Samuel and the others arrived at the hotel around four o’clock. Mona rented out the entire west side of her floor. The Pinkertons were housed in their own suite directly across from Mona. Samuel and Jamison took over the butler and maid’s room at the very end of the hallway, as Mona knew they would appreciate their own private rooms. She told her staff very little except that she was being hounded by men, who wanted her to sign foreign copper contracts, and she needed relief from their unwanted attentions. When Samuel broached the subject of Mona’s trip to Great Britain, Mona replied that the trip had been temporarily pushed back.
Mona made it clear that one Pinkerton was to be stationed in the hallway at all times. The maid and Mr. Hammond, the butler, were excused as Samuel and Violet would tend to her personal needs. Each person was to get everything they needed like extra towels before taking possession of their suites as there would be no further room service. None of the hotel staff would be permitted in their rooms.
Of the six men, three men were to remain on the hotel floor at all times. Mona instructed them not to give anyone her whereabouts or any information about Moon Manor or Moon Enterprises. Idle talk would be cause for dismissal.
Jamison was told to rent two cars suitable for four people each and to check them for listening and explosive devices each time before they were driven.
Samuel and Jamison glanced at each other. They knew something was up as Mona did not like security details following her. In fact, she loathed them. So, what was the matter? Bombs! Jamison was not sure he would recognize such a thing off hand. He had no idea what a bomb looked like, but he knew every part that belonged in a car. If something looked out of place, he would spot it.
Violet stood behind Mona while she was giving instructions. She nervously wrung her handkerchief and nibbled her bottom lip. She realized Mona was not telling her everything. It both irritated and stimulated her. She wanted to be a bigger help to Mona, and she wanted something of excitement for herself. After all, she was ready to start living her life. There had to be something more than mending Miss Mona’s clothes, and fetching tea. She wanted a grand adventure, but also to remain safe at the same time. Somehow, Violet felt that was not how life worked, so she was rattled when Mona began giving restrictive instructions to her staff. Violet felt strongly that it had very little to do with Lord Farley canceling their trip. Something else was not right, and she could see some mild anxiety on Samuel’s and Jamison’s faces. They felt it, too.
Mona said people were hounding her for copper contracts, but she didn’t state who they were. Moon Enterprises was in the business of selling copper. Mr. Deatherage, Mona’s lawyer, said traveling was always healthy for making new business contacts. It would seem that Mona would welcome inquiries for the Moon copper. It didn’t make sense. Violet felt sure that Mona’s unease had to do with the visits from the two G-men and Mr. Scott.
As soon as the men retired to their rooms, Mona ordered a mess of sandwiches, coffee, soda pops, and desserts for them. She knew Samuel had an enthusiasm for Coca-Cola and ordered him several cases. She and Violet would dine alone in their suite and stay in for the night.
Around midnight, Mona got a call from the front desk stating that a man named Rupert Hunt wished to come to her room. Having gone to bed already, Mona threw on some slacks and a shirt and met Hunt in the main lobby.
Violet donned a house dress and surreptitiously followed Mona. She saw Mona and Rupert Hunt go outside and across the street, talking for a few moments. Violet didn’t know exactly what Hunt did for Moon Enterprises, but knew that he posed as an assistant professor to get Mona on an expedition to Eastern Kentucky. She had heard Lord Farley and Mona arguing when she hired Hunt to act as her eyes and ears at her mines in the West. Lord Farley said Hunt was a little weasel who almost got them killed. Mona said his nefarious skills might prove to be invaluable to her.
Now Hunt was here in Washington getting instructions from Miss Mona. Violet clutched at the collar of her house gown. She couldn’t help thinking that Mona was not candid about the last two days, and somehow she was in danger. Oh, how she wished Lord Farley was here. He would confront Mona for the truth.
Violet wouldn’t dare!