The Pinkerton Files Five-Book Bundle by David Luchuk Read Free Book Online

instructions.
    â€œUse the wider lenses to focus on a stretch of track then bring the small lenses into play to enhance specific sections. You can cover the most ground that way.”
    The sense of vertigo induced by the lenses made me queasy.
    â€œWhat am I looking for?”
    â€œThe President’s train will be short, six cars at most. It will be the only one without any of that gypsy crap all over it.” Felton said.
    He was right. Lincoln’s train featured five streamlined cars with identical brushed steel exteriors. It was easy to spot amid the rest of the rail traffic.
    â€œKeep it in view while I bring ‘er down.” Felton said. “If you can see it, so can I.”
    As we descended, I pulled lenses back from the viewport. When the last of the lenses slid away, I hovered a dozen feet over the train.
    I slipped my hands into gloves hooked next to the harness. A black magnet was stitched into each mitt.
    â€œGodspeed, Miss Warne.” Felton said.
    The lock released behind me and I dropped through the bottom of the cabin. Felton had positioned me over the train’s first car but, by the time I landed, wind had pushed me back to the last.
    I hit hard. Magnets in my gloves held. I grinded across the roof for five yards or so then came to a stop. Hand over hand, I advanced to a porthole then climbed inside the President’s train.
    Armed guards were on me right away. I allowed myself to be subdued. The beasts still kicked me in the sternum. They lifted me to my feet and took every liberty patting me down for weapons.
    I was unarmed. They passed my credentials between them, not sure what to do.
    â€œI am a detective with the Pinkerton Agency.” I said. “Bring me to Harry Vinton.”
    Mention of Vinton’s name defused the situation. It took an almost jovial turn. One of the guards stifled a laugh.
    â€œNow I’ve seen it all.” He said.
    The guards stepped aside so I could climb out of the harness. My pants were filthy and my shirt torn at the shoulder.
    â€œYou sure Harry’s expecting you like this, madam?”
    â€œMr. Vinton isn’t expecting me at all.” I said.
    With shrugs all around, they led me through the kitchen to a set of double doors.
    â€œHarry’s in there.”
    I stepped into a dining hall more lavish than any I had seen outside a society wedding. A chandelier reflected its thousand crystal pieces. Food was presented in an elaborate buffet, the old French style. A band kept the tempo for a dervish of dancing between tables, in the aisles, wherever space allowed.
    This was Vinton’s world. I picked him out with a single glance. People peeled off him like molting skin. He had a tip for every man and a secret smile for every woman.
    Vinton cut a path straight to me. He smiled and bowed.
    â€œMr. Vinton.” I said. “I have an urgent message for President Lincoln.”
    â€œAre you the woman who fell out of the sky?”
    â€œI am detective Kate Warne of the Pinkerton Agency.” I said. “The President is in mortal danger.”
    â€œLet me get you a drink.”
    â€œSir!”
    â€œYou have nothing to fear, Ms. Warne. The President will read your message at the top of the hour. I will make it his priority. The champagne is outstanding tonight.”
    Vinton took my hand. Revelers were taken aback at the sight of me.
    â€œYou look lovely, if I may say, Miss Warne.” Vinton said. “Everyone will be dressing down tomorrow to copy you, I promise.”
    Had I lost my mind or did I take some comfort in this?
    Harry lifted two fingers and waiters came running. When I saw the bubbling flutes, I felt a desperate thirst. He turned with glasses in hand but, looking over my shoulder, the smile was wiped from his face.
    â€œHarry, you never cease to amaze with the company you keep.”
    It was Superintendent Kennedy.
    â€œMiss Warne, is it not?”
    Kennedy smiled. Coming from a man trying