Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

Love in Disguise
Love in Disguise
Love in Disguise
Ebook365 pages5 hours

Love in Disguise

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

()

Read preview

About this ebook

Delightfully Engaging Blend of Romance, Suspense, History, and Humor

When costume-maker Ellie Moore suddenly finds herself out of a job in the middle of a bleak Chicago winter, she uses her knowledge of theatrical disguise to secure a position as an undercover operative with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Her assignment: find the culprit behind the theft of silver shipped from the mines near Pickford, Arizona.

Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie begins her investigation. Soon she finds she must also pose as the dazzling young Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.

Mine owner Steven Pierce is about to lose his business after the theft of several bullion shipments--until hope arrives in the unlikely form of Lavinia Stewart, who offers to invest in Steven's mine. In his wildest dreams, Steven never expected to be rescued by an inquisitive gray-haired widow...or to fall head over heels for Lavinia's captivating niece, Jessie.

But then the thieves come after both Lavinia and Jessie. Ellie isn't safe no matter which character she plays! Will she be forced to reveal her true identity before the criminals are caught? What will Steven do when he discovers the woman he loves doesn't exist?
LanguageEnglish
Release dateJun 1, 2012
ISBN9781441271112
Author

Carol Cox

Native Arizonan Carol Cox has an abiding love for history, mystery, and romance. The author of more than 25 books, she believes in the power of story to convey spiritual truths. Carol lives with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where deer and antelope really do play--within view of the family's front porch. Visit her website at www.authorcarolcox.com.

Read more from Carol Cox

Related to Love in Disguise

Related ebooks

Christian Fiction For You

View More

Related articles

Related categories

Reviews for Love in Disguise

Rating: 4.105882468235294 out of 5 stars
4/5

85 ratings34 reviews

What did you think?

