“I would really rather you wouldn’t,” said Francis. “Especially since I have some information for you.”
“What is it?” asked Hal.
“Not until you pay off my debt to Patton and give me another five thousand.”
“I’ll pay Patton,” said Hal. “But you’ll not get another shilling from me. Now tell us your news before we turn those bruisers on you.”
“My boy, you’ve become rather ruthless. I believe I’ve had an influence on you.”
“The information,” ground out Hal, ready to beat the man himself.
“Ah, of course. I’ve been having a series of conversations with Bleaker over at Newgate. He told me you were there that day the witness was killed. And before you ask, I had nothing to do with it, but am honored you think I had it in me. I don’t know what happened, although I wouldn’t be surprised to find Bleaker had a hand in it. He’s a particularly weasly shite. Bleaker has been my source of information about quite a few people – you included – since he still has his sources at Madame Thurmond’s. But he’d also heard of this white slavery ring. He told me they’re getting ready to set sail for the Barbary coast the morning after the full moon.”
“That’s tomorrow,” said Patton.
“It is. He wouldn’t tell me who was behind the operation – and believe me, I tried. I can only imagine how much blunt I could get for blackmailing the leader. He only said they specialized in hiding in plain sight.”
“You have no names?”
“As I said.”
“And you did nothing to alert the authorities?”
“What would be the point in that? I had no real information and it would look rather suspicious of me, wouldn’t it? Now, are we done?”
Hal shot his fist across the table and knocked Francis out cold. “Now, we’re done.”
He turned to Patton. “I will honor his debt, but I want your word you will not kill him or harm him too significantly.”
“Under one condition. You must keep me posted about the slavers. I’ll send my own men to the docks, if there’s a chance Miss LaRue is still there. I must know what happened to her.”
Hal promised he would keep him apprised, then left Dill’s. He’d solved the matter of blackmail. But who the devil was taking those women?
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Aunt Evelyn and Cousin Mary had decided the best course of action was to carry on as if nothing had happened. They left to attend an at-home to see if there was any gossip, but only after Mel assured them she would welcome the chance to be alone with her thoughts.
But once her aunt and cousin were gone, Mel realized how very little she wanted to remain at home doing nothing. She needed to be busy to keep thoughts of Hal out of her mind. She’d been thinking about the missing women and realized no one had ever followed up on the lead Rodgers had given them – the shipping manifest of April the second.
She gathered her things and went in search of Flora. The maid, quite predictably, refused to accompany her.
“I ain’t goin’ to the docks. And you got no reason to go there neither, you bein’ a lady and all.”
But there was just a slight hesitation as Flora said “lady” that made Mel think the entire household had heard about Mrs. Seton’s visit. Well, there was nothing for it but to continue.
“I’ll pay you,” said Mel. “I can’t leave the house without you. You don’t need to go with me to the docks. You can go see your sweetheart at the stables.”
It was clear Flora was tempted by the money. But she shook her head. “I ain’t seein’ him no more. I’m walkin’ out with the second underbutler at the house next door. I’m movin’ up in the world,” she sniffed.
No amount of bribery would persuade the girl, so Mel eventually snuck out the back way, then ran through the mews to the next street where she hailed a hackney and set out on her own.
When she arrived at the docks, she was surprised to see that it was even busier than usual. Apparently several ships were to set sail on the morning tide, so they were being loaded with provisions. As Mel carefully picked her way through the crowded docks, she saw longshoremen loading salted beef, as well as live chickens and goats. Loaves of bread in baskets were passed up to sailors onboard. It would mold quickly in the humid air, but for a few days at least, the crews would eat almost as well as they had on land. Some of them would no doubt eat even better. Many of the sailors had joined their crews to escape the desperate poverty of the city. That also meant there were some so desperate for money that they would break the law to enrich their own pockets.
And somewhere on this vast expanse of docks was a ship that was engaged in a heinous act. She didn’t know that for sure, of course, but she felt it in her very bones.
