It was raining in Washington and the gray skies outside only added to the somber mood in Pinkerton’s office.
‘Kirby is dead!’ Belle’s face twisted, her beautiful features crumpling. ‘That’s too bad, way too bad,’ she choked, turning away quickly from Pinkerton so he would not see the tears that sprung into her eyes.
‘You thought well of the lad I know,’ Pinkerton growled in a low voice, his broad Scots accent more evident as he told them of Kirby’s demise.
‘I did,’ Belle answered, stifling a sob. ‘I can’t believe he’s gone.’
‘ Goddamn it! And by our own men you say,’ Lomas cursed in disgust.
‘It happens in war,’ said Pinkerton sagely. ‘A dear friend but a casualty of the conflict. A sad loss.’
Hurriedly, Belle brushed aside her tears with the flat of her hand. ‘You have read our report?’ she asked.
‘Indeed,’ said Pinkerton, lifting the hand written sheets from his desk. ‘A damning picture. It strikes at the very foundation of our war effort. I shall report the matter to President Lincoln immediately, we must bring this scoundrel to book.’
‘Who knows where it will lead,’ added Lomas. ‘A connection like that and so highly placed.’
Pinkerton sniffed thoughtfully and studied them both closely. ‘That is a very good point, Lomas. I wonder if two might be encouraged to follow down that path?’
‘I’d like to,’ Belle said, determination showing on her face. ‘If only for Kirby’s memory.’
‘It means we leave Xavier Bond in place so as to give you the possibility to track down his contacts here in the north. I shall see to it that word gets back to the Confederates about Lamb, I’m sure they will want to rid themselves of these bounty jumpers just as much as we do. It’s an insidious self-seeking web these Knights of the Golden Circle have created and it crosses over both sides of the country’s divisions.’
‘I’m ready for it,’ agreed Lomas.
‘Good,’ said Pinkerton. ‘Then that’s how we’ll leave it. I must brief the President but other than that no one will know that Xavier Bond is a traitorous member of this wretched secret society.’
‘We’ll do our best, sir,’ said Lomas.
‘I think the two of you should take a break right now. I see you have Kirby’s death on your minds, when you feel able then make your play for Bond.’
‘It will be a fitting epitaph for Kirby,’ Belle promised.
‘He was a good man,’ Pinkerton agreed.
‘He was sight more than that,’ affirmed Lomas.
‘Yes,’ said Belle sadly. ‘He was my friend. A very dear friend.’
Belle was shocked by the depth of her feelings at the news. It left a hollow sensation inside her and she experienced a dark and inexplicable stunned emptiness. Her tears welled up again unbidden as she and Lomas left Pinkerton’s office.
‘You okay, Belle?’ Lomas asked softly.
‘Not really. I think I need some time alone.’
‘Sure,’ Lomas said. ‘I’ll drop you off at your lodgings.’
‘No, you go on. I want to walk a while.’
‘Okay, honey. Send me word if you need anything.’
‘I will, thank you, Lomas.’
‘Sad day for us both, Belle. I think I’ll go and raise a glass or two for that old cowboy.’
Belle nodded and watched him walk away, a tall figure, lean and erect in the plain cream suit he preferred.
Kirby gone forever, it was something she could not get a handle on. He had always been there for her. A kind of guardian angel she considered. At the thought she raised her eyes heavenwards, into the lowering gray clouds above.
If you’re watching, Kirby, she thought, God Speed on your journey and bless you.
Then she ducked her head against the rain squall that began to fall as if in answer to her prayer and walked on, not caring if she got soaked or not.