Page 12 of Equalizer
“Are you surprised? ThisisChicago,” Owen replied.
“Not really. But I’d prefer it not to turn into a Mafia war between families—or covens.”
“That could get…messy.”
Calvin felt a sense of relief that he interpreted as meaning he had crossed their protective wards as they stepped into the Pullman car.
“I trust everything is all right?” Winston asked, which was as close as he would ever admit to being alarmed at their sudden absence.
“We had a little heart-to-heart with the local Mob boss.” Owen hung up his coat as Calvin went to do the same. The air smelled of fresh coffee and roasting meat for dinner. “He claims they’re not involved, but he’ll look into it—without us. Oh, and there are witches.”
“Because, of course, there are,” Calvin muttered. Good witches were one thing. Dark witches who abused their power made him angry on general principle.
He figured the verdict was out on what camp Nonna Bianchi fell into, depending on her involvement. He would prefer her to be an ally, but they had other friends and resources if circumstances proved otherwise.
“Come in, have a hot coffee, and get warmed up,” Winston told them. “Dinner is in the oven. I have some news as well. Go sit in the parlor—I’ll bring the drinks to you.”
Several new newspapers awaited them as they settled on the tufted velvet couch. Despite the chill outside, the train car was comfortably warm.
“Here you go.” Winston bustled in with a tray. “This should take the chill off.”
Calvin’s first sip assured him that whiskey had been added to the coffee, no doubt for medicinal purposes.
“Hits the spot. Thank you, Winston,” Owen said.
Winston set the tray on a side table and sat across from them. “You weren’t gone very long, but it was enough time for me to discover a few interesting things.”
“More interesting than getting thrown out of a cemetery and cornered by the Mob?” Owen teased.
“You can be the judge. There was a telegram waiting from Miss Tarbell when I came back to the car. She is sending one of her contacts to us tonight, a Miss Abby Edwards, reporter forThe Chicago Tribune,” Winston replied with a cat-that-ate-the-canary smile. “Whom Miss Tarbell said isverywell-connected with people we should meet.”
Ida Tarbell was a firebrand journalist and reformer who wasn’t afraid to take on targets like Standard Oil. That made her a hero in some circles and a dangerous nuisance in others. Given her extensive network of contacts and penchant for research, she had been a big help to Calvin and Owen in previous cases they had worked on before teaming up.
“How is she? It’s been a while since I’ve heard from her. I hope she’s causing the right kind of trouble,” Calvin said.
“I will look up mentions of her in the newspapers the next time I visit a library,” Winston promised. “She is, indeed, an extraordinary woman.”
“Did the telegram say what was sointerestingabout Abby Edwards?” Owen savored his spiked coffee.
“No, but judging from her column in today’sTribune, she has strong opinions on the desecration of graves and society’s utter lack of concern for the mortal remains of the less fortunate,” Winston replied in a wry tone.
“Do we have a way to set an appointment with Miss Edwards?” Calvin asked.
Winston checked his watch. “She should be here in half an hour. I’ve invited her to dine with us.”
In exactly thirty minutes,a knock came at the Pullman’s door. Winston went to answer and welcomed their visitor, standing aside for her to enter.
“Mr. Calvin Springfield, Mr. Owen Sharps, may I present Miss Abby Edwards.”
Abby Edwards looked to be in her late thirties, a handsome woman with a knot of brown hair and a strong chin. Intelligence glittered in her blue eyes, and her gaze seemed to take in the men and their surroundings with the thoroughness Calvin expected of a seasoned reporter.
“Pleased to meet you.” She turned to thank Winston, then moved to shake hands with Calvin and Owen. “Happy to make your acquaintance.”
“Please, come in,” Calvin invited.
“May I bring you tea or coffee?” Winston asked.
“Tea, please,” she replied with a smile. “That would be wonderful. It’s gotten quite cool outside.”
