The Harrison: A Beautiful Place to Die (Madeline Donovan Mysteries Book 2) (19 page)

"Chocolate?" asked Hugh.

"Yes, we always had more than enough."

"How did you feel when you were there? Did you have a particular feeling of well-being?" asked Madeline.

"I did. That is why I never thought in any way that these girls were in danger. I welcomed my time there. It was most pleasant."

"We think perhaps the chocolates were laced with drugs...perhaps opium," said Madeline.

"Opium?" he asked. "I do not partake of drugs. I don't suppose I would have known...I just remember having a feeling of contentment while I was there."

"Yes, perhaps that is why you had such an experience of happiness and why the girls did also."

"Do you remember anything else? Were you taken up an elevator, or were you on the ground floor?" asked Jonathan.

"We went up the stairs, but I could not say whether we landed on a second or third floor. It seems there were many steps, but again nothing I paid attention to at the time."

There was a knock on the door, and when Jonathan appeared Alfred was there with the champagne. "I took the liberty to bring it to you myself. I hope you are enjoying your stay at The Harrison," said Alfred.

"Thank you, I find it a most interesting place," said Jonathan.

Alfred waited at the door, looking in at all of them, "Is there anything else I can get you? Would you like me to start the fire?"

"I think we can do that," he replied.

"It is no trouble, no trouble at all," Alfred said as he moved past Jonathan and over to the fireplace.

Madeline thought it obvious that he had gained entrance to see what was happening in the room. Vincenzo took up his sketch pad immediately, and Hugh sat in the red velvet arm chair, with Phillip standing behind him. Everyone worked in concert as if they had preplanned their actions. They all seemed aware―as she had―of why Alfred was there.

"May I see your sketches?" Alfred asked.

"Oh...I am sorry. It is just an artist's quirk, but I never show my unfinished work. Please come down to my area in the lobby later, and I will show you my latest painting," said Vincenzo.

"Good evening," Alfred said as he left the room.

"What do you think that was all about?" asked Phillip.

"Alfred is the brother's assistant. I suppose they have sent him to see what we are about. Whether it is just curiosity, or that they have something to hide is what we need to find out," said Madeline.

"Let's not waste the champagne," said Jonathan as he poured a glass for everyone.

"You will take your sketch to the police? asked Hugh.

"After I have finished work tomorrow. I promise you that," said Vincenzo.

"Do you suppose the other girls in your sketch are all missing?" asked Phillip.

"I hope not," he said forlornly.

"It does seem peculiar that there have been no further reports of any missing girls, at least none that I know of," said Madeline.

"The police will know the answer to that. Can I see your sketch again?" asked Jonathan.

Madeline also stood beside him, looking at the artist's drawing. "Yes, they are lovely, as is the setting they are in. I would also not think anything were amiss if this is what I saw," said Madeline.

"If I am to pack and be ready for my return trip, I am afraid I must leave," said Phillip.

"We shall all go together," said Hugh.

"I will get back to the article I am writing," said Jonathan, "but I hope to see you all tomorrow. I would like to go with you to see Phillip off."

"That would be grand," said Phillip.

When the elevator door opened, there stood none other than the three Harrison brothers, Lady Mary, and Willie.

They hesitated as they came face to face with them. "Come in, there is room enough," said Christopher in an authoritative voice that made her feel like a school-child.

They stepped in and Joseph said, "Vincenzo, what is this, a new sketch. I must see it."

And before Vincenzo could even protest, Joseph had it in his hands. "Look, he captures the two men―very good indeed."

The collective audience browsed through his sketches, with Madeline fairly transfixed on their expressions.

"Now there's a lovely one...," Lady Mary pointed to one of the sketches, but the book was turned away from Madeline, so she did not know what they were looking at.

She thought she could feel everyone's tension besides her own, and when the door finally opened into the lobby, they all rushed out.

When they were out of earshot of the brothers, Vincenzo said, "I suppose there was no harm that they saw the sketches. If anything, they knew our business to be true when they saw the sketch of Hugh and Phillip."

"They did not seem to have any particular reaction after they viewed the book," said Madeline.

"I also saw nothing of note," said Hugh.

"Tomorrow, I will go to the police," said Vincenzo.

"We also have a prior engagement. We will see Phillip off. I hope to see you perhaps the next day," said Madeline.

"Till then...," said Joanie as they left the Harrison.

Chapter Fifteen

Marilyn's Dilemma

When they arrived at the
dock, she was grateful to have Hugh, Jonathan and her father with her to say good-bye to Phillip. She already missed him, and he had not even left. Since the death of her family, she had experienced inordinate anxiety whenever someone she cared for departed.

Phillip had been the steward who attended to her on the
SS City of New York
and had cultivated her relationship with both Jonathan and his cousin, Hugh.

Phillip smiled at her, that kind, endearing smile. He always seemed to know just how she was feeling.

"Madeline, be careful. My only solace is that I know my cousin and Jonathan will look after you, as I know you will do the same for them. I am returning to my mistress, the sea. I will miss you all, but I will write to you often," said Phillip.