Tap to rate

Review must be at least 10 words

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Ellie Moore is desperate after the loss of her job at the theater company. With no family to turn to, she aggressively pursues a position with the Pinkerton Detective Agency, thinking it will be an opportunity to use her acting skills and to have a grand adventure in the Wild West of Arizona. Her plans quickly go awry when her partner, a seasoned detective, bails out and Ellie is forced to play two roles: Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, and Jessie Monroe, a young and adventuresome flirt. Keeping up such an act is difficult enough, but then Steven Pierce, one of the mine owners that hired the Pinkertons to solve a mysterious string of silver robberies, is terribly attractive and he seems to feel the same way about Jessie! As Ellie edges closer to finding the thieves, both Lavinia and Jessie become targets. Can Ellie thwart the thieves before they strike again? If her identity is revealed, will she lose the love of a lifetime? Read more in Love in Disguise by Carol Cox.I love it when a book is better than I expect. Love in Disguise by Carol Cox was such a book. The mystery kept me hooked throughout the story. The clues were there, but I didn't know who was behind the silver thefts until the climax. Truly, the mystery was the heart of this book. There was adequate romance between Steven and Jessie/Ellie, but it wasn't emphasized like the mystery was, nor did there seem to be any romantic tension until the very end. I liked Ellie's development throughout the story. Her surrender of herself – just as she was – to God was a hidden gem of a theme that played out in other areas of the story. I recommend Love in Disguise to fans of Christian fiction who love mystery. I'm sure I'll read it again, but for the moment, I'm passing it along to my mother-in-law to enjoy.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I enjoy a good mystery, and I must say that this books is definitely a good mystery. I was a little surprised at who turned out to be one of the thieves by the end of the story. Usually I can figure it all out ahead of time, but this one sort of snuck up on me.I have read a few other female detective stories that feature the Pinkerton Detective Agency, and this one lived up to the adventure, mystery and more that I was expecting.I really loved the characters in this story! If I had to choose only one favorite, it would definitely be Ellie, since she was able to deal with playing the dual roles of "Jessie" and "Lavinia." Her struggles throughout this book showed her strength of character and endeared her to me from the start.Overall, I really enjoyed reading Love in Disguise and would recommend it to any who love Clean and Christian: romance, mystery, adventure, and historical. Again, a wonderful clean read that does mention faith in God, but is not preachy!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Just who has Ellie Moore become? Even now, looking back she can't remember, but God can. Now that she has given up the life of an actress in Chicago and trying to find a way to make a living, she overhears a conversation between two men looking for a woman for hire. They are Pinkerton's and were hoping to locate a woman to send along with a younger one to find out who's been stealing silver from the mines in Arizona.When Ellie applies for the job with little more than being aware of other's conversations as her only experience for the job, they look at her plain, young looks and politely decline to hire her. What they were looking for, was an older woman to accompany the young Norma Moore as an elderly escort to Arizona. Thinking back to her theater experience in Chicago, she quickly changes into a disguise as an elderly woman called Lavina Stewart, wearing a grey wig and elderly clothing. When she returns to the agency, neither man can recognize her and are ready to hire her, when she reveals who she is, begging them to give her a chance. Seeing no other options, they offer to send her along with Norma, an experienced field agent to Arizona.However, when she meets up with Norma and learns she has no intention on going to Arizona now that she has fallen in love and gotten married, Ellie, heads off on her own, hoping to come up with a plan before she arrives in Arizona. Her only hope lies in the costume trunk she was left with from her previous work with the Chicago theater.Steven Pierce is finding it hard to keep his silver mine going with the recent thefts. He agrees with the other silver mine owners to hire the Pinkerton's to help since they aren't sure their local Marshall isn't part of the recent string of silver thefts. He sure doesn't seem to want to do anything to bring anyone to justice. Now if only he can keep his head above water before his mining operations going under with this bank account become thinner and thinner. When Mrs. Lavina Stewart arrives to meet with him, he feels God has answered his prayer in finding a way to keep his mining operations afloat as an investment. If only he knew behind that wig and costume lies the help he was asking for in a different way.In the novel, Love in Disguise by Carol Cox, Ellie Moore will have to use everything in her bag of tricks to deceive not only all the residents on the town of Pickford, Arizona to keep not only the disguise of Lavina Stewart up, but to answer for the missing niece the Pinkerton's have hired with Ms. Moore, whom she hasn't explained isn't there. Lucky for her, she has another wig in her costume trunk to play the parts of two women while questioning the town for clues to the silver mine thefts.I received Love in Disguise compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and have to say this one was interesting in a variety of ways. First introducing not only the Pinkerton's into a historical fiction, but making her a woman character as well. Add to that mix, a woman who must master the art of deception and disguise while solving a crime. If she can do it, she knows it will secure her a job with the detective agency once this case is over. The character Ellie portrays is definitely believable and I can see how hard it would be to keep track of what towns person has told which character what information, as she switches between the two woman. Will anyone catch on why the two are never seen together? You'll have to read this one and find out. I personally rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait for more from Carol Cox in the future.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Ellie Moore travels to Pickford, Arizona on an assignment to uncover who is behind the recent thefts of silver. Penniless, Ellie must rely on her wits, amateur acting abilities and her background as a wardrobe mistress to keep the Pinkerton Detectives at bay, discover the thieves, and successfully prove that a woman can be as good of a detective as a man. Ellie portrays two roles: elderly widow Lavinia Stewart, and her vivacious younger niece, Jessie Monroe.Steven Pierce is one of a group of mine owners local to Pickford whose shipments of silver have fallen prey to thieves. Someone knows the system too well so it can only be an inside job. When Steven meets Ms. Lavinia Stewart, her interest in investing in his enterprise seems like a godsend. That flirtatious redheaded niece of hers, however, who insists on toying with the emotions of every man in town, she's a pleasant distraction to the problem at hand.As Ellie, disguised as two women, earns the trust of the townspeople and falls for Steven, she earns the ire of the men behind the silver job and is endangered no matter which persona she portrays. Can Ellie solve the mystery? Will Stephen still love her when he discovers she is neither Lavinia or Jessie?This charming story from Carol Cox sweeps us away to the frontier of 1880's Arizona. Ms. Cox draws from her background as an Arizonan to bring to life the exciting period of the Wild West, and as a pastor's wife, she weaves in themes of beauty, trust and finding your identity while maintaining integrity, a Christian standard relatable to her audience.I look forward to more stories from Carol Cox in the future and will be posting this review on my website to recommend to my readers.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This book is a nice read. It's a bit predictable, both as a romance and a mystery, but I still enjoyed it. It's well written, and I liked the characters. The one thing I wish - and I wish this about most romances I read - is for a bit more growth in the relationship department. They saw each other, they liked each other - that was about it. Why did they like each other, beyond physical attraction? Oh well, still a nice, light, enjoyable read.Oh, and I really like the idea of a female detective, especially in that time period.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Love in Disguise is about a young women named Ellie Moore. She had worked for a theater company in Chicago as a personal wardrobe mistress to a renowned actress. When the actress ends her career in America and sails for London, Ellie is unexpectedly out of a job. Her career takes a turn when she over hears two men talking about a need for a private investigator. Soon she is headed out west to see what she can find out about a situation she is supposed to investigate incognito. I loved this book! It was such a fun read. Carol Cox did an amazing job on this book! It was fun to read about how Ellie got herself out of her horrible situation of being alone with no job and into a very sticky situation of being a P.I. Her theater experience certainly comes in handy for her new job. At first you wonder if she'll be able to pull it off, but then you see that she really is quite a clever girl. Make sure to pick up this delightful read. You won't be disappointed!**I received this book free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Ellie may have hoped for a life on the stage, but circumstances dictate otherwise, and she finds herself without a job. She lands a position as a Pinkerton operative with an assignment in 1880s Airzona, identifying silver thieves. She uses her acting skills to disguise herself as two different people to seek out the clues she needs to find in order to keep her job. I won't give away the ending, but I will say that it's quite a surprise. This novel may be considered Christian fiction, but it's not overly preachy at all. It's a good, clean mystery story with twists and turns you wouldn't anticipate. While considered romance, it's not overly romantic either. The mystery and Ellie's deceptions take center stage. You'll like the main character and many of the townspeople of Pickford, Arizona. The author has done a good job of researching the time period, making the novel realistic and believable.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    When Ellie's air castle shatters, she trades it for a small, two bedroom house in Arizona. And a job she has next to no qualifications for. In her role as Lavina, an elderly widow, it's easy to poke her nose where it might not usually belong. As Jessie, she pretty much just smiles and men fall over themselves to babble information they wouldn't normally divulge. And when one of her potential suspects smiles, she melts, no matter which wig she's wearing. With a lot of luck, enough courage for three women, and answers to some heartfelt prayers, Ellie manages to solve the case AND get her man. ;-)