Her mood was depressed for another reason, as well. None of the women she’d contacted over the past several weeks had decided to make the journey to America. Not a single one. If she’d spent less time with Hal, she might have been more successful in her venture. But now, since Mrs. Seton had kicked her out of the reform group, Mel couldn’t use that as an excuse to venture forth into the areas where she might encounter these women.
Her affair with Hal had cost her a great deal, indeed.
She was almost to the harbor master’s office, when she heard someone call her name. She turned to find Captain Clinch hailing her.
“Miss Sutton,” he said, bowing to her. “I was hoping to see you today. You have not yet given me the names of your passengers. I would like to add them to the manifest straightaway.”
She felt shamed again by her failure. “Unfortunately, Captain, there will be no passengers on this journey. Perhaps never again.”
“You look unwell, Miss Sutton,” said Captain Clinch, as he extended a hand as if to steady her. “I am sorry to hear about this unexpected turn of events. Is that what you came here to tell me?”
“Actually, no, sir. I came to look over the harbor master’s records.”
“Whyever for? I shouldn’t think you’d like to handle those dusty old tomes.”
Mel smiled. “I was just following up a lead regarding the missing women. There was a witness who claimed to know the identity of the man who was the head of the slavery ring. He said there was a page in the records which would point to who the villain was.”
“And you believed him?”
“I did not personally meet with him.” Thanks to the high-handed behavior of Hal. “But he was killed shortly after naming the date of the journal entry. While it appears that Bow Street now has a suspect, I am curious to see the journal entry myself.”
“I am certainly glad to hear Bow Street is closing in on the man. Who is he?”
“It appears to be a peer of the realm who was having financial difficulties. They are building a case against him as we speak.”
“Excellent!” said Captain Clinch. “Perhaps you and I can share a celebratory drink back on my ship.”
“You are too kind,” said Mel, knowing his ship would only be a reminder of her failure. “But I shall be going back to my uncle’s home, right after I check the records.”
“Surely, that won’t be necessary now that they’re about to make an arrest.”
“Probably not,” Mel conceded. “But perhaps it can provide evidence against him. I would hate for the man to go free.”
“As would I,” said Captain Clinch. “But there is no reason for you to go about finding it. The docks are truly no place for an unescorted lady. I will search the records, then bring them to you. What was the date you’re looking for?”
Mel consulted her notes. “April the second. But, if it is just the same with you, I should like to see the entries for myself. I feel responsible for the disappearances. The women were likely taken on their way to the ship. If not for me, they wouldn’t have been here.”
“You don’t know that,” said Captain Clinch.
“Yet even the possibility haunts me.”
Melanie turned to go into the office, but Captain Clinch
offered his arm. “I know a way in through the back. We shall arrive in the records room more quickly, without having to wait at the front desk.”
As Mel glanced in the window, she could see more than a dozen sailors waiting for the one available clerk. She wouldn’t mind cutting through the line, especially if she had Captain Clinch to lead her.
He offered her his arm, then escorted her through the mass of humanity on the docks to an alley which ran behind the building. It was much darker than on the docks and she could barely find her way to the door. She took a few steps with him at her back, then felt a sharp blow to the head.
The world turned to darkness.
* * *
Hal arrived at Mitchell House to find it in an uproar. Mel’s cousin Mary was speaking with Anne.
“Lord Henry, thank God you’ve come,” said Mary. “I believe Mel to be in danger. She went to the docks this afternoon and has not returned. When Flora gave me this address, I came here hoping to find her.”
“The docks!” said Hal. “That is the very last place she should be. You there,” Hal motioned to a footman. “I have an urgent message that must be delivered to Bow Street, the Home Office and Lynwood House.”
“Do you believe Melanie is in danger?” asked Anne.
