Read Online Love on a Dime by Cara Lynn James - Free Book Online Page A

pulled into Grand Central Terminal late in the afternoon and Jack disembarked.
    He hailed a carriage and rode directly to the Jones and Jarman offices on Broadway. As usual, the city was hot and steamy, teeming with people and all types of horse-drawn vehicles. His cab wove through the tangle of traffic.
    When Jack arrived at the publishing house, the long and lean Mr. Jarman led him into his inner office crowded with books and manuscripts piled high on tables, shelves, and floor. A small oil painting of the late Mr. Jones, cofounder of the business, hung on the wall beside Mr. Jarman’s picture. He and Jack sat on soft leather chairs as a secretary poured two cups of coffee. Cold lemonade would have suited Jack far better.
    The publisher frowned and ran his fingers over his shiny oval head edged with salt-and-pepper hair. Sideburns and a trim beard semi-circled the rest of his face. “Before we begin to negotiate, I think you should read this item.” He handed Jack a copy of the scandal sheet Talk of the Town .
    Jack scanned the paragraph, nothing more than baiting to try and get Fannie Cole to reveal her identity.
    With his hands folded on the desk top, Mr. Jarman leaned forward. “I suspect if Miss Cole doesn’t reveal her name, Colonel McIntyre will up the ante.” His sallow face blushed. “My wife shoves this scandal sheet under my nose quite often, I’m afraid. And since it is in regard to Miss Cole . . .”
    Jack stifled a grin. He’d met Trudy Jarman several times socially during the last several months. She was a sweet-tempered busybody who never seemed to miss a word of gossip. But this gossipy item about Fannie Cole certainly was troubling.
    Jack leaned forward. “What’s Rufus MacIntyre’s purpose in revealing her identity?”
    “He might have a grudge against Miss Cole or her family. But I suspect he ’d rather blackmail her than expose her. He ’s done it before. If she pays, he ’ll keep silent, at least for a while.”
    This complicated the purchase. “Have you spoken to Miss Cole about this?”
    With a sigh of frustration, Mr. Jarman shook his head. “No, she hasn’t come into the office in quite a while. And, if Talk of the Town is correct, she ’s summering in Newport. So she probably won’t return until autumn.”
    “Don’t you know who she really is?” Jack asked.
    Mr. Jarman shook his head. “She comes here from time to time, but she leaves almost as fast as she appears. I hand her revisions, pay her in cash, and then she ’s off like a scared rabbit. She ’s heavily veiled, and I’ve never caught more than a glimpse of her face.”
    Jack groaned. “I’d like to speak to the mysterious Fannie before I purchase Jones and Jarman. It’s imperative for this company that she doesn’t quit writing. She needs to know I’ll help her deal with that scoundrel, MacIntyre.”
    “Believe me, I understand your concern.”
    “How about if I make my offer early tomorrow morning? Will that be soon enough?”
    “Excellent.” Mr. Jarman rose. “Eight o’clock sharp?”
    “I’ll be here. Also, would you like to stay on for a while? I’d appreciate your help while I learn the business.”
    Mr. Jarman nodded. “I’d like that.”
    They shook hands and Jack started for the door. “I have an acquaintance who volunteers at the Christian Settlement House. A Miss Lillian Westbrook. Do you know her?”
    “Haven’t had the pleasure, I’m afraid.”
    “I was visiting her brother in Newport when you telephoned. She’s part of the New York and Newport set. It’s possible she may even know how to put me in touch with Miss Cole.”
    “That would certainly be helpful. If you’re going to the Settlement House, would you mind delivering a box of books? Miss Miranda Reid ordered several Fannie Cole dime novels for the young ladies.”
    “I’d be glad to. Do you think they’ll still be open at this hour?” It was already past five o’clock.
    Mr. Jarman chuckled. “Oh, yes. Miss Diller