by Bobbi Smith
"What the hell is going on?" Bill jumped down from his seat when he heard the woman scream.
"Ah, damn it, she started to fight me. I took care of her, though," Joe replied as he tied Espri's hands behind her and then gagged her as Roland had ordered him to do.
"Don't forget the blindfold," Bill said, and Joe hurriedly complied. "Now, let's go. Roland's waiting."
"Yeah. I'm ready."
Bill closed the door to the carriage and, resuming his seat, started off toward the Morrow Warehouse.
Alan Harris stood in the dark dampness of the large, empty building, two of his men beside him, awaiting delivery of Roland's private merchandise from the Aurora. When the ship had first been sighted, he'd sent word to Roland; then he'd dispatched a special messenger to notify the captain of the new point of disembarkation for Roland's special cargo. He hoped that no one would report the ship's arrival to Mitch or Jon before the Chinese women were unloaded.
Glancing out toward the bay, he was relieved to spot a launch heading his way, and he eagerly hurried forth to greet the Aurora's captain.
"Captain Michaels! We're so glad you finally made port! Did everything go smoothly?"
"Yes," Jason Michaels informed him. "We ran into bad weather our first two weeks out of China, and that's what held us up."
"Glad to hear it was nothing serious. Well, how many did you bring us this time?" Alan's eyes glittered with anticipation as he awaited the captain's answer.
Michaels, aware of the agent's lascivious interest in the females, answered quickly. "We started out with forty-two, but six died on the way and one is very ill right now."
"So that leaves us with thirty-five healthy ones." Alan was pensive. "How long do you think it will take to unload them?"
"Here . . ." Michaels looked around assessingly. "I'd say half an hour. Why the change in plans?"
"Jon and Mitch."
Alan started to explain, but Michaels cut him off.
"Mitch? I thought he'd been killed."
"You couldn't know. He's returned. It seems he was shanghaied instead of murdered, and it took him almost a full year to make his way back."
"Interesting," Michaels remarked thoughtfully.
"Anyway, they found out about Roland's 'imports' and canceled all their contracts with him. That's why Roland and I wanted to make sure we got the women off the boat before they learned that you'd made port."
"I see. Well, let's get at it then. Do you have my money?" Michaels asked pointedly, and when Alan extracted an envelope, thick with greenbacks, from his vest pocket, he smiled. "Thank you. It's been good doing business with you." Striding confidently back to the launch, he ordered his men to return to the Aurora and to start bringing the women ashore as quickly as possible.
When he returned Roland had arrived on the scene, and he greeted the captain effusively.
"Jason, it's good to see you. How was your trip?"
"Fine, except for our delay by bad weather."
"Ah, that's what caused the problem. I was worried."
"I can understand why. Harris here was just telling me that Mitch and Jon stumbled onto your scheme. I take it they were less than pleased with the arrangements we'd made?"
"Yes, but I'm hoping to work something out with them," Roland confided. "Have you been taken care of?"
Michaels knew exactly what he meant. "Yes, I have, and if you arrange something so profitable again, just let me know. I'd be pleased to work for you."
"I'll do that," Roland assured him as he watched the launch return with the first load of Chinese females. "How many do we have?"
"Thirty-five healthy. One ill, six dead at sea."
He nodded approvingly. "Good. I should turn a tidy sum on this shipment."
"No doubt about it. I had trouble keeping my men away from them."
"That's what I like to hear. The more comely they are, the more money I make." Roland called Alan to him. "Have you arranged a showing?"
"Yes, it's all set. The dealers have all been contacted, and they should be here in about three hours."
"Good. You've done well. Take charge here now. See that they're cleaned up, and then put them in the pens until the buyers arrive."
"I'll see to it," he assured Roland.
"And Alan?"
Alan glanced at him questioningly.
"Do whatever you want. Captain Michaels and I will be staying out here." Alan nodded, then hurried off to direct the young women into the secluded privacy of the old building. Roland looked up at the sea captain and shrugged. "It keeps him happy and it keeps him quiet."
"I understand."
Then the sound of a carriage pulling up drew Roland's attention. "I must see to this; excuse me," he said.
"Of course. I'll be returning to the ship now, anyway. I hope you'll be in touch." Michaels shook Roland's hand.
"I'm certain you'll be hearing from me very soon."
"Good, Stuart. I've enjoyed dealing with you."
As Captain Michaels went to join his men on their return trip to the Aurora, Roland approached Bill and Joe.
"How did it go?"
"Smooth except for one thing," Joe told him.
"What happened this time?" Roland demanded angrily.
"Nothing serious. She just started screamin' and I had to hit her."
"Not hard!"
"No. Just enough to knock her out for a little while."
"Has she come around yet?"
"Not yet, but we got her trussed real good, just in case she does start stirrin'," Bill assured him.
Roland wasn't pleased to hear that she'd fought so much, and he turned to Joe. "I want you to go back to my office."
"Yes, sir."
"In my desk in the bottom right-hand drawer there's a small bottle. Bring it here. Use my carriage."
"Right. I'll be back."
Roland then said to Bill, "Stay with the carriage and don't take your eyes off of her, not even for a minute. Is she blindfolded?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. When Joe gets back, send him straight to me."
