Shooting For Justice

do. We need to quickly execute a plan,” one of the men said. The other agreed. This occurred as we rolled into an intermediate stop. I planned on getting descriptions as we got off the train, but by the time I gathered my things, they were long gone.”
“What stop was this?” Sarah asked.
“Scarsdale, New York.”
“So, they were the only words you were able to pick up?” Pope asked.
“Yes. Do you know where they got on the train?” Sarah asked.
“I believe in New York City. There was a family in the compartment from Washington to New York.”
“How long was the trip from New York to Scarsdale?” Pope asked.
“It is a bit over an hour by train, I believe.”
“Did either of the voices sound familiar?”
“No, not at all.”
“How about your estimate of ages, accents and the like?”
“They were grown men. Not elderly. No discernable accent. They sounded educated. I truly don’t have anything more for you.”
“Then,” Sarah began, “could the two of you run through a list of what you think might be the reasons for an assassination attempt or coup attempt?”
“Let me lay some groundwork about Chester Arthur,” Lincoln said.
“He is a handsome man, those silly sideburns notwithstanding. He became very wealthy and powerful in New York. He’s an attorney and ran the Customs House. He got the job through patronage, something he has tried to do away with since. His actions for merit jobs throughout the federal government have made a number of people angry. People who had their hats set on certain jobs and people who had no qualifications and just wanted to be given a job gratis. He is aloof but can be charming when necessary. His greatest two traits are he is very smart, and he supports legislation according to his ethics. Most politicians legislate driven by political reasons. His ideas on immigration and Chinese and everyone else’s civil rights would have thrilled my father. He is converting our sad, small, and obsolete Navy to one which will be world class. He is converting from wooden ships to steel-hulled ones. There is a bit of grumbling about steel versus wood even by some admirals. The same type chaps who think single shot rifles are better than repeaters. As good as modernizing the Navy may seem, a number of people are angry over the funding for the Navy instead of their pet interests.
“He was connected very closely with a man named Roscoe Conkling. Conkling is an arch conservative called a Stalwart. He ran patronage in New York and has always been for harsher, more punitive treatment for the South. He has wanted Arthur to put him in the Cabinet, but the man he mentored in politics has refused. Conkling is a dangerous foe.”
Both detectives had been writing notes as the secretary of war spoke.
“So, we have a major political boss not only disagreeing with him but feeling betrayed. Related, Southern power brokers in politics and elsewhere may consider Arthur an enemy. We have people whose agendas are negatively impacted by the financial rebuilding of the US Navy. Perhaps, anger resides in the heads of the Army, especially generals. We have anti-civil rights people against him. Particularly, I would think, railroad tycoons who virtually use Chinese immigrants as slave labor. In addition to Conkling, we probably have many job seekers and political bosses who pass out federal jobs as part of their power base, mad about his merit system,” Pope summarized.
“It’s a good start,” Brewster said.
“It strikes me any of those could lead to attempted assassination or coup of some sort,” Sarah thought aloud.
“We agree, though this is the first time Robert and I have listed them,” Brewster said.
“We have our work cut out for us, gentlemen. Have you given thought to cover positions to allow us to begin?” Pope asked.
“We have one for you but have had difficulty coming up with a plausible job for Sarah,” Brewster admitted.
“John, I would like to make you Provost Marshal for the secretary of war’s office,” Lincoln said. It is a senior level, non-appointed position. The salary is high enough to help cover your wife’s time. Since your emphasis would be base and personnel security and investigations, your job history would tie in. It would give you reason to travel widely as needed. It carries a badge and certain arrest authorities and the ability to be armed anywhere. Of course, both of you would be covered for expenses.”
Lincoln handed Pope a badge and told him to raise his right hand. Minutes later, he was a civilian Army Provost Marshal at a colonel level.
“Sarah, Robert and I cannot figure how to position you in this operation. We know you are an experienced and noted investigator,” Brewster said.
“How about just as John’s wife who is writing a book on President Arthur? Book research would cover me asking lots of questions, going to libraries and the like.”
“Excellent! We may even be able to work an interview with the president where you can ask historical questions without giving away the threat,” the attorney general said.
“I could absolutely question him without him having the slightest idea I have an ulterior motive,” Sarah said confidently.
“General Brewster, would you prepare a letter of introduction for me, explaining I am doing some research for your office? The letter would facilitate getting into some offices and asking for files.”
“Of course. I will have it prepared and sent over to your hotel room first thing tomorrow,” the attorney general said.
“The president and his sister, who is social director since his wife died, are having a cocktail party three days from now. I will make sure you get an invitation. Be advised the party will be formal wear. It will be in the President’s House.”
“We will be there!” Pope said.
“Gentlemen, we have two separate sets of issues here. Assassination and having him removed from office under false pretenses. What precautions have been taken relative to the first?” Pope asked.
“There is a guard at the President’s House during public hours,” Brewster said.
“We have had