“Unfortunately, I do,” said Hal, as he scribbled out the messages, then bade the footman to deliver them with all due speed. “I’ve learned the ship is to sail tomorrow. Knowing Melanie, she’ll get too close.” He wouldn’t allow himself to think of what could happen then. “Lady Mary, go back home, then send word if Mel arrives.” At her mutinous look, he continued. “The earl will be of invaluable assistance – but only if he knows what is happening. Now go!”
Lady Mary rushed from the house to her waiting carriage.
“Mrs. Cartwright, send word if you hear of anything. But now I must go to the docks.”
Anne swallowed, then looked him in the eyes. “I am coming with you.”
“You cannot.”
“Yes, I can. And I will. If you leave me here, I shall only follow. I used to work near the docks. I can find my way better than you and we’re only wasting time arguing.”
Before Hal could object again, Anne had grabbed her cloak and pulled a pistol from a drawer. There was a momentary pause as she reached the door, then she stepped outside with purpose and strode to the Kellington carriage.
“Damnable strong-willed females,” said Hal as he hurried after her.
* * *
As Melanie slowly regained consciousness, she became aware of two things. One was a terrible headache, no doubt from being hit by that miserable Captain Clinch. And she was incredibly upset with herself for not realizing he was the man behind the disappearances. No doubt the manifest would show he was in port on April the second when the women had gone missing. He also knew many of the women who’d disappeared courtesy of their arrangement. Who knew how many he’d kidnapped during the past year? If she ever got her hands on him again, she’d kill him.
The second thing she realized was that she was on a ship and probably not the Cassandra. Her head was also being cradled on a lap. A woman’s lap, if she wasn’t mistaken. She hadn’t yet opened her eyes because she’d wanted to get her bearings in other ways, first. But as she slowly opened them, she stared at the bright red locks of Miss LaRue.
Melanie tried to sit up, but Miss LaRue firmly but gently held her in place. “Shhh, Miss. You’re like as not to cast up your accounts if you sit up too fast.”
“Where…” Melanie’s voice was barely a rasp. “Water?”
Miss LaRue reached for a pitcher and poured just enough water in the glass to moisten Mel’s lips and mouth. She helped Mel sit up to sip it.
“Are we still in the harbor?” asked Mel.
“For the time being, at least,” said Miss LaRue, as she looked around the small cabin they were in. “Be glad we’re not down below with the others.”
“Others?” asked Mel.
“There’s like to be two dozen or more down in the hold. And that’s just how many I saw. Could be any number of them in other parts of the ship. They only dragged me up here to take care of you. I’m glad they done it. I didn’t like being down in the dark. And, of course, I’m glad I’m here to take care of you, Miss. Even if we are headed to the pirates.”
“Pirates!” said Mel. That certainly did nothing to calm her stomach.
“I’m afraid so,” said Miss LaRue. “From what I could get out of the crew, we’re being taken all the way to Africa to be sold to pirates.”
“Have you been on this ship the whole time?”
“Lord no,” said Miss LaRue. “They kept me in a warehouse for the last few months. Seems there was trouble with the ship I was supposed to be sent out on, so they had to wait for the Amber Moon to be in port again.”
“And did they…did they force you to work for them?” asked Mel.
“They didn’t force me to have sex with them, if that’s what you’re askin’, although I did have to cook and clean with the others. Made me positively miss Madame Thurmond’s. And I hate that old bitch. Pardon my language.”
“I’m so sorry to have placed you in danger, Miss LaRue. Please forgive me.” It had been Melanie’s worst nightmare that she’d harmed women she meant to protect.
At this the fiery redhead blushed a shade that almost matched her hair. “Well, see, Miss Sutton, you didn’t have nothing to do with it. I thought about going to America, truly I did. But I never fancied a sea voyage and I took a look at the coin you gave me and I thought maybe I could start a new life here in England without having to go to America and get scalped.” Here she patted her curls. “I can only imagine how much them Indians would like my red hair. As I was turning to leave the docks, I run into this handsome fellow and he was a sweet talker. A real charmer. I was dumb enough to believe what he was selling. I thought I was going with him to find a nice place to, uh, talk. But instead he took me to some warehouse where I’ve been all this time until they brung me here this morning. I shoulda took my chances with the Indians.”
