Hi, my dear readers,
Thank you for the comment. And regarding the stats, I'm happy that still so many of your still read the story. Now the next step begins: Rescuing Peter. Hook will be in top-form, but the same goes for the others.
Have fun,
Yours Lywhn / Starflight
Chapter 54 – Rescuing Peter, part 1
"Good work, Mullins!" James Hook clapped the ship's carpenter on the shoulder, who smiled broadly at him.
"T'ankee, sir!"
Both men and a very curious Nibs stood at the companionway damaged by the flames and examined the new stairs. Mullins had made them usable on the trip here, but had since completely replaced them with wood stored in the ship's holds. Now the companionway was good as new, and everyone could use it without caution. He had even begun the hand carving on the railing. Nibs turned back to Hook. The captain was relaxed, a hint of a smile on his face that had lost some of its ashen coloring. The whole man seemed to brim with energy.
And James even felt relaxed. Indeed, he felt happy. Wendy had accepted his proposal! She would be his forever – officially! They would face life together – he and his sweet headstrong storyteller.
After they had fully dressed, he went to the secret hold and returned with a golden chain on which to hang the engagement ring. Hanging it around her neck, the ring came to rest over her heart – which Wendy was pleased to see. Knowing James, he had calculated the length, its location had a double meaning now. At least until they found a jeweler who could adjust the ring to fit.
Next they had stripped the linens, and James delivered them to the fuller. Upon returning, he found Wendy lying on the mattress, sound asleep. He smiled, shaking his head. Awake all night, the journey to the ship, the lack of sleep at the manor, then their intense lovemaking …. He covered her with one of the blankets, had pressed a tender kiss on her forehead, taken his cape and left his quarters.
Inspecting his ship and asking himself where the Wendy's redheaded friend was (or her mother), Mullins called to show him his work. And Hook couldn't deny that he was impressed by the carpenter's talents – again. Nibs joined them then John came to them on the second cannon deck; his expression serious. "Dark Owl … had another vision," he said quietly as he reached the two men and his brother. "The witch has begun to age again. At least that's what he saw."
Hook frowned. "Is it happening now or will it in the future?" John could only shrug and the captain sighed. "So, Pan's blood didn't have the expected effect – not for the hag." James pressed his lips together, thinking. "We must find him immediately. If the witch sees that the effect wears off, she'll need more –"
"Cap't!" Herbs' voice called down from the main deck. "Tha' red-haired gel an' her friend a' returnin'." Hook used the new refitted companionway to the main deck.
John and Nibs followed; speaking quietly with each other. "How did Dark Owl get a vision? He's wide awake!"
"He suddenly went still, sat down, closed his eyes, swayed a little bit and then he was awake again, telling me what he saw."
Hook was listening. So, the brave even got visions while awake? It seemed his gift was maturing. Reaching the main deck, he went to the railing beside Akeele and Jukes. It was only now he noticed that he hadn't seen Smee on his visit to the washhouse. Odd!
"Where is Mr. Smee?" he asked as he reached the two crewmen.
Both men smiled at each other. "Uh … Mr. Smee met anot'er Irishman an' t'ey … um … went off fer a drink," Akeele told him.
Hook turned to stare. "He did what?" When they only nodded, the captain took a deep breath. "What got into that old Irish mother hen? First he stays away overnight and now he goes off with a stranger to have a drink. He doesn't even have money," he added after a second. "How will he pay?"
Jukes shrugged, while the giant black pirate sighed, "He was invited – thass wha' he told me."
"Invited?" Hook snorted, but dropped it. He would question the bosun when he returned. Looking down on the pavement he saw the small two-seated motorcar parked near the gangway and Kempton and Lady Ashford just leaving the vehicle. Both were beaming, which he took for good news – especially as the young woman waved at him to descend. Keen to hear her news, the captain went down the gangway.
"Those were two long hours," he remarked as the young couple reached him.
"Not that you or Wendy minded," Victoria said matter-of-factly. Hook rolled his eyes. This redhead was cheeky as Wendy. She continued: "About those coins you gave us, their worth is fixed, which means you get only one pound and one shilling for one guinea. But the clerk of the bank told me that coin collectors will pay more for very old coins and he gave me an address where to find such a man." She lifted a larger leather wallet she had bought for the captain. "Et voilá, eighty pounds and fifteen shillings."
