Red Dog Conspiracy: A Noir Future Steampunk Crime Family Saga

I rushed into the room, horrified. "What happened, sir? Who's done this to you?"

He gestured for us to sit, so we did. A maid came in, bringing water in a bowl, along with a cloth.

"Bring tea and a pitcher of water," I said. The maid curtsied and left, closing the door behind her.

Morton leaned on one elbow, eyes partially shut, and began cleaning his face.

Tony leaned over to speak in my ear. "Pearson found him on the front porch, unconscious. It was only a few minutes before you arrived. He has just awakened."

"Has the doctor been called?"

Tony nodded.

Morton wore the same dark brown business suit he wore over two weeks ago when we rescued David Bryce. But his suit was rumpled and stained, with his shirt tails out and one pocket torn. His Derby hat was nowhere to be seen. Dark circles lay under his eyes, and his skin had a sallow look.

The maid returned with a tea tray, accompanied by our day footman Honor, who carried a large pitcher and three glasses on another tray. These were all set before us on the long low table.

Morton lay his head down on the sofa and closed his eyes. Tony and I looked at each other anxiously. I had many questions but feared pressing Morton until the doctor had seen to him.

Dr. Salmon, our personal surgeon, came presently, and examined Morton while I stood in the hall. "Pearson," I called down, "we'll have a guest for dinner."

I leaned against the railing, weary. Who would attack a gentleman, other than ruffians? I hoped that Frank Pagliacci's men hadn't caught up with Morton. If so, he was fortunate to be alive.

Tony came out. "The doctor says Master Rainbow suffered a recent concussive blow to the head and two minor gunshot wounds a few weeks ago. He has a serious case of exhaustion, and has not eaten properly in two weeks. He may be infirm for several days." He paused. "He should stay here until he recovers."

The last time I saw him, Morton was bleeding from gunshot wounds sustained in the battle at Jack Diamond's Party Time factory. That ordeal was unspeakable; I still hadn't fully recovered. "It would be unimaginable to turn him away."

Tony gave me a real smile this time. "I hoped you would say so. He has done much to help this Family in our troubles with the Harts. It would seem a shame not to repay him for his kindness."

What would Tony do if he knew all my meetings with Helen Hart were a lie? "What can I do to help?"

Before Tony could speak, Dr. Salmon came out. "He's asking for you both, in the strongest terms."

While still bruised and beaten, Morton seemed much more alert. "Please, sit," he said. With the injuries to his mouth, he sounded like he did the first day I met him in the Diamond Pot.

Fortunately, his teeth hadn't been injured, since he had a beautiful smile. But he wasn't smiling now. We sat in the chairs across from him, I for one curious as to what had happened.

He glanced at Tony. "I'm afraid I've brought trouble to your home. But I didn't know where else to go." He stared at the floor. "I've been betrayed. The Feds are after me."

Tony said, "You may stay for as long as you need to. They wouldn't dare come here, even if they knew you were in my study." He grinned. "They have no friends in this city."

"They believe I'm guilty of murdering one of their Agents," Morton said. "But I'm not; this Agent still lives, and is the one who put me in this state. I only wish to clear my name."

Tony leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "Do you wish us to contact someone? The Harts, perhaps?"

Morton shook his head. "They can't help matters." He paused. "And that's where everyone thinks I would go. No, I was right to come here." He closed his eyes, leaning upon the back cushion. "I never thought it would come to this."

Tony and I glanced at each other. Morton sounded so ... lost, as if his life had taken a horrible and unexpected turn. Tony said, "Do you have any family we could call?"

Morton opened his eyes and looked at me. "No," he said. "None. Not anymore."

Could Zia have betrayed him to the Feds? Why would she do that? She mentioned Frank Pagliacci as if she knew him well. Too well for my liking. How could I ask without explaining to Tony how I knew Morton's sister? And how I learned she knew Frank?

Tony turned to Dr. Salmon. "What instructions have you for us? Should we keep him awake?"

"He must be watched constantly overnight," the doctor said. "But let him sleep if he will. If he vomits, or his pain worsens, call me at once. I'll return in the morning. I recommend complete rest for the next week until any pain is gone."

Morton grimaced. "Is it so serious?"