He leaned over and kissed her cheek, and she responded by embracing him and then holding his hands for a long moment.

"Good-bye, my dearest boy. Take care and come back to us soon, perhaps at Christmas," said Madeline.

"We'll see," said Phillip and he shook the hands of the men before boarding the ship.

"We have all grown so close, it seems as if he just arrived, and now he is leaving," said Madeline to Hugh.

"He is young, and this is the perfect career for him. He has a wanderlust and cannot stay for too long in one place. That may change when he is older, but he will be back," said Hugh.

"I know. He is so dear to me, and I have him to thank for introducing me to you and Jonathan," said Madeline.

During the carriage ride back to Erie Street, Madeline said, "The
helloes
are so wonderful and bring such joy, but are always followed by the good-byes that tear at the heart."

"Sometimes I worry about him, but mostly I envy him to be so young and without fear, living each day so gloriously on the shoulders of a great ship," said Hugh.

"You are right. I have always been one who finds its more difficult to embrace the now, and not worry so about the future. I will endeavor to do better," said Madeline.

"I think I will spend the day at the Auditorium and maybe go to Hull House do start my pieces on them," said Jonathan.

"And I have a meeting with my architect. Shall we all meet for dinner?" asked Hugh.

Even her father agreed to join them. They would return to the Austin House where they had enjoyed a fine meal earlier that month.

She spent the rest of the day making notes in her journal, walking in the park and visiting the Falco's to inform them of the progress she had made. She now believed that the Harrison brothers, one or all, somehow played a part in the disappearances of the girls. Louie Falco told her that the police had detained several neighborhood men, but they had been released because there was not sufficient evidence to hold them.

Later that evening at the Austin House, the band was playing, and father had asked her to dance. "You would do well to consider one of those fine men for more than just casual friendship."

Something about the way he said it, as if she had never married Russell, and didn't already have a perfect family, made her wince.

"They both mean a great deal to me, and truthfully, if I no longer saw them, I would be very sad, but I would survive. They both deserve more than a broken woman who could never truly give them the love they deserve or the children."

"All right, we shall not speak of it again. I see it is still too soon. I just thought the way you and Hugh got on that maybe..."

"No, father...not yet. Time is a strange bedfellow, and who knows, tomorrow something may happen to change my mind. Today what I care most about is finding out what happened to those girls. I had half hoped to see one of the Harrison brothers here."

"Of late,  you seem unable to enjoy yourself at all, and are always thinking about this matter."

"I can't help but think of myself in this beautiful place, dancing with the handsomest man in the room, and that somewhere a woman, perhaps just like me, is in the utmost distress."

"Hugh is motioning to us; I believe our dinner has arrived."

"I see you both are doing the same thing, looking for the Harrison's," said Hugh with a slight laugh, addressing Madeline and Jonathan.

"It is second nature to me, I confess. Especially after what happened last time, the wound still smarts on my back. I had hoped to have better luck this time, that I might have the chance to follow along again, but with the idea to see if someone is behind me," said Jonathan.

"Wait, I think we are in luck. It is Joseph, and if he is here, Patrick is probably not far behind," said Madeline.

"Which one is it?" asked Father, who had not met any of the Harrisons.

"He is the tall one with the spectacles sittng at the back table.  He is with a woman," said Madeline.

"She looks to be much younger than him," said father, "But he is not unattractive and with his wealth, I suppose I could see the possibility."

"There are others that join them, Alfred and Lady Mary just sat down," said Jonathan.

"Interesting...I think I may just pay my respects," said Madeline.

"Are you sure you want to do that?" asked father.

"I know Alfred well enough that I can intrude. If they are rude, my feelings will not be hurt," she replied smiling.

"Hugh, could you order me an absinthe while I am gone?" asked Madeline.

He nodded, and though she might have felt a twinge of guilt, the nervous tension she had felt these last days had given way to her resolve.

She walked by casually as if she had accidentally come upon them, "Alfred, good evening, and also to you, Mr. Harrison," said Madeline.

The gentlemen rose from their table and greeted her. "It's Mrs. Donovan, isn't it?" said Joseph.

"I am flattered that you remember my name. This is a lovely place, almost as lovely as the Harrison," she said.

"Now you flatter me. Would you like to join us?" asked Joseph.

"No, thank you. I am here with my father and friends."

She continued to stand there waiting for Lady Mary to speak, but the woman ignored her. Then Alfred said, "Allow me to introduce my very good friend, Margaret Downing, whom I hope one day to marry," he said with a loving look at the girl.

"A pleasure, Alfred is certainly a charming man. I wish you well and a pleasant evening," said Madeline.

She returned to her group and said, "It is not as interesting as we had thought. The young lady is not with Joseph, but with Alfred."

"Perhaps, that is a good thing. What of Lady Mary?," asked Hugh.

"She did not say a word, not even a greeting. I truly believe she thinks I mean harm to the Harrisons.

