The Harrison: A Beautiful Place to Die (Madeline Donovan Mysteries Book 2) (3 page)

“She looks like someone from the stage. Yes, she is very beautiful,” said Madeline.

“Her hair is black as midnight, and she loves to wear brightly colored hats to accent it,” said Rosa.

“She’s quite athletic, and can compete with anyone in tennis, which accounts for her shapely figure,” said Louie.

“May I see the picture?” asked Hank.

Squinting, he stared at the photo. He held it for a moment, then said, “I could be mistaken, but when I was at the drugstore from across the hotel the other day, I saw several women standing outside the hotel. I remembered them because they were finely dressed and, they stood out from everyone else. I think one of them might have been your sister.”

“Yes, I believe she liked to frequent the shops there,” said Rosa.

“So, I will start at the hotel. Do you have any names of anyone that she has met while she was here?” asked Madeline.

“No, not really—she mentioned a few people by their first names. I think I remember Felicity or Felicia and Rhonda,” said Rosa.

"I think it was Wanda," said Louie.

"Perhaps you are right," said Rosa.

“If you could go through her things and find any receipts or any mementos from places she has been, it may help. If you could bring me everything you have that may have shown where she has frequented, I will start there,” said Madeline.

“What is your fee?” asked Louie

Madeline realized she had thought of this but had never come to an answer, not knowing what her services would be worth, as she was not a tested detective.

“I will discuss that with you when you bring the items to me, but I believe that one dollar per day would be a fair price.”

“It is fair,” said Louie as he shook her hand in a contractual agreement.

Madeline exchanged pleasantries with Uncle Hank, promising to have him over for tea, and perhaps a card game later in the week.

After the guests had gone,  her father sat with her at the dining table, drinking tea.

“Madeline, it is a risky business that you undertake, but you are a grown woman, and I will not interfere. Perhaps you should try to engage a male participant if you are to go through with this business.”

“Unless it was Hugh or Jonathan, I think not. That is my point, Father. Females must assert themselves into society in roles that are traditional to men. We must break ground in this, someone has to start it.”

“You will, at least, let me know your whereabouts. I know I will worry, but you must go your own way, especially now. If this somehow relieves your burden of grief, I must stand beside you.”

“I will try as much as possible to inform you of where I will be. Do not worry, Father. I am stronger than you think, and I promise you I will not take any unnecessary risks.”

He looked at her still-trembling right hand, which she called her "opium tremor".
She had slid into the undesirable action of using opiates while in London, and she knew her father was worried that the stress of investigating a disappearance might bring her back to that state of mind. What he didn’t know is that it never left her. Her cravings for opium were something she dealt with on a daily basis. Father said nothing about her uncontrollable finger movements, but thankfully they did not occur with frequency.

“I will begin tomorrow with the coffee houses, drugstores, and the hotel. Sometimes the news-boys have a keen eye and remember people. It is a beginning. If their description of Maria is an accurate one, then she is most likely in danger. But we don’t know if she might be more adventurous and did perhaps go away intentionally. However unlikely, it must be considered.

"The autumn days still have long light, and I will be able to be out in the safety of daylight until late.”

“Perhaps if either Uncle Hank or I am available, we can escort you.”

“Thank you, Father, we’ll see. If I am to do this, I think I must put myself into it and not be too reliant on others. But, I will see what I will find out and decide after that.”

“All right, Madeline. Good-night.”

Chapter Three

The Harrison

It was the custom in
this day and age for women to make a change of clothing up to four or five times a day, and now that Madeline was no longer wearing her black mourning dresses, she appeared better in complexion. Donning a sea-foam-green dress, and adding a darker green hat with a placement of feathers, gave her a fashionable appearance for the first time in a year.

When she reached the drugstore, located directly across from the Harrison Hotel, she made inquiries about Maria. No one was particularly interested in answering Madeline's questions; they brushed her off without her obtaining any useful information.

One of the newsboys, however, a boy she learned was called, "Little Tony", had thought he might have seen Maria.

“She’s a beauty, Miss. I noticed her right away. I think I remember her with two other ladies, but I saw her go into the hotel a few times,” said Little Tony.

“Thank you, Tony,” she said as she handed him a few pennies for his time. “If you will keep a watch out for her for me, I will buy all your papers. Her family is worried about her. If you should see her, please contact me.”

“Should I say you’re looking for her?”

“No, she wouldn’t know who I am, but please tell her that her family wishes to get in touch.”

Madeline was pleased that she had found some positive news so quickly. Perhaps that is the answer. Maybe Maria did meet some young man, and they had an impromptu rendezvous. Although, she still did not think this idea likely. If Little Tony was correct, and Maria had been to the hotel several times, maybe there was someone in her life that Rosa and Louie did not know about.

