by Grant Eagar
“This is getting back to business?” Henry glanced ahead for a minute then said, “you came around my shop rubbing you beaus in my face out of cheek and informing me I was unworthy of you. It was clear to me you were the one pursuing me which I didn’t mind much. What is grander than to be pursued by such a lovely lady?”
She was now blushing. “So what was the thing between you and Riana?”
“And in regards to Riana, that was pure stupidity on my part. But given there are now two of you I have entertained thoughts of you two dressed in blue velvet lingerie or would it better if one of you had red velvet lingerie on and the other blue.”
“Enough! Enough!” She blushed dark red, “For the love of god Henry that’s enough information. You’ve said more than enough, I got what I deserve.”
CHAPTER 19
The Taking of Sophie
Henry took his kidnapping quite seriously. He went down to the pound and found three enormous ill-tempered brutes which were scheduled for the meat wagon. These he put in the back room until their barking and growling scared the seamstresses. He finally hired a lion tamer from the local circus to come in and make peace between the dogs and the women. After they fed the animals and scratching their backs the beasts learned not to bite the hands which fed them.
On a morning several weeks later, Henry arrived at the shop early and heard screaming. He ran into the back room and found Miles Grubber, trapped in a corner surrounded by the dogs.
“Get the beasts away from me!” yelled the middle aged tailor.
Henry raised an eyebrow and said, “Good morning Mister Grubber, I'm not sure I will since you obviously are up to no good. Keeping riff raff away is what the beasts are trained to do after all. Since the dogs haven’t eaten today I don't want to deny them their much deserved meal.”
“Okay, okay I'll tell you what I’m about, but first call off the dogs.”
Henry gave a whistle and motioned for the beasts to sit and all three dogs sat. They whined in disappointment. He was impressed; the lion tamer had trained them well. “Now mister Grubber, why did you break into our business? He looked meaningful at the dislodged window which led to the alleyway.
“There's word out on the street your shop does faster, more accurate sewing than any other shop in London. I just wanted to see what you were about.”
Henry narrowed his eyes and sighed. “So that is what this is about, you're jealous. This is a curious turnabout. A month ago everyone on the street was under the assumption I was either incompetent or my inventions were of the devil; now you want to steal them.”
“It wasn’t me, no sir re I always knew you were something special. Henry, I would appreciate it if you wouldn't tell this to Mister Badger, I'm certain he’ll hold this over my head forever.”
Mister Badger stepped through the doorway just as he said this. “So why did you call off the dogs Henry? They could be tearing him limb from limb. They look so disappointed.” He then turned to Grubber. “So you’re after my secrets, you filthy black guard. If you come around here again I promise you there will be no calling off of the dogs, in fact I’ll sic the dogs on you!”
Shortly after Grubber left Mister Badger took Henry aside. “Henry, I appreciate all your security measures, the girls are getting on better with the hounds and all, but I feel we're in some sort of war and you’re in the center of it all. I'm sorry to have to tell you again lad, but you’ll need to take some time off until things settle down a bit.”
Henry nodded. “I see where you’re coming from, no use putting people at risk.” He then packed his things, bid the seamstresses goodbye, and departed.
HENRY SAT IN HIS BATHROBE and his pajamas; he doodled on a piece of paper. The Colonel approached him and said, “So you have given up the life of work and have taken up indolence like myself. Well done my boy, well done indeed.” He then picked up a newspaper and read it while sipping his tea.
Henry smiled. “I would agree with you, but it appears to me the world can't seem to leave me well enough alone. I presume there will be a knock or possibly a pounding on the front door within the hour asking something of me. This respite though appreciated, is just temporary.”
The Colonel laughed. “Too true, too true, but I aim to enjoy your company as long as I have you.” He read the newspaper for several minutes then said, “It says here your mum's show is still doing well. What a successful showgirl she has become. Have you seen her recently?”
“Yes, not only has she not hit me up for a loan she put some coins into my pocket. I see her influence daily. Which I'll have you know is not always pleasant, gentlemen informing me I’m unfit for their daughters before I even ask them. I think it makes the fathers feel like they’re doing their duty if they run an occasional rascal off.”
There was a knock at the door and the Colonel turned to Henry and said, “Bravo, right on que. It appears the world is here asking for you.”
“I wish I was not so accurate. I would’ve enjoyed some hard earned indolence.”
After a minute the butler approached them. “Henry, you’re wanted at the front door, it's an urgent matter.”
Henry rose and tightened the strap on his bathrobe then strode into the parlor. There sat Riana on a couch with her hands clasped together. Her face was drained of color and she was tembling. Her hair was tied back and she wore a dark blue traveling cloak.
“Riana, it’s a pleasure to see you again. You don't need to stand on formality; you know you’re part of the family. What has brought you to our door?”
She attempted to speak but choked back a sob. Henry sat next to her and put his arm around her shoulder. “There, there tell me what the problem is?”
“S-Sophie has disappeared; she went out last night then never returned this morning. She was in the carriage when she left the house, but when they arrived at the town square they opened the carriage door and she was gone.” Riana then buried her face into her hands and wept.
