A Lesson in Love and Murder by Rachel McMillan Read Free Book Online

certainly is. Everyone from seamstresses to striking railworkers will be there. Bills are posted all over the city!” Merinda said excitedly.
    â€œJonathan’s actions are deplorable and reckless, but underneath it I know he really believes in something,” said Benny. “For all of our disagreements, he must think his philosophy is sound.”
    â€œAnd you think he might attend the rally?”
    â€œI have to believe it is an opportunity to find him.”
    Silence fell between them, and Merinda and Jem watched Benny work the puzzle over in his mind. While he was thinking, Merinda studied him beyond the little nuances and clues of detection. The slightly off-center slant of his nose—it must have been broken and reset—was the only flaw in a face Merinda would describe as handsome. Close-cropped dark blond hair that probably shone in the prairie sun, eyes that were kind and hopeful but seemed to take in everything at once with an alertness Merinda envied.
    â€œSo you’ll take my case? You’ll help me find my cousin?”
    â€œOh, yes indeed,” Jem said.
    â€œWe’ll start with the Goldman rally,” Merinda announced, and Jem nodded.
    Benny rose and the girls followed suit. “I am staying at the Empire Hotel at Yonge and Gerrard should you need to contact me.”
    â€œMrs. Malone, would you please show Constable Citrone out?”
    â€œWait!” A smile flickered over Benny’s lips. “I never told you my rank.”
    â€œProcess of elimination! You mentioned being admitted to formal training and that you were stationed up north. If you were a corporal, which I believe is the next rank you can aspire to, you would have the jurisdiction to pursue your cousin without consulting your commissioner.”
    â€œYou really are bright.” He looked impressed.
    â€œFor a woman?” Merinda scoffed, waving Mrs. Malone away and seeing Benny to the door herself.
    â€œNo. Just bright.”
    Merinda extended her hand and Benny gripped it. As before, itwas several seconds—a moment maybe—before he released it. “I look forward to finding your cousin, Benny Citrone. I just hope you are prepared for the ramifications of his discovery.”
    Benny nodded gravely. “I am.”
    Merinda returned to the sitting room and Jem.
    â€œI hope Citrone’s sad story put your own whining into perspective,” Merinda reprimanded her.
    â€œI haven’t been sleeping well,” Jem murmured.
    Merinda crossed to the blackboard and wiped the slate clean. In a bold hand, she wrote:
    Benfield Citrone
    Jonathan
    PLM
    Emma Goldman
    Trolley
    She set the chalk down and rubbed her hands together. “Here’s where you come in, Jemima.”
    â€œMmm?” Jem’s mouth was full of shortbread.
    â€œDeLuca has been reporting the trolley strike and the explosions. He’s probably back there right now after yesterday’s accident.” She said the last word pointedly. “We need to find a pattern so we can figure out where Jonathan and his crew might strike next.”
    â€œRay reports as best he can. He explained… ”
    â€œCracker jacks, Jemima! Think. Of course he didn’t report everything. There has to be something else. Go make him tell you everything he saw at the explosion,” Merinda commanded. “I am going to try to find some information on whatever happened in Winnipeg and get Nicholas and Del † to send me anything on Detroit. I’ll be’round later to collect you for the rally, and you can repeat everything DeLuca said on the way.”
    â€œAnd what if he doesn’t want to tell me?” Jem chewed her lip.
    â€œThen you aren’t trying hard enough. Go put on a nice dress or bat your eyes or put on perfume. Whatever you silly women do.”
    Merinda’s eyes fluttered in the direction of the front window, trying to catch one more glimpse of Benny Citrone. Wondering if he