There were three walking sticks set beside the table, but two were rounded and one had a bird's head. I don't think they would fit the shape of your wound, Jonathan."

"Would you and Hugh like to return with me to the hotel?" asked Jonathan.

"Yes, at least we know part of their group will be detained here," said Hugh.

They dropped father off at home and proceeded to the Harrison.

It was still early, nearly seven in the evening, and the hotel was unusually busy. She thought perhaps because it was Friday and people were inclined to seek out entertainment.

When they walked into the lobby, several people began walking toward them―Vincenzo, Joanie, and Marilyn.

"Madeline, I must speak with you," said Marilyn.

"I, also wish to speak to you," said Vincenzo.

"Vincenzo, you can come over here and talk to with us while Madeline speaks with Marilyn," said Jonathan.

"Can we walk outside?" asked Marilyn, her hand shaking. "I have been to your house, and when you weren't there, I waited for you here."

"Good heavens, what is it that has you so upset?"

"I have been to the police, but I needed to talk to someone."

"Yes, go on."

"Yesterday we did go to the Auditorium. My sister was so happy, the happiest I have seen her in quite a while. She carried on as if she had not a care in the world. We both went to different areas that we wanted to see, agreeing to meet back at the entrance, but she never returned."

"No―no, it cannot be, not Nancy. She is so demure. I cannot even imagine her speaking with a stranger, yet alone succumb to their advances, especially after what has happened."

"I too felt that way, but she was talking yesterday about how interesting it would be to really find out what happened, and other peculiar things such as how exciting it would be. I don't know what possessed her, but now she's gone. The police were methodical, as if taking a census. They did little else but ask a few questions and state they would get in touch with me if they have any word about her. Madeline, I am frightened. I can't stop shaking."

"I know. I understand. There will be a new urgency to our search. Marilyn, do you have someone to stay with?"

"Yes, I have an aunt. I will go there now. I don't know what to do with myself."

"You are welcome at my home anytime. You can stay with us if you need to. I will see you tomorrow here for lunch, and I promise we will do all we can to find her."

She hugged Marilyn and wiped a tear from her eye. She thought,
No, not sweet, innocent
Nancy.

Vincenzo was still speaking with Hugh and Jonathan when Madeline approached them. She was visibly shaken.

Hugh said, "Madeline, what has happened?"

He took her hand and said, "Come over to the table and sit."

"We will speak of it when Vincenzo has finished his story," she replied.

"I was just telling the gentlemen, Miss. I am sorry to say, but my sketchbook has been taken. I have always placed it where it cannot easily be found, behind some of my paintings. Sometime when I was painting yesterday in the lobby, it was stolen."

"The only people who knew it even existed were the people in the elevator," said Madeline.

"Of course―Joanie and I do go to lunch, and hotel security watches over my things. But it does seem strange, for it has been here all along these past weeks and has never before been disturbed."

"That is truly unfortunate news. Do you think you could recall her face enough to redraw it?" asked Jonathan.

"Perhaps."

They spoke with Joanie and Vincenzo for a few minutes longer, then walked away to have the rest of their conversation in private.

"Even if he could redraw the sketch, it would not have the details necessary or the evidentiary properties the police would need. If he told them he drew it from memory, and he would have to tell the truth about it, I do believe they would dismiss his findings," said Madeline.

"Madeline is correct. Within the law, it would hold no bearing, I'm afraid. The original may have proved useful, but I suppose whoever took it has already destroyed it," said Hugh.

"But still, it has shown the hand of whoever is behind this. One, or more of the people on the elevator must be involved in the disappearance of at least Felicia. Why else would anyone take the sketches? They did not want anyone to see those sketches of Felicia and the girls in that room," said Madeline.

"There is still the supposition that an admirer of Vincenzo's work may have taken it as a souvenir," said Hugh.

"Perhaps, but I think we all agree that would be the most unlikely of the scenarios. We must add Willie to the suspects. I imagine Lady Mary would have told him what transpired on the elevator, and I'm sure he would take it for her," said Jonathan.

"Now, tell us what news from Marilyn has so disturbed you," asked Hugh.

"I suppose it is the worse news. Nancy has gone missing. They were at the Auditorium when they decided to separate, with both agreeing to meet later. Nancy never returned. I truly believe she is in danger, and now more than ever this hotel must give up its secrets so that Nancy may be found unharmed."

"That is terrible news. That shy young lady, I cannot imagine anyone could convince her to go along with them. I would have thought she would be too cautious," said Jonathan.

She went on to tell them about her conversation with Marilyn and what Nancy had said.

"So our young lady has a bit of a daring streak in her," said Hugh.

"Still, I think she would only go if she thought she was in no danger. Perhaps she knew the person. What if it was Lady Mary who she spoke with? She wouldn't have had the fear of harm," said Madeline.

"We need to go back to the third floor. Are you game?" asked Jonathan. "I would like to see the library, and perhaps take a look at the exit in the room and see where it leads."

"All right, you and Madeline go together, and I will see if I can discover anything elsewhere. Let's see if the skeleton key still fits," said Hugh.