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This is a fun, light Christian romance. I loved the costumes and disguises Ellie uses, drawing on her theater background. That aspect helped a fairly predictable story feel fresh. The mystery and the romance were alright, but wondering if Ellie could keep her characters straight as she searched for clues kept me going.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I've just finished this ER book and it was really quite good! I enjoyed the story of a recently become unemployed, about to be destitute young woman who takes on a job with the Pinkertons to solve the mystery of multiple thefts of silver from miners in a small mining town in the old west! The story had a few hiccups, being an uncorrected proof, but was still very worth my time. It kept me drawn in and wondering who of the many characters was the culprit and that was a surprise til the end. The ending wasn't much as it was a romance, but that wasn't a bad thing.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This is a nice historical fiction romance read. It was different in that the main character was a couple of characters, which was a nice change of storyline. It was very easy to read and was interesting to see the main character develop and try to continue her numerous roles. There were many other characters that weren't defined very much, but there is only so much time to do that. Also, the ending felt a little abrupt to me, but thinking about it, there really was no need to go further, perhaps I was simply interested in going further. It was a nice quick read in which you are trying to figure out who the bad guy is and when the good guy will win the girl.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This was a very enjoyable story to read. It truly was a blend of romance, suspense and history as the back cover of the book states. Ellie Moore finds herself jobless, when she hears about a job with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. She needs to prove to the Pinkerton Agency that she can do the job (and to herself that she really can act) by disguising herself as a middle aged widow in a town where silver shipments are being stolen and no one knows who is involved. Steven Pierce is one of the mine owners who needs to find answers before he goes broke from all the robberies. He befriends the gray-haired widow, who is really Ellie, but starts to fall in love with her mysterious and beautiful niece (who is also played by Ellie). It gets quite complicated for Ellie at times, but she is determined to find the thieves.The story line was quite interesting and the mystery of who was behind all the stealing wasn't fully figured out by me until the very end. I liked the mystery and the romance, but especially liked the character Ellie. It was a well written book and I want to thank LibraryThing for sending me the book for review.Paperback: 352 pages Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (June 1, 2012) Language: English ISBN-10: 0764209558 ISBN-13: 978-0764209550
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Very enjoyable! Loved the dialogue and the people, very well written. Witty, wily and wild!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    It's not every day that a Christian romance comes along, so I was pleasantly surprised thanoring and respectful--sorry, but I just don't get into Fifty Shades of Gray, as I don't like to fill my mind with that kind of stuff. No smut here, but a fun story as our heroine becomes an undercover agent, with TWO false identities, and the funny and trying situations she finds herself in as the other characters start to wonder why they only ever see one of the false characters at a time. Further complicating the matter is when there is a romantic attraction, where she is torn, because she hasn't yet solved the mystery for which she was hired, and is finding evidence that points in the last direction she would have thought. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and gives me hope that others find delight in "clean romance" novels as much as I.The copy I have was an early reviewer copy, and as such was a "draft" transcript; I hope the powers that be don't change too much in the storyline!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Ellie Moore has been a wardrobe assistant for years, and loves her work. When her employer doesn't need her anymore, she finds herself only a step away from being on the streets. Desperate for another job, she applies everywhere but isn't ever hired. One day, when she's about ready to give up, she finds herself in the Pinkerton Detective office, pleading for the job of investigating silver thefts in Pickford, Arizona. Love In Disguise was a great blend of history and romance with a good dose of suspense. Carol Cox made quite a few characters that I found myself attached to, so I seldom found myself able to put it down. Very fun and engaging read. The only complaint I have is that I wish it had been longer, or part of a series. I would have loved to see more adventures of Ellie.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Love in Disguise is Christian Romance in a western setting with a unique setup. Ellie Moore is a frustrated, wannabe, unemployed actress who stumbles onto a potential job with the Pinkerton Detective Agency as a chaperone to a young female operative.When original arrangements fall apart, Ellie uses her acting and makeup skills to play a double role to foil a major theft ring in a mining town.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Ellie Moore takes on a position with the Pinkerton Detective Agency in a mining town in Arizona where her assignment is to discover who is stealing silver shipments. With a background in the theatre, she decides to disguise herself as a middle-aged widow and a her niece. This causes her some interesting and at times, humourous challenges as she tries to keep the two personas apart. This is Christian fiction but Ellie's faith did not seem to play a big part in the story until closer to the end of the story. If you like historical fiction with a bit of romance and suspense thrown in, this is a good story to read.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    "When one door closes, another door opens." That must be Ellie's motto, for when her employer leaves her to go to Europe, Ellie picks herself up and finagles her way into a position with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. The plan is for Ellie to travel to Arizona to help with an investigation into a series of silver shipment robberies. But when her partner has a change of plans, Ellie decides to try to do the job of two people. Not only is it more difficult than she imagined, but her growing attraction to mine owner Steven Pierce complicates the situation even more. She feels guilty for deceiving him, and he is thoroughly confused by Jessie/Lavinia. An engaging mystery/romance, Carol Cox's novel Love in Disguise is an example of good Christian fiction. There is a good, strong plot with no silly loopholes that leave you shaking your head after you close the book, and it conveys Biblical truths without sermonizing. With a clean romance and no "adult" situations/language, this novel is safe for any age. And on a personal note, I really enjoyed Ellie's quick-changes between Lavinia and Jessie. For me, that really made the novel. Definitely a 4 star novel. “Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    In this exciting tale, Ellie Moore aspires to be an actress, but makes her living as the wardrobe mistress to a self-serving theatrical performer. Then suddenly, she finds herself unemployed when the actress leaves for Europe. Alone in the world and desperate for any job, she used her knowledge of the theater and disguises to work for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Assigned to investigate the theft of silver ingots from several mines, Ellie, as an undercover agent, is soon targeted for trouble. Handsome mine owner Steven Pierce adds a bit of romantic interest for Ellie. But he doesn’t know the real Ellie, and after playacting in real life, is Ellie even sure who she really is? With a clever plot and well developed characters, this tale is entertaining as well as inspirational.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I wasnt sure about this book at first cause I saw historical fiction and I'm not into reading those books but I gave it a try and was instantly drawn to the story. You really dont know its historical except for the fact that they tell you what year it is and a few sutle mentionings about clothing and stuff. I really enjoyed reading this book all the way to the end, I especially liked the end. The only thing I'd say negative about it is that Id love to read more about the relationship that evolves in the end of the book so it left me wanting more like a sequel or something but overall an excellent book.