Free Wilder Than the Rest: MacLarens of Fire Mountain by Shirleen Davies Page A

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    An invitation had arrived at the hotel from Mr. and Mrs. Pierce MacLaren, inviting him for supper at their home that evening. A carriage would be sent for him. Chaz unpacked his few belongings, strolled to the downstairs lobby, and waited for his conveyance. He’d just settled into a large wingback chair when the carriage arrived for the short trip to the area referred to as Nob Hill.
     “Good evening, sir,” Penelope greeted the tall, slender man.
    “Chaz Yarbrough,” he said and handed her his hat.
    “Chaz.” Pierce walked in, shook Chaz’s hand, and led him into the nearby parlor where Mollie and Eva waited.
    Chaz greeted the women, accepted a drink from Pierce, and took a seat next to Mollie.
    “I’m wondering if we may have been sent to San Francisco too soon, without enough information.” Eva’s voiced what all, except perhaps Chaz, were thinking.
    “It doesn’t appear that we have much to go on or check out. At this point, it all seems like a waste of time.” Pierce was exasperated with the assignment. Sitting and waiting wasn’t high on his list of things to do, especially in such close proximity to Mollie.
    “I have to agree with Pierce and Eva. Besides meeting some of the local bankers and attending social functions, there doesn’t seem to be enough coming from Lee or Noah to keep this going.” Mollie leaned forward in her seat, focusing her attention on Chaz.
    “It does appear to be a bit of a waste,” Chaz said as he finished his drink and set down the glass. “There’s little detail, and what we have, is conjecture. Nothing proves anything illegal is happening yet. My guess? There is someone in Cleveland’s government stirring things up to see what happens. He may have his suspicions, genuine concerns, and Noah’s boss may side with whoever has triggered our involvement. Unfortunately, when someone at the stop snaps their fingers, we must jump.”
    “But to what end, Chaz? Yes, there are records of large sums of money being withdrawn from one East Coast bank by members of the original investors group, but what does that prove? These same men are original investors in Carlton Benstead’s bank. Perhaps the money is being used for that, or some other very legitimate investment. There must be something more that neither Lee nor Noah are sharing.”
    “Perhaps they’re in the same fix we are,” Chaz interjected. “They must respond to an order from their bosses the same as us.” He stood, walked to the liquor cabinet, and poured another drink, offering more to the others, who declined. “And they may not be sharing everything they’ve learned. I will guarantee you, if anything of note occurs, we will be given instructions.” He paused a moment to swallow some of the amber liquid in his glass. “There is one piece of information that may interest you. One of my sources has heard multiple rumors of an American, connected with the government or possibly an actual government employee, who is seeking contact with people my source says are less than honorable men. His sources are distinct, so he believes there is some truth to the rumors.”
    “What is he asking? Has anyone given a description?” Eva set her glass down and stood, becoming more intrigued as this new revelation unfolded.
    “The rumors are that he is an American connected to the government, that’s it. No one is saying what business he is discussing or services he needs, or what the man looks like. Are they afraid to talk? I don’t know. Nothing more specific, yet it’s a start and confirms that something is in the works. Is it connected to what Lee and Noah have us doing? I don’t know that either.” Chaz knew the assignment would not be cancelled, at least not until Noah was ordered to shut it down. “Right now, all we can do is continue to learn what we can from those in San Francisco financial and business circles. At some point, our endeavors may mean something.”
    Pierce turned at the soft rapping on the