Leaving Bill to guard Espri, Roland went down to help Alan supervise the unloading of the slaves.
"How is it going?" he asked.
"Fine. One more load and we're done."
Stuart nodded in approval. "The faster the ship gets reported to Jon and Mitch the safer we are. Are they getting the women cleaned up?"
"The two men I brought with me are taking care of that."
"How do they look?" Stuart knew he would get an honest opinion from Alan.
"There are several who're unblemished, and the two young ones should bring a good price. You know how the traders like virgins."
"Just make sure the virginal ones stay that way."
Alan was disappointed, but he understood. "Of course. I'll be very selective."
"Also, as soon as Chun Ki arrives, I'll need to talk with him."
"I'll tell him."
Alan went back inside the warehouse to await the dealers while Roland stayed at the dock to watch the launch make its last trip.
"The captain wants to know if you want the sick one," a burly sailor asked as they started to shove off to pick up the last load of girls.
"How bad is she?"
"Nothing contagious, but she's real weak and sickly."
"How's she look? Is she attractive?"
"Naw," he replied. "She ain't nuthin' but skin and bones."
"I don't want her. Do whatever you want with her," Roland said, uncaringly.
"Captain Michaels said he don't want her aboard," the seaman continued.
"Then dump her overboard! I don't need any sickly women here. I run a clean business."
"Yes, sir," the seaman answered respectfully as he pushed off to pick up the final shipment.
Espri's head was pounding when she regained consciousness, and she couldn't stifle a moan as she tried to move. Her bonds held her immobile, however, so she lay, helpless, on the floor of the carriage, trying to unde
rstand what had happened to her. She could remember only a strange, threatening man entering her carriage and their subsequent scuffle.
"Hey, boss! The little lady's stirrin'," Bill called.
Roland was pleased to know Espri had come around and he beckoned for Bill to come to him. "I don't want any names or places mentioned around her. Understand?"
"Got it."
"Good. Let's just keep her in the carriage and out of sight until I'm through with these sailors. When Joe gets back, I'll take care of Mrs. Mitchell Williams personally. You stay with her until then."
Following his orders, Bill returned to his place beside the equipage and waited patiently for his partner's return.
Alan came to join Roland just as the launch arrived.
"I thought I'd told you that I didn't want the sick one!" he snarled as he noticed the thin, young girl clinging desperately to another, more healthy one.
"The captain said you were to do your own dirty work."
Roland looked exasperated as the women started to climb out of the small boat. The stronger girl was trying to help the sick one from the launch, but Roland quickly pushed her aside and motioned for her to go into the warehouse with the others.
"This one's yours, Alan. I don't care what you do with her, but I don't want to see her with the healthy ones. Understood?"
As Alan scooped the weak girl up in his arms and disappeared inside, Roland saw Joe return and he went to get the bottle from him.
"Thanks. Now, go inside and see if you can help Alan," he ordered.
Opening the carriage door, he leaned close to Espri and, keeping his voice disguised, said, "Mrs. Williams, you're going to be my guest for a few days, and I intend you to be an obedient one. I'm going to take your gag off, but if you scream, I will not hesitate to hit you again. Do you understand me?"
Wondering why anyone would want to kidnap her, Espri nodded.
"That's good. Now remember—silence!" Roland quickly unknotted the rag and pulled it away. "I've got something here I want you to drink."
"Water?" she croaked hoarsely.
"Yes." He grinned evilly as he held the bottle to her lips.
Espri took a deep swallow, choked, and then gasped for breath.
"Mrs. Williams, that wasn't nice. Now, I want you to drink this of your own free will or I'll be forced to make you drink it!" Ruthlessly, he pressed the bottle to her lips and poured the potent laudanum into her mouth. He didn't stop until she'd swallowed a substantial amount. "That's better."
"Who are you? Why are you doing this to me?"
"Not to you, my dear. To your husband. Now, be quiet and rest. I'm sure you'll find that sleep will come very easily in the next few minutes."
"No! Please!"
"Gag her!" Roland said quickly when she started to panic, and Bill efficiently tied the dirty cloth back in place. Stepping down from the carriage, Stuart pocketed the bottle and turned to his hireling. "Stay here. I don't want anyone coming near this carriage."
"What are you going to do with her, boss?"
"I plan to have her spend the night in one of Chun Ki's establishments."
Bill looked shaken by that news. "You can't be serious. I doubt she'd live through it!"
"It's not your place to question me!"
"I don't cotton to killin' women."
"Don't worry. I have no intention of having her 'work' tonight. That just seems the safest place to keep her stashed until I make a deal with her husband. There's no need for you to be concerned."
Considerably relieved, Bill watched Roland go back inside the warehouse to check on the Chinese women.
Chapter 31
A workroom at the back of the old storehouse had been cleaned in preparation for the showing of the women, and it was there that Roland waited for the buyers to arrive.
"Chun Ki's carriage has just pulled up," Alan declared as he hastened into the room.
"Good. Do you have the sick girl out of sight?"
"Yes. She's in the cubicle behind the pens. No one will see her there."