Hook took it in his hand – what the hell was this? – and opened it. There were a lot of small sheets of paper with intricate printing and a few coins. Hanging it onto his hook, he carefully pulled out one of the papers. Curiously, he examined it. "Is this …"
"A banknote," Victoria nodded.
"Interesting," James murmured. "There were bills of credit when I was still a boy, letters you could show a bank and get the money in return. I think the Bank of England introduced them to merchants and the military on regular basis at the end of my century, but you always had to exchange the paper for coinage at a bank."
"That step is no longer necessary," Daniel explained; "You can pay anyone with them directly." His eyes were glued on Hook's face absolutely fascinated again to face a man from two hundred years ago. Then he blinked and changed the topic, determined not to stare. "I spoke with my colleague who's working on the report about London's orphanages. Most of them belong to Dr. Thomas Barnardo, an Irish doctor who opened orphanages first in the East End decades ago. By now there are ninety-six homes which all operate the same, and take care of the orphaned children. Yet there are still a few private 'houses' that still resemble the old work houses and operate at the edge of law. My colleague thinks that he had read the name 'Primely' in association with those houses. He's looking through his notes and will tell me when he finds anything."
Hook took a deep breath. "A good first step," he said. "The situation has become more serious since your absence. Dark Owl -"
Another car drew near and turned. It was the Darling's larger vehicle. Mrs. Darling drove, beside her was another woman and between them they could see Slightly. Hook examined the woman besides Wendy's mother. She was possibly in her early fifties with a stern face. There was no doubt who she was. "Aunt Millicent," he sighed.
Victoria looked at him. "You already know her?"
"Only by reputation," James replied, replacing the banknote, tucking the pouch into his pocket.
She giggled. "I can guess what Wendy told you about her aunt."
Hook only gave a throaty grumble. He had planned to tell Mary Darling that he had proposed to Wendy, but he knew that news should wait while in Aunt Millicent's presence. He watched, the motorcar parked beside Mr. Kempton's, the three passengers disembarking. Bracing himself for the first meeting with the Darling's 'house-dragon', he took a deep breath, straightened to his full commanding height and -
"CAAPTAAAAIIIIINNNN!"
The shout came from the right, echoed from the warehouses. Startled, he asked "What now? The last time Smee yelled like that we had fire aboard!"
He saw the stout figure of his bosun pushing through a few startled dock workers, almost to the ship. And he wasn't alone. Two small boys ran after him. What now?
"What is it, Smee? Are you being pursued –" Hook couldn't finish the sentence, for the man interrupted him barely he had reached him – out of breath and clearly agitated.
"Capt'n, it's about Pan! T'ese two lads know where 'e's at!"
With renewed hope, he looked down on the two boys, maybe nine or ten years old and poorly clothed. "You know where Peter is?" he demanded.
Frank and Anthony stood open-mouthed, looking at the tall man with the piercing eyes, a metal claw on his right arm. It was a few seconds before they could respond. There he was: THE pirate captain Peter told them about. A real pirate captain! And he looked every inch the man they'd pictured. Only better. "Captain, sir," Frank said breathlessly, tugging a forelock, as did Anthony.
Hook frowned, seeing the admiration in the boy's eyes. Why did people of this century admire pirates instead of fearing them? Hadn't he always said no little children loved him? At least until now. But since he and the crew had returned to the Mainland, everyone met them with adulation. Well, he could get used to this.
Nibs and John joined them on the dock, greeting 'Aunt Millicent,' Dark Owl, Slightly and Mary Darling also approached. But his attention was on the two little boys.
Frank stepped forward. "Sir, Peter is at our orphanage. He came to us yestiddy-"
"And fought 'em every inch of the way," Anthony threw in with admiration.
"He wore leaves and …" Frank pulled something out of his jacket pocket, "and this, I saved from the fire after Director Primely ordered Joe to burn everything Peter had." He offered Hook a little wooden item that all the children recognized immediately.