Henry felt a pang of sadness then fear enveloped him. When she had said the game was in play had she foreseen this? She was always the strong one; it felt strange to think of her needing his help. Fear gripped him for several minutes then he made a fist and stood up. “Are you done crying?”
Her eyes widened. “How can you be so callous about the whole thing?”
“Because my dear I need my wits about me and why grieve for her death if we don't know for sure if she's alive or dead? I choose to think she's alive. Now if you can take an unemotional approach, you may be of some use to me, if not I’ll need to do this on my own.”
She wiped away her tears then stood erect. “I'm done, now how can I help?”
“You know Sophie better than anyone else alive, if you concentrate you’ll know how she would respond, or you might also know who has taken her if you give it some thought.”
“I’ve lost most of Sophie's memories. Don’t act like I’m some kind of expert on Sophie. I will help out where I can though.”
“I guess that will have to do, for what memories you have left of her is all we have to go on.”
CHAPTER 20
Henry and Riana to the Rescue
Half an hour later they entered the Thomas carriage. Riana directed the driver to a textile warehouse where she remembered Sophie had met several of the count's informants on occasion.
“I keep feeling this whole thing could be a trap,” said Henry, “but I don't know of any alternative path. Take the fight to them is what I say.”
“What?” asked Riana.
“Take the fight to them’ was the third alternative. Oh I keep thinking you’re Sophie. She said when you are being pursued by your enemy there are three alternatives. Flee, hide or take the fight to them. ‘Taking the fight to them’ is what we did against Johnson in the forest.”
They made their way to the warehouse district. There were numerous textile mills and the streets bustled with wagons carrying supplies to the outgoing ships.
“Here is the building in my m
emory,” said Riana. Now that we’re here how do you think we should approach this?”
Henry glanced at her then touched her cheek. “You’re beautiful, if Sophie has been here before they’ll respond to you. If they’ve taken her then they should be surprised. I suggest walking right in and seeing how they respond.”
“Is that the best plan you can come up with? Just walk in and say here we are?”
Henry shrugged his shoulders. “I’m open to suggestions here, it’s not like I’m some kind of super spy.”
She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. “This is for luck; though your plan is pathetic it is all we have at present.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
They strode into the brick building and were met by five men. He whispered to her, “This is going to get dangerous, so keep a hand on your pistols.”
She smiled. “I know you Henry; you are pathetic in a fight. Just step back and keep out of my way. I don't want to inadvertently shoot you.”
“More confidence in my ability. If they took Sophie, there’s no way you’re going to have all the fun,” said Henry.
“Can we help you with anything,” said a bald headed man with a scar across his eyebrow.
“We are looking for a friend,” said Riana. They looked at Riana in surprise. “Why did you return, we took you across the channel. You should be in Dunkirk? Well that doesn’t matter since you have returned we’ll send you out on the next barge.” Henry and Riana looked at one another then both pulled out a pistol in each hand.
“You are saying you did not kidnap her, that she went willingly. I’m sorry but I don’t believe you. Sometimes in life you get a second chance to make matters right,” said Riana. “Now put your hands to your heads and turn around. After what you have done to me I'm itching to shoot one of you, now which one of you is it going to be?”
“Honestly miss, we just put you on a barge, we didn’t abduct you. Don’t you remember?”
“That is enough blathering, gentlemen if you would be so kind as to climb into the bin.”
They herded the surprised men into a shipping container; then locked it. “That'll teach you bastards,” said Henry. He then walked about the warehouse until he found a shipping manifest. There had been a shipment the night before to Dunkerque. That is probably the one they sent Sophie out on. There was another ship scheduled to leave in half an hour for Dunkerque as well.
They found the barge associated with the shipping manifest and climbed aboard the boat and hid. Twenty minutes later the ship made its way out into the harbor. As the ship slowly steamed across the channel Riana glanced at the bright sun and said, “Henry, I don't know if we're going to make it out of this alive. If you have a choice between me and Sophie, I want you to choose her.”
“Why would you say something like that? What kind of a simpleton do you take me for?”
“I know you Henry; you’re a fool who doesn’t know what is in his best interest. I’ve lived my life; this is just a short reprieve. Since Sophie is just starting her life, it only stands to reason she should be your priority.”
Henry narrowed his eyes. “I can see your reasoning, you still don't feel quite human and this is all a bit crazy for you. Okay, I'll keep that in mind, keep Sophie alive check and let Riana die check.” He struggled to keep his lips from forming a smile.
Her eyes narrowed and her lips pursued. She pinched him and said, “You don't have to be so bloody blithe about the whole thing. You can value my life a little.”
Henry considered her for a moment. “So if someone is born they get a body one way; you got a body in quite a different manner, that's all. And your body is unique, but aren’t we all unique. We all have our burdens to carry, our demons to fight. I'm gorgeous and brilliant, that is my burden to carry, my burden is difficult but I've learned to manage somehow.”
She punched his shoulder. “You’re insufferable, you’re a moron, that’s your burden.” she then cast about for something to hit him with.