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Ellie Moore, the protagonist in Carol Cox's novel Love In Disguise, finds herself unemployed and on the verge of being homeless in the winter of 1882 in Chicago. Her possessions are few-consisting of a trunk filled with the wardrobe that once belonged to her former employer who was a vain and selfish actress. Ellie's only work experience was that of theater wardrobe mistress. A chance encounter and an overheard conversation leads to her applying for a position within the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Even though she is initially rejected because of her total lack of experience in the sleuthing business, she uses her theatrical skills to land the job and she is off to the Arizona Territory to investigate a case.From the start much goes wrong. Ellie is assigned to work with a seasoned female Pinkerton detective. However, upon meeting her supposed partner the woman tells Ellie that she won't be accompanying her to Arizona. Instead, she is going on her honeymoon in New York. Ellie is shocked by the news that she is on her own. It is imperative that Ellie solves this case as she needs to prove herself to the Pinkerton people. Desperate times call for desperate measures as well as creativity. Thanks to contents of her wardrobe trunk, Ellie morphs herself into two diversely different women in order to conduct her investigation . As for the results, you have to read the book.This novel has it all. There is tension, suspense, humor, romance and elements of faith. The characters are well developed and I found the story totally believable. I recommend reading this book.I received this book free of charge from Bethany House Publishing and I give this review of my own free will.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Being a fan of historical fiction, I was drawn to this story for that reason. I loved Ellie's character. This is my first book by Ms. Cox but I look forward to reading more in the future!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Ellir Moore was a personal assistant to an actress who was on her way to Europe. Just before leaving the actress dismissed Ellie and left her on her own. After hearing a couple men talking about hiring a certain kind of woman for a job she persuaded the company to hire her on a trial basis to find some thieves who were stealing silver from an Arizona mine. She used her acting skills to disguise herself as two people. This was a fun read with a little romance.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I love these kinds of books. Not only are they light hearted to read and perfect when you’re ‘in between’ heavy reads. I love the historical setting, it’s so well written and I could picture everything so easily. I would say it’s accurate to the history aspect of things and it certainly does capture the ‘Wild West’ picture quite well.I loved Ellie. She’s so determined! I liked that quality about her. Her talent for switching between Jessie and Lavinia is very well done and as she dodges several obstacles here and there (the part with Amos being an unwanted admirer was fun to read). The other characters in this book are really just secondary characters - even Steven, who’s the love interest, doesn’t really develop in great detail as Ellie does. However, Ellie’s character development is very well done. The book focuses more on her, and how she realizes who she really is despite playing two very different roles. I liked this part of the book, it was very well done. The plot itself was a great read. Although, I would have preferred more emphasis on the mystery part of the book. There is a mystery element, but it’s not that heavily emphasized. In certain chapters, there is a bit of suspense built up and makes you wonder who it could be, but there’s just too many secondary characters to really take a good guess and I personally found myself to not really care too much about the mystery part of the book. I was more focused on Ellie and her character development. The ending itself was good - a little too quick on solving the mystery, but it was a sweet ending nevertheless. I definitely would recommend those that like these types of books, or who need a light read after the ‘heavy’ ones! I definitely enjoyed reading this one.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    The story line was capturing. The writing in the first few chapters seemed a little bland, but as the book continued the characters personalities really developed. This book is about a young women with some confidence issues who has a stroke of bad luck as stage hand/costume helper for a theater crew. With no prospects for future work she finds herself working as an undercover agent unraveling a western style silver thieving mystery. The romance in the book was simple and sweet which I would almost say the whole story is that way. If your looking for an edge of your seat excitement kind of book this is not the one for you. But its a solid pallet cleanser. Just a little something fresh.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    A cute read with a unique set up. I loved the interaction between the characters and while I didn't see the solution to the mystery, there really weren't enough clues for me to say "I should have known!".
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I really enjoyed this book. I could not put it down. The plot was excellant! The chartacter were good. I would recomend this book to everyone. I am going look for more book from Carol Cox.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Ellie Moore is desperate after the loss of her job at the theater company. With no family to turn to, she aggressively pursues a position with the Pinkerton Detective Agency, thinking it will be an opportunity to use her acting skills and to have a grand adventure in the Wild West of Arizona. Her plans quickly go awry when her partner, a seasoned detective, bails out and Ellie is forced to play two roles: Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, and Jessie Monroe, a young and adventuresome flirt. Keeping up such an act is difficult enough, but then Steven Pierce, one of the mine owners that hired the Pinkertons to solve a mysterious string of silver robberies, is terribly attractive and he seems to feel the same way about Jessie! As Ellie edges closer to finding the thieves, both Lavinia and Jessie become targets. Can Ellie thwart the thieves before they strike again? If her identity is revealed, will she lose the love of a lifetime? Read more in Love in Disguise by Carol Cox.I love it when a book is better than I expect. Love in Disguise by Carol Cox was such a book. The mystery kept me hooked throughout the story. The clues were there, but I didn't know who was behind the silver thefts until the climax. Truly, the mystery was the heart of this book. There was adequate romance between Steven and Jessie/Ellie, but it wasn't emphasized like the mystery was, nor did there seem to be any romantic tension until the very end. I liked Ellie's development throughout the story. Her surrender of herself – just as she was – to God was a hidden gem of a theme that played out in other areas of the story. I recommend Love in Disguise to fans of Christian fiction who love mystery. I'm sure I'll read it again, but for the moment, I'm passing it along to my mother-in-law to enjoy.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    When Ellie Moore loses her job as personal wardrobe mistress to Magdalena Cole, she is desperate to find a new one. So desperate she ends up working for the Pinkerton Detective Agency and investigating the theft of silver from mines in Arizona. She decides the best way to get information is to disguise herself as middle-aged widow Lavinia Stewart. While that works out okay, Ellie soon realizes she also has to disguise herself as Lavinia's niece Jessie Monroe. Ellie has her hands full – not only from portraying the two women but investigating the thefts. The last thing she expects is to fall in love with mine owner Steven Pierce.“Love in Disguise” is a wonderful novel that does an excellent job of combining romance, mystery, history, humor, and suspense. That sounds like a lot for one novel but author Carol Cox makes it work. At first I wasn’t sure I was going to like Ellie - she was more than a little obnoxious and full of herself in the first few pages. But once she got to Arizona and began wearing her disguises I really started enjoying her as a character and began to admire her resourcefulness. Yes, the main plot line of having Ellie be two characters seems a bit over the top (and hard to pull off in real life) but Cox makes it work. Cox also does a great job with not only the various characters but the town itself and the time period (1881). The romance in this book is the strength of the novel – it is sweet yet also funny as Ellie, drawn to Steven, struggles to behave as Lavinia really would (and the fact that some in town are attracted to Lavinia is an added bonus). The mystery aspects are well done with plenty of suspenseful moments, especially towards the end.“Love in Disguise” is wonderfully done.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    "Love in Disguise", by Carol Cox, offers a delightful and entertaining heroine in Ellie Moore. An assistant to a demanding actress, Ellie suddenly finds herself adrift when her employer sets sail for Europe and leaves Ellie behind with only a wardrobe trunk filled with costumes and memories of years gone by. Alone and unemployed in Chicago of the late 1800s, Ellie is facing an uncertain future until she overhears two men talking about hiring a woman for a certain job. She follows the two men, who turn out to be Pinkerton agents, and tries to persuade them she is just the woman they seek. However, they turn her down and send her on her way. Ellie learned a lot during her years behind the scenes at the theater, and she returns in the guise of an older widow lady seeking employment. She makes an impression on the detectives, and they send her on an undercover assignment to Pickford, Arizona, where shipments of silver ore are routinely being waylaid. The desperate owners of the local mines have hired the Pinkerton Agency to investigate and stop the thefts. When the female agent who was supposed to be Ellie's partner suddenly quits to get married, Ellie finds herself playing two roles: matronly widow Lavinia Stewart, and Lavinia's dazzling red-haired niece, Jessie Monroe. Complicating matters is Ellie's attachment to the handsome and courtly mine owner, Steven Pierce, who grows fond of Lavinia and quite attracted to Jessie. Ellie knows that she is neither of those women, and she fears that Steven will reject her when he learns the truth. Ellie gets both of her alter egos into precarious predicaments, some of which are funny and some of which are suspenseful. There is villainy of more than one variety taking place in Pickford, and Ellie's two identities are right in the middle of the action. "Love in Disguise" is a very readable and enjoyable historical romantic suspense story with a lovely romance between two people who are both at a turning point in their lives and their faith. Ellie and Steven bring out the best in each other, and together they might just grab true happiness and hold onto it for a lifetime. Review Copy Gratis Library Thing

