custom of performing sneak attacks, Byrch,” Kevin said. Secretly he agreed with Byrch, but Bridget had overridden him, saying all her friends were donating considerable sums, and she didn’t want to be left out or seem ignorant of her social duty. Now here was Byrch reinforcing Kevin’s doubts. Still, he wouldn’t give his cousin the satisfaction of agreeing with him verbally.
“That may be true, Kevin,” Byrch continued, “but how would you feel if you were to learn that all of these charitable donations were not being used in good faith? I wouldn’t be much of a reporter if I didn’t get to the bottom of things, and to be honest, I’d not hesitate to list the names of the poor pigeons who were taken in by a scam. Perhaps it would serve to warn others to be more selective as to where they offer assistance.”
Bridget bristled and then paled. “Byrch! You aren’t saying you know something about this Magdalene Society, are you?” Good Lord, if she’d been duped along with her friends, they would never be able to hold up their heads in public again!
“What Mr. Kenyon says makes a good deal of sense,” Mr. Beauchamp agreed. “Will you be conducting an investigation for us, Mr. Kenyon?”
“I think I might. If I find it to be honest, a feature article in the Clarion might induce others to contribute. If, on the other hand, it isn’t what it should be, donors will be prevented from making fools of themselves.”
“Oh, come now, Byrch, I hardly think we’re fools. We merely acted on the report the committee members submitted,” Bridget said. “If you’re bent on discussing fools, I think you should first look to yourself and some of those hot-headed editorials you’re responsible for. If it were up to you, you’d feed and clothe every filthy immigrant who lands on these shores. Admit it!” Bridget demanded spitefully.
“For the deserving, Bridget. Someone has to help them. These new organizations springing up all over the city need monitoring. The Irish especially seem to be the victims; of course, just the sheer numbers of them coming to America throws the balance in that direction. But I won’t forget that they’re my people, Bridget, just as much as they’re yours and Kevin’s. I didn’t say this Bleecker Street establishment was corrupt. I said I had my suspicions, and I agreed to check it out.”
“And publish our names if we’ve been duped?”
Byrch cocked an unruly brow at Bridget. “Do I take it you also have your suspicions? Besides, what better way to prevent you and others like you from making the same mistake twice? If donations were made intelligently, these scam artists would not assume that money was out there for the taking, and the interests of the poor would be better served. Surely you wouldn’t expect me to suppress my findings just so you won’t lose face among your friends?”
“Of course not,” Bridget replied.
“Then again,” Byrch added, “think what a heroine you could be if your name was linked with the exposure, if it proves necessary.”
Bridget thought for an instant. Yes, she would like it very much. She’d never thought of herself as a heroine, but she had to admit it, it was a very appealing notion.
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