Brenda Joyce - [Francesca Cahill 06] Read Online Free PDF

Kennedy stepping past the departing Braggs into the front hall.
    Her eyes widened in surprise. Joel was far more than a downtown street urchin—until recently he had been a cut-purse and a thief, or rather, he had resorted to such desperate measures to aid in the support of his fatherless family. He was a small boy with jet-black hair in an ill-fitting and shabby wool coat, a felt cap atop his head. Patches were on the knees of his corduroy pants. His hands were jammed in his pockets. He looked terribly uncomfortable and out of place. And when their gazes met, he signaled at her urgently, mouthing something at her. She thought it might be,
Trouble
, and her body stiffened with alarm and keen interest.
    She had recently hired him as an assistant, and now she wondered if he had a new case.
    “Kennedy?” Hart intoned with mild surprise. Then he said wryly, “Well, I suppose I should have anticipated this moment, although hardly so soon.”
    “I’ll be right back,” Francesca said, not hearing him at all. Only something dire would bring Joel into a society function. And whatever that something was, it clearly involved her—or needed her attention. Francesca hurried across the room. “Joel! It’s so good to see you!” she cried, embracing him.
    “Miz Cahill! Thank the lord you are back!” he said in return, appearing stricken.
    She clasped his shoulder warmly. “What has happened?”
    “Me mom’s friend’s daughter been missing fer three whole days,” he said urgently. “Poor Mrs. O’Hare been over every day, cryin’ like a storm. We all been prayin’ you would come home!”
    Francesca stared, every single concern, worry, and aspect of her personal life vanishing from her mind. This was frightful news indeed. “A child is missing? She has been missing for three entire days?” she asked briskly, her mind racing.
    Joel nodded grimly. “Little Emily O’Hare. I known her me entire life,” he added.
    This was dire. Francesca did not have a good feeling about the child’s fate, not if she had been missing for three entire days. “We must interview the child’s parents immediately,” she decided. “It’s still early. I doubt it is past nine o’clock. We can do so right now,” she added impulsively.
    “I’ll go flag down a cab!” Joel cried, rushing away.
    “So you are on another case?” Hart breathed from behind her.
    She whirled, barely meeting his inquiring gaze, as she needed her coat. Then, to a passing servant, “My red cloak, please.” And to Hart, “I am afraid so. A young girl has been missing for three days. Time is of the essence, Hart, so do not argue with me. The night is young—I wish to interview the child’s family tonight.” Impatience ruled—she had to get downtown immediately.
    Hart sighed, shook his head, and said to another valet, “Sir. My coat and gloves, please.”
    Francesca started. “What are you doing?”
    “Do you really think I would allow you to sleuth about the city tonight, in that dress, undoubtedly in some very unsavory wards, with only Kennedy for protection?”
    She felt herself blink and it took her a moment to understand. “You don’t mean—what are you saying?”
    “I am coming with you, my dear.” He smiled at her.
    She was amazed. “You are accompanying me on my investigation?”
    “Indeed, it appears that I am.”
    She was thrilled. There was simply no denying it. Hart would sleuth with her tonight. He would accompany her on a new adventure. But very nonchalantly she shrugged. “Very well, if you really think it is necessary. I do think I have proven that I can take care of myself.” She accepted her red cloak from the valet.
    “I do think it is necessary, so humor me, my dear.” He accepted and shrugged on his black coat.
    “There is one thing,” Francesca said as they went to the door.
    “Pray tell.”
    “You are an amateur when it comes to criminal investigative work, and you must keep out of my way.” She knew she was being very