Book preview

Love in Disguise - Carol Cox

(NIV)

1

Chicago, Illinois

December 1881

Ohappy dagger! This is thy sheath."

Ellie Moore gripped her hands together as she mouthed the well-known line from the last act of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The words floated out into the dark chasm beyond the edge of the footlights, and an expectant hush filled the theater, followed by a collective gasp at the moment she plunged her fists toward her abdomen and threw her head back with an agonized grimace.

There rust, and let me die. Ellie let her head fall to one side and held her pose, silent as the grave, while the Capulets and Montagues reconciled, and the prince delivered the final line.

Not until the roar of applause swept through the auditorium of Chicago’s Orpheum Theater did she stir again, ready for the curtain call. Ellie waited for the proper moment, then swept one foot behind her and sank into a low curtsey, spreading her arms wide. Her right hand brushed against the back of the red velvet curtain that screened her from the stage.

Here now. Don’t you dare set that curtain to moving.

Startled by the abrupt hiss behind her, Ellie jerked her head around and met the fierce gaze of Harold Stiller, the theater manager.

At the same moment, the actors began to file off the stage. Roland Lockwood, the troupe’s Montague, bumped against Ellie’s outstretched hand. Arms flailing wildly, Ellie floundered to regain her balance, but to no avail. With a muffled thump, she plopped into an ungainly heap on the wooden floor.

Burt Ragland, one of the stagehands, pushed past, his lip curled in obvious disdain. That wouldn’t have happened if you spent your time tending to your own job instead of pretending you’re some kind of star.

Ellie scrambled to her feet, brushing dust from the hem of her skirt and trying to ignore the snickers from the other stagehands who’d gathered nearby.

At least I intend to make something of myself, she snapped. You’ll be stuck here long after I’m gone. She lifted her chin when she heard the grunts of indignation from the group. Ha! That rocked them back on their heels, all right. And good riddance.

Noting the cleaner area on the floor that marked the spot where she’d made her undignified landing, Ellie swiped at the back of her skirt. I’ll think of you all, languishing here in this dusty hole, when I’m sipping tea in London.

Outright guffaws met her statement. Ellie gave up on trying to swat the dust from her backside, finding it too difficult to twist herself into a pretzel shape and maintain her haughty air at the same time.

Let them say what they wanted. It didn’t matter anymore. Before the night was over, she would be gone from their midst and on her way to England. There, in the homeland of the Bard himself, she should find many who would appreciate her acting skills, gleaned from years of observation in the theater. Finally people would look past her drab exterior and see the raw talent that lay beneath. All she needed was a chance—just one! Then she would show them all.

While the other actors dispersed to their dressing rooms, one of the crew opened the house curtain one last time, so Magdalena Cole, Queen of the American Stage, could address the audience.

Her voice filtered back into the wings. Thank you all for being here. Every performance is special to me, but tonight has a significance all its own.

Ellie glared at Burt and the others while Magdalena continued with the pretty speech she and Ellie had worked out the night before.

This marks my last performance in your fair city, and not only in Chicago, but in this great land of ours. Magdalena paused to let the murmur of surprise die down before she went on. Tonight I leave for New York, there to board a ship that will carry me away to share my art with the audiences of Europe.

Don’t make out that you’re any better than us, Burt growled. The only reason you get to go is because you’re that woman’s toady.

Ellie sucked in her breath. "That’s personal wardrobe mistress—thank you very much."

Good night, my friends, and God bless you, each and every one. Magdalena glided off the stage to thunderous applause, carrying a bouquet of deep red roses in the crook of one arm. She thrust the flowers at Ellie as she walked by. Put these in water, she ordered, then gave a quick laugh. What am I thinking? I won’t be here tomorrow to enjoy them, so it doesn’t matter what you do with them. Throw them away, if you want. She continued down the hallway without breaking stride.

Burt snorted. "Sounds more like personal dogsbody to me."

Ellie tossed the bouquet into a nearby trash barrel and followed in Magdalena’s wake, not deigning to give Burt the satisfaction of a reply. She closed the dressing room door, shutting out the post-show flurry.

Hurry. Magdalena’s eyes shone like a child’s on Christmas morning. We haven’t time to waste. She spun around so Ellie could unfasten the hooks on the back of her costume. Arturo will be here any moment. Is everything packed? Magdalena slipped out of the Juliet gown with practiced ease.

It’s all ready. Ellie draped the costume over the back of a nearby chair and reached for Magdalena’s new traveling outfit. She slid the stylish dress over the actress’s head and upraised arms and fastened the row of jet-black buttons that ran from neck to hem. Then she stood back to study the effect.

Well? Magdalena pivoted slowly. Even in their present rush, she could find time to pause for an accolade.

Ellie reached out to adjust the rounded collar, then nodded. It’s perfect. That cobalt blue matches your eyes exactly. Your couturier outdid himself this time.