"Peter's pipe!" Slightly gasped. Hook took the instrument in his hand. He thought he could feel it humming with fairy magic and relief flooded him. This was the sure proof that the imps spoke the truth. "Where is your orphanage?" he asked urgently.
One of the boys pointed to the northeast. "It's the 'Little Haven Orphanage' in Bethnal Green."
"One of the worst areas," Daniel contributed. "Slums, brothels, gambling halls, liquor shops … the poorest of the poor."
"And there is an orphanage there?" Millicent asked, "Peter Pan is there?" Mary Darling spoke over her.
"Obviously," Victoria answered.
Hook ignored the three ladies. "Can you show us the way?" he asked the boys, who nodded.
"Yes, Captain – and you should hurry. Peter needs your help. He … he got in a fight with one of the older boys-"
"Malcom and his two friends – nasty bullies," Anthony sighed.
"And the director says he is insane 'cuz he saw your photo in the newspaper claimed he knew you, and wanted Mr. Primely to take him to ya. But Joe, Elmer and the director didn't believe him and locked him up. The director wanted to call Bethnal House -"
"Bethnal House?" Mary Darling gasped, clutching Millicent's hand.
James glanced at her. "What is Bethn-"
"A madhouse with a very dubious reputation," Daniel explained. "Decades ago, it became known for the cruel treatment of the patients. It's changed somewhat, but there are still rumors that the insane are treated cruelly."
Hook stared at him, then he turned to the two boys again. "And they're taking Peter there?" he asked incredulously. Just what had Peter possibly done? What did this Primely want to do to his boy? (Wait, had Jame Hook actually thought that?)
Frank nodded. "The director knows one of the doctors there, and he wanted to ask him to take Peter. But Peter isn't mad. He told us about you and that island he comes from. And now you're here, so …" Frank's rambling was interrupted, as Hook laid his hand on the boy's shoulder.
"You can tell me everything as we travel." He looked at Daniel. "Mr. Kempton, I need your motorcar. I must get to this orphanage now." Then he glanced to the deck of the ship. "MULLINS, AKEELE, TO ME!"
Millicent watched the tall man with the metal claw instead of his right hand. So, this was the famous / infamous Captain Hook. The man whose eyes turned red when he was 'about to gut you'. The man who had haunted almost all of Wendy's stories. The man who had first tried to kill the girl, then saved her, and now had fallen in love with her – at least according to Wendy's mother and Robert. Dragging her eyes away from the deadly hook, she observed the captain. Tall in stature, aristocratic face, strong elegant limbs, the ornate clothes beneath his cape attractively draping his strong slender body – Millicent was not blind and she recognized how nice-looking, even handsome he was. But there was more. She sensed he was a man who knew exactly what he was doing. He radiated authority, strength and an inner energy, but there was also something about him that made her wary. Dangerous, definitely. It was no wonder that her niece had been taken with the captain even as a little girl, adventurous as she was.
Slightly and his two cousins came forward. "We'll come with you, Captain."
Hook only nodded and called up to the ship for Herb and Jukes, while Akeele and Mullins came running down the gangway. "That is out of question!" Millicent protested.
"I already told you, Mother, Peter must be rescued before I can come home!" Slightly's tone allowed for no debate.
"Boys, I don't have enough room for all of you in my motorcar. It's only a two-seater after all-" Daniel began, but Mary interrupted.
"Our motorcar can seat eight. If we sit close, then eight or nine people can fit in it."
Millicent stared wide-eyed at her. "Mary, you can't seriously intend to … to accompany these men to steal a boy out of an orphanage!"
Mrs. Darling straightened to her full height. "Yes, I not only intend to do it, I will do it. Haven't you heard what could happen to the boy if we don't get him out now?" She shook her head as the older woman began to complain. "You won't talk me out of it, so stop right there. Captain Hook and his men need a ride to save the boy, so I'll provide one."
Millicent turned towards the tall one-handed man, now instructing two of his crew: one was a slender man with a short beard and light eyes, the other one was tall, black as night and a head full of strange braids. Two other men came down from the ship, one tattooed everywhere – even on his face. What a gang of rascals! "Do you really trust these … these scoundrels?" she asked.