Madeline entered the Harrison Hotel and again observed its uniqueness. An array of curiosity shops, a hair salon, a barbershop, as well as other businesses were available to the public on the first floor. The area reserved for hotel guests was on the second floor, and according to the young man at the concierge desk, business offices were on the third.

Two studious young women, each wearing fashionable spectacles and beautiful dresses sat in the extended dining area of the French cafe. There were about a half-dozen tables in a cordoned-off portion in the lobby. Golden ornate chairs and tables, and simple white tablecloths, with a vase of dainty flowers in the center, were a sweet, delicate sight. The reason Madeline paid particular attention to the women was because of what they were reading; scientific journals. She had found that not many women she met held any interest in being modern or competing with men. She was now quite curious to meet them.

“Excuse me, I’m Madeline Donovan, and I’m in search of a young lady who might have frequented this café or been in this hotel. I wonder if you might take the trouble to look at a photograph of her. Her name is Maria Falco.”

“How do you do? I’m Marilyn Zajec, and this is my sister, Nancy. Of course, if we can help you we will. Please be seated.”

“If I may say so, you look like you might be twins,” said Madeline.

“Yes, not identical, but close enough as you can see,” said the flaxen-haired girl named Nancy. “We have come here often since its grand opening. Now with the all the industrial fairs that are being held nearby, there are so many visitors to our great city that it is interesting to speak with them and hear their stories. It is like taking a vacation without leaving the city; to see their different way of dressing, speaking, and thinking is an education unto itself,” said Marilyn.

“I couldn’t help but notice what you're reading. I see you have an interest in science,” she commented to Marilyn.

“Yes, my sister and I are students at Northwestern University. I am studying forensic science. It’s not something most people are familiar with, but our father was a police officer and prompted my interest in this field, even as a young girl,” said Nancy.

“Oh, it is wonderful that you have an interest in forensics! When I was recently in London, Scotland Yard had just recently begun using this science. I hope someday we may have luncheon together, and you will be so kind as to tell me all about your studies. I am fascinated by it, especially as I plan to pursue a career as a detective,” said Madeline.

“That is interesting that we all have passion for subjects considered to be the male domain. Mine is chemistry, and I am one of only three young women in my classes,” said Marilyn.

"That is wonderful. Your parents must be so proud of you," said Madeline.

"Our parents have passed on, but I do believe they would be. They were very supportive," said Nancy.

“Now, about this photograph of Maria—what do you think, Nancy?” asked Marilyn.

“There have been so many young women that pass through here; it is difficult to say. But now that we know you are looking for her, we will keep watch,” said Nancy.

“I will leave my name and address with you in the event that you do. I do hope we will see each other again soon. I may one day have need of your expert knowledge,” Madeline said.

“Of course, and we will meet for luncheon, as you suggested—perhaps sometime next week,” said Nancy.

“Good day, ladies, it was a pleasure to meet you,” said Madeline, as she excused herself and continued to the concierge desk.

Charles Winter, an older gentleman, perhaps in his fifties, with steel-colored hair spoke with her, “I can’t say as I recall this particular young lady, but it is strange, another young lady was here earlier looking for a friend of hers that also has gone missing. Two young women, and both seen in our hotel—it is peculiar. I will see that upper management is made known of this."

Madeline was surprised and concerned about his statement.

“You say another girl has gone missing? This neighborhood is one of the safest in Chicago, and not the news someone is likely to hear."

“She was a lovely lass, as lovely as they come. I remember the photograph they showed me and remarked on it. Perhaps these two fine ladies have met young gentlemen and are just about the city enjoying its fine attractions,” said Mr. Winter.

“I certainly hope you are right. Is there a possibility I may see the hotel registry to see if she had checked in?”

“I'm sorry, Miss. I'd have to get the permission of the owners to let you do that, but I'll look it over myself, if you'll wait a minute.”

As she waited for Mr. Winter to review the last two weeks' registers, she gazed upon the many patrons walking through the lobby. It was obvious that there was an inordinate amount of young ladies browsing the shops, and gathering in the café.

“No, Miss, I don’t see her name here. Is it possible she might have checked in under a different name?”

“That is unlikely. But if you could do me the favor of passing the information to the staff in the event someone has seen her, I would be grateful.”

“I will be happy to.”

She left him her contact information. However, she doubted, in this bustling atmosphere, that anyone would consider the plight of two missing young women as something of a concern. It was a sea of women; she wondered if anyone would be able to tell one woman from another, even if they were intent on looking for just one particular woman.

