room off the foyer. A woman gave Abigail a cup of tea and a plate of food and offered the same to Judith. She declined because she was eager to see the Director.
Soon, she sat across from Archie Gordon, the Regional Director. She shared her letters with him. “As you can tell, my brother wrote me each Sunday afternoon since he left home no matter where he was. Then there’s the two week skip where he found and nursed Mr. Corrigan. The poor man died in spite of anything Josiah could do. Now it’s been four weeks with no word. I fear my brother is injured and needs assistance. The local marshal refuses to do anything.” She handed him the wire she’d received.
Mr. Gordon’s hair was almost as red as hers. Sunlight lit his hair and beard on fire as he studied her papers. She wondered if he’d been teased for being a redhead as she had.
Judith sat with hands folded in her lap in what she hoped appeared a patient pose. Inside she wanted to rail at the man to hurry. Her brother could be dying as she sat here. She believed Josiah was still alive because she was certain she’d know in her heart if he had passed away.
Finally, Mr. Gordon pushed aside the papers. “What is it you want us to do, Miss McAdams?”
“I want to hire one of your agents to accompany me to the ranch and see what’s happened to my brother. If this bully of a neighbor is creating trouble, I want him arrested.”
“Accompany you?” He shook his head. “Sorry, but that won’t work. We don’t allow civilians on our cases, Miss McAdams.”
“I’m the client, Mr. Gordon. My brother is my only living relative and I insist on going with whoever you send. I assure you I’m quite competent in hunting with a rifle, a revolver, and a bow and can even throw knives with precision. I’ve spent time camping and know how to track as well as any Indian or scout.”
His eyebrows shot up. “Hmm. In that case, you should become an agent and marry him. I won’t have a man and woman traveling together in conditions that would ruin your name or put you in danger. The marriage is a paper one that you can have annulled after the case if you wish to do so. You’d be an agent in training under the guidance of your husband for your first case.”
Good thing she was sitting because that knocked the floor from under her. She was glad she hadn’t mentioned Abigail yet. She sorted her thoughts before replying.
“Becoming an investigator does appeal to me. I believe I have the skills needed to be a good agent.” She shook her head. “But, marry a stranger? I’m not sure.”
Mr. Gordon rested his hands on the desk and met her gaze. “Those are my conditions.”
She rose and paced back and forth in front of his desk. “It would only be on paper? You’re sure I can get an annulment?”
“I am. The official who performs the wedding grants the annulments for those who wish them. I might add that most choose to remain married.”
“Hmph, I can assure you that I won’t.” She resumed her seat. “All right, I seem to have no choice but to agree to your conditions. Who is this agent you wish me to marry? I hope he’s your very best investigator and quite strong.”
Mr. Gordon signaled to someone behind her. “Send in Peyton Knight.”
Soon a handsome man strolled into the room. He was above average in height—likely several inches over six feet—with dark hair and blue eyes. His wide shoulders gave the appearance of strength in spite of his trim waist.
“You wanted to see me?”
“Have a seat. Miss Judith McAdams, may I introduce Peyton Knight? Peyton, Miss McAdams has come to hire us to help rescue her brother in New Mexico Territory.”
Peyton nodded to her and took a seat. “What part of the state and what kind of trouble is he having?”
Archie slid the letters into a large envelope. “I’ll let her tell you after your wedding.”
Peyton jumped to his feet. “What! Archie, I told you I don’t want to get married right now.”
He looked at her. “No offense intended, Miss McAdams. When I do marry, I’ll choose who I wed.”
The director sent him a stern stare. “Calm down. You know this will be a marriage on paper only, and your bride will be going along as your partner. If you plan to continue as a Pinkerton agent, that is.”
Peyton stabbed a finger at him. “You know danged well I do. You also know I don’t want to have to play nanny to a woman partner while I’m on a case.”
Judith stood up. “Play nanny? I’ll be the one being a nanny. I can out shoot, out