"Make sure the buyers don't. I've made my reputation by dealing only in undamaged goods."
"She won't be going anywhere," Alan confirmed smugly.
Roland wondered briefly at his tone, but he let the matter drop. He had, after all, given the girl to Harris.
"In that case, I'd better go meet with Chun Ki before the others show up."
"Can I help you in any way?"
"No. This is personal." Roland went out to greet his Asian friend and business associate.
Chun Ki was a large, shrewd man who possessed great wealth and wielded considerable power in the Chinese community. He was just stepping down from his carriage when he saw Roland approaching. "It is good to see you," he declared cordially.
"And you, my friend," Roland replied before shaking his hand and leading him inside. "Your business is doing well?"
"Excellently." Chun Ki smiled widely. "And you?"
"The Aurora has brought us many fine selections this trip." Roland gestured toward the holding pens.
"I'm pleased. The market is very demanding." Chun Ki eyed the naked women with dispassionate interest.
"They are at your disposal. You may inspect them at your leisure."
"The other buyers?"
"Will be here in about half an hour. I wanted you to have first choice." Knowing Chun Ki was his most valuable ally, Roland was catering to him.
"I am flattered by the honor," Chun Ki responded as he went to stand before the cowering women.
"I will leave you now to make your selections. We will settle on a price later."
"That is satisfactory."
"There is a room in the back that has been prepared for the inspections. You may take them there if you like."
"Thank you, Roland. I will meet with you shortly."
Efficiently, Chun Ki selected eighteen of the girls, and after Alan's men took them from the cages, they were led into the room at the back of the warehouse. Approximately twenty minutes later, Chun Ki emerged. He had completed his personal examination of the females, and he was more than satisfied with those he had chosen.
"I will take them all. Everyone seemed sound and fit."
"I am glad that you are pleased."
"As always, in my association with you," the Chinese man said diplomatically. "I have calculated that the eighteen are worth five thousand four hundred dollars. Is that agreeable?"
"Your honesty is gratifying," Roland replied smoothly, though he was overjoyed at the price.
"I pride myself on being an honorable man." Chun Ki counted out the bills and handed them over.
Now that the business part of their meeting was over, Roland said, "Chun Ki, do you have a moment? I have a small problem and I would ask your help."
"Of course, my friend. But first let me arrange to have my slaves removed before the other buyers arrive." After speaking with Alan's men and directing them to deliver his purchases to his establishment, he watched as the women were given white cotton tunics with which to cover themselves and then were herded quickly outside to waiting carriages. Turning back to Roland, he said, "What can I, your most humble servant, do to help you?"
"I have something that I need to put in your safekeeping for a day or two."
Chun Ki looked at Roland quizzically. "It must be a very valuable prize, indeed."
"Suffice it to say, that what I entrust to you will have the power to change my entire future."
"What is it?"
"A woman. The wife of an acquaintance of mine. She must be kept safe until I conclude certain delicate negotiations with her husband."
"Ah," Chun Ki replied sagely. "Extortion?"
Roland smiled. "We understand each other so well."
"Indeed we do. How is she to be treated?"
"I do not want her harmed. It is important that she be returned in perfect condition when I've finished dealing with her husband."
"Do you have a preference as to where I take her?
"
"No. I will leave that to your discretion. Just make sure it is someplace where she will not be found. Her husband is a very powerful man and he will not accept this situation without a fight."
"I see. You have her here?"
"Yes. She's in a carriage outside. I have given her a drug, and she is bound and gagged. I do not think she will cause you any trouble."
"Very well. It will be my pleasure to help you in this way. When do you want her back?"
"If all goes well, tomorrow. I will notify you tomorrow."
"And if it doesn't work out as you planned?"
Roland was pensive. "If not, she is yours to do with as you please."
"So these are very serious dealings."
"Very. She is my bargaining chip."
"I will take excellent care of her, you may rest assured. Who is she?"
"The wife of Mitch Williams."
"I have heard of his unexpected return."
"Yes, it is most unfortunate. He has caused me nothing but trouble."
"Then the rumor that they'd canceled your contracts was true?"
"You heard?" Roland was surprised.
"I hear many things." He shrugged. "Your plan will work. His bride is said to be an outstanding beauty of unusual descent."
"She is lovely, and I'm sure many of your more wealthy clients would pay handsomely for the chance to use her."
"Then I will take her with pleasure. Shall we make the transfer?" Chun Ki suggested.
"At once."
Roland led the way to the Williamses' carriage and opened the door to show her to Chun Ki.
"She is not dead?" he asked worriedly, not wanting the death of a successful businessman's wife on his hands.
"No. It's the drug."
Chun Ki nodded. "She would bring a good price. I will take her, and I will anxiously await word from you."
"Thank you, my friend."
As Roland and Chun Ki looked on, Bill quickly carried Espri's limp form to Chun Ki's carriage. Before he'd placed her in it, Alan came out of the warehouse, and his eyes widened in shock as he recognized Espri. Knowing that he couldn't interrupt Roland's conversation, he waited until the other man had gone; then he approached him.
"Roland, wasn't that Espri Williams?"
"You didn't see anything," Stuart ordered succinctly.