"Oh, I think their hearts are in the right place," Victoria said, and smiled innocently as the older woman shot her a glare.
Behind them one of the cannon hatches was raised, and a few tiny beings looked out. Tinker Bell, Aurora and Kailen had stayed aboard after they left Hook's cabin, knowing that the other fairies were spread all over London searching. But, it had been two little boys who brought the welcome news about Peter's location. The three and Esteban had listened to the talks on the quay, and the two fairies and the pixie were determined to accompany the rescue party. The Klabautermann led them down to the lower cannon deck and opened one of the hatches. "Out with you, amigos," he wheezed while holding the heavy wooden hatch open. They darted out, hardly visible in the daylight.
Slightly felt Tinker Bell crawling under the collar of his coat, which told him she and the two others would come with them. Looking about, he saw that Nibs had a passenger, too, and knew that Aurora was with him. John scratched his neck, then sighed. Obviously Kailen had hidden himself in the boy's collar, too. Good choices. Nibs and Slightly understood the fairy language, but John didn't. Yet the Pixie spoke human – even if it was a very odd version. Now they could all communicate with each other.
He heard Hook say, "Mr. Herbs, you are in command during my absence. Pull up the gangway when the ladies are aboard and we leave. Only allow us back on the ship. I suspect that we haven't seen the last of the viscount."
"Aye, Capt'n."
"Dark Owl is coming with Iron-Hand," the brave spoke up. "He can feel if the witch is near." Hook considered the boy. He doubted that the witch would accompany the viscount – if he came at all – but it would be advantageous to have the young Indian warrior along. The captain was certain that they couldn't just knock on the door tell them to hand the boy over. Perhaps they would need another way to get inside, and if there was one thing Indians were good at, then it was sneaking around. Then there was that tomahawk …
"All right," he nodded. He addressed Herbs again. "Go to Cookson and tell him to make a good stew. I'm sure we're going to need it afterwards – Peter especially." Feeling the urgency to leave he turned to the ladies. "Madame, may I assume I'm addressing 'Aunt Millicent'? Your pardon, but I do not know your surname."
"It's still Darling," Millicent replied. For the first time she got a good look at his eyes, and felt a shiver running down her spine. 'Blue as forget-me-nots'. Yes, Wendy had described them correctly. Never had Millicent met anyone with such intense blue eyes. They seemed to look into her soul, missing nothing. Swallowing, she offered him her left hand he took and bowed over it.
"Miss Darling, a pleasure. Wendy has told me a lot about you."
To his surprise, the woman sighed deeply. "I can imagine what she told you, Captain. I tried to change her into a lady, but it seems I was not successful."
"Madame, you have no idea how glad I am that you failed," James told her wryly, what made Millicent widening her eyes. Of course this man would prefer a rather… untamed Wendy.
"Where is Wendy, by the way?" Victoria asked, wondering why her friend was still absent.
"She fell asleep in my quarters," Hook told her. "I placed her on my bed and covered her with blankets. The two ladies can use my cabin, too, for warmth and comfort until we're back, but please don't disturb Wendy. She was awake all night and had a harrowing journey from the manor. Mr. Jukes here will see to your personal needs. So, if you want some tea or something to eat, please do not hesitate to tell him."
Jukes stepped up; tricorn-hat in hand. "Ladies," he greeted, bowing.
Millicent swallowed again and took a deep breath, while Victoria simply smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Jukes."
Billy grinned at her. "Ye're welcome, lass … Uh, I mean, Milady."
Hook snorted and shook his head. His men tried. He had to give them that. Pointing his claw towards the motorcars, he ordered, "Right, everyone aboard these … these machines." After some quick deliberations and shoving, they all found a seat – more or less.
Smee, who needed the most room, sat beside Daniel Kempton in the smaller, two-seated motorcar; quite unhappy to be riding in a horseless carriage again, but at least this time a man would steer it. Maybe Mr. Kempton drove more sedately than Mrs. Darling? Anthony sat on his lap, delighted to ride in one of the new vehicles.
