“That’s why I’m here, I’d learned they might strike. Miss Tsang, you must go to one of the other Tongs and ask for protection. The only way the Hop Sings will leave you alone is if they feel it will start a war to bother with you,” Doyle reached for Mei Yan’s hand as he tried to convince her.
“The only Tongs influential enough to compete with the Hop Sings would be the Suey Sings. They can be nearly as bad as the Hop Sings, they may want to take the girls to sell as well,” Miss Tsang said.
“Why won’t the police protect these children?”
“There’s no profit in it. Chinese can’t vote, so why would the politically controlled police force want to risk their lives to protect non-voters? I’m not here as a policeman, I’m here as a friend. I tried to gather support from the department, they threw me out of the Chief’s Office. The Aldermen won’t touch this, as far as they’re concerned this is a Chinese problem,” Longstreet said.
“This isn’t right. This isn’t fair. These people need protection. I have a temporary solution if Miss Tsang will accept it,” Helena said.
“What do you propose?”
“I will provide temporary security until we can move you to a more secure location. I will collect money, or pay for it out of my pocket, for the Brandywine Chinese School for Girls. This can’t be allowed to happen, and Sigmund before you stop me, I still think the Brandywine name has some power when it comes to donations.”
“No Miss, I think you have come up with a wonderful idea. I think your parents would be very proud,” Sigmund said.
“Miss Tsang, do you agree?” Helena asked.
“I, I don’t know what to say,” Miss Tsang said.
“Say yes,” Doyle said.
“Then yes, on one condition. I hate to ask a favor, but the Hop Sings are after only one girl now. I would feel much happier if she could be taken out of this environment and move somewhere safer.”
“Of course, we can take her to my house where she can stay until you feel the school is safe for her to return. Even though we will take her with us, I still think you require some added security until our name is on your new building. Sigmund, can you arrange some Pinkerton men? Armed Pinkerton men will guard the school until things are finalized.”
“It might take a few hours, but I will find some guards. Lane can I trust you not to get lost attempting to feed your stomach while I handle this. You will now be guarding Helena alone, please don’t lose her,” Sigmund said.
Lane grunted and nodded continuing to gnaw on the meat. At the same time, Helena said, “Women! I forgot about Missy. We are here looking for someone. I know she used to spend a lot of time in Chinatown, and the Coast. I hoped you might give us some information as to where she might be,” Helena pulled the locket out of her bindings and slid the open jewelry towards Miss Tsang.
She took some time examining the photograph before answering, “I have seen her on the streets of Chinatown before, though it has been some time. Maybe a month since I’ve seen her. I’ve never spoken to her. It would not be proper,” Miss Tsang said.
Detective Longstreet took the locket from Miss Tsang’s hand, he also studied it for some time.
“Do you recognize her?” Helena asked.
“No, in some ways I’m glad that I don’t. I am trying to identify three women who were recently murdered. Your friend isn’t one of them. Is there a missing person report on her? She looks to be gentry. This locket is worth some money,” Longstreet said.
“As far as I know there is no missing person’s report on her. I believe her father and maybe her whole family are missing as well. A mutual friend asked me if I could help find her. So far, I haven’t had any luck,” Helena said.
“Where does the family live?”
“Nob Hill, not far from here either I don’t think I’m breaking any client privileges if I give you the family’s name, the Whitakers of Nob Hill.”
“That is old money, but not my jurisdiction. I’ll make some inquiries, and maybe I can convince that precinct to check out the house.”
“I have one more item, would you mind both looking at it, perhaps you can tell me its relevance,” Helena pulled out the wine cork handing it first to Miss Tsang.
“I’m afraid I’m not much of a drinker. I think it comes from a wine bottle,” she handed over to Detective Longstreet.
He promptly smelled it, then licked it. “Wine cork all right. I’m a police officer I can’t afford this typically.”
“I thought it a long shot, but we had come all this way I figured somebody might know what it is. The cork seemed very important to Wai Han. Missy told her to keep it safe,” Helena took the cork back and placed it in her jeans front pocket, the locket went back where nobody could find it.
“Isn’t there someone who works on the Coast always bragging, or challenging someone about wine?” Miss Tsang.
“You’re correct, what was his name? I can’t remember the name, but I think he works at the Seattle Saloon and Dance Hall. Look for it on Pacific Street, near Kearny,” said Detective Long Street.
Helena finished her tea and stood. “I think we’ve taken up enough of your time, I’m sure the students need to return to their lessons.”
“If the Seattle Saloon and Dance Hall is the next stop, I will go visit the Pinkerton men. Lane, try not to lose anyone walking a block and a half.”
Lane made a halfhearted salute with his last beef-stick.
“Thank you for everything you’re doing. I’m sure the children will be much safer with you involved,” Miss Tsang shook everyone’s hand
