Love in Disguise by Carol Cox Read Free Book Online Page A

line of thought, although she had no idea where the woman’s words might be headed.
    “That was fine by me,” Norma went on. “Because I really didn’t want to leave. You see, during my investigation, I met Jack.” The last word came out on a sigh, and she cast a loving glance toward the man hovering near the coatrack.
    “When he found out you would be arriving today, and that you and I were supposed to leave together on today’s evening train, he asked me to marry him. Just like that!” Norma snapped her fingers and laughed. Peeling the glove off her left hand, she held it up so Ellie could see the glittering band on her third finger. “We got married last night. Jack routed a preacher out of bed, and the poor man performed the ceremony right in his parlor.”
    She pressed the ring to her lips and announced, “Norma Brooks is no more. I’m now Mrs. Jack Lawson.”
    “Congratulations.” The word fell from Ellie’s lips like a stone while her mind tried to make sense of the bombshell Norma had just dropped. It took her a moment to collect her thoughts and realize the other woman was still speaking.
    “I should have let the main office know, but it all happened so fast. By the time I got the wire telling me to meet you, you were already on your way. So I decided to wait and let you know when you arrived.”
    “Are you saying your husband is coming with us?” And how would they explain a third person if he went along?
    “No, I’m giving up the detective life for good.”
    Ellie’s heart hammered against her chest. “You mean, after the Arizona job.”
    Norma’s perfect lips formed a delicate pout. “I know it’s an awful thing to do, leaving you high and dry like this. I hope you can forgive me.”
    Ellie studied Norma’s expression and sighed. Seeing the other woman’s unadulterated joy, how could she not find it in her heart to wish her happiness? “Of course,” she said, hoping her smile looked genuine.
    Norma drew Ellie into a quick hug. “Thank you. I knew you had a kind face the moment I laid eyes on you. Now, I really must run.” She gestured toward her new groom, who stood checking his watch with a look of consternation. “Our train leaves in less than an hour. We’re going to New York for our honeymoon!”
    She caught Ellie’s hands in hers. “Do me a favor and let the home office know, will you? I should do it myself, but there’s no time. If you’ll just tell them the basic facts, I’ll fill them in on the rest in a few days.”
    Ellie nodded dumbly, and Norma flashed a radiant smile. “You’re a dear. I wish we could have gotten to know each other better.” She brushed a kiss on Ellie’s cheek and hurried off to join her husband.
    Ellie stood in the dim lobby, wondering why she seemed fated to play the role of abandoned underling over and over again. Feeling the need to regain her equilibrium, she wandered back to the overstuffed chair and sat down again.
    “Excuse me, miss.”
    Ellie looked up to see the desk clerk’s priggish sneer. “It is against the policy of the Imperial Hotel to allow unescorted young women to loiter in the lobby. If you are not a guest, I’m afraid you’ll have to leave. Now.”
    A wave of heat suffused Ellie’s face, and she glared at the odious man. Gathering up her reticule, she dragged the door open and left the lobby in a daze.
    What now? Despite Norma’s optimistic attitude, Ellie didn’t share the other woman’s assurance of her future employment. She had been a last resort on the mission, hardly anyone’s first choice. Without any training, there would be no reason for the Pinkertons to keep her on. They might not even feel obligated to fund her way back to Chicago.
    Tears scalded Ellie’s eyes, and she swiped them away before they could roll down her cheeks. Would she want to go back even if they did? Nothing waited for her but bitter cold and likely starvation in Chicago . . . or anywhere.
    Her steps dragged as she moved to