The Harrison: A Beautiful Place to Die (Madeline Donovan Mysteries Book 2) Read Free Page A

living his life thinking of others, her father never acted in any way that would ever denigrate his integrity. She looked at him now, filled with pride, and felt grateful she had, at least, one surviving family member.
    A knock on the door signaled that Uncle Hank had arrived. His scarecrow like demeanor made him appear even more loveable as he smiled brightly at the dinner guests.
    “I’m sorry I’m a bit late, but they worked us a little longer today. Business has been good. I don’t mind though because it means a little extra money,” said Hank.
    After introductions, Dr. Donovan took his place at the head of the table, with Madeline and Hank seated at his right. Rosa and Louie sat on the left side of her father. It was a breezy, mild day, and they had left the window open in the dining area, the warm wind blowing stirred the candlelight on the table to flicker. Dusk had come and gave the room a shadowy, warm feeling.
    Mrs. O'Malley served a hearty chicken soup; however, except for Uncle Hank, no one ate very much. Madeline’s curiosity was getting the better of her, and all she wanted was for dinner to be over so that Rosa and Louie could tell their story.
    “Rosa, do you feel you can begin to tell us a little more of what has transpired with your sister?” asked Madeline.
    “I have not seen my sister for two years—she lives with my father in New York. After our mother had passed away, she stayed with my Father to help him run the family bakery. Father finally was doing well enough to allow Maria to come for an extended stay here in Chicago. She arrived several weeks ago and had been in awe of the city, spending time at McVicker’s Theater and traveling everywhere around Chicago. However, after one of her days of sightseeing, she did not return. She had previously never arrived home later than nine. I know she had made several casual acquaintances, both male and female, but nothing more than to enjoy a visit to one of the museums or to have a meal with.
    Then several days ago, she left, being rather secretive and dressed in a most becoming gown, saying she was attending the theater with a group of ladies. She said she was meeting them down the street at the new Harrison Hotel. We have not heard from her since.”
    “I agree with my sister, something terrible has happened to Maria, and no one in authority seems to care. They said they would send a police officer around to the hotel to ask about her, but that was about it,” said Louie.
    “Do you have a photograph of her?” asked Madeline.
    “Yes, we had some taken as soon as she arrived. She is a beauty; I am sure you would agree,” answered Louie.
    He handed her a picture of Rosa, her husband, Louie, and Maria, taken in a studio setting. They were a handsome family, and as Louie said, Maria stood out among them. Although there was no color in the photograph—only shades of sepia—her striking features nonetheless compelled one to look at her.
    “She looks like someone from the stage. Yes, she is very beautiful,” said Madeline.
    “Her hair is black as midnight, and she loves to wear brightly colored hats to accent it,” said Rosa.
    “She’s quite athletic, and can compete with anyone in tennis, which accounts for her shapely figure,” said Louie.
    “May I see the picture?” asked Hank.
    Squinting, he stared at the photo. He held it for a moment, then said, “I could be mistaken, but when I was at the drugstore from across the hotel the other day, I saw several women standing outside the hotel. I remembered them because they were finely dressed and, they stood out from everyone else. I think one of them might have been your sister.”
    “Yes, I believe she liked to frequent the shops there,” said Rosa.
    “So, I will start at the hotel. Do you have any names of anyone that she has met while she was here?” asked Madeline.
    “No, not really—she mentioned a few people by their first names. I think I remember Felicity or Felicia and