Red Dog Conspiracy: A Noir Future Steampunk Crime Family Saga

After an hour of conferring with Tony and Sawbuck, I felt tired of sitting, so I took a brief walk and a smoke in the garden. Tony's men stood guard at intervals in the distance where the land rose to give them a better view. The ones closer by tipped their hats when I came outside. Bells chimed in the distance, marking noon, yet the sun barely shone for the clouds that covered it.

Sawbuck seemed to suspect everyone. I recalled our ride to the Kerr's home on New Year's Day, when Tony spoke of his older brother, the true Spadros heir, poisoned when Tony was two years old ...

"From the first time Ten learned about my brother, oh, I was two or three so he must have been eight, or perhaps nine. When he heard of it, he said he would watch over me, that he would never let anyone hurt me. He has kept his word."

Twenty years the man had watched over Tony. What might he do if he considered me a threat?

When I went back inside, Tony met me in the hall. He handed me the questions, which I placed in my pocket.

Pearson walked up to us. "Your mail is on your desks."

"Thank you, Pearson." I turned to Tony and took his arm as we strolled towards his study. "Since you'll be gone tomorrow, perhaps I'll go pick out my Summer gown."

Tony laughed. "I have yet to see your Spring gown, which I paid a great deal for."

"Surely, it's on display by now. You never go into town, or you would've seen it. It's most lovely." I gazed up at him with my best smile (Ma taught me that one) and he smiled back, his pupils wide, his cheeks reddening.

Flirting with Tony was a risk; he would want me for my wife duties tonight. But it was worth it. I needed an excuse to go to Madame's. Then I could go to Market Center and see what Thrace Pike recovered from Anastasia's debtors. She'd be leaving town soon, and I wanted to have something to give her.

"Oh, very well," he said. "Go have your fun. Perhaps after we visit the Kerrs we can drive past and see this wonder."

"Thank you." I went to kiss his cheek, but he turned, kissing me full on the lips there in the hallway, his hand upon my back, pulling me to him.

Oh, my. Where did this come from?

When Tony spoke, his voice was earnest and strained. "When you go to Master Rainbow's room after luncheon, I wish you to remember this."

Was he jealous? "Have no fears about Master Rainbow; I don't find him attractive. But it's rather sweet of you to say such things."

Tony drew me into his study, then closed and locked the door. "I love you so much." He kissed me as I leaned on the door. He had never done this before ... in daylight, in his study ... I found it interesting.

After a time contemplating the matter I pictured Joe there, and the whole scenario changed: that soft brown hair, those beautiful green eyes. I kissed Joe, feeling his hard body pressing so perfectly against mine. "Ohh," I said to Joe, "how I love you."

With a shock, I realized I came too close to saying Joe's name, and the thought of what might happen if I did terrified me.

Tony picked me up then and brought me to the sofa. But the spell had been broken; I couldn't find Joe again in the awkward position and Tony's desperate passion.

I almost wept, I missed him so.

Finally, Tony buried his face between my breasts as he cried out, and collapsed atop me, panting. Then he laughed. "I always wanted to do that."

I turned my head, gazing at the room. This used to be his father Roy's home, his study, his sofa. Every piece of furniture, every minute here must have added meaning to Tony, reminders of deeds and emotion.

Tony had spoken of leaving Bridges, making the Business "worthy of respect." In his eyes I had seen his agony at doing the things expected of him as the Spadros heir. Heard the love for Gardena in his voice. At times, he might feel as trapped as I did.

I held him to my chest and smoothed his hair, feeling deep compassion for him. I loved Tony as I might a brother. A beloved younger brother. But it was getting harder and harder each day to pretend I desired him. I forced my breathing steady as grief squeezed my heart. What could I do?

***

Later, I went to my study to tell Mr. Pike and Madame Biltcliffe of our meetings. I wondered how to send the letter to Mr. Pike, who wouldn't be apt to hide the correspondence. I couldn't send it as Mrs. Jacqueline Spadros; if the note should appear later it could be used in all sorts of unsavory ways. I decided to continue to use my false name Eunice Ogier. That way, if Mr. Pike did lose the note, it couldn't be traced to me.

On my desk lay a letter:

Miss Gardena Diamond presents her compliments to Mrs. Jacqueline Spadros, and hopes to have the pleasure of her company for luncheon at the Diamond Women's Club on the Twenty-First of February, 1899.

