The Great West Detective Agency Read Online Free PDF Page A

breath. It felt good to be alive. He pulled the door shut behind him, then froze when a sharp command pinned him to the spot.
    â€œStop!”
    He moved his hand to the bulge where his Colt was stashed. Lucas half turned, then forgot the pistol and instead concentrated on getting his clothing in as good order as possible. The woman rushing toward him had a most delightful bustle. Raven-wing dark hair had been tucked under a wide-brimmed hat more suitable for a day in the country than business in the city, but the rest of her outfit had cost a pretty penny. The fine material flowed about her, hinting at the outline of the well-curved corset beneath, the skirts whispered sweet nothings, and her petite shoes clicked rapidly against the cobblestones.
    â€œDon’t go. I need to speak to you!”
    Lucas made certain she spoke to him. He touched the brim of his bowler hat and bowed slightly.
    â€œHow may I be of service, miss?”
    â€œDon’t close your office. Not yet.” She pouted. A strand of black hair like delicately spun midnight drifted across her bright blue eyes. She brushed it away without noticing she did so. Lowering her chin, she looked up at him. “Please. I need your expertise.”
    Lucas silently pushed the door open and ushered her into the office. He grabbed a chair and held it for her. A hint of perfume caused his nostrils to expand in appreciation.
    â€œSpikenard,” she said.
    â€œI beg your pardon?”
    â€œMy perfume. Men always notice it. It is made from a plant found only in Nepal, in the Himalayas.”
    â€œA very rare scent, to be sure. It fits you.”
    â€œHow do you mean?” She looked at him and batted her eyes, the long dark lashes moving seductively.
    â€œA rare perfume for a woman of rare beauty.” He flashed her a smile that melted feminine hearts. She smiled almost shyly, but a sadness tinged the woman’s bow-shaped lips.
    â€œI feared I would miss you when I saw you leaving.”
    â€œFor you, I will stay open around the clock.”
    Lucas forced himself not to reach for his watch to check the time. The real detective and owner of the agency would show up anytime now. The streets showed the traffic expected in a thriving frontier town and the capital of a newly minted state. More riders went in the direction of the capitol building than otherwise, but heavily laden wagons began the daily deliveries necessary to feed thirty thousand residents. So much activity meant any self-respecting businessman would be out and about in it to rustle up the most revenue possible.
    â€œYou are so kind. I am sure I am keeping you from very important work.”
    â€œNot at all,” Lucas said. “How can I assist you?”
    â€œWell, sir—”
    â€œLucas Stanton,” he said, immediately realizing it wasn’t smart to give her his real name. “Rather, you can call me that since, of course, I often use assumed names to solve my clients’ cases.” He had learned to stop yammering when he realized how badly he floundered with a lie. He did so now. He leaned back and made a gesture that he hoped kept her talking so he didn’t have to.
    â€œI am Amanda Baldridge.” She sat primly, with her hands folded in her lap and eyes downcast.
    â€œMiss Baldridge, I—”
    â€œPlease, call me Amanda. My needs are so . . . personal. Such familiarity—and may I call you Lucas?—puts me more at ease over a most disturbing matter.”
    â€œLucas is fine,” he said. “What is the nature of this problem?”
    â€œHe was kidnapped!”
    Lucas sat up. He had not expected anything serious.
    â€œA missing person is best dealt with by the Denver police. They have the manpower to conduct a real search.”
    â€œI went to them immediately and a sergeant at the front desk was very rude to me. He laughed, then threatened to have me thrown out!”
    Lucas understood a lawman wanting