She walked back to the drugstore, and purchased a copy of the
Chicago Tribune
, looking for any news that might be relevant to her pursuit. On the third page, on the bottom, was a short article about the discovery of the body of a dead woman's body near the stockyards. The paper stated they believed it might be a suicide. Her breathing became rapid as she went on reading the description. There were not many details. The dead woman was of average height, believed to be in her twenties, and dressed well. They noted there was no identification on the body. The death was being investigated, and the police were asking for any information anyone might have as to who the victim was. There was always the possibility it was Maria.

She decided she must go to the police station to find out what she could. She hoped Rosa and Louie had not seen the article.

Madeline would go to the Maxwell Street Station. It was barely a year old, and according to the papers was one of the finest police stations in the country. But Chicago was a growing metropolis and compared to the population, police officers were in short supply.

When she arrived at the station, people were everywhere, most of them arguing and demanding attention. She had to wait nearly two hours before a nervous, slender, young man named Jimmy Parsons brought her to his desk.

“Now, what is it we can do for you today, Miss?” asked Mr. Parsons.

“I’m seeking information on behalf of a friend of mine. Their sister never returned from a trip into the city a few days ago. I have a picture of her here with me. In light of what I read in the paper this morning about the poor girl from the stockyards, I wanted to be certain it wasn’t Maria,” said Madeline as she handed him the photograph.

“I can probably narrow it down for you without even looking at the picture. Was she a blonde?” asked Mr. Parsons.

“No, she has black, wavy hair.”

“Then it is not her. This unfortunate lady was a fine-looking blonde, a real looker. What a terrible shame. Have your friends filed a missing person report?”

“I know they have spoken to someone, but they were told to come back in a few days. It would seem that would be a harsh request to make to a family panicked by this occurrence.”

“Unfortunately, people come and go in a city like Chicago at a rapid pace. We barely have 800 officers for a city of almost a million people. Unless there is evidence of a crime, we simply don’t have the manpower to investigate. Have you thought of hiring a private detective?”

“She did. That’s why I’m here.”

“You? I beg your pardon, Miss, but you are an unlikely person to be a detective.”

“Perhaps for now, but soon women will hold many positions once thought of to be a man’s job.”

“I’ll note your visit and try to follow up with you. It does seem we have had an unusual amount of people reporting young ladies that have not returned home. Most of the time it turns out they come home, or have been found to have traveled elsewhere without their family being aware of it. Young ladies do not always like their family knowing their every little secret.”

“Hmm…to me, that scenario does not ring true in this case, Mr. Parsons. I would appreciate it if you would keep one of these photographs of Maria to show to the other officers.”

“I will, Miss; I will post it on our board. I do understand your concern. I have a sister who has just turned twenty-one and I don’t imagine she would do a thing like that.”

“Thank you. I’m sure I will return again. Should I inquire for you?”

“Yes. As I have your information and will be aware of why you are here, I would be the best one to follow up with.”

She left with a sense of relief that the deceased woman was not Maria, but she believed the young woman to be in danger. She would attempt to visit the places she felt a woman visiting the city would most likely have visited. Tonight, she would go to the McVicker’s Theater.

Walking home, she found herself staring at every woman who passed her, but no one looked like Maria. The words Mr. Parsons spoke about missing women stayed with her, and made her believe there was a greater possibility of foul play. She thought of the Ripper again, and it gave her a momentary chill that she physically had to shake off.

Arriving home, she found that her father was in the parlor with Louie Falco.

“Mrs. Donovan, excuse the intrusion, but I just saw in the paper…”

“Wait, I know what you’re going to say. It’s all right, I’ve already been to the police station, and the victim was a young blonde, and definitely not your sister.”

With that said Louie sank back into the divan, buried his head in his hands, and kept repeating, “Thank God, thank God,” then added, “I could not bring myself to go. You don’t know how relieved I am. Thank you for going. Your father was right to have introduced us. I see you do care about this, and despite being a woman may be able to help us.”

She dismissed his comment about a woman’s capabilities, knowing his concern for his sister caused him not to mince words. Besides, she knew that this was the consensus about women in business, and she would have to prove herself before that supposition was corrected.

“Yes, I was also relieved. I will endeavor to cover more ground each day. You said your sister enjoyed the theater so I will go to the McVicker's this evening. It is the most well-known of the Chicago theaters and the closest to our area. I would think it might be a place she would have wanted to go.”

“Rosa and I will continue our search in our neighborhood, and then go into the market areas. Rosa, however, gets more despondent when we have no word from our Maria. Each day that passes now I am more fearful that something terrible has happened to her.”

“I know…that possibility certainly has to be met. How long has it been again?”

“It will be five days today with no word from her.”