by Lynn Wolfe
“He had to have some help to accomplish so much in so little time. But who’d be willing to help a mad man? Thomas, you can’t begin to imagine the sound of those screaming horses as they were burned. I couldn’t save them. I couldn’t. I feel horrible.” James looked away before he could finish. He wiped the few tears that had fallen ever so slowly with his dirty sleeve. “I must head back, be careful, Thomas. Stay alert!”
Thomas watched as James rode out with stooped shoulders and in complete defeat. He’d never seen James cry before. Not even when Susannah had passed. But now, James was beaten. Thomas knew he wasn’t in a position to help him financially.
If his father did the same to him, as he’d done to James, he too, would be ruined. Thomas immediately increased the times of his property checks and had Will McKee ride out to warn the other men watching his small herd of cows a few miles out. They could shoot first and ask questions later as far as Thomas was concerned. He didn’t know if his father knew where he lived, but he’d have to assume if he’d found James, he’d also found him.
Poor James, he looked as if he’d aged ten years. Thomas knew his father had gotten his revenge and more by what he’d done to James. When would this stop? How could anyone destroy such beautiful horses out of spite? His father was delusional and he hated him now more than ever.
Chapter Sixty-Three
Edward’s Return
Edward returned to Baltimore anxious to seek out James and Thomas and inform them of his findings, but to his dismay, he realized that would have to wait. He was needed in Philadelphia for an urgent meeting with his banking partners who needed help to settle a lawsuit.
Edward knew his family matters had to be put on hold for the time being, so he headed to the Parker Shipping office to meet with Clayton and share the news he brought back from London.
“Good afternoon, Uncle Edward. I see your back from your trip. I hope everything went well for you,” Charles said continuing with some paper work. I’ll be with you shortly, Uncle.”
“I actually just stopped in to speak with Clayton. Isn’t he here?”
Charles stopped what he was doing and looked at Edward with a surprised expression.
“What is it, Charles, what’s happened?”
“I’m sorry, Uncle Edward, Much has happened since you left. First, Mrs. James Parker passed away shortly after your departure. Then, Clayton sent word he and Annabelle would be staying on to help James with the children. I actually don’t know when to expect Clayton back. He left me full reign of the company until he returns. I must say this keeps me quite busy. But I feel I’m very capable. I haven’t seen Clayton for several weeks now.”
“That’s strange. I’ve never known Clayton to be gone for such a long spell. If you should see Clayton while I’m gone, please give him my sympathy regarding Susannah. She’ll be greatly missed. Let him know I’m pleased with the information I obtained, and I shall contact him when I return from Philadelphia. Thank you, Charles, and good work.”
“You’re welcome, Uncle Edward. Have a safe trip.”
“I’m planning to and I hope to be back in a few days.”
*****
Edward now had to make other plans. He needed someone to try to locate Henry Ball, or Henry Adler, since that was the name he was last going by. He knew just the man he could trust with such a project. Patrick McFadden.
Patrick and he went a long way back. They’d been deck hands together on numerous occasions in their travels to and from England or wherever else the ship set sail in their younger days. He was one of the hardest working men Edward had ever known. But more importantly, he was trustworthy and loyal.
Edward had hired Patrick shortly after he began the Baltimore Storage and Warehouse, prior to being employed by the bank. He knew Patrick was ready to give up the life of a deck hand and offered Patrick the position of managing his warehouse, where he stored the purchases made from the auctions held at the docks. Edward purchased, at auction, many different items that hadn’t been claimed at the docks.
There were many reasons cargo went unclaimed, but usually it was due to lack of funds by the owner of the goods or the owner hadn’t lay claim to their purchase, which could mean anything from their death, to being in prison, or not making it back to port in time.
Patrick kept inventory of not only what was in the warehouse, but also what they were storing for other merchants, who’d yet to make room for their merchandise.
Edward knew Patrick and his wife had five children and Patrick’s wife kept a watchful eye on him, so he stayed away from the pubs for the most part. But Patrick never complained. He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes.
The next morning, as Edward headed out of town, he stopped to see his old friend and employee. “Patrick, are you in here?” Edward called out, not seeing him as he entered his warehouse.
“Is that you Mr. Pierce, I’ll be there shortly. I’m just finishing up unloading the Whiskey that arrived yesterday. You shouldn’t run out anytime soon,” he said laughing.
Patrick strode up the warehouse floor between two large stacks of goods that extended the length of the building. His bulging muscles showed he still did a fair amount of the lifting of crates and barrels. He was about six foot tall with long brown hair that he kept tied in back.
“What brings you here this fine and glorious morning, Edward?”
“Is there ever a time you’re not smiling, Patrick?”
“I hope not. My mother always told me if I kept a smile on my face, the devil wouldn’t bother with me. She said he only sought those who were angry and frowning. I’m not sure I believe my mother’s words, but I’m not about to stop smiling, in case there’s some truth to them!”
Edward chuckled. “I doubt the devil would waste his time on such a good man as you, Patrick. But let me get to the reason I’ve stopped, it’s a personal favor. One, for which I’ll gladly see you’re well rewarded.”
