Read Murder in Murray Hill (Gaslight Mystery) for Free Online Page B

wishes me to live with her and my uncle out in the country. She claims to have only my best interests at heart, but I fear she only wants control over my legacy. If I could but introduce her to my fiancé when she arrives, I could escape her clutches. I should very much like to make your acquaintance to see if we might suit. I long to hear from you soon.
    Frank looked up to find Maeve smiling at him. “You are amazing.”
    “Being raised by a grifter has its advantages,” she said.
    “Your grandfather trained you well.”
    “He did that. Like I said, I’m a much better liar than Mrs. Brandt.”
    Frank studied the handwriting. “I’m thinking I should have Mrs. Brandt copy it over. Your handwriting looks too young.”
    “Good idea. Also, what name do you want to use?”
    Frank hadn’t given that any thought at all. “What do you suggest?”
    “Who’s going to meet this fellow?”
    “Nobody! I’m not going to put any more women in danger.”
    “Then how are you going to catch him?”
    “I figured we’d wait until he shows up at the meeting place and then grab him.”
    “How will you know it’s him?”
    “He’ll have a yellow handkerchief in his pocket or some such thing.”
    Maeve frowned. “And what if he doesn’t put the handkerchief in his pocket until he’s sure everything is on the up and up? What if he walks by the park and sees a bunch of plug-uglies waiting to grab him and keeps on going?”
    “What do you mean, plug-uglies?” Frank asked, affronted.
    “You know what I mean. Coppers. A fellow like him can probably spot one a mile away in the dark. If he doesn’t see a nervous-looking female waiting for him, he’s not going to stop, you mark my words. He might already be a little spooked because this one looks too easy, so he’s not going to take any chances. If he’s taking advantage of these women, seducing them, and then doing heaven-knows-what with them after, he’s learned how to be real careful.”
    “I’ll find somebody.”
    “I can do it.”
    “You’re too young.”
    “I can make myself look older. Besides, being young means I don’t have much sense. He’ll think he can fool me real easy.”
    “I’m not going to put you in danger.”
    “No, you’re not. You’re going to have a bunch of plug-uglies hanging around the neighborhood to follow me. And if you think I’m going into a house with him, you’re crazy, so don’t worry about that!”
    “Maeve, I can’t let you do this.”
    “I’ll need a nice dress. Maybe Mrs. Decker can loan me something.”
    Frank had the sinking feeling he was losing control of the situation. “You can’t tell Sarah’s mother about this.”
    “Then you can buy me something. What address will you give for him to answer? We don’t have time to get a post office box like this Livingston girl did.”
    “We’re not using this address,” Frank said.
    “Of course not, but who, then? Not Mrs. Decker’s. Her neighborhood’s too good. Not yours, because it’s not good enough. This would be perfect, except—”
    “I told you—”
    “Mrs. Ellsworth! She’s right next door, and she’d be happy to get the letters for us, and if he goes to her house, he’ll find out no young woman lives there, so no one’s in danger.”
    “I don’t want her involved either,” Frank tried, but Maeve was already on her feet.
    “I’ll tell Mrs. Brandt to come down and copy the letter.”
    She was gone long enough that he knew she’d told Sarah her plans, so he wouldn’t have a chance to convince her otherwise. Sarah came back alone.
    “She’s right about using Mrs. Ellsworth’s address, you know,” Sarah said before she’d even sat down again.
    “At least leave your mother out of it,” he said. “You can buy Maeve a dress.”
    “She’ll need a hat and gloves and shoes. It might look funny if everything is brand-new, though.”
    “Wouldn’t a girl buy new clothes to meet her future husband?” he asked in desperation.
    “I suppose.