Mr. Darling had invested his money in an Austrian Adler motorcar for his enlarged family. It had two bench seats behind the driver's seat, and offered room for six people normally. Usually. When the Darlings were on the road, six or even seven of the children found room on the two rear benches, Wendy, as the oldest, usually sat between her mother and father on the driver's bench. Now Hook took his place beside Mrs. Darling with Frank between them, thrilled to be with these exotic grownups in this amazing vehicle. On the one behind them sat Nibs, Slightly and Akeele; behind them sat Mullins, John and Dark Owl. The two pirates were uncharacteristically quiet, but collected. A pirate could never fear a horseless carriage, end of story!
Then they were on their way to Bethnal Green to get out a certain boy…
*** PP *** PP ***
Why, exactly, am I doing this – driving all the way to London to bring the brat back? Because Brynna is showing her age again. Well, we all age – but Madame is afraid of death, as well she may be, and wants to squeeze more years out of her life. And since she hasn't finished the healing potion, I have to do what she wants. Dalton Ashford scowled out of the side window, turning over his options, while the Austin wound its way through London's chaotic confusing streets, steered by Fulsom. They had picked up the motorcar at the station, had filled its tank, and found another petrol outlet, and then had driven towards London. Anders was beside the viscount in the enclosed part of the motorcar, looking every bit as sour as his employer.
On the other hand, it could come in handy to have someone who could actually do magic, he thought, looking for the bright side of his situation. But if she has any power, then why doesn't she conjure away my gambling debts? Or just get the boy back with a little hocus-pocus? It looks like she's still just a beginner, and needs more time. Time she wants to steal from the boy's blood. So here I am, stuck between a rock and a hard place.
"Did this director agree to give the boy back?" Einar asked.
"He agreed wholeheartedly," the viscount replied. "It seems our little pest has been quite a bit of trouble. No surprise there. He even got into a fist fight with some older boys and the warders. Primely is more than happy to get rid of him. He told me that he was about just about to call Bethnal House, but my call came first."
"The only thing that will put the boy in the line is a good beating," the Dane growled.
"He already got one," Ashford sighed.
"Well, if I understood Mademoiselle Lunette correctly, no one will have to be concerned about the boy's upbringing anymore. Correct?"
Dalton didn't ask how Anders knew this. He didn't care. He had too many other worries. Yet … "I haven't changed my mind. I won't allow her to kill a child!"
"He's a changeling!" Anders repeated, throwing up his hands at the young man's naiveté. "A boy brought up by the Fae. The details do not matter. He isn't even human anymore, Milord, so not even a 'normal child'." Anders turned his head. "You had that opinion until his stay in the dungeon. I'm surprised that you still remain concerned for his life."
"I've made my decision: He's a child." Dalton turned to look through the rear window. Wickham and Alister were still following them with the Wolseley. "I would rather have your help to work out a plan as to how can also use the boy's … uh … return to get rid of Shalford."
The Dane grimaced, then he asked, "And … what about the girl?"
That was the wrong thing to say. The viscount's face instantly darkened. "If she is so repulsed by the idea of becoming the future Lady Ashford, so be it. But first I'll make certain that her father shows some gratitude for what I endured getting his daughter back." He sat thinking as Fulsom dodged a horse-drawn cart. "Let's combine these operations: The boy back in my 'care', Shalford and some 'help' from the honorable Mr. Darling, including a little payback for Wendy and her stubborn, childish refusal to see reason." He began to smile. "I can see it now. Help me with the details."
*** PP *** PP ***
This section of London was shocking, even for Hook. Poor districts had existed during his time, more than in 1909, but what repulsed the captain was the black dirt that seemed to cling to every surface, roof, window they passed. It came from the railways and the many, many chimney stacks at all the factories in the harbour and the wharfs, all burning coal. Residents' clothing showed the circumstances the families had to live with. Of course most women tried to keep them neat, but with no money to buy soap, then hanging the laundry in the fallout outdoors to dry them, it was almost impossible to get them truly clean. The population looked colourless and weathered.
