Page 33 of Equalizer
“Which means that while we now have a very visceral impression of the core process, we still don’t know who is behind the body thieves and offering the procedure.” Owen sighed.
“About that.” Louisa shot them a crafty smile. “I have an idea of how we might find out more.”
“Do tell.” Owen enjoyed their teasing rapport. He never worried that Louisa would take his casual flirting seriously knowing that she liked both men and women.
“Have you heard of the First Ward Ball?” At their blank expressions, Louisa’s smile grew. “Oh my, you are in for a treat. You know that Chicago runs on grift and graft, right?” They nodded, and she continued.
“It’s the most notorious party in the city—and considering Chicago, that’s saying a lot. The party is a who’s who of the city’s politicians, mobsters, madams, shady ladies, and thrill seekers, all of whom line the pockets of two aldermen,” Louisa said.
“Even the police captains show up. Every year, the ball manages to scandalize in new and amazing ways. Everyone gets drunk and rowdy, mistakes are made, and new blackmail material is collected,” she went on. “And I can get you in.”
Owen and Calvin exchanged a look. “We’ll be recognized. We’ve already met several of the local deplorables.”
“A little magic can fix that for an evening.” Louisa gave a dismissive wave. “Have you gents heard of Pearl Hart?” They shook their heads, and she went on.
“Pearl lives by her own rules. She’s been a lot of things, most of them illegal. However, she made a name for herself as a cowboy of sorts. She also has been one of our informants for several years, which has kept her out of jail,” Louisa said. “And she loves a good party.”
“How—” Calvin asked.
Louisa grinned. “Pearl’s something of a celebrity in certain quarters. She’s not tame enough for the Wild West show, wherethe men are men and the women swoon. I suspect Pearl could whup most of those duded-up pretenders with one hand tied behind her back. But I’m quite sure she would be very happy to attend the First Ward Ball—and report back on what she overhears—if I buy her a ticket.”
They paused as the waiter took their order and refreshed their drinks, then returned with a basket of warm bread and fresh butter.
“All well and good, but where do we factor into it?” Calvin asked.
“You would be her escorts,” Louisa replied. “Owen has some experience out West we can draw on, and you can just look pretty and stick close,” she added with a smirk. “I’ve seen Pearl work a room and there’s no one better. Since even the big crime bosses show up at the ball, it’s a perfect way to drop bait in the water and see who bites.”
Owen and Calvin exchanged a glance. “Risky if we’re recognized,” Owen said. “But I agree that it’s a rare opportunity to have the most likely suspects all in one place.”
“Even if the people behind the transplants aren’t at the ball, certainly someone in that group will have heard something,” Calvin agreed.
Owen doubted it would be quite that easy, but he nodded in agreement. “It wouldn’t be the dodgiest caper we ever pulled.”
“Great! Then I’ll get in touch with Pearl and make arrangements.” Louisa beamed. “I think the three of you will get on great.”
“Is this a black-tie event?” Calvin asked.
“There will certainly be plenty of people dressed to the nines. Tuxes wouldn’t be amiss. I wouldn’t be surprised if Pearl wears one herself—or a Western version, at least. She’s not the ball gown sort of girl.” Louisa winked. “And you’ll want to make sureyou’ve got your guns. Come the wee hours, the party gets very…uninhibited.”
“I feel like we’re not getting the whole story,” Calvin said. “We’ll do our best work if we know what’s really going on.”
Once again, conversation paused for the server, who brought them fresh salads with chicken and hard-boiled egg, more hot bread, and a plate of ginger cookies for dessert.
“The First Ward Ball raises money for the two aldermen by requiring all the businesses that want favors or protection to buy plenty of tickets and underwrite the liquor,” Louisa told them. “The party itself is as scandalous as you’d imagine, especially once the booze starts flowing.”
“And no one’s shut it down?” Owen had trouble believing such open bacchanalia managed to continue.
“Oh, they try,” Louisa assured him. “And one of these years, they probably will. But there are also plenty of socialites looking for a walk on the wild side who come early and leave before it gets too out of hand. That’s the sweet spot you’ll want to hit because once the clothes start coming off, no one is interested in dishing gossip.”
Owen shuddered. “Yeah, I think we want to miss that part.”
“Pearl’s something of a celebrity in certain quarters,” Louisa said. “She’s managed to stay out of jail—sometimes with our help—but she has a penchant for shortcuts that aren’t entirely legal. Plus, she’s not the kind of woman most people have ever encountered—and she plays that to her advantage. I guarantee she’ll have the Mob bosses practically courting her before the party runs off the rails.”
“What’s her cover?” Calvin asked.
“She’s going as herself, but the story she’ll dangle is that a good friend who was a star on the rodeo circuit got hurt in an accident and messed up his foot too badly to ride again. We’ll seeif someone offers up an alternative—for the right money,” Louisa replied.
It could work—if we’re not recognized,Owen thought.