"It is," Dr. Salmon said. "Physical or mental exertion of any kind, even reading, can cause a setback."

Once the doctor left, Morton said, "What's to become of me? I don't wish to place a burden on you. You may be in danger if they discover I'm here."

"Nonsense," Tony said. "We'll take care of everything. It's no burden at all."

And so it was done. Amelia helped me into a house dress "suitable for dealing with illness or injury at home". She knew everything about fashionable and appropriate dress, it seemed. The concept of a special dress for such an occasion amazed me.

But I felt annoyed by her presence. Why should I have to deal with this woman? "Amelia, I'm sure sometime tonight we'll be pressed into taking watch over Master Rainbow. When is the best time?" She had too much information on me to dismiss her without cause. If I didn't keep her close, Tony or Roy would likely assign me someone worse. "Or should I get one of the other maids to play escort tonight?"

Amelia looked tired. I wondered what she occupied herself with while I was gone. "I'll speak with my husband."

I smiled at her dogged persistence to stay by my side. With any luck, she would fall asleep beside me, and I would be able to speak with Master Rainbow undisturbed.

When we went to Morton's room for dinner, he was clean, dressed in pajamas, and propped up in bed. He ate slowly due to the injury on his mouth, drank a great deal of water and tea, and said little. "I hope you will excuse my manners. I had little time to eat or drink, and little chance to sleep."

I wondered what happened to his yacht.

Finally, Morton leaned back on his pillows and sighed. "You have saved my life," he said. "I'm forever in your debt."

Tony smiled. "Happy to help. Now rest. My butler's preparing a rotation of men to wait on you overnight."

Morton glanced around in alarm. "Strangers?"

"They're my most trusted men," Tony said. "But I can have them come in for introduction, so you recognize their faces."

Morton relaxed. "That would be most appreciated." He shook his head. "I'm sorry; after all your generosity, I must seem presumptuous, even paranoiac. But I've been betrayed so often these past weeks —"

Tony nodded, his face grave. "I understand." He reached beside Morton's bed and rang for a servant.

Honor entered, collecting our plates. "This is our day footman, Skip Honor," I said. "I trust him with my life."

Morton nodded. "A pleasure to meet you, sir." Which was odd; surely a quadrant gentleman would know how to address a servant properly.

Honor gave a slight smile. "You're much too kind." He put the plates on a tray, moved the bed tray to the window seat, opened the door, then turned to Tony. "Will there be anything else, sir?"

I said, "Mr. Spadros, I'll stay with Master Rainbow for now, if it please you. Perhaps Amelia might be summoned?" I paused. "I'm not fatigued, and then you may collect your men and instruct them at your leisure."

Tony nodded. "Honor, get Blitz up if he's not already, ask Pearson to see what men are available, and tell Amelia to attend us at once." Blitz Spadros was another of Tony's cousins, our night footman. He seldom slept, so he would be an asset tonight. "Have the men assemble in my study."

"Yes, sir." Honor took the tray and left, leaving the door open.

If Honor did those things in the order Tony put them, it might be a while before Amelia arrived. Tony would be distracted, not wishing to leave until she got here, yet wanting to have things settled. As I thought, Tony began glancing at the open door every few seconds, then got up and began to pace.

"I met a mutual friend today," I said, then stopped. How was it that Zia and Anastasia both knew Frank Pagliacci?

Morton raised his head slowly. "Oh?"

Tony glanced briefly in our direction and kept pacing.

"Yes," I waited until Tony faced away from us. "Zia ..."

At her name, Morton flinched, as I thought he might, but since Tony faced away, he didn't notice. "I don't remember her last name. What was it?"

"Cashout," Morton said. "How is she?"

Perhaps she wasn't his sister after all. "She seemed well enough. We had a bit of a chat before she had to run."

Morton chuckled, wincing a bit. "I'm sorry you two couldn't chat longer. Perhaps she might've been able to enlighten you as to my circumstances."

Tony went into the hall, leaving the door wide open, and looked over the railing. Then he came back in. "I'll return shortly." He strode into the hallway and called out, "Where's Amelia?"

Pearson's voice came from downstairs and below us; he was in the entryway, by the sound of it. "I'll fetch her at once, sir."