RSVP

I didn't know how to feel about going to the Diamond Women's Club. I understood why Gardena wanted to meet there: it was the only way for her to return my dinner invitation. I would never accept an invitation to her home because her older brother (the mad and murderous Jack Diamond) would be there. I feared for my safety near him. Of course, his twin brother Jonathan would likely be there as well, if for nothing but my protection. Even so, Tony would never allow it even if I wished to go.

But their Women's Club should be safe enough; men were never allowed inside, or even permitted to loiter outside. The guards at each of the Clubs were there to enforce this.

Although I would like to meet Gardena for luncheon, I wasn't sure what we would talk about. That my husband seemed to be in love with her? That she struck him in his own home?

But I needed to know what all this was about.

I went back to Tony's study, and he sat at his desk reading his mail. He gave a warm smile and came to me. He had changed his clothes and righted his hair. I wondered what his manservant Jacob Michaels thought, seeing Tony appear in his rooms before luncheon in such disarray.

Probably the same thing Amelia said when she helped me change and redo my hair. "Oh, to be young and in love."

I handed Tony the note. "Gardena wants me to come to luncheon in Diamond. At the Women's Club."

He set it aside, then took my face in his hands, kissing me. "Then, my love, you shall go."

I felt relieved that he didn't protest or show fear of what she might say. In spite of his words about her instability or hidden motives or spirited nature, in spite of her slapping him and calling him a coward, he trusted her. He accepted her words, because he trusted her judgment. In his heart, he knew it to be true.

But it wasn't true; he'd never shrunk from any duty, no matter how painful he found it.

I thought back to what he said about Gardena the night of the dinner. Why would he say such things about someone he loved and trusted?

Then, he was trying to distract me, or divert some blame from himself. And today, he wanted to make me happy.

I considered his nightmares, his sleepless nights. He loved us both, and it tormented him. It was tearing him apart.

I put my arms around him and lay my face on his chest. The only feeling I could pick out was sadness.

***

After luncheon, I went to Morton's room, Tony and Sawbuck following at a distance.

Morton sat in an arm chair by a small table near the window, his back to the corner of the room. Today, he wore a white shirt, brown cotton pants, and dark brown slippers. "Forgive me if I don't rise; I become dizzy when I do."

I went to him, offering my hand, which he kissed. "There's nothing to forgive." In my palm was a note, which I passed to him, then sat in an arm chair at the other corner of the window, close enough for conversation yet out of arm's reach. This way, if anyone should come in, it would be clear we sat separate.

I had written the note earlier, and secreted it in my sleeve:

My husband and cousin listen. FP is alive.

He stared at the note, then at me, alarmed.

I nodded. "I'm glad to see you're well enough to sit here."

Morton began ripping the small paper into bits. "This is the most difficult part of recovery. I'm well enough to sit up but allowed little to do." He collected the pieces into his hand. "Would you bring me a glass of water?"

I rose. "Certainly!" I brought it to him, and resumed my seat.

He swallowed the torn pieces then washed them down with the water.

I felt touched by his trust; poison on the paper would have solved any problem of what he might say. Either he was very trusting, very foolish, or very brave. "Perhaps I can read to you sometime, since you're not yet allowed that pleasure."

"That would be diverting." He paused. "I hope you and your family are well?"

"Yes, indeed."

He sat for a few seconds. "Well, we can talk about the gloom outdoors, the price the miracle gems go for this afternoon, or the various types of tea. Or you can ask your questions."

What was he doing? "Whatever do you mean?"

"Madam, I may be injured, but I'm not a fool. You've been escorted and watched most closely since I first met you. Do you now expect me to believe you're here in my bedchamber for conversation? Or my attractive charms? I'm not so deluded." He let out a short laugh, but it was a merry one. "Or to read me stories like a child? No, you were sent here to learn something. I have nothing to hide. Ask what you will."

I stared at him, astonished, then realized he was right. If he went along too easily it would be suspect. "Very well ... have you met a man named Frank Pagliacci?"

His expression moved from astonishment through fear to understanding. Then he said, "The name seems familiar. I've heard it before. It's an odd name, to be sure."

"What of a group called the Red Dog Gang?"

"Is this one of those slum gangs? Of children? How would I know of that?" He chuckled. "I wasn't raised in such ways."

"Tell me more of yourself, then, of your upbringing."

