The Harrison: A Beautiful Place to Die (Madeline Donovan Mysteries Book 2) (9 page)

When they arrived at the coroner's office, they could hear the staff talking about the deceased young girl as they walked by. It was on everyone's mind.

She was unsuccessful in her attempt to view the body. She wasn't even permitted to speak to anyone in authority as she was not a blood relative but did listen to what was being said in the waiting office.

When she heard a woman speaking about it with her friends, she stopped her and said, "I am looking for a friend of mine who went missing, but I am not family. Is there anything at all you may have heard? I have her picture with me and wondered if you might look at it."

She showed them the pictures of Wanda and Felicia.

The woman said, "I couldn't say about the appearance. None of us have seen the body either, but I did hear one particular thing. It seems there was what appeared to be an engagement ring on her finger. Was your friend engaged?"

"No, she wasn't. Thank you for your help," said Madeline.

During the carriage ride home, Madeline said to Hugh, "I suppose it's impossible to think it has any connection, but Maria had a what looked like an engagement ring when they found her. Her family has no idea who gave it to her. I would love to get a look at that ring."

"Let's go back to your home and after dinner we can go over your findings. I would like to hear about what you have uncovered," said Hugh.

"Wonderful. And you can finally tell me all about coming to our fair city and how that came to be."

Mrs. O'Malley prepared a lovely brisket of beef with her specialty stewed onions and tomato side dish. Phillip and Uncle Hank joined them, and it was a lively conversation about immigration, including some of the problems the Irish had faced in the United States.

After dinner, Phillip, Hugh, and she strolled down Erie Street taking in the local neighborhood sights.

"The city's architecture is so different from London. All these new buildings are going up with a distinctive modern look. I heard of someone called Frank Lloyd Wright, who is designing unique homes. I believe his work is internationally known," said Phillip.

"Yes, I have been seriously thinking of purchasing a home designed by him," said Hugh.

"Really? Was your inheritance that substantial?" asked Madeline.

"It was, and even though Phillip was not named in the will, I intend to share my good fortune with him."

Phillip smiled and said, "You are like a brother to me, but I can make my living at sea."

"Yes, but I'm sure you would like a home to come to in London and perhaps in Chicago," said Hugh.

He smiled and said, "I can't say that wouldn't be grand. I am intrigued by this man Wright. I heard about the opening of the Auditorium Building. I would like to see that while I am still here. It also has captured the attention in the news; we heard about it even in London," said Phillip.

"Chicago is growing into a city that I think one day will hold its own against the most prominent cities in the country. Of course, with that, comes the problems of a big city...the crime," said Madeline. "Actually, just a little further down this side street is the home of one of the missing girls, Wanda Gapinski.  Do you gentlemen mind if I stop to inquire if they have any news about her?"

"Certainly not...I cannot imagine the distress these families must be in not knowing what has become of their daughters...a terrible business," said Hugh.

A young girl answered the door, her eyes red from weeping, "Yes, can I help you?" she asked.

"What is the matter? Are you all right?" asked Madeline.

"It is my sister, Wanda. My parents have gone to attend to business about my sister."

"My poor girl...," Madeline said as she instinctively went to cradle the girl in her arms.

"Did you know her?" asked the girl.

"I did not, but I was assisting in the search for her."

"She was the girl in the river. We had hoped and prayed it was not her when my Mama and Papa went to the office where people go for that. I'll never see her again. She was my only sister. I don't know what I will do now. She always took care of me and was there for me."

The three exchanged glances of dismay. Hugh and Phillip attempted to console her also.

Madeline had thought it might have been one of the missing girls but had held out hope that it was not Felicia or Wanda.

She asked the child, "Is someone here with you?"

"No, I am alone."

"Would you like us to stay with you until your parents return?"

"Would you?"

She didn't feel it appropriate to enter the girl's home, but they could stay on the porch with her and try as best they could to calm the child.

"I am Alice, her younger sister. I am just twelve―my birthday was last month. It was the last time I saw my sister," said Alice.

"I am so sorry.

They all tried to comfort her, reassuring her of how things would get better, but she was too young to appreciate those words and continued to weep in intermittent intervals.

She seemed cautious about being around men and stayed close to her while Phillip and Hugh walked down into the street area, Phillip taking the opportunity to smoke.

"Your family will find a way to help you get through this. They will need you now more than ever. If you ever need someone to take you out for an ice cream or just a walk, please ask your parents to contact me."

She continued to speak to her while Alice nodded her head and held onto her hand. A short time later her mother and father arrived.

At first, they were startled to see their daughter with strangers. Then the mother recognized Madeline.

"You're the lady who is looking for the missing girls. Why are you here?" asked Mrs. Gapinski.

"I was in the area and wanted to check to see you if you had any news. Alice told me the rest. We volunteered to stay with her. She seemed in such a state."

"Thank you for that. We did not wish her with us. It was an ordeal even for me. I would ask you in for coffee, but I do not feel well."

"We would not dream of imposing any further. I am still trying to find out all I can, and if you do wish to contact me, I have my contact information here."

"When the funeral is over, I am sure I will need someone to talk to, and I would like to know what progress you have made. She didn't just fall into the river as the police have assumed, that much I am sure of," continued Mrs. Gapinski.

"Come, Mother, that is enough for now. Let us get our Alice inside. My wife told me of your inquiry. I hope we may speak again in the future, but for now, I believe we need to be alone," said Mr. Gapinski.

