“Hello. Welcome to Pinkerton Agency. How may I help you?”
Summoning all the confidence she could muster, Genevieve stood tall and erect as she held out her hand in greeting. “My name is Genevieve Trafton. I noticed a help wanted sign outside and came in to enquire as to the nature of the job.”
“An agent of course, That’s what we do here, Miss Trafton,” she said as she accepted Genevieve’s hand.
Relief lit up Genevieve’s face. “Then I’ve come to the right spot. How does one go about applying for such a position?”
“Are you married?”
“No, definitely not.”
“Do you have something against marriage?”
“Not exactly. Just never met the right man.” Genevieve was unable to hold back the blush from invading her facade. The woman smiled politely and led her to a nearby chair. They sat across from one another.
“My name is Marianne Gordon, and I will screen you before I send you in to see my husband.”
“Oh, yes, the gentleman that came in with me is meeting with him presently,” said Genevieve regaining her composure.
“Yes, Trace Stapleton. A fine agent.” A sudden glint reached the woman’s eyes. She continued with the interview.
“What qualifications do you have?”
“No experience in a professional sense, but I possess a curious nature, have a strong constitution, do not scare easily, and am looking for adventure.”
“Can you shoot a gun?”
“With skilled accuracy. My brothers complain their sister has a better aim than all of them.”
“So, you have family?”
“We operate the Trafton farm just outside Denver. Our parents are both deceased, but I have two brothers at home who are obsessed with working the land. And two sisters that can tend to their needs until they marry. I shall not be missed if that’s of concern to you.”
“Distractions are deadly in this line of work, but it appears you have detached yourself and are ready to go out on your own.”
“Most definitely.” The finality of voicing it affirmed the decision in her heart that this was her destiny. She silently thanked God for his intervention.
“I suppose you don’t have a letter of reference,” said Marianne, more as a statement than a question.
Genevieve nodded. “I do not. But I could get a character reference from my pastor if that would help?”
At that moment, the door burst open, and a frustrated man hurried toward them. He briefly acknowledged Genevieve as Marianne jumped to her feet.
“Marianne, do you have any applications worth considering? I’m desperate.” He ran fingers through his hair. “Can’t seem to keep apprentices for more than one job these days.”
“As a matter of fact, Miss Trafton is considering employment with us.” The receptionist pointed toward Genevieve, who bounced to her feet when the focus turned toward her.
Mr. Gordon scanned her, but Genevieve stood secure and unaffected by his concentrated scrutiny.
“Good morning, sir,” she said, offering her hand. When he gripped it within his massive palm, she matched his strength. He grinned.
“I like you.” He turned to Marianne. “Anything I should be concerned about here?”
“Not that I can see.” She turned and smiled at Genevieve. “The woman seems to crave adventures.”
“Well, we can provide plenty of that. Come into my office, Miss Trafton.”
“I can wait until you’re finished with your meeting, sir,” she said.
“Trace?” he asked. “No need for that. He requires a new partner.”
“Partner?” asked Genevieve.
“Yes, Miss. Wouldn’t dream of sending female agents into the field without a man. It’s just not done.” He spun around abruptly, and while beckoning for her to join them, took giant steps in the direction of his office.
Genevieve groaned. Gordon appeared determined to match her up with the man she’d encountered earlier at the door. Trace Stapleton seemed pleasant enough. Still he’d somehow managed to flare up a defense mechanism within her she didn’t know existed. Partnering with a man was not what she’d expected from this new venture.
Marianne cast her an encouraging smile and pointed to the door. “Best follow the man if you want a job.”
Nervously she moved toward the open office door. Perhaps she’d not given this idea enough thought, but she managed to shut down those objections before they took hold. Independence would cost her, and she’d not let a man ruin this chance for her. After all, she’d never done detective work. The man might prove useful. When she walked into the office, and their eyes met, she had cause to doubt that reasoning. His hazel eyes flared as he jumped to his feet.
“No way, lady. You’re here for an office job, right?”
“You came up with that conclusion on your own, sir. You never asked my ambitions, and I never told you during our earlier encounter.”
“You two know each other. Splendid!” said Gordon as he slapped Trace on the shoulder, buddy fashion. “That should make it easier.”
“We bumped into each other on the way in,” said Genevieve, taking the lead. The comment made Trace’s lips curl up at the edges.
“Lady is right on that account. Don’t know her directly, but I reckon she’d be as good as any to hitch up with. Easier to look at than the last one.”
“And are you okay with that aspect of the job, Miss Trafton?” asked Archie.
Genevieve smiled innocently. “I realize I will need to be trained as a detective, sir, and you appear to have confidence in Mr. Stapleton’s abilities. We should work together fine.”
“He means, are you willing to be hitched?” said Trace.
“Hitched – as a team – of course. The setup is most agreeable should you remember your manners and not attempt to push me around.” She smiled, hoping to start their relationship anew.
Trace lifted his brows and then turned toward Gordon. “It appears Marianne did not finish laying down