I turned to Morton. "Why did you lie to me? Zia can hear and speak as well as I can."

"She insisted on it. She felt sign language would be a way to talk without you understanding what we said, in case you were false." He paused. "I suppose she was the false one."

Indeed. "What happened?"

He glanced at the open doorway. "I returned to the boat; she and my carriage were gone. I searched for her, but I began to weaken, so I cleaned my wounds and rested until nightfall. I intended to search for her again, but Diamond guards came and I fled on my yacht. Since then, I have moved from one berth to another. The first night, the Feds demanded to know why I attacked their Agent. When I denied it, we fought. I threw them overboard. The next day, they asked if I had killed their Agent, as they received no word since their last communication.

"They and Frank Pagliacci's men have attacked me at every turn, claiming I murdered their own. Last night, after being awake over two days straight, I found myself floating among the wreckage of my yacht. My head hurt, and I felt nauseated and dizzy, but I managed to climb on some boards. The current took me then and I made it to the better parts of Spadros overnight.

In the freezing water? "You're fortunate to be alive."

He stared at his hands. "My yacht was beautiful. And Zia betrayed me." He paused. "She introduced me to Frank Pagliacci. I trusted her." He gazed out of the window to his right. "Perhaps I shouldn't have. My only hope is that they think I'm dead."

Amelia ran in, her youngest daughter asleep in her arms, and curtsied. "My apologies, mum, sir. My little one is ill, and —"

"Master Rainbow, my lady's maid Amelia Dewey."

He smiled. "A pleasure, mum."

Amelia blushed all the way to her hairline. "I'm honored, sir." She curtsied again, then sat, obviously uncomfortable with his greeting her as an equal.

"Master Rainbow has suffered a serious concussive blow to his head, Amelia. We're to watch for any sign that his condition worsens." I turned to him. "But you seem to be feeling improved."

"Good food and drink has helped. And a bath, and rest."

Amelia rocked her six year old daughter. The girl's dark brown hair was plastered to her face with sweat, and her cheeks were flushed.

I remembered Air's brother Herbert at that age. The same dark brown hair and pale skin.

Both Air and Herbert, dead now, because of me.

"What's wrong with your wee lass?" Morton said.

"A fever," said Amelia.

He closed his eyes, leaning his head back on his pillows. He didn't speak for so long, I thought he'd fallen asleep. "I got the fever when visiting at me uncle Johnny's. 'Get the meadowsweet tea' he yelled at Ma, and she put mint in it too." He sighed. "I love the taste of mint."

We sat silently for some time. Finally I heard the men moving about downstairs, and Tony came up with Honor and Blitz. "I've set up a rotation," Tony said, "such that someone he's met will be here at all times, with a new person rotating in every hour." He glanced at the flushed and sleeping child in Amelia's arms. "That will be all, Amelia, you may put her to bed now."

"Thank you, sir," she said, and left.

We left Honor and Blitz there with him and went to bed. There at the end, Morton's accent sounded very much like Zia's. Were they both outsiders? What were they doing in Bridges?

***

Morton slept through the night, and even through breakfast. Dr. Salmon came to see him after that and examined him. "The man has a serious case of exhaustion, and rest will do him well."

We stood in the hallway outside Morton's room. Honor came up the stairs. "I can sit with him if need be while you go to morning meeting."

"Mrs. Spadros," Tony said, "would you conduct the meeting?"

So I did. There was little to say. The whole staff had been involved in arrangements for yet another ill guest in less than a month's time. "It's imperative you notify myself or Mr. Spadros if anyone you don't know comes here, even a new delivery man or messenger boy. And speak about our guest to no one, even if you've known them since birth. The Feds are after him."

The staff looked at each other in alarm.

"As long as they don't know he's here, we're quite safe." Even if they did; according to our Inventor, this manor house, which used to be a scientific station, could withstand a bomb blast. "But we depend on you to watch for any spies."

Afterwards, Pearson spoke to me privately. "Do you think it wise to tell the servants of the Feds?"

"They must be aware of the danger," I said. "or they won't know what to do and what not to." I learned that quite well this past week. "Let them speak freely of their fears. Don't allow them to send messages, even to merchants. If any seem fearful or troubled, or too calm, remind them they would not wish to invoke the wrath of our Family by betraying our trust. Then take them off any duty which would bring them into contact with visitors."