Hugh and Phillip had been listening and looked somber.

"I didn't mean to involve you both in something that should darken you spirit right upon your arrival. We will talk of other things―we certainly can make a plan to see the Auditorium Building."

They smiled at her, and Phillip said, "It is all right. It is just that it reminds me of what happened in Whitechapel. That is a chapter in our history I'm sure we all wish never occurred, as I am sure this will be for your lovely neighborhood. We can do both, try to assist you and discover the sights of Chicago."

"Mrs. O'Malley will be awaiting our return for lunch," said Madeline, linking her arms with both men as they walked toward home.

Upon their arrival, Mrs. O'Malley informed her that Marilyn had come by. She had left a message that she would be at the Harrison Hotel at six and that she had the results Madeline was looking for.

"Now we know where we will dine tonight. You are invited, Mrs. O'Malley. Will you attend with us?" asked Hugh.

"I have been planning to do some mending of clothes, but perhaps I will go," she replied.

The evening brought them together at the Harrison. This time instead of the French cafe, they met at Michael's Italian Bistro.

After they had all been seated and ordered, Madeline said, "Marilyn, you are an indispensable ally. Thank you for doing this. I know I am anxious to hear your results. Is it drugs as I suspected?"

No one at the table spoke, waiting to hear what Marilyn had to say.

"I think you will all be surprised to hear that it is nothing more than sugar and salt. Most likely particles falling onto the garment from the eating of a bakery item."

Madeline was the first to speak, "It is more than a surprise―it has completely upended my theory that the girls were given drugs."

"If I can be of further service, let me know," said Marilyn.

As they continued in conversation, Madeline did not see Alfred approaching them until Hugh touched her hand and nodded in his direction.

"Mrs. Donovan, I am happy to see you here. I thought I would see you tomorrow, but I already have the news you wished. The brothers have relented and apologize for their rather coarse behavior. They will see you next week on Tuesday if you are available," said Alfred.

"Of course, I will be there," said Madeline.

"Fine. If you could meet me in the lobby around two in the afternoon, I will take you up to their conference room."

"As for Lady Mary, she has agreed to be more hospitable."

"Thank you for everything, Alfred. Your efforts are appreciated."

"It is nothing, and I have taken the liberty to absorb the payment for your dinner."

"That is not..." said Madeline.

"Nonsense. Please do not protest. That is the least we could do for treating you so shabbily. I will leave you now and look forward to seeing you on Tuesday."

"How curious!" Madeline said when he left. "That is the last thing I expected to hear, besides, of course, that the powder was sugar. Life is unpredictable."

"There is Lady Mary, looking as exotic as ever. Look at the plume coming from her hat, it looks like it extends into the air a good foot," Hugh laughed.

"Is that the woman you were all talking about? Why...she's my age. Let me have a go at her. I'll find out what's going on with her," said Mrs. O'Malley.

Madeline felt if anyone could wheedle some information from Lady Mary, it just might be Mrs. O'Malley. She could disarm the most grudging soul with her frankness and her sincerity.

What a contrast, Madeline thought. Mrs. O'Malley, as plain as she could be, with her solid brown dress and sturdy shoes, and Lady Mary, dressed in scarlet red, with sprinkles of purple and white flowers in her oversized hat.

"These meetings you have are more interesting than my sight-seeing. I will be curious to hear what your Mrs. O'Malley has to say about Lady Mary," said Phillip smiling.

They had finished dinner but ordered a bottle of red wine to partake of while waiting for Mrs. O'Malley's return.

Nancy and Phillip were deep in conversation and seemed to take an instant liking to one another. They were close in age, Phillip being just seventeen and Nancy just having turned eighteen. Meanwhile, Hugh and Madeline talked about London and the memories they had during her stay there.

"I remember being so worried about you when you went into Whitechapel alone, and then when ended up hurt. I felt somehow I had let you down, and I should have been there to protect you at all times," said Hugh.

"How kind of you to say something like that, but you know I took chances that I might not today. I was in a different state of mind back then. I hope I have learned my lesson and will be more cautious in my approach to this case," said Madeline.

"I think it is an important step, from what you have told me so far, that you have the opportunity to speak with the brothers. I wonder why they did such an about-face in their attitude," said Hugh.

"Perhaps it is nothing more than their attempt to be rid of me and any attention I might have caused."

"According to the paper, the police have questioned the staff and feel it is just a mere coincidence that the girls were seen here. There's something about this place...I can't say what it is exactly, but it seems there is an aura of mystery about it. I suppose it is a house of secrets, as any place would be with so many people coming and going on its premises."

"I suppose if we knew what went on behind all those closed doors, we would both be shocked."

"Here is Mrs. O'Malley, and she looks pleased with herself," said Madeline.

"I can tell you this, that lady has more secrets than a peacock has feathers. She talks in riddles and almost seems to want you to think she's daft so that you can't tell what's true and wasn't isn't in what she is saying," said Mrs. O'Malley.

"She sounds rather fascinating," said Hugh laughing.

"Were you able to get any information about her connection to the brothers?" asked Madeline.

"Not really, but I plan to have luncheon with her this week," said Mrs. O'Malley, appearing quite satisfied with herself.

Phillip raised his glass in toast, "Here's to a productive and busy week."