The Promise by Freda Lightfoot

attention was entirely focused upon the barman. ‘I’d do everything I could to help this lady, if I were you, unless you want your precious saloon torn apart and wrecked. I could easily arrange that, should I find it necessary, by calling on my mates from the SS Kronus , who are just outside. They’re handy chaps, and not too respectful of other folks’ property, or particularly sober right now. So, do you reckon I’ve jogged your mind about what might have befallen this lady’s sister?’
    I rallied sufficiently from my surprise at the young man’s unexpected support to pitch in with my own two dimes’ worth. ‘And if you refuse to cooperate I shall inform my father, Mr Isaac Briscoe. As you may be aware, he is an important and influential employer in these parts, owning several of these warehouses. You might find a good many people suddenly out of work, businesses closed or buildings razed to the ground.’ It felt like an empty threat, as I hadn’t the first idea which warehouses Papa owned, but I had to say something, and this was all that came to mind off the top of my head.
    The barman hurriedly disappeared into a back room, from where we heard the mumblings of a furious argument ensue. I was instantly concerned.
    ‘Where has he gone? If he runs off with her …’ I turned to my companion. ‘Could you really call on your friends? I didn’t see anyone outside.’
    ‘That’s because they weren’t there. I lied.’ He gave a flicker of a smile by way of apology. ‘It seemed worth the risk. I had to say something.’
    My heart sank. ‘Then we’re on our own?’
    ‘Afraid so.’
    Knowing me too well, Maura began to whimper. ‘Oh, please don’t you go in there, miss. Please!’
    I muttered some oath under my breath which would have caused Mama apoplexy. Not that I had a single plan in my head how I was to effect a rescue, but I was determined to devise one somehow. Only the terrible fury I was experiencing held back my fear, and in desperation I began a rapid search of the area behind the bar, seeking inspiration.
    ‘What are you looking for?’ asked my stalwart companion, coming to join me.
    ‘Don’t worry, I’ve found it,’ I told him, and stormed into the room in pursuit of the barman.
     
    The room was shrouded in gloom, so deep in shadow I at first found it well-nigh impossible to see what was happening. But it was the stink of the place which hit me the most, making me reel. It reeked of something overwhelmingly pungent and yet intensely sweet.
    ‘It’s opium,’ my companion whispered in my ear. ‘That’s Shanghai smoke or I’m a Dutchman.’
    ‘I’d rather gathered that,’ I caustically responded. Once my vision had adjusted to the dim light, I could see two men slumped in chairs, their eyes unfocused, fixed grins on their faces, their whole demeanour tantamount to the effect of the pall of smoke that hung about them. One was the stout man who had blocked our passage and taken Prudence; the other was small and thin, probably the driver of the brougham. The barman was remonstrating with them in furious whispers, talking and waving his arms about in great agitation, perhaps explaining whose daughter it was they’d abducted, and what would happen to his premises if they didn’t cooperate.
    I fervently hoped they would, as I really had no wish to carry through this crazy plan of mine, if that’s what you could call it, to bring about my sister’s rescue. And there darling Prue sat, eyes wide with fright, wrists tied to the arms of a chair, a filthy gag rammed into her pretty mouth. I couldn’t believe this was happening to us. Taking a breath I stepped quickly forward before I quite lost my courage.
    ‘If you imagine you can get away with this, you couldn’t be more wrong. I refuse to be intimidated by threats, so don’t waste your time trying. Release my sister at once, or I promise you’ll regret it.’
    The silence following this reckless statement was profound as four