The Family Way (Molly Murphy, #12)

“Well then, that’s settled,” Sid said. “You write the letter. We’ll get unpacked and sorted out and then we’ll be at your disposal.”


“You’re the tops,” I said. “I’ll never be able to repay all the kind things you’ve done for me.”

“Nonsense,” Gus said. “Our life would be awfully boring if you didn’t live across the street. We love a little spice and danger from time to time, don’t we, Sid?”

“Just a little,” Sid said.

I poured each of them a glass of iced tea and put the sugar bowl in front of them.

“Then can I also ask you to keep your eyes open for more potential kidnappings when you’re going through the Lower East Side?”

“More kidnappings? Are you expecting more?” Gus sounded shocked.

“I’m afraid so. The one I witnessed, or almost witnessed, was the fifth recently that the police know about. Daniel thinks that a gang has found taking babies an easy way of making money.”

“That’s despicable,” Sid said. “We shall certainly keep our eyes open and if we do witness one, then heaven help the kidnapper.”

“Oh, do be careful,” I said hurriedly. “These gangs are quite ruthless.”

Gus put her hand over mine. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure she doesn’t do anything too daring or stupid. But I have to confess I’m a teeny bit excited about apprehending a possible kidnapper myself. Do you have any description?”

“None at all. The police have nothing to go on. I’m afraid snatching a baby is all too easy in those crowded streets.”

“We’ll just do our best then,” Gus said. “You can rely on us, Molly.”

And she saluted. I laughed. “Now I can concentrate on the other matter,” I said. “That letter about the missing Irish girl.”

“I thought you promised Daniel no more detective work.” Sid wagged a finger at me. “What does he think about this?”

“She hasn’t told him, naturally,” Gus said with a smirk at me.

“Actually I have his blessing,” I said. “At least I have his blessing to ask our friends if they have come across a family called Mainwaring, which was the name of the family where the girl from Ireland found employment.” I took a sip of my own tea, then looked up at them. “You don’t happen to have come across anyone called Mainwaring in your travels, I suppose?”

“The name doesn’t ring a bell.” Sid looked at Gus for confirmation.

Gus shook her head. “I don’t think I know anyone called Mainwaring. Did you say she lives in New York?”

“I don’t know where she lives,” I said. “I made that assumption because the girl found a job so quickly after landing here. I’m writing to employment agencies to see if any of them remember placing the girl.”

“Why don’t you just put an advertisement in the Times?” Sid said. “Wishing to contact a Mrs. Mainwaring who recently employed Maureen O’Byrne as a domestic.”

“I could do that,” I said doubtfully. “Would it be very expensive?”

“I shouldn’t think so,” Sid shrugged, money to her being no object.

Money was an object to me, but I didn’t want to admit this. “I thought of going to see Miss Van Woekem,” I said. “She knows everybody who matters.”

“It depends if this Mrs. Mainwaring matters or not then,” Gus said. “Most people can afford a maid or two.”

“So what would you do if you wanted to locate somebody?”

“Go to City Hall and take a look at the electoral roll. That is if there is a Mr. Mainwaring; women, of course, not being on anyone’s electoral roll.”

“Yet,” Gus finished for her.

“That’s a good idea,” I said, cheering up immensely. “I can do that.”

“Providing the Mainwarings are citizens and can vote in elections,” Sid pointed out.

“Sid, you’re making difficulties,” Gus said. “If they are not on the electoral roll, they’ll be on some other kind of list. If they own a house, they’ll pay property tax. City Hall will have them listed somewhere.”

“And then there are the electoral rolls in the other boroughs too,” Sid added. “People with money are moving out of the city these days to the new suburbs.”

“Other boroughs,” I said. “I don’t think Daniel would want me to go charging off to the Bronx.”

“Molly, you’re beginning to sound like the dutiful little wife,” Sid said. “Where is that spunky girl we used to know? Surely Daniel doesn’t monitor your every movement.”

“No, but…” I began.

“She did agree not to take on any more cases, Sid,” Gus added for me. “And she shouldn’t get too tired, rushing all over the place.”

I shot her a grateful smile.

“Maybe we can take on that for you too,” she added.