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

to put Robert in prison, it seemed an awful smile.
    â€œOne gets so used to seeing Pinkerton or his boys.” Kennedy said. “The Father and his sons. The sons and their father. Over and over.”
    â€œMs. Warne has a meeting with the President.” Harry said.
    â€œMarvelous. A toast, then. To your success.”
    We tipped our glasses and Kennedy left. I asked Harry what he was doing on Lincoln’s train.
    â€œFraternizing with the President’s men, no doubt.” He said. “Really, Kate. I think you are the only one with actual business here.”
    The welcome returned to his smile.
    â€œI will make arrangements with the President.”
    Harry walked away and I felt very much alone in the crowd. It was a strong feeling, out of proportion, at first empowering and then frightening. My palms started to sweat. I tried to clear my head with a shake but the effect was like rattling dice. I was ecstatic one moment, despondent the next.
    I covered my eyes. The darkness was like drowning. I opened them again and was dazzled by everything around me. The gowns of women seemed the most beautiful objects I had ever seen. The shapes of everyday things made a kind of sense to me, as though a clock were round for some deep reason. The thought of President Lincoln made me laugh out loud. Others laughed, too. These people were the closest friends I would ever have and all I wanted was for everyone to be happy.
    The next thing I remember, I was being woken by Harry.
    â€œCome back to us, Miss Warne.”
    I crinkled my nose. Crinoline under my dress tickled the skin on my legs. Jewels hung from my neck and wrists. A silk embroidered tiara sat askew on my head. That I had been drugged was obvious.
    I was so angry that I could have stabbed Harry with my emerald broach.
    â€œWhat have you done?” I said.
    â€œSurely you can’t think I was the cause of last night’s . . . merriment.”
    â€œWhat would you have me think, then?”
    â€œThat you were Queen for a night but back in fighting trim the next day.”
    Of course that was how he would see it. My anger was replaced by panic.
    â€œIs Lincoln alive?”
    â€œMy goodness, yes. I told you, Miss Warne. I made your message a priority. He is most grateful you are here.”
    I noticed, then, that guards were running in the hall. They wore body armor.
    â€œAs Mr. Pinkerton suggested in his letter, we have prepared to split this train and send the President ahead in secret aboard the engine car.” Harry said.
    â€œHow did you get hold of that message?”
    â€œYou gave it to me quite willingly last night. Now listen, this is why I’ve woken you. Everything is in place but . . .”
    Guards were shouting in the hall.
    â€œ . . . if we send the engine car forward on its own, word will spread. Everyone knows this is the President’s train. Newspapermen follow us at all times.”
    â€œJust cut the telegraph line.” I said.
    â€œMr. Pinkerton warned against that. It would be a red flag for Hunt.”
    â€œWhat option does that leave? Defraud the entire telegraph system?”
    â€œAs to the whereabouts of the President, yes.”
    My thoughts were still scrambled. It was a lot to take in at once.
    â€œOne more thing. It is rather important.” Harry said. “My men have spotted a train fast approaching. I am quite sure it is your William Hunt.”
    *   *   *
    Robert Pinkerton
    February, 1861
    My first reflex was to discard the message.
    Marooned at PWB, I could not seek medical attention for my heel or mouth. I was in agony. My interest in the case waned to say the least. But Kate had never done me wrong. She didn’t deserve to be ignored.
    Robert : - I pray you are still in Philadelphia. Much depends on you now. I cannot fully explain. Telegraph system presumed to be compromised. Felton will grant you access to the eastern hub. Do not cut the