“Tell me this, is what I’m about to do going to break any laws and land me in prison.
“I’d never ask you to do anything that would put you at risk of going to prison. You know me better than that,” Edward said, with a smile. He also knew Patrick wasn’t serious with his last question, for even if Edward had asked him to do something illegal, Patrick would have done it.
“What can I do to help you, Edward? You know I owe you much.”
“You, my dear friend, owe me nothing. I owe you for all the hard work you do here. But I’m looking for someone, discreetly, of course. His name is Henry Ball. Rather, he goes by Henry Adler, around the docks.”
“I’ve heard that name before. Oh, isn’t he the one being mentioned in regards to the accident your friend, James Parker, had a few months ago?”
“Aye, that’s the one. Trust me when I say, that was no accident. He’s a very dangerous man. That’s why I’m asking you to take no chances when you inquire about him. Be as discreet as possible. I don’t believe he’s around here. The information I seek is to whom he’s found to partner with in his evil acts. I need the name or names of those involved.”
“I’ll do some checking. How soon do you need this information?”
“I’ll be back in a few days. Be careful, Henry Adler is not a man you want against you.”
“He’ll never know I’ve inquired about him. If there’s information to be found, I’ll have it for you when you return.”
“Thanks, Patrick. A long time has passed since we worked on anything like this together, hasn’t it?”
“Too many years, see you when you return. I better be getting back to work, you know my boss doesn’t like me idle!” Patrick said, laughing as he watched Edward mount his horse and ride away.
Chapter Sixty-Four
Patrick McFadden wasted no time setting out to find the information Edward needed. Once he gave the men in the warehouse their instructions, he headed for the docks. He knew exactly who’d have some knowledge on Henry Adler, the name he knew him by. He’d ha
ve to be careful how he asked the questions, though.
The lad was smart as a whip and had managed to live most of his life selling and trading information for money, food and favors. This lad had gained a reputation of being fiercely loyal to whoever hired him. Patrick knew the lad would not give out the information easily, if at all. But the one thing Patrick was sure of, Alfred would know Adler. He knew everyone and everything that transpired at the docks.
Patrick finally spotted Alfred sitting with two friends when he entered one of the many pubs he’d been checking out. He walked up to Alfred with a big smile, “Alfred, when your business is finished with your friends, I’d like to have a word with you.”
Patrick knew who Alfred was, but had never met him. He knew full well Alfred knew who he was, too, and what he did for a living. Alfred seemed to know everything about everyone at the docks and the surrounding area. Patrick ordered some ale and waited for Alfred to come to the table.
“Mr. McFadden, isn’t it?” Alfred asked, as he sat down seeming a bit nervous to be sitting with Patrick.
Patrick watched as Alfred licked his upper lip. He knew the lad was nervous and was wondering what information Patrick had on him or what he wanted him to do. Patrick smiled at the lad to show he wasn’t going to do him any harm. “Alfred, would you like something to eat or drink?”
“That, I would. I haven’t eaten a full meal in a few days.”
“A full meal it is,” Patrick stated as he watched the young lad order himself a steak, potatoes and carrots, bread, and two pieces of pie. Then Alfred asked for two ales to go with his meal.
“You’re hungry. I’m glad I came to see you this fine day.”
“I’ve been wondering about that. What’s the reason you seek me out? I don’t believe we’ve officially met before and I seldom go far from the docks.”
“But you know who I am, don’t you?”
“Patrick McFadden. You run the warehouse owned by Edward Pierce. You work hard for a living and keep to yourself. You have a wife and four or five kids.”
“Five. And you’re Alfred. I’ve never known your last name.”
“Don’t have one.” Alfred stated as his food arrived. He ate and waited for Patrick McFadden to continue.
“Alfred, I need some information which I believe you might have. I want this information to pass on to a friend. He’ll not go to the authorities with any of the information I pass to him, I promise you. You’ll not be involved any further than gathering the information. All I need are some names. That’s all I wish.”
“Tell me who you seek and I’ll think it over. Do you swear on your mother’s grave you’ll not go to the authorities with any of the information I gather?”
“I swear. The man I need to know about is Henry Ball. He may have gone by the name of Henry Adler. Have you seen him lately? I also need to know who he’s friends with. I want everything you can find on him.”
Alfred continued to eat and mull over the questions Patrick asked. He didn’t like Adler much, but he’d paid him well and had given him some nice clothes. But Alfred knew Henry had also tried to murder a man with the information that Alfred had provided him. He hadn’t been happy with Adler for his involvement in the murder attempt of James Parker. But he’d no idea that was what Adler had intended to do.
“Mr. McFadden, what’s this information worth to you? Who wants to know about Henry Adler?”
“Is it necessary for me to give you any information of why I ask when I’m willing to pay you well for answers? No questions asked?”
Alfred thought about it. The man had a point. Normally, he didn’t care what they did with the information as long as he got paid for his services. He wondered how much money Mr. McFadden was willing to cough up.
“Tell me, what’s this information worth?”
“A lot, name your price and we can discuss the terms.”