During the ride Hook, Mullins and Akeele were too distracted to think much about the manner they were travelling, even if James felt uneasy about it. The boys filled them in about what had happened at the orphanage. That Peter would refuse to obey was to be expected. Peter Pan was a fighter by nature, one of the things that made him a good leader. The fact that he already had most of the children on his side, stirring them up against the unfair treatment, was expected, too. Yet it came with a price – especially in a world that regarded children as a burden until they could bring in money. Hook was outraged when he learned that denying food was one of the punishments. Fortunately, they never mentioned Peter's beating, which postponed Hook's worst anger.
When 'working' ashore, pirates always had a plan B and an extra escape route. Hook decided to first reconnoitre the back of the orphanage. They told this to Daniel in the first vehicle while they were stuck in traffic. They parked his motorcar in the alley behind the Little Haven Orphanage. Mary peered around her. The alley was abandoned at this time of the afternoon. The church bell had rung four o'clock, but the underclass had no time to spare for tea and sandwiches.
With increasing disgust, James evaluated the iron gate and the high wall surrounding the area where the children might get something close to fresh air, now obviously a prison yard – at least in his view. James Hook had always said he didn't like children, but this was repulsive even in his opinion. And it was too quiet here! An orphanage might not be a happy place, but shouldn't there be at least some childish voices? "Talking while we work isn't allowed," Frank had told him, and now he realized what the child meant. This was unnatural!
Mullins had left the motorcar (a bit white around his nose) and moved to where his superior sat. "What now, Cap'n?" he asked quietly.
"Let's see if the sea is calm," Hook murmured, exiting the vehicle, as did Akeele, and moving to the iron gate; passing the overturned dustbin. He skirted the spilled trash. He wasn't surprised to find the gated locked, yet he scowled. He had hoped that Mullins and Akeele could secure the back of the building to back them up if they needed it.
Kempton had come aside of him along with Dark Owl, who looked up the wall. The young Indian wore the clothes John had loaned him, yet his long hair and olive skin betrayed his origin. "If one of Iron Hand's men will help, Dark Owl will climb this wall, open the iron door and let the others in," he said quietly.
Hook grinned. It seemed the lad was good for more than visions. "As you wish." He waved Akeele to him. "Give our young friend here a boost over the wall." He touched Dark Owl's shoulder. "Caution, lad. Someone might be looking from the windows."
Frank appeared beside them and carefully shook at the squeaky gate. "It's only bolted, not locked," he said quietly. "That's why I can shake it." He couldn't believe his luck. A real Indian! What an adventure! He would remember this day for the rest of his life! "You can just pull the bolt aside."
The brave gave the boy a rare smile. "Dark Owl has seen this. Iron Hand's large, stone wigwam is secured this way." He clapped Frank's shoulder, then he turned towards Akeele. "If the black warrior would fold his hands?"
The large African pirate grinned, then moved to the wall, happy to contribute. Hook and Mullins stood beside them to shield them from other eyes, yet James couldn't resist a look over his shoulder. He watched Akeele all but throw the lad at the wall, where he took hold of the top and straddled it. For a moment, he sat there as if on a horse, and swept a glance at the yard, only to vanish a beat later. Holding his breath, Hook waited, but no one shouted an alert. So far, so good. A metallic squeak, then the gate was open and Dark Owl glanced out. "Come," he whispered.
Hook nodded, satisfied. "Very well. Akeele, Mullins, you and Dark Owl secure the back."
"I'll go with you," Frank said quietly. "I can show you where you can hide should Thin Joe or Fat Elmer come outside." (He couldn't know that the two warders and the one he and Anthony tricked were still searching for the runaways.)
Akeele looked at Hook, who only shrugged. An ally who understood the layout was preferable. Like shadows, the two pirates, the Indian and the small boy disappeared, then the gate was silently closed again, and left unbolted.
Hook turned to Daniel. "Mr. Kempton, leave your motorcar here and join us in Mrs. Darling's vehicle. Your carriage is our backup."
"Backup?" he asked.
"Aye," Hook nodded. "Never storm a castle without first making sure that the backdoor is open and you can escape. In case we must leave in haste, you take Peter with you back to the ship."
"But I can't allow you to -" Daniel began.