Pearson gave me a look as if he evaluated me and was pleased with what he saw. "Very good, mum."

"Ask Mary to bring some mint tea for Master Rainbow."

I went up to Morton's room. Tony and Sawbuck sat beside him. Morton was awake, propped up on pillows as before. I knocked softly on the open door. Morton smiled when he saw me.

Tony glanced back at me and smiled as well. "Come in. As you can see, Master Rainbow is improved today. I wished for Master Hogan here to meet Master Rainbow, as we have need to plan what to do." Tony reached out for me and I took his hand. "I'm glad you're here. Close the door."

So I did, and took a seat near the foot of Morton's bed. "I told the staff of the Feds."

Tony and Sawbuck gave each other a quick glance.

"I felt it best that they understand the danger we face so they make no wrong move or become complacent with messengers or guests. Also, I told Pearson to watch for any who seem too afraid or troubled, and move them to duties where they can send no messages to any visitors."

Sawbuck nodded. "That seems wise."

Tony nodded as well, his face devoid of expression. I could tell he felt uneasy. I learned to read him long ago; it seemed difficult for him to hide his emotions from me.

Morton glanced from me to Tony. "It seems a good plan."

Tony rose. "Mrs. Spadros, may I speak with you privately?"

"Why, of course," I said, and out we went.

Once the door closed, Tony whispered, "I did not mean for you to speak your plans to the staff, or to Master Rainbow."

"Tony, if we can't trust the staff, who can we trust?"

He shook his head. "I trust you, and I trust Ten. No one else. I don't believe Crab and Duck were the only spies in this house; I have evidence that some of our servants report to my father on a regular basis."

A shock went through me at that, although looking back, it shouldn't have surprised me.

"And I find it much too convenient, Master Rainbow appearing the first time he did, in the midst of our turmoil. I don't think he is who he says he is."

I nodded. "Although it would be unusual to inflict oneself with injury simply to gain admittance."

Tony chuckled. "Indeed it would be. No, I believe someone is chasing him, and his injuries are evident. What I doubt is that the Clubbs would allow Federal Agents into the city so easily. And what better way to gain entry to our house than to claim estrangement from the Harts and escape from the Feds? The animosity between my father and Charles Hart is plain for all to see, and no Family would fail to shelter a man so pursued." He sighed. "What's done is done. But, my love," he put his hand on my cheek, "you're at your best when you watch, and when you reason. Don't hasten to speak, or to act, until you've thought the matter through."

I put my hand on his and nodded, feeling disappointed with myself. Mary Pearson, our butler's daughter, came up the stair with a breakfast tray. She was nineteen and pretty, with straight light brown hair. Tony opened the door, and we went inside. I fetched the bed-tray for Mary to put Morton's plate and cup upon.

"That smells delicious," Morton said. "I feel famished."

"As well you should," I said, "for it's almost eleven."

Mary put her tray on a side table then brought over Morton's plate and silverware.

Morton glanced up at us. "I hope you won't mind if I begin."

Tony smiled. "Of course not."

So Morton began eating while Mary poured his tea. At the first sip, his face lit with happy astonishment. "Mint tea!" Morton said. "My favorite. How did you know?"

"You told us last night," I said. "But you were quite fatigued; you may have forgotten."

He nodded. "Yes," he said with his mouth full, "I was."

What did Morton tell the men? He could have said anything and might have no recollection of it.

Mary said, "Will there be anything else, sir?"

"No," Tony said. "I'll ring if there is."

Mary curtsied and left, closing the door behind her.

Sawbuck took a deep breath and let it out. "The men are watching for any attack. They're quite motivated to do so."

This didn't surprise me. Between their compatriots being killed and kidnapped and an assault on a shipment, it was clear Frank Pagliacci and his false Red Dog Gang were trying to make inroads into our territory. No Family man would stand for it.

"Miss Josephine Kerr left her card earlier," Sawbuck said. "Pearson told her you weren't at home."

I said, "Any particular reason you mention this?"

Sawbuck looked uneasy. "I'm alert to anything unusual. She didn't attend the dinner due to having to care for her brother, yet finds time to come here, today of all days."