“Fifty-dollars,” Alfred waited and watched McFadden’s face. But McFadden just kept smiling. Alfred couldn’t read his thoughts and was wondering if he’d asked too much.
Patrick waited a few moments, “Alfred, I think that might be a fair price. I shall pay you that amount as long as you swear you’ll forget about this conversation and never tell a soul what’s been discussed between us.”
“I swear, Mr. McFadden, you can trust me.”
Patrick handed the money to Alfred who counted it carefully and stuffed the money into his pocket. “Since you paid me so well, and promised not take this information to the authorities, I’ll tell you what I know about Adler. I wouldn’t normally divulge information on anyone I’ve worked for, but he isn’t a man who I consider honorable, if you know what I mean.”
“I do, Alfred. I appreciate your honesty.” Patrick kept smiling, but in his heart he knew this lad, for whatever reasons, had standards not practiced by many at the docks. Somehow, the lad had been brought up with the notion that honor and respect was worth something.
Quietly, Alfred continued. “Adler hired me to pass some information to him. At the time, I was glad for the money and his reason for the information was his business. He wanted to know when a Mr. James Parker, of Parker Shipping, would be visiting the docks.
“Since we all know what happened that day to Parker, it was obvious I was paid to pass information that could have been deadly to Parker. I felt pretty rotten. I haven’t seen Adler since and am glad of it! I laid low for some time in fear for my life. I didn’t think Adler would want loose ends around. You know what I’m saying.”
“You’re a very smart lad, Alfred, too smart to be hanging around here. Do you have any knowledge of who’s working with Adler?”
“Only one man I know of and a mean one to boot. Have you ever heard of Chester Hartley?”
“Yes, I believe he’s been tied to a couple of suspicious deaths but the authorities have never been able to prove his guilt. Is that the one?” Patrick asked.
“Yes, Mr. McFadden. He’s been known to have blood on his hands. He’s a thief and an arsonist. Who knows what else he’s done. He took up with Adler very soon after Adler arrived. They stayed out of sight from most everyone. But as you know, I see lots of things and I know they did more than their share of stealing. There hasn’t been much theft here since they left. And if you think upon it, there hasn’t been a single fire either.”
“You’re right about the fires stopping, I hadn’t thought about that. Thank you, Alfred. This helps a lot. You’ve earned your money.”
“Always glad to be of service. I want you to know, Mr. McFadden, I’m just trying to survive, but by doing so, I don’t wish to cause harm to anyone, like that Parker fella.”
Patrick could tell the lad was remorseful for his part in what had happened to James. “Alfred, would you ever consider making an honest living working for someone, on a daily basis?”
“I would if someone would hire me, but my reputation for selling and trading information makes the people down here afraid. No one wants to take a chance. I don’t blame them. I haven’t always done right and I know too many secrets.”
“Alfred, I’d like to hire you to work at my warehouse. You’d have a real job that pays well enough, but more importantly, it pays regularly. You’d never go hungry again.”
Alfred got tears in his eyes. But where would he live, he thought? Working the docks, people usually felt sorry for him and sometimes gave him a place to sleep or some food. He had no real possessions.
“It’s not that I don’t want to work for you, Mr. McFadden. In fact, that’s a generous offer. I’m pleased you think enough of me to trust me.”
“Then lad, why aren’t you taking me up on my offer? I don’t understand,” Patrick inquired puzzled.
Alfred looked down at his trembling hands. He wasn’t sure how to say what he was feeling inside. He took a deep breath and decided to tell McFadden his thoughts, the best he could. He’d nothing to lose but his pride.
“Mr. McFadden, I haven’t anywhere to live and I own nothing. I have no pl
ace to clean up right. I haven’t any cloths except what I’m wearing and one other outfit that’s worse than what I have on. I’d be an embarrassment to you and your kind. I truly would be. But gosh, it was a nice offer.
Patrick found himself moved by the sheer honesty of this young man. He knew Alfred found it difficult to admit his situation. If he didn’t have so many kids already, he’d have gladly taken him home. But an idea just occurred to him.
“Alfred, I should have made myself clearer. I apologize for that. I’ve a small room in the upstairs of the warehouse that contains nothing more than a bed and dresser. I know it isn’t much.
“I shall buy you some decent clothes, and shoes for that matter. We can work out the details later for you to pay me back out of your earnings. But you’ll have to bathe often. There’s a place for that near the docks and you can have your hair cut there also. That is, if you’re willing. I know you’re aware those places exist.”
“I’m not keen on cleaning myself up, but I guess it wouldn’t hurt me none either.” Alfred said, with a sheepish grin.
“Do we have a deal then?”
“Are you sure you won’t upset Mr. Pierce by hiring me? We both know he’s a good friend to Mr. Parker. I’m pretty sure that’s why you need the information.”
Patrick threw his head back and laughed. “Alfred, you’re too smart to be working these docks. You need an education. I think we must check into that. I need a person I can trust. Who knows what other things you might be able to do. I think your opportunities could be unlimited.”
“When would you like me to start?”
“How about now? Wouldn’t you like to have a bed to sleep in tonight?”