After a week of waiting, Bronnah is going stir crazy. Aimee is working hard in her shop, but Bronnah must remain hidden until it is safe. “What of those, who can’t fight back?” Bronnah groans thinking of the three girls she left behind. How can she help them? What clues did they leave behind? The dress! Moving swiftly to the closet by the front door, she pulls out the bag of clothing she brought with her. Inside are the corset and stockings with a skirt. Maybe this will hold some answers?
Bronnah waits until Aimee returns at lunchtime to talk to her. "It came, Bronnah!" Aimee is speaking rapidly and waving a piece of paper. “It’s a message from the Rivers family. They said you are to wait for a U.S. Marshall, named Chase Rivers. He’s been investigating this case in Chicago.”
“That’s wonderful, but every day that I wait, more young women are being stolen. I will go to him.”
“Do you think that is wise? They said for you to wait, Bronnah.”
"I know, but you said yourself that The Chen have been searching block, by, block, looking for me. I'm out of time, and I don't want to have this tied back to you."
"It's true that they are looking. They've been to my shop twice in the last week. We are out of time. How will you get a train ticket?"
“Exactly. I can’t go by train, but if not by train then how do I get to this Chicago?”
"I can help you with that. Mon Amour is a Captain of a schooner, called the Harbor Breeze. He will help us, I'm sure of it."
“What is a schooner?”
“It is a wooden ship with three large white sails and masts. Hand built, custom ships, lovingly crafted with his family. He is proud of his work. They are fast and used to move cargo, like grain or coal. Sometimes for the right price, they transport people. Lucky for us, I know just how to satisfy him." Aimee laughs at the blush on Bronnah’s face. “I’m having dinner with him tonight on his boat. I will ask him then.”
“Perfect.” Bronnah jumps up and grabs the corset and skirt, handing it to Aimee. “Is it possible to tell where this was made?” Aimee looked at it and frowns. She flips it and turns it inside out while chewing her lip.
“Oui, sometimes we hide our tag inside the material. As proof of who the designer is.” She moves to the small kitchenette and pulls out a knife. “Let me just…” she slices the seam on the back of the corset and smiles in triumph. “Voila!” Inside is a small piece of material stamped with a circle and in the center of the circle is the word ‘Mario V.’ “Of Course! Mario Vacante. His shop is near Central Park.” Aimee stands up and begins to pace.
“Does every shop make this kind of… apparel?” Bronnah asks.
"No. Especially those in the upper city. I couldn't afford the rent there. This is a specialized item. We will talk more when I return. I need to think about this." She gathers her bag to go and turns to Bronnah. "Don't worry, you'll be spending September with the Rivers family. If they are anything like Cassie, you will be in good hands."
Bronnah waits for Aimee to leave for her date and sneaks down into the dress shop. One of the mannequins has a black wig. Perfect! She will visit this Mario Vacante and find out what he knows. The dress she chooses is a forest green silk and brocade, afternoon dress with a tight waist. Her hair is secured beneath the wig. Long black curls pulled on the sides, and she finishes the look with a matching hat. Hopefully, this will hide her face enough to allow her to move unseen. The sleeves are three-quarter sleeves, allowing her tattoo to be seen. Bronnah chooses a drawstring bag with a thick ribbon to wrap around her wrist. It will conceal the flower on her wrist, and she will be able to carry her derringer. Time to go meet this Mario.
Chapter 17
Rose stares at the four Chen warriors bowing in front of her. She's dressed in a traditional red silk dress, with her hair twisted up into an elegant bun and her lips are painted crimson to match her nails. Two young Asian girls wave fans to cool her off.
“There is a child who works the docks, named Kai. Follow him. He will lead you to the girl. I want her recaptured. I have another group watching the railway depots. Do not harm her face. Leave the child, he’s of no use to me. This girl belongs to Mr. Chen, I would suggest you not fail him. Do we understand each other?”
“Hai!” They say in unison and back out of the room in a show of respect for her station. She waits for them to leave and snaps out an order in Chinese. The girls retreat, leaving her alone.
Already the police have been sniffing around and now some reporter. This girl is resourceful. Eve grins, but no one escapes the Chen. Another shipment arrives this evening, and she needs to be ready for them.
Taking a carriage, Eve heads to the small hotel that will be housing the next batch of girls until they are ready. On the way, she stops at one of the Opium dens masquerading as a laundry. Eve enters carrying a bag of clothing, to be cleaned and pressed.
“Good morning, Ms. Eve.” The older lady accepts the bag and snaps out an order. Two young boys run from the back and retrieve it to begin the process. “Your last order is
