Archie Gordon cleared his throat and leveled a firm gaze toward Genevieve. “It is our policy to send married men and women out on cases together. Many situations call for the woman to be protected under the umbrella of a husband.” When he noted her horror-stricken face, he continued. “It is merely a formality, Miss Trafton. As long as you don’t consummate the union, the marriage may be annulled at any time in the future. It is not our goal to force people together but we have been known as good matchmakers.”
“Except in my case,” said Trace sarcastically.
“It’s true. The last woman Mr. Stapleton wed was not a suitable match and the union was terminated as soon as they completed their case.”
“The last woman!” Genevieve stared at the man picked to be her husband. “How many women have you married?”
“Just two. The first one died in service.”
“And that is supposed to make me feel safe under your protection?”
“Look lady, do you want the job or not? I promise never to cross the line with you but will always do my utmost to teach and protect you.”
“And am I obligated to protect you, as well?” She watched as a shadow covered his features. Obviously, that hit a touchy spot, but she barreled on. “I am a fair shot so you can feel equally safe in my company – as long as I’m able to carry my pistol.” She braced her white-knuckled hands on the back of the chair next to him. “If I’m to be Mr. Stapleton’s partner, you shall both discover that I’m quite capable of handling myself.” She moved around to the front and plunked down on the seat. Staring at a shocked Archie Gordon, she said, “Shall we continue?”
The man behind the desk laughed. “She’s a spitfire, Trace old-boy.”
“Had one of those.”
“Ah, but I sense this one is different. Doesn’t appear to have a chip on her shoulder the size of the Rocky Mountains.” He opened a drawer and removed a Bible. “Are you both ready to say your vows?”
Genevieve gasped. “So soon? I just applied for the job. Is there no getting-to-know-you time allowed?”
“We have an important commission that needs attention now. A great beginner’s case – nothing too complicated. But our client is impatient and expects results.” He stood and moved to the door calling out to Marianne. “I need a witness, and proper documents written up and registered promptly. These two are anxious to get started.”
Genevieve was speechless. Had she said that she was anxious or was that the nature of the business? She stammered. “My brother is getting married in three days. I can’t possible leave Denver before that.”
“Relax. There’s enough footwork to explore here before the case sends you roaming the countryside. Consider it a time to become better acquainted – as a working team.”
“But I must return to the farm. I have purchased supplies for the house and will need to pack my belongings.”
Trace offered his best smile. “That shall be our very first mission when we leave here. I’d love to meet the family.”
“Are you being sarcastic?” Genevieve asked.
“Not at all. Might help me understand my new partner better. You can let me do the talking and just agree with the occasional new bride blush. I got this part down pat.” He reached for her hand and his penetrating eyes instilled a strange peace and quieted her nerves. “Do you mind if I call you Gen? Far less complicated and it has a sort of intimate appeal to it, don’t you think?”
Trace Stapleton could not have known her secret desire. She hated the formality of her Christian name and had longed for a more casual way to be known.
“Gen is fine. Sounds more like a gunslinging detective, anyway.”
Within three minutes, the ceremony was performed and in one short hour, the paperwork completed. Genevieve was officially a lady detective in training at the Pinkerton Agency and a married woman. Once again, Trace reached for her hand.
“Shall we go to the farm and slay the giants?”
To avoid confusing her mind further by the bizarre marital status she’d entered into, she did not take his hand. Instead she offered a polite smile and reprimand. “Remember your place, Mr. Stapleton.”
“My memory is filled with broken relationships coming out of this agency, Mrs. Stapleton.” He grinned in that same boyish manner her brothers used to capture her heart and get them their way. Gen recognized she’d have a hard time keeping this handsome husband of hers in line. But his next remark put her somewhat at ease. “You can rest assured, my dear, that I will honor your privacy.”
Chapter 2
All the way to the farm, Trace kept his head buried in the papers taken from the bulky envelope that Archie Gordon had given him. They outlined their work assignment, details he apparently felt she didn’t need to know at the moment. The man scarcely uttered a word when she’d tried to interrupt, feeling it her right to be involved in the initial process. But he’d passed her off with a swish of a hand, telling her to concentrate on keeping the team on the road. As if she’d never driven a buggy before. The man could be so arrogant.
The family was gathered for lunch by the time Gen pulled into the yard. They’d be annoyed at her delay. Braking hard, she peered at her husband.
“We’re home,” she stated bluntly.
He glanced up and grinned. “A relative word, no doubt.”
“No doubt,” she agreed. Her mind rested on the comfort this home had provided her. Today, she’d be forced to break her connection with the Trafton farm and her siblings – and all in two short hours. That was
