Shooting For Justice by G. Tilman (top 100 novels txt) 📗

In case he was a decoy for a real shooter, Pope stood back and studied the crowd. He saw Lincoln and Brewster. Neither would have usually attended a statue dedication. This was special though as the original site of the threat. They saw Pope in the crowd and Sarah next to the sign carrier.

Chester Arthur gave a short speech and looked into the crowd. He saw the sign and the woman standing next to the man holding it. He recognized Sarah instantly and beamed at her.

I might have to shoot him myself, Pope thought.

Lincoln and Brewster had advised the president of the threat and who had investigated and mitigated it prior to their departing for the monument.

He was stunned but appreciative to them, the Popes, and his old friend Conkling.

Arthur was not dismayed the Popes took permanent action against his would-be assassins. He had his secretary begin to do a complete dossier on the two out of curiosity. Especially about Sarah. He had no idea what dangerous ground he was treading.

After the dedication and ribbon cutting and the usual butt kissing which follows such an appearance, the president mentioned to Brewster he would like to have him, Lincoln, and the Popes join him for lunch. Brewster, suspicious of motives, immediately said, “Mr. President, I believe the Popes are leaving directly for San Francisco. I’m afraid it may be too late to catch them.”

He was an observant man. He saw Arthur looking at Sarah. And, more importantly, Pope’s cold stare back at him in return. He did not know exactly what Pope was thinking, but he hit pretty close.

Pope and Sarah had virtually no packing to do at the house in Washington. They spoke with May.

“How would you like to come back West with us? We are not sure where we will end up, but you are welcome to have a job and home for life,” Sarah offered.

“Oh, Sarah. You two are so sweet. What you don’t know is I already do. The owner of this house is my nephew. I am his only kin. He has willed it to me in the tragic event he dies abroad with the military. But he is a confirmed bachelor and needs me to take care of him like the mother I have been for the rest of either of our days. Otherwise, I would jump at the chance to go with you and John. You feel like family and have treated me like a family member instead of a housekeeper or employee.

“Do you know where you are going with Wells Fargo?” May asked.

“May, we have not got a clue,” Pope said in true detective fashion. It was a bit worrisome to him. He did not want to get too far from his grandfather as Israel aged. Sarah only had several surviving family members and did not speak often or fondly of any of them.

Before leaving Washington, Pope went to a jeweler with one of Sarah’s rings and bought another ring to quietly hold for her.

Both stopped at the secretary of war’s office late in the afternoon.

“Is there anything else you need from us? Further report elaboration?” Pope asked.

“No, John. I think the case is closed thanks to the two of you. The president wanted you two, Ben and me to join him for lunch this week. Ben feared he might have an ulterior motive and said you had already left. Hope you concur with Ben’s gut reaction.”

“I certainly do, Robert,” Pope said. Sarah nodded.

“Our train leaves in the morning. I’d like to say goodbye to my team at the President’s House, but just as soon avoid bumping into Arthur. So, I will write to them.”

“As will I to my little friend at the Library of Congress, such as it is,” Sarah said.

“What’s on the agenda for you two now?” Lincoln asked.

“We honestly have no idea. If you would, telegraph Lloyd Tevis and copy James Hume at Wells Fargo and tell him we fulfilled what you needed and are on the way back.”

“Of course. Your investigation was thorough and brought to a permanent conclusion. More than Ben and I could have asked. As a bonus, I am keeping you on the payroll for another three months but releasing you at your leisure.”

“Thank you, Robert. It’s most generous of you. Here is your provost marshal badge. And here is the deputy US marshal badge to give to Ben,” Pope said.

“Ben already addressed the matter of his badge. He would like for you to stay sworn and keep it. It will be good as long—or short—as he is attorney general.”

“Please thank him. It has been a pleasure working for both of you.”

Both detectives shook with Abraham Lincoln’s son and departed.

Not trusting Arthur’s probable amorous attempts, Pope suggested they find a hotel near the train depot for an early start. Sarah knew exactly what he was doing but said nothing. He suggested she start her night in the new little shift. She did not require more urging than a mere suggestion. Soon, it was in a pile at the foot of the bed.

The next morning, their sojourn in the East ended. They were steaming towards the west coast and totally unaware of what turn their careers might take.

6

The trip certainly had not sped up since they went from California to Washington. Both enjoyed train rides. Though Pope loved to be on the trail with Caesar, trains were better than his trusty horse for crossing vast expanses.

They talked a lot about life. At least as much as they could not knowing where Wells Fargo would send them.

“Sarah, I think we should get married. We could tell the general world we want to go back and have a church wedding. People could make their own assumptions.

If we took this approach, we could have Grandpa and Millie, Hume, Thatcher, Morse, maybe the Kanes if they wanted to travel so far, and whoever from your family outside of Chicago you want.”

“Is this a proposal, John?”

“You