He smiled, relaxing. "My parents were immigrants; they moved shortly after marrying. But quite well-off; I had a tutor, and while my home wasn't as grand as this one, we had a butler and maids and all the trappings of refined living. My parents died of fever when I was twenty, and as the only child, I inherited. I have been a gentleman ever since, living on their estate."

"And where is your estate?"

"Ah, I spoke of it in a general sense. The properties were sold long ago. I was unmarried and without desire to be responsible for their upkeep. I live off the interest income, downtown in the artists' area. I enjoy life there; I have a maid who keeps house, and I come and go as I please."

The address he gave was indeed in the artists' area of Hart, although there was no such building. The rest of the story could be total fabrication. Something about his mannerisms made it difficult for me to tell when he lied and when he spoke true. Perhaps his parents being outsiders had something to do with it.

"You said Frank Pagliacci's name sounded familiar. Can you remember where you heard it?"

He let out a breath, glancing away. "I was in a restaurant. Someone mentioned the name. I don't recall exactly."

A knock came at the door, and Tony entered without waiting for an answer. "Master Rainbow! How are you?"

Morton gave him an amused smile. "I'm well. Did you enjoy our conversation?"

Tony stared at him.

"As I said to Mrs. Spadros, sir, I'm no fool. If I had such a lovely wife, I wouldn't allow her in here alone unless I stood by."

Tony burst out laughing, extending his hand. "I like you, Rainbow." He pulled up a chair and sat facing us both. "We could use a man like you here. Most of my men are young, and have little experience of life."

Most of Tony's men were older than he was. I found it interesting that Tony would make such an offer. I wondered what Sawbuck (who surely was still listening at the door) thought of it.

Morton said, "I thank you for your kindness, sir. But I would hardly know where to begin in such a Business, even if I weren't in the employ of the Harts."

"What do you do for them, then?"

"Ah, at present I'm little more than a messenger. I've worked as an investigator in the past, simply from boredom, and at times I retrieve information for them. We have no contract, and I've sworn no oath, if that's what you're asking." He smiled, but it was unpleasant. "And I'm not an enforcer."

That reminded me of what my friend Vig said a few weeks ago, although with much more anger. I hoped Vig was well; while he sent me a note after our argument that night, I hadn't seen the man or been to his saloon since.

Tony seemed taken aback. "Well, of course, I wouldn't expect a gentleman such as yourself to be one." His expression became calculating. "But it would be interesting to have a friend in Hart."

He evidently didn't consider the Kerrs friends, then, despite his words.

Morton chuckled. "A spy, sir? I've never done such work." He glanced at me. "It would hardly be honorable."

I almost laughed. It echoed my words to Morton in the Diamond Party Time factory's basement when he tricked Frank Pagliacci's guard into helping us then shot the man. Morton's reply? "Fuck honor."

And he knew I would recall that. But at the time, a little boy's life was at stake. And it occurred to me that we held Morton's life just as surely as I held David's that day. Morton could barely stand. "Perhaps we could come to some agreement that Master Rainbow would find suitable." I said. "Since he's sworn no oath."

***

We decided Morton was doing well enough that we would be "at home" from now on. The next morning, Pearson came to my study telling me Miss Josephine Kerr had come to call.

Which was odd. She visited the day before. Why this urgent desire to see me after our heated conversation a few days ago? I began to wonder if something was wrong. Had Joe taken a turn for the worse? "Seat her in the parlor."

Tony had advised me to think when having the urge to act. After Pearson closed the door, I sat and thought, heart pounding. I wanted to rush in, grab Josie, and shake her until she told me Joe was safe and well.

But Sawbuck didn't trust her.

I remembered Tony's words: I trust Ten, and I trust you.

Who did I trust?

The moment of panic passed. I didn't have enough information. I needed to determine exactly how much to tell her about what went on when I told people I was with Helen Hart.

I took a deep breath, stood up, and went to the parlor.

Josie rose when I entered. She seemed perfectly composed, which made me feel much better.

"I hope all is well?"

Josie gave me a amused smile. "Yes, all is well. As well as can be expected, I suppose, under the circumstances."

I gestured to the sofa. "Please, sit. Would you like some tea?"

"No, thank you."

I sat across from her. "Is your grandfather well?"

"Perfectly well, thank you." She paused. "And before you ask, so is Joe."

"Am I so transparent?"

She chuckled. "A bit." Her face softened into fondness. "And I love you for it."