“Are you looking for a parasol? That’s a girl’s usual weapon of choice.” He took her hands in his. “Riana, I have made many foolish errors, some terrible mistakes, most of my inventions were dismal failures, but you ... you are my ... well you are not my, you are you. I'm just fortunate to be part of the miracle which brought you back to life.”
She grabbed his collar and gave him a long passionate kiss. Pulling away she grinned. “Don't tell Sophie, she might be a tad jealous.”
He grinned. “That bit of information is good to know. I finally got some pertinent information from you.”
As the ship approached the shore they noticed a revival tent with numerous people waiting in line to be baptized in the ocean. Henry said, “Considering your lack of a soul and all now would be a good time to be baptized.”
She grinned. “I think if there is anyone who needs repentance it’s you; however mixing with this crowd is an excellent notion. Let’s jump in and swim over to them.” She then removed her dress and he his jacket. They jumped overboard and swam to the shore and put their clothes on the bank.
Henry glanced at Riana then turned away. “Ah your slip is quite transparent being soaked and all.”
She glanced down then looked at him and smirked, “I guess you’ll have to do.” She then walked up and hugged his side. You will have to be my cover. So is this good for you?”
He grinned. “There are benefits for being chivalrous, this is quite nice. It is like you’re not wearing- ah-anyway it is nice to be close to you.”
She reached up and tweaked his nose. “I know you’re enjoying this.”
They joined the line of converts waiting to be baptized. “Seriously why join the throng?” asked Henry.
“I think we'll blend in. I doubt the count's men are going to be searching the converts. They’ll go in the opposite direction; they don't want to be preached at after all.”
When it was Riana's turn to be baptized, Henry said to the minster, “You may want to dunk her a few extra times; she's a soulless heathen after all.” After they were both thoroughly baptized, they dried off and dressed then followed the throng of happy converts singing hymns and dancing about. Riana joined in the dance.
She took his hand. “Don’t be a stick in the muck, come join in the dance.” Henry obliged her and they danced a bit, following the French country dance of the other converts “This is great fun, now what is your plan?” asked Riana.
He grinned at her and said, “It’s good to see you smile, I seldom get to see one on your face.” Then concentrating he said, “We’ll just tag along with the carriage which is loading provisions from the barge.”
“Won't it be obvious we're following them? And how will we keep up?”
Henry glanced at the believers and grinned. “I have a plan.” They joined a throng of believers walking along the road singing hymns as they went. The wagons carrying supplies from the barge slowed and the drivers yelled at the jubilant converts to move aside. They let the wagons pass after a generous amount of calling them to repentance. This allowed Henry and Riana to hitch a ride on the last wagon. They climbed onto the tailgate and hid between large barrels of potatoes stacked two high.
They traveled for a ways and Henry took her hand then whispered, “Riana, I know you want to go your own way, but don't go right simply because Sophie went left. She’s an interesting beastie at times, but there is much good in her.” Speaking of Sophie, have you any plans on how we’re going to rescue her?”
Riana concentrated. “From what little I can still remember there is supposed to be some form of bunker where they house Goliath, their marvelous weapon, and where they're building up arms to make an assault on London.”
They finally arrived at the compound. It had the same markings on the wall as the London warehouse. The compound was made up of several dozen large tents which housed soldiers. There was also a cement bunker to withstand cannon fire and a huge hanger which went on for a quarter mile. Several enormous barg
es were under construction nearby. When the wagon stopped the soldiers unloaded the barrels. Henry and Riana slipped into a stand of trees nearby. “Do you think you could climb a tree?” asked Riana.
Henry glanced up into a great craggy oak tree. “No problem, there is still a tree climber inside me somewhere, but how are you going to climb with that dress?”
She raised an eyebrow. “Don't worry about me; I have several vague memories of you falling out of trees. I'd worry about yourself first. Now if you could give me a foot up I'd appreciate it.”
Henry put his hands together and intertwined his fingers and she put her foot inside and he lifted her up to the first branch, she grabbed hold and then stepped on his shoulder and he pushed her foot and she pulled herself up onto the thick branch.
She reached down and said, “Jump up and take my hand.”
“Are you sure you are strong enough?” Her eyes narrowed. “Just saying.” He then ran and jumped and grabbed her hand and she lifted him high enough so he could grab the branch with his other hand and she helped him up so they both stood on the branch.
She smirked, “So you didn't think I was strong enough to pull you up did you?”
“Well you are a-
“Don't say it.”
He smirked and said, “Quite pretty.”
He was poked by Riana. “Well said, now where do you think they’ll be keeping Sophie?”
Henry glanced at the buildings. “I doubt she’s the only prisoner. I assume they've taken quite a few Frenchmen as well.”
“I agree, but there are regular prisoners of war then there are those with the knowledge of the government whose intelligence is vital. So I suppose we are looking for a place to keep secure prisoners.”
“I would guess either in the bunker or in a holding cell or in the hanger over yonder. I think it would be wonderful to free Sophie, but shouldn't our objective be in destroying Goliath somehow. Better yet make an attempt to destroy Goliath and when the soldiers run to protect it we'll free Sophie.”