And well he should have. I paid dearly for those new gowns. Even though I’m planning to acquire a whole new wardrobe once we reach London, I could hardly begin my grand European tour dressed like a second-rate bit player, could I? First impressions are so important.

Ellie folded the Juliet gown with care and placed it on top of the other clothing in the costume hamper. She lowered the lid, pressed it down with both hands, and then finally sat on it in order to fasten the latches.

There now, we’re all set. Your new dresses are in the two large trunks, along with your other personal effects. Costumes, wigs, and makeup are here in the hamper. We’re ready to leave as soon as Mr. Benelli arrives.

Magdalena cleared her throat. Ellie, there’s something I— A knock at the door cut her off. She leaned back against the dressing table and struck a pose, then nodded at Ellie. It must be Arturo. Let him in.

Ellie opened the door to find a small contingent of theater workers gathered there. Harold Stiller stood in front of the group.

We’ve come to say good-bye. He pushed past Ellie and walked over to Magdalena, who abandoned her dramatic stance the moment she recognized her visitors. On behalf of all of us at the Orpheum, I want to wish you a safe journey to England and a dazzling career in the theaters of Europe. We will always treasure the memory that we, in some small measure, played a part in your success.

Magdalena’s lips tightened, then curved into an expression that would look like gracious acknowledgment to anyone who didn’t know her as well as Ellie did. It was obvious to her that the actress had no intention of giving credit for her success to anyone but herself while she stood on the threshold of her greatest triumph.

Their triumph, Ellie corrected herself. How many times had she heard Magdalena say she didn’t know what she would do without Ellie’s help?

Thank you for coming to say farewell. Magdalena’s tone held a note of dismissal, but Stiller didn’t take the hint. He leaned against the chair as if settling in for a long conversation, ignoring the glitter in the actress’s eyes that would have warned a more observant person of a pending eruption likely to rival that of Mount Vesuvius.

Ellie moved between them, ready to intervene, but was interrupted by a commotion at the door.

Magdalena, my darling. A stout man in a cashmere overcoat swept through the doorway, followed by three workmen. "Forgive me for keeping you waiting, cara mia. I had to brave the snow and ice to find the draymen and bring them inside. Arturo Benelli, the famed impresario who would be orchestrating the next step in Magdalena’s career, took her hand and kissed it reverently. Then he straightened and clasped her fingers in his. Your performance tonight was glorious, magnifico! Are you ready to take Europe by storm?"

A girlish laugh—the one she’d used when she played Hero in Much Ado About Nothing—gurgled from Magdalena’s lips. More ready than you can imagine, Arturo.

"Ah, perfetto. Our train awaits." Benelli lifted Magdalena’s cloak from its hook and draped it around her shoulders, then wheeled around and snapped his fingers.

The workmen stepped forward, and their leader asked, Which of these things do we take?

Ellie cleared her throat. Those two large trunks and that wicker hamper belong to Miss Cole. She pointed to each item in turn. The smaller trunk over there is mine. She indicated the battered case that held her own belongings.

Benelli arched one eyebrow and turned to Magdalena. You haven’t told her?

Magdalena swung around to face Ellie, all trace of Hero gone. She cleared her throat, and Ellie felt her stomach constrict.

We’ve had some wonderful years together, haven’t we? Magdalena murmured with a sweet smile.

Ellie nodded dumbly, knowing in her heart that something dreadful was about to happen but unable to fathom what it might be.

You’ve served me well as I’ve risen in my profession, but now my career is taking a new turn. Arturo has come into my life, ready to lead me to even greater heights. And new opportunities often require us to make some changes. The actress’s eyes welled with tears, as they did whenever she wanted to show heartfelt emotion.

Enough. Benelli’s eyes, so adoring when he gazed at Magdalena, held no warmth when he turned to look at Ellie. What Magdalena is trying to say is that I have promised her the very best of everything on her tour of the great theaters—including the finest wardrobe designers and makeup artists Europe can offer. In short, everything provided for her will be of the highest quality, par excellence—meaning she won’t need you.

Ellie’s mouth dropped open.

Benelli snapped his fingers again, this time at the man lifting Ellie’s small trunk. Put that down. It won’t be going.

But . . . Ellie shifted her gaze back to Magdalena, looking for some sign that his words had all been a cruel joke. But the actress’s face held no hint of teasing, only impatience, and perhaps a trace of guilt.

But I’m the one who takes care of you. Who else knows the way you like things done? Your favorite hairstyles, the way you want your pillow fluffed. And what about— Ellie’s voice quavered, and she choked back a sob. She couldn’t break down and disgrace herself—not here, in front of an audience of sneering co-workers.

She drew a deep breath, cleared her throat, and tried again. "You can’t be serious. You need me." This time the words came out with more assurance. Ellie lifted her chin and stared straight at Magdalena, willing her to refute Benelli’s outrageous statement and vindicate Ellie before them all.

Instead, the actress turned to her left and placed her hand in the crook of Benelli’s arm. Let’s be on our way. She smiled up at him, excitement shimmering in her eyes. Europe awaits!

Together, they exited the dressing room and turned left, toward the stage door. The draymen followed, bearing Magdalena’s heavy trunks and the costume hamper.

Ellie shouldered her way through the knot of people lingering near the doorway and stood in the hall, watching Magdalena go. This must be a nightmare. It had to be.

Wait. I’ve changed my mind. Magdalena stopped halfway down the hall and turned back.

Ellie’s heart soared, and joyful tears pricked at her eyes. She should have known Magdalena couldn’t go through with it. She took a step forward, ready to forgive.

Magdalena pointed to the man carrying the enormous costume hamper. Take that back. I’ve no need for those things anymore. She raised her voice a notch and called back to Ellie. Why don’t you keep them? They can serve as a lovely memento of our time together.

The drayman returned and set the hamper in front of Ellie, then trailed along at the end of the retinue.

In the distance, Ellie heard the stage door close, signaling Magdalena’s final exit from the Orpheum . . . and her life.

A half-suppressed snigger pulled her attention back to the grinning stagehands. Even Stiller wore a lopsided smile.

