Brenda Joyce - [Francesca Cahill 06] by Deadly Promise Read Free Book Online

“That’s a grand idea,” he said in wonder. “Why didn’t we think of it?”
    “Do not fret,” Francesca said. “I have one more question. Joel said you went to the police. Was any investigation undertaken?”
    Brian cursed the police roundly, then said, “No. If the Democrats had won the election, we wouldn’t be in this mess. Tammany takes care of its own, it does.”
    Francesca bristled. “If you are so certain of that, why don’t you go ask Boss Croker for his help?”
    Brian stood, flushing.
    Hart took her arm. “I think we have learned all that we can tonight. Mr. O’Hare, Mrs. O’Hare, Miss Cahill is a clever sleuth, and if anyone can locate your daughter, it is she. She is your best hope.”
    The O’Hares walked them to the door, Brian grim, Kathy anxious. Once there, Kathy gripped her hand. “Please find her, Miss Cahill. Please find my darling girl.”
    “I will,” Francesca said. “I will do my best and I shall not let you down.”
    Kathy nodded, then said, “You will return tomorrow? Post the rewards?”
    “Not only that, I shall keep you informed of the status of the investigation,” Francesca said. Then, impulsively, she hugged the other woman. “Do not lose hope,” she said.
    She and Hart followed Joel down the narrow, dark stairs in thoughtful silence. On the first level they paused before the Kennedy flat. “I will see you first thing tomorrow,” Francesca said to Joel.
    “How early?” he asked.
    “Half past seven,” she returned.
    He beamed at her. “I’ll be there, Miz Cahill.” Then he turned to Hart. “G’night, sir.”
    Hart chucked his jaw. “Get some sleep. I can see you shall have a busy day tomorrow.”
    They waited as Joel knocked lightly on his door. A moment later Maggie Kennedy opened it, clad in a flannel wrapper, her red hair in a long braid. Her blue eyes widened when she saw Francesca and Hart. “Miss Cahill! I mean, Francesca! This is a surprise.”
    Francesca smiled warmly at her. “Maggie, we wanted to see Joel safely home. We have taken on the Emily O’Hare case,” she added.
    “Thank the lord,” Maggie whispered, her gaze tearing. “I am so glad, for I know you shall find her safe and sound.”
    Francesca wasn’t certain of that last part, not at all, but she smiled anyway. Hart nodded politely and then went out to the waiting coach. As he handed her in, he murmured, “I am impressed.”
    His hand was large and warm on her bare elbow as she carried her coat. She was thrilled, and she smiled at him as she took her seat. “That was hardly an unusual interview,” she said, trying to appear indifferent to his praise. It occurred to her that they were now alone and it was a long ride uptown.
    He settled down beside her and Raoul slammed the carriage door shut behind them. “You gave them hope.” He leaned back against the plush squabs, rather indolently. Only Hart could make such a simple position seem utterly decadent.
    She tried not to think about his virility and said, with worry, “And I do hope it wasn’t wrong of me to do so. I do hope it wasn’t false hope that I gave them.”
    “I have little doubt you will locate Emily, Francesca.” His gaze was warm, enough so to melt a frigid block of ice.
    She started, surprised by the extent of his confidence but very pleased indeed.
    “You may grin like a sated fat cat,” he chuckled.
    She beamed. “You will give me a very big swollen head, Hart, if you keep on flattering me so. And somehow, I do not think you would find a vain woman attractive.”
    He laughed. “I know you are not vain enough, my dear, and I find confidence in you charming.” His smile faded. He gave her a long and thoughtful look.
    It went right through her heart to her loins. Francesca sat up.
    “I find you charming, Francesca, and I suppose the fact that you are unpredictable will keep me on my toes,” he added, more to himself than to her.
    “I am so sorry about that ridiculous note,” Francesca said, then, in