Donaldina Cameron’s stories still haunted him.
“The bureaucrats did their best to move Chinatown after the quake, but no such luck.”
“Move it? Because of the vice?”
“I’m not sure they cared about those things, but the land down there’s worth a fortune. Or it would be, if they could wrest the property from the Chinese.”
Charles wrapped his hand around the water glass. “What happened?”
“The land the consulate occupied belonged to the Chinese government. They sent a delegation to the governor, vowing to move all Oriental trade to Seattle if the Celestials—the Chinese immigrants—weren’t allowed to return to their property.”
“Decisions always come down to the dollar. I imagine the threat got the governor’s attention.”
“And Mayor Schmitz’s, too.” Henry smirked. “Of course, he’s gone now. Extortion charges don’t do much for a political career.”
A dark-haired woman appeared to take their order. Charles skimmed the menu, choosing the chicken dinner, the same as his new friend. He took a sip of the steaming coffee. “Was my uncle involved in trying to relocate Chinatown? I overheard him dressing someone down about a trinket shop.”
Henry folded both arms across his barrel chest. “Is there anything your uncle isn’t involved in? He’s fixated on transforming San Francisco into some kind of model city. It’s never going to happen, though.”
“Why not?”
“It’s a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, if you ask me.”
Charles choked on his coffee. “A swine’s snout?” He mopped a napkin across his chin. “Proverbs, right? ‘As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.’ ”
“Very good.” Henry beamed. “You know the Scriptures?”
“A fair amount. But you’re comparing the city to a woman with loose morals?”
“No matter how hard the officials try to make us a showpiece, this will always be a gold rush town, complete with crooked streets and crookeder politicians, not to mention countless houses of ill repute.”
“There seems to be some housecleaning going on. Maybe we’ll see some honest leaders for a change.”
“You’re an idealist.” Henry narrowed his eyes at Charles, as if studying a complex legal brief. “I hope this business doesn’t crush it out of you.”
The waitress returned, carrying a large platter of food. She spread the bounty before them. Henry asked a quick blessing before the two men dug in.
Charles wiped his mouth with the napkin, casting a glance around at the neighboring tables. If he wasn’t mistaken, a few of them were inhabited by other men from the firm. Had the office emptied out after he and Henry departed? “What’s on the docket for tomorrow? I’m supposed to observe, but perhaps you can give me a few tips.”
The corner of Henry’s mouth twisted upward. “You’re shadowing Spencer? Figures. Ever since he heard your uncle was bringing you on board, he’s tied his bow tie a bit too tight.”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s spent years trying to impress McKinley and McClintock. You’re a threat.”
Charles’s stomach took a dive. “I never intended to walk in and upset everyone.”
“You need to see the situation from Spencer’s perspective. He always expects the worst. Next thing you know, he’ll be standing on a street corner proclaiming the end of the world.”
Charles shook his head. He’d gained an adversary, and he hadn’t even met the man. “Where was Spencer today? No one introduced me.”
“He was in court all day. He’s got a big case with Sanborn Fire Insurance. You’ll get a sample tomorrow.” Henry wiped grease from his chin. “Not me. I never get out of the office. I’ll be shuffling papers until I die, I expect.”
Charles pushed the potatoes around his plate. “If I move up as fast as Spencer fears, maybe I’ll be needing an assistant.”
Henry’s eyes brightened. “Now you’re talking. I knew I liked you.” He squinted across the table. “So, that means you’re in charge of the check. Right?”
Charles lifted his coffee cup. “See, I suspected you were clever.” He grabbed his fork and began spearing the cooked carrots. “Do you know anything about the King family?”
Henry rubbed his ear. “I met the son—the doctor. He came in a while back, insisting to see Mr. McKinley. Your uncle wouldn’t give him the time of day. Something didn’t seem quite right. The rest of the morning, Mr. McKinley appeared out of sorts—anxious, even. You spoke with the widow?”
“I did. It’s troubling. The numbers in the files don’t add up.” The niggling doubt burrowed in his thoughts. “I provided her with some options for the future. She accepted the news with dignity, but the daughter . . .” Charles shook his head. “What a firebrand.”
“A pretty one?”
A prickle raced across the back of his neck. “Yes, but not—I mean, she’s opinionated. And hotheaded.”
“Sounds like fun. The kind to keep a man on his toes.”
“Maybe for you.” Charles jammed his hand through his hair. “She’s moved to San Francisco, so there’s a chance she may appear at the office as well.”
Henry chewed and swallowed. “Thanks for the warning. Mr. McKinley will be none too pleased.”
“I don’t relish the thought, myself.” The idea of Miss King going toe to toe with his uncle sent a chill down Charles’s back. Perhaps he could send a message to the Mission and suggest a second meeting. At a neutral location, preferably. He glanced around the diner. Someplace a little finer than this.
***
Elizabeth ran a quick hand over her wrinkled skirt, as she followed one of the students down the stairs toward Miss Cameron’s office. The girl’s slippers made the slightest scuffing sound on the treads, making Elizabeth feel like an elephant trailing a gazelle.
The escort ushered her to the door, vanishing before Elizabeth could offer thanks.
Miss Cameron jumped up from a chair, skirt swishing. “Miss King, I am so delighted you are here. I must apologize for not greeting you upon arrival. You’ve settled in, I hope?” Her beaming smile warmed the room.
The knot in Elizabeth’s stomach uncoiled like a seedling reaching for the sunlight. “Yes, and the room is perfect, thank you.”
The missionary laughed. “They’re small, I know. I’d hoped when the Mission Board rebuilt 920 they’d provide something homelike, but I’m afraid what they gave us is more like a giant dormitory. But my daughters are grateful to be home again. Two years is a long time to be transient, especially for such a large family.”