Ellie drew herself up and glared at them all. Don’t you have work to do?

Burt Ragland leaned against the doorjamb. We do. But you don’t. The smug look on his face made Ellie want to rip his hair out.

Of course I do.

And what would that be? Burt asked. Pourin’ yourself a cup of tea so’s you can pretend you’re living it up in London? Looks to me like the reason for all your snootiness just walked out the door.

Ellie bent to grip the handle at one end of the hamper and tugged it back into the dressing room, bumping Burt out of the way as she passed. Nonsense. I have years of experience as the personal assistant to one of the leading actresses of our day. I’ll have no trouble securing another job. And now, I’ll thank you all to go about your business and leave me to tend to mine. She moved to close the door, but Stiller blocked her way.

"Not so fast. This dressing room is no longer your domain, not that it was ever yours to begin with. Now that Miss Cole is gone . . ." Even though he didn’t finish the sentence, his grim demeanor left no doubt as to his meaning.

2

Pickford, Arizona Territory

December 1881

Moonlight cast distorted shadows across the silent landscape near the Constitution Mine. Steven Pierce edged along the south wall of the board-and-batten office building, stepping gingerly so as not to advertise his presence.

Ducking into a pool of shadow, Steven paused to listen for any sign that his approach was being watched. Satisfied that he’d made the trip from his own digs unobserved, he ghosted his way to the door and slipped inside.

Four fellow mine owners looked up at his entrance, their grim expressions barely visible in the feeble glow of a single lantern. A blanket hung over the lone window, cutting out the light from the moon.

Steven made his way, more by feel than by sight, to one of the wooden ladder-back chairs set in a rough circle in the center of the plank floor. Any word yet? he asked the others.

Tom Sullivan, owner of the Constitution, shook his head. Not yet. We’re still waiting for Ezra.

Steven closed his eyes for a few moments and let them adjust to the darkness. A quick glance around the room told him the others weren’t in the mood for conversation, so he folded his arms, settled back in his chair, and waited.

The silence dragged on, stretching his nerves to the breaking point. He tried to make the time pass more quickly by studying his companions. Tom Sullivan, Brady Andrews, Alfred Clay, and Gilbert Owens—all of them older than Steven by a decade or more. Did their years of experience give them greater perspective, and more patience as a result?

A sudden scraping outside brought everyone to the edge of their seats. Steven smothered a quick grin at this evidence that the others were every bit as jumpy as he. The door swung open, and the group let out a collective sigh of relief when Ezra Winslow, owner of the Jubilee, entered the room. A blast of night air swirled in with him and set the lantern flame dancing.

Bar the door, Tom ordered.

Ezra complied, then rubbed his hands together. It’s as cold as the North Pole out there.

Steven bit back another smile at the general murmur of agreement. The night air might seem cold to men who had spent years in the arid Southwest, but compared to the near-arctic chill he’d grown used to at Princeton University, southern Arizona’s winter temperatures felt more balmy than frigid.

Ezra took the chair next to Steven’s and sat in silence.

Brady Andrews and Alfred Clay exchanged glances, and then Alfred leaned forward. Well? Don’t keep us in suspense. Did they make it through this time?

Ezra shook his head. Nope. The single word dropped from his lips like a chunk of ore tossed into a mining car.

What! Gilbert Owens of the Blue Jacket Mine sprang to his feet and loomed over Ezra. Don’t sit there like a clam, man. Open your mouth and tell us what happened.

Ezra wiped his hand across his mouth, then waved Gilbert back to his seat. I ain’t tryin’ to hold anything back. I’m just so bumfuzzled myself, I can barely make heads or tails of it.

Brady pulled a silver flask from his pocket and held it out to Ezra, who accepted it with a grateful nod and took a swig before handing it back.

Okay, here’s what happened. Like we agreed, I was riding half a mile behind Huddleston, off to the side of the road, where I wasn’t likely to be spotted. When Huddleston started out in his wagon, he looked for all the world like he was just makin’ one of his regular trips to Tucson for supplies. There was nothing to let anyone know we’d loaded the silver onto his wagon and covered it up with a pile of feedbags.

He cast a longing look at the flask, but Brady shook his head. You’ve had enough to help you get the story out. Keep talking.

We were going through that rolling area a few miles this side of Benson, and I lost sight of Huddleston and his team behind one of the hills. Then I heard shootin’. My first thought was Apaches, so I spurred my horse and headed for the fray. When I topped the hill, I saw Huddleston lying on the ground and a group of riders makin’ tracks in the other direction.

Tom’s face grew stern. Did they kill him?

No, but it wasn’t for lack of tryin’. He’d lost a fair amount of blood, so I loaded him onto the wagon and took him on into Benson. The doc there says he ought to pull through, if infection doesn’t set in. I waited around long enough to hear that, then hightailed it back here.

And the silver? Gilbert asked.

Gone. Every last bit. As fast as they moved off, they must have split it between them so they could travel light.

Alfred slammed his fist against the arm of his chair.

Gilbert moaned and buried his face in his hands.

Brady uncapped his flask.

Steven felt as though he’d just stepped off a cliff into thin air. He clenched his fists and struggled to keep his face impassive. He’d sunk every bit of his capital into his mining venture, against his father’s strongly worded advice. And now it appeared his father’s dire predictions of failure were about to be fulfilled. After a series of robberies, sending the silver out of Pickford camouflaged in a rancher’s wagon had been the group’s last resort. If they didn’t figure out how to stop the rash of thefts—and soon—he would be done for.

Now what? Gilbert’s question pulled Steven’s attention back to the moment at hand.

Alfred shot to his feet so quickly his chair toppled over. He paced the narrow room, pounding his fist into his palm with every step. What else is there? When we sent the silver out on the stage, they held it up. When we hired extra men and shipped it in our own wagons, they picked off our guards. And now this.

It’s a terrible state of affairs. Tom looked as though he’d aged ten years since Ezra’s pronouncement. How are they doing it? How could anyone possibly have guessed the silver was in Huddleston’s wagon?

"They didn’t guess. They knew! Alfred’s voice rose to a roar. How’s the word getting out? That’s what I want to know. Who’s giving us away?"

