Time of Fog and Fire: A Molly Murphy Mystery (Molly Murphy Mysteries) Read Online Free Page B

embarrassment I could cause him.”
    “I understand,” he said. “You don’t still run this detective agency, do you?”
    “No, I gave it up when I married.”
    “As do all women, I regret to say,” Sid interrupted. “What husband can tolerate a wife who has a successful career?”
    “Other than Nellie Bly,” Mr. Graves said. “I gather her marriage is a happy one and look what exploits she gets up to.”
    “We both know Miss Bly, don’t we, Molly?” Sid said.
    “Isn’t she wonderful? And yet most women see her as a freak rather than a shining example of what a female can accomplish,” Mr. Graves said earnestly. “We need to educate women and make them realize that all things are possible for them. And you can help. If you grant me the interview, Mrs. Sullivan, I promise you may vet my copy and we’ll make sure it is clear that your adventures were in the past.”
    I was still torn, conscious of the crowd around me and people eyeing me with curiosity. I suppose a lady detective is a rarity, even in the company of the likes of Mark Twain. “I’ll think about it and make my decision when I know how long my husband will be away,” I said.
    “Your husband is away?” Mr. Graves gave me an almost impudent grin. “Then what could be better? He will not be able to object. The interview will be over and complete by the time he returns.”
    Sid touched my arm. “Say yes, Molly. Think of all the good you can do for our poor housebound and dominated sisters.”
    “I’d still like to have time to think it over,” I said. “I do have Daniel’s career to consider and I can’t afford to put a foot wrong when there are those at the police department who would love to see his downfall.” I turned to Mr. Graves. “If you will give me your card, I promise I will contact you in a few days with my answer.”
    He fished in a pocket. “Very well,” he said. “Here you are. I look forward to hearing from you. You are the neighbor of Miss Goldfarb, are you not? I trust she will work her persuasive magic and make you see what an asset you are to the women’s rights movement.”
    He forced his way back through the crowd. Sid gave me an encouraging smile before she followed him, leaving me alone with Mrs. Endicott.
    “I’d no idea I was chatting with a celebrity,” she said. “Now I am all the more excited to entertain you at my house. Can we say next Tuesday? How about luncheon instead of tea? My cook is really quite good.”
    “Thank you,” I said. “I look forward to it.”
    “And you’ll bring the little man with you? It will be such a treat for me.”
    “All right. Although I do warn you that he has reached the inquisitive stage.”
    “I should add that my cook does make the most wonderful cakes and pastries. What child can resist them?”
    When she laughed she looked suddenly younger and I got a hint of former prettiness that the severe hairstyle and worry lines had masked until now. I had two children within my care, friends just across the street, and now, it seemed, a newspaperman waiting to interview me, and yet I knew I’d still be worrying about my husband every day. I could see all too clearly how those worry lines had taken over what used to be a pretty face.

 
    Four
    On Tuesday I dressed Liam in his best sailor suit, packed a bag of his favorite toys, and set off pushing the buggy to Mrs. Endicott’s house. It was a tall, solid brownstone on Fourteenth Street. The epitome of middle-class New York respectability. The maid who admitted me to a warm entrance hall was dressed in a smart uniform. She took our coats and scarves and told me that madam was expecting me in the sitting room.
    “Meeting you has been a godsend, Mrs. Sullivan,” Mrs. Endicott said after she had made a fuss over Liam and settled us in an armchair beside a roaring fire.
    “How is that, Mrs. Endicott?” I asked.
    “You have been an inspiration. Here you are, also abandoned by your husband, and yet you do not let it