“And is Captain Clinch the leader of this organization?” asked Mel.
“That’s what I been told. Sailors are a lot like whores. They tend to talk when they’re not working.”
Melanie carefully got to her feet, then swayed once again, barely grabbing on to a table to keep from falling.
Miss LaRue rushed to her side. “Cor, Miss Sutton, be careful. It wouldn’t do to crack your head open. I can imagine only the terrible pirates would want you then.”
“Please, call me Melanie. There doesn’t seem to be much point in standing on ceremony now, does there?” Mel carefully made her way to the porthole. It was only about ten inches in diameter, much too small to fit through.
“And you can call me Susan,” said Miss LaRue.
“I thought your name was Arabella,” said Melanie, as she tried to open the porthole. But between the warped wood and her weakened state she couldn’t make it budge.
“That was only my working name. If blokes wanted to poke a Susan, they could go home and do that for free.”
“I see. Well, Susan, I have news for you. I have no intention of letting either of us – any of us – be sold to pirates. And for the record, I don’t believe there are any pirates who aren’t terrible.”
“There must be some pirates who aren’t that bad,” said Susan. “Just like the blokes on this ship. Some would be downright nice if they wasn’t kidnapping us.”
“Do you think some of them might help us?”
“I don’t know,” said Susan dubiously. “There’s only so much a man is like to risk, even in exchange for getting off. There’s some awfully mean guards on this ship. They look the type who’d just as soon slit your throat as give you the time of day.”
Mel looked out the porthole. Even if she could fit through the window, it was a long drop to the water below and she had no idea how deep it was. If only there was some way to draw attention to them.
&nb
sp; She looked around the cabin again. It was some sort of private quarters, with a small berth, a table and two benches nailed to the floor. There were virtually no personal effects, other than a few shirts and rags. She began searching through the various items.
“What are ye looking for, Miss…uh, Melanie?”
“A mirror.”
“You look just fine. Quite nice, considering you spent so long passed out.”
“I don’t need it for me. I want to use it as a signal.”
Susan thought about that for a moment, then reached beneath her skirts and pulled a silver flask out of her garter. “Will this do?”
“Where did you get that?” asked Mel as she grabbed a rag to shine it.
“One of the sailors gave it to me in exchange for, well you can probably guess.” As Mel reached for the flask, Susan uncorked it and took a rather large swig. She offered it to Mel, then pulled it back. “Pardon me, I forgot you don’t drink.”
She was about to re-cork it when Mel took it from her and gingerly brought it to her lips. She then took a large sip and began to cough. She quickly replaced the cork and began polishing it with the rag.
“You might want to take a smaller sip next time,” said Susan, suppressing a smile. “It can take getting used to. Is there something I can do?”
“You might want to check to see if there’s anything that can be used as a weapon. I don’t know how long they’ll leave us here, but I want to be prepared when they come back.” She looked at the silver flask, which now fairly gleamed. She had no idea whether she could actually make the sun reflect off the metal in the right direction. And even if she did, there was no guarantee anyone would think it odd enough to investigate. But she had to try.
She went to the window and tried to pull the porthole open. When she couldn’t, she wrapped the old rags around her hand and slammed the flask through the porthole, breaking the glass.
“Oi, Melanie! Don’t cut yerself,” said Susan, as she ran over to help.
“Susan, see if you can fashion weapons out of those shards of glass while I try to signal.” She had just enough room to poke her head out of the open window. She couldn’t risk having any of the sailors on their ship see her, so she leaned out only as much as necessary.
Never Run From Love (Kellington Book Four) Page 26