I don’t know, boys, but I think we’ve hit a dead end. Ezra slumped in his chair, the picture of defeat. If we could call in the law, this would be a good time to do it.

Brady took a swig from his flask. We all know that’s a bad idea. I don’t trust Marshal Bascomb any farther than I could throw him. I guess we could contact Sheriff Behan over in Tombstone, or maybe the Earps.

Alfred snorted. That’d be like asking the fox to guard the henhouse.

Nobody’s actually proven they were involved in any stage robberies, Gilbert countered. So far, it’s all been a lot of talk.

That’s an awful lot of smoke if there isn’t any fire, Ezra grumbled. I ain’t willin’ to trust any of that lot.

Then where does that leave us? Tom’s gaze measured each of the mine owners in turn. Are you saying we’re all done for?

Not me, Steven said with a sudden rush of conviction. I’m not ready to roll over and die yet. He looked around, willing the others to join him in making a stand.

No one jumped up to lend support. Driven by the defeat he saw in their faces, Steven breathed a silent prayer and pressed his point home. Let’s look at this logically. Tom and Alfred are on the right track. How do these thieves know what we’re doing? Where are they getting their information? Those are the questions that need answering.

Alfred slapped his hat against his thigh, and a cloud of dust motes spiraled in the lamplight. That’s what I’ve been askin’ myself for weeks. We’ve got a rat in our midst, and when I find out who’s been giving us away, I know exactly what I’m going to do. There’s only one way to deal with a rat.

Brady rocked his chair back on its rear legs and pursed his lips. I’m all for finding out who’s leaking information and then plugging up the hole. I want to keep the Lucky Lucy working just as much as the rest of you want your mines to make a profit. But how do we keep these coyotes from stealing us blind?

I agree. Tom got to his feet and ran his fingers through his silvery hair. We can’t keep making shipments, only to have them stolen right out from under our noses. Why don’t we stockpile it in one of the unused drifts in my mine until we can ferret out who’s behind all this and it’s safe to try again?

That makes sense, Brady said.

After a short pause, Steven nodded in agreement, and then Ezra, but Alfred and Gilbert did not.

I think it’s best we each take care of our own stockpiling. But I need to get a shipment through soon, Gilbert said. It isn’t just myself I’m concerned about. I have a dozen men, some with families, depending on me for their pay, so we can’t take too long to break this open. I’m just a few steps away from going belly up.

You aren’t the only one, Steven reminded him. All of us are in the same boat.

But what can we do? Brady leaned forward, thumping the front legs of his chair against the wooden floor. This is the craziest situation I ever heard of. We can’t find a way to protect the silver ourselves, and we can’t trust the law to do it for us. What else is there?

Silence settled over the group as the men looked at each other in the dim light.

Alfred shrugged his coat higher on his shoulders and stomped to the door. "We’re wasting our time here. If I knew who to shoot, I’d take ’em out before the night’s over, but that’s just it—we don’t know. What I do know is I can’t go on like this. I’ve had an offer from a fellow back east."

He shoved his hands into his pockets and looked down at the floor. I’ve been holding him off up to now, because the Busted Shovel’s worth ten times what he’s willing to pay. But if hanging on means losing my shirt, I’m ready to call it quits. At least I’ll have enough to grubstake me so I can start over again someplace else.

Wait a minute. Gilbert’s voice stopped Alfred with his hand on the door latch. What about the Pinkertons?

The name of the famous detective agency lit a spark of hope in Steven. From the flicker of interest that rippled around the room, he could see it affected the others the same way.

Ezra stared at Gilbert as though he’d suggested asking for help from the president of the United States. You think they’d send someone clear out here?

Why not? Brady countered. They’ve made a name for themselves tracking down train robbers and the like.

The reminder fanned Steven’s spark of hope into a blaze. That’s right. They have quite a reputation to uphold. If they take this case on, they’ll dig like a terrier going after a nest of rats. If anyone can put a stop to this thievery, they’re the ones.

Alfred stepped away from the door, his expression doubtful. They’d want to be paid, too. Have you thought about what it would cost?

Gilbert snorted. It couldn’t be more than we’ve already lost to these bandits.

What do you think? Steven asked. We’ll split the cost. Are we all in agreement?

Gilbert nodded first, then Brady. After a moment’s pause, Tom and Ezra murmured assent.

Steven glanced toward the door. What about you, Alfred?

The sullen man narrowed his eyes, then shrugged. I think we’ll find ourselves throwin’ good money after bad, but I’ll go along with it—for a time at least.

Tom rubbed his hands together. So how do we go about getting in touch with them? Should we send a wire?

No, Brady objected. There’s too many ears listening in up and down the line. We can’t afford to show our hand, not when this is our last chance. We need to play this one close to the vest.

A letter, then, Gilbert suggested. Who’s going to write it? We need to make it real convincing.

Ezra grinned and shook his head. I’m no good at puttin’ words to paper. I’ll pass.

Brady pointed across the circle. Steven, you’re the college man. You do it.

Steven glanced at the other members of the group and saw no dissent. All right. I’d be glad to, if Tom will let me borrow a pen and some paper. What do we want to say?

Thirty minutes later, he handed around a draft ready for the assembled miners to read.

Looks good to me. Gilbert picked up the pen and signed his name with a flourish. Who’s next?

One by one, the others added their names to the letter. Ezra stood back and admired his signature on the page. This is a pretty impressive moment, fellows. Makes me think of those boys who lined up to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Just be glad it isn’t a temperance pledge. Brady chuckled as he wrote his name below Ezra’s.

Tom put his hand on Steven’s shoulder. Make sure you don’t let anyone else see this. We don’t want word to spread around town.

Steven folded the sheet of paper with care and tucked it into his coat pocket. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.

Patting his coat to indicate the letter was secure, he headed back to his horse, feeling the first glimmer of optimism he’d experienced since the rash of thefts began. If only this plan would work. He could picture it now—the Pinkertons swooping into town, ferreting out the gang of thieves, and setting him and the others back on the road to prosperity.

With an effort, he

Enjoying the preview?
Page 1 of 1