"Yes, you can leave us behind. You must! Peter is in danger anywhere but on my ship." He lowered his voice. "Dark Owl saw in a vision that the viscount's witch is aging again. We suspect that that nightmare of a hag will try to brew more potion – meaning, she needs Peter's blood again. Ashford certainly knows by now that I'm alive and in London. And he also knows that Pan is leverage to force me to agree to his demands. He already tried that in Neverland. I will not risk Peter's and, by extension, my own life because of trouble with the authorities. And, by the way, what they could do to me is the lesser of two evils."
Daniel took a deep breath. The captain was right. He realized this, but – dammit – if he didn't like it. "All right," he murmured. "If things go wrong, I'll take the boy and get him away from here. And then?"
"We'll figure that out as it events unfold," Hook summarized. "Take Peter to Wendy. And concerning us – well, perhaps your girlfriend's connections can help." He waved Daniel's protest away that 'Lady Ashford and he were only good friends', and walked back to the Adler, waving Smee and the other little lad over.
"What's your plan?" Mary asked.
"We drive to the front entrance. Mr. Kempton, Mr. Smee and this other young one will come with us." He got into the front seat beside Mrs. Darling again, while Daniel, an unhappy Smee and a nervous Anthony found room in the back.
They drove to the front door of the orphanage. Looking up at the dark stone and the dull windows, the tender woman shuddered. "This is no place to raise a child," she whispered.
"Aye," Hook agreed; knowing what this place was doing to Peter. Hold on, Pan, I'm coming! Then he gave himself a mental shake. How much things had changed!
"This building complex is like a prison!" Daniel grimaced, while Mary parked. "I suggest that our little adventurer stay here," Kempton added as he and the others climbed out. "They shouldn't see him here if he's run away."
"T'ose grownups seem t' be quick wit' their slaps," Smee added. "At least thass wha' Tony here tol' us." He ruffled Anthony's hair. Bryan looked somewhat green at the gills, but wasn't about to be left behind on this adventure. (Indulging in real whisky and then being rocked in the motorcar had been hard on the stomach.) Yet his face showed only determination. Nausea or not, he wouldn't let his captain face whatever was in there alone!
"I agree," Hook nodded and turned to John and the other boys. "One of you should keep an eye on him."
"With him I will stay," a voice peeped. The next moment a pale green Pixie left John's collar and crawled on his shoulder. "Should something happen, inform you all I will," Kailen said. Anthony, who sat on the rearmost seat beneath one of the blankets stared with open mouth at the little prankster.
"Wh-wh-what are you?" he was finally able to mutter.
Kailen bounced over the seat to him, landed on his lap and smiled up at him. He had listened to the other boys' stories during their ride to this dark, unhappy place. Lifting his beany, he bowed. "A pixie I am," he explained. "Kailen is my name."
"A pixie," Anthony breathed looking at Smee, who mumbled not unkindly, "Wherever they go, pixies play pranks an' joke aroun', but dey've a good heart. An' our Kailen 'ere's a hero on 'is own. Ye can trust 'im."
Anthony grinned broadly. "A pixie! And what about fairies?"
As if on cue, Aurora emerged from Nibs' jacket. Speaking to Kailen, who nodded, she raced into the skies before anyone could really see her.
"A fairy…" Anthony breathed. "Peter was right – about everything!"
Hook watched her darting away and groaned quietly. "What's the matter?" Mrs. Darling asked him.
"She wants to perform a 'distracting manoeuvre.' Andnow I'm nervous." He snorted. Experience had proven that he and fairies had different ideas concerning 'distractions.' "Madame, I suggest you remain -"
Mary lifted a brow, straightened and shook her head – looking just like her daughter at this moment. "You are not going in there alone. Any of you! When a lady is present, men behave better – at least that's what I've found." It was almost a challenge to the rest of them.
"Like mother, like daughter," he grinned. "I can almost picture you in a white nightgown."
"Captain!" Mary said aghast, and so he lifted both arms.
"I meant nothing indecent, Ma'am." He pointed at Anthony. "You'd better hide between the seats and under a blanket, so no pedestrians can see you." Then he pulled the hood of his cape over his head, only realizing now that he had left the ship without his sword. Well, he still had his pistol, as did his men. And a very deadly hook. If the going got rough, it might be enough just to wave them around.