I felt humbled by her trust in me, which I wasn't sure I deserved. I spoke quietly. "I'm sorry for any harm or worry or concern I've caused you. I forget how you must have suffered during the past six years."

Josie nodded, her face grave.

"I know how this looks. I'm a married woman, and your brother's terribly injured. Yet when he spoke unbecoming words instead of being a friend to him, I allowed him to shame himself. I can only pray he remembers none of our conversation."

Josie said nothing.

"I let my feelings for him cloud my judgment. I have no desire to prolong his pain by letting him believe there's any future for us together. I belong to the Spadros Family, and if they knew any of this they would kill him." My stomach knotted. "I fear it would be neither gentle nor quick."

Josie nodded, gazing at the table.

"I know what you must think of me. Lying to everyone about where I've been. Using your friend's name as she lay bereft and in agony, while I did, in your eyes, things I should not. But — "

Could I trust Josie? I'd known her all my life. The way she'd been acting lately was strange — flying into rages, especially — but Joe had never been so badly hurt before. She must be under tremendous strain.

Joe trusted her with his life. And I trusted Joe.

"I need to explain what happened since they took me away."

I sat beside her. In whispers I told her how I was grabbed by strangers at random times from the age of twelve. They dragged me to Spadros Manor, where I was stripped, beaten, and forced to learn the Spadros Family Business. I revealed how Roy forced me to marry Tony at gunpoint. I told her about my investigation business: how it began, why I did it, how I developed my network of informants, how I kept it secret. Then I told her about Eleanora's request, and my work with Morton to rescue David.

I never used Morton's real name. It wasn't that I didn't trust her, but the fewer people who knew about Blaze Rainbow, the better. I couldn't involve the Kerrs in any conspiracy involving the Feds. While they were under the Harts' protection, it would be unfair to put them at risk. "So it was out of ignorance I used that story. I trusted the man, and I should not have. I hope you can forgive me."

Josie relaxed. "I do. I too am sorry for not trusting you. So much time has passed, and people can change in ways you would not believe."

We sat silently for several minutes. Morton's room was above us, and his bed creaked as he moved.

Josie stirred. "Joe keeps asking for you."

So this was why she came. I shook my head. "I don't think it wise to visit alone. It would be best if I kept my distance until he's completely well. And I ... I dread seeing Marja again. I did nothing to cause her daughter's death, and I know she doesn't blame me ... but I feel responsible." Grief twisted my heart, and my eyes stung. "I brought Ottilie here, and now she's dead."

"Don't worry about that. Marja's no longer working for us."

I felt horrified. "Is she —?"

Josie stared at me, appalled. "Of course not! She works for my uncle now. My grandfather may be many things, but he's not Anthony Spadros."

I felt offended at the comparison, but she had a point. The Spadros Family's way of dealing with problem people was not to move them but to eliminate them altogether. In that sense, Tony was very much like his father.

But then I felt surprised. "I never knew you had an uncle."

Josie smiled. "I never knew either. He changed his name to avoid the unpleasantness of being a Kerr. But he's a kind and honorable man."

The door upstairs opened and closed. I heard a murmur of talk, but not what was said.

"You have company?"

"Yes, my husband's friend is visiting."

Whatever they spoke of must have been amusing, because Morton laughed. He had a rather distinctive laugh.

Josie glanced at the clock on the mantel and rose. "I must go; the doctor arrives soon. I promised Grampa I would take down the doctor's instructions. Joe has trouble remembering details."

I walked her out to the front porch. "I'll speak to my husband again about visiting. Has he come by yet? He said he meant to."

Josie shook her head.

I patted her arm. "Don't fret. You've lost none of our esteem." I took her arm, and we strolled to her waiting carriage. "We're renovating the casino, and it's taken a great deal of his time. He asks about Joe and his welfare."

"That's good to know." She climbed into the carriage. "Come visit soon."

Should I go? It seemed safe enough. No harm could come with Tony there; if Joe were to act in an unseemly manner, we could simply leave. "Yes, we'll be by shortly. I'll send a message as soon as I know the date." I waved to her as she left.

As I stood watching her carriage drive away down the street and disappear into traffic, a great swell of gratitude brought tears to my eyes. Joe was well. Not healed by any means, but safe. Oh, gods, he was safe. And Josie and I were still friends.

At the time, that was all that mattered.