"She probably fears causing offense," Tony said. "Miss Kerr and Mrs. Spadros were childhood friends, yet I imagine our favor is quite helpful to them from a social aspect."

Morton continued to eat as if we were not there. Doubtless he knew nothing of Josie, although it was odd that the Kerr name brought no curiosity as to our association with them. Although if he worked for the Harts, as he said, perhaps he already knew of it.

The Kerr family built the city of Bridges, ruling it father to son for 400 years until overthrown 100 years ago in the Coup which we were about to celebrate. Most people in Bridges associated the Kerr name with decadence, greed, and descent into squalor as just reward for their crimes. Few realized Polansky Kerr IV lived in the Hart quadrant, although his grandchildren seemed welcome among the unmarried gentlemen and debutantes. Joe and Josie were even invited to the Grand Ball this year, although not even the Golden Bridges made note of it.

I sat watching Sawbuck, Tony, and Morton. If we were to plan, we should do so. If we were not to plan here in front of Morton, should we not go elsewhere?

Ah. Tony and Sawbuck must have planned to each present a topic related to the events since the attack on New Year's Day to see what Morton knew.

Tony smiled at me. "Has Madame Biltcliffe learned anything more of who broke into her shop?"

Morton had a puzzled expression, as if unable to connect what this had to do with his predicament.

"No," I said, "but I haven't had a chance to visit her of late."

Morton knew Frank Pagliacci. When Tony learned this, he would become even more suspicious and ask Morton all sorts of questions. I couldn't take the chance that in Morton's injured state, my involvement in this might come out. I caught Morton's eye and pretended to yawn, covering my mouth with my right hand then bringing it up as if to smooth my hair. As I moved my hand past my face so it blocked the view of the other two men, I winked at Morton, who smiled.

"I see yesterday's events have fatigued you as well," Morton said, his eyes drooping. "I wonder if we might have this conversation another time."

"Of course," Tony said. He and Sawbuck rose.

"Oh," Morton said. "Is someone tending to my shoes? They were quite expensive."

Tony smiled, a flash of amusement crossing his eyes. "My manservant has taken care of them. They're under your bed."

Morton let out a breath, relieved. "Thank you."

I moved Morton's bed-tray to the window seat then followed the two men out of the room. Morton turned to lie down as I left.

Tony closed the door. "Let's go to my study. Pearson can send one of his sons to check on him later."

When we got to the study, Tony gestured for me and Sawbuck to sit in the chairs across from his desk, while he sat behind it. It was an interesting arrangement.

Tony said, "What do you wish to tell us?"

I felt confused. "I?"

"I fail to see how you're so fatigued at eleven in the morning as to yawn in front of a guest. Therefore, I presume you have something to discuss that you wish Master Rainbow not to hear. Or have you forgotten your manners entirely?"

I paused to find some topic suitable to distract Tony from this line of discussion. "I feel concerned with this tactic of yours. While bringing up topics relevant to the past month may shed light on Master Rainbow's knowledge, it may reveal too much to someone we know little about."

Tony snorted, yet I felt surprise and admiration in his demeanor. "I told you she would see through it. Did I not?"

Sawbuck chuckled. "You did." He reached in his pocket and handed a five to Tony.

I gaped at them. "You wagered on me?" I burst out laughing. The audacity of this man!

Tony leaned back, grinning. "So what do you suggest?"

A fair question; it took a moment to concoct an answer. "Master Rainbow has confided in me in the past. I believe he may even have some regard for me. Allow me to speak with him on whatever subject you wish. You may pose the questions, I'll relay them. In his unguarded condition, he may let something slip."

Sawbuck's eyes narrowed. "There's a danger to this."

Did Sawbuck suspect me? "Well, yes. If I were you, I would have a man standing outside, in case I should scream. Perhaps two. Although Master Rainbow isn't much taller than I, wrapped in his bed, and in a weakened state." If I seemed too eager, Tony wouldn't do it. "Perhaps it's a bad idea —"

Tony grinned, rubbing his hands together. "No, it's perfect. We can listen at the door. He'll never suspect you."

I felt sad. I would never betray Tony, but I couldn't let Morton betray me, even unintentionally. "Then I suppose we should get started on the questions."