"Captain, let me try first," Daniel said. "We might get access if we demand to speak to the director."
Hook nodded slowly, and indicated that Smee, John, Slightly and Nibs stand out of sight by the entrance. Kempton climbed up the three grey, weathered stairs to the large wooden door. He realized that Mrs. Darling and the captain stopped behind him two steps lower. Taking a deep breath, Daniel dragged at the bell pull and inside something clanked. They waited some time, and Kempton was about to yank the bellpull again when the small observation window in the upper half of the door opened. "Yes?" a male voice asked sharply.
"Good afternoon," Daniel said politely. "We are here to see Director Primely."
The unshaved face of the youngish man now peered out the window. "Are ya comin' from Viscount Ashford?" he asked.
Hook tensed, while Daniel replied, "Indeed, we are."
"About time tha' ya get here," the man grumbled. "The director's already impatient!" The observation window slammed shut and the door was unlocked.
The warder had opened the door and looked with startled eyes at the fine lady behind the younger man in clothes which identified him as a member of the middle class. Beside the lady was a tall imposing figure wearing an old-fashioned cape. Maybe the viscount in person? "Come in," he mumbled, stepping aside. The three visitors entered, but before the warder could close the door, an elder man in impossibly old-fashioned clothes pushed in behind the others.
"Wait, his lordship is na alone," he said.
The warder's eyes widened. "Who are you?"
"I'm th' current driver," was all the old man said, following 'his lordship.'
The warder stared at him. This … tramp was one of the viscount's drivers? The man not only looked like he lived in the streets, but smelled like a pub.
"Show us to the director!" the young man demanded, interrupting the warder's thoughts. "His Lordship hasn't all day. And don't mind his driver. He only wants to get warm."
The warder glared at the young man, then glanced at the lady – who lifted a brow, her lovely face stern – and finally at 'his Lordship', whose features were hidden in the shadows of the hood. Murmuring into his five-o-clock-shadow, he threw the door closed and proceeded down the hallway; not noticing that 'the driver' remained behind. When the four turned a corner, Smee quickly opened the door to let in John, Nibs and Slightly, then closed it, leaving it unlocked. The old Irishman and the three boys looked around and shuddered. The smells, the grey/black walls, the sadness that seemed to cling to the walls – the worst place they'd ever visited.
"It's about time that we get Peter out!" Slightly whispered; Tinker Bell agreed from the pocket of his jacket. "He really could go insane here."
*** PP *** PP ***
George Darling and Sir Edward Quiller-Couch left the estate Shefton Hall of Sir Clarence Molynew with signed contracts. George smiled, admiring the work of his colleague, Clark Havicomb, in doing the groundwork. George, Sir Edward and nobleman had shaken hands. George was relieved that the interview and completion of contract was done in record time. He was needed by his family – especially Wendy – and he had expedited the process by adopting a fatherly sternness combined with the facts and figures he had learned during the journey to Liverpool. Sir Edward thought he barely recognized this George Darling. Some years past the man had been uncertain and stuttered when nervous; he had grown firm, straightforward and competent over time, but today's demeanor was different. George reminded him of a warrior facing a battlefield – level-headed, clear, calculating and stern. It had not only impressed him, but also Sir Clarence, who felt he was placing his money in good hands with the Bank of England.
Sir Clarence had ordered his driver to take the two London gentlemen to their hotel, demonstrating how satisfied he was with the result. Sir Edward watched his employee, who looked outside of the window, lost in thought, frowning.
"Why such a face, George?" he asked suddenly. "You were superb, I must admit. It was a pleasure watching you negotiate."
George looked up, surprised. "Pardon, sir?" he asked. It was clear that he hadn't been listening.
Sir Edward sighed and glanced with knowing eyes at him. "What is it, George? Are you worried about your daughter? I'm sure she'll recover soon at the manor in Surrey."
Mr. Darling couldn't stop the snort that escaped him. "I'm not worried about her health," he said. "Not much, but rather …" He hesitated. He didn't know how much he could tell the bank's director, but sooner or later Sir Edward would have to learn some of the truth – at least when it came out that the Viscount Ashford was not a decent young man, going behind his father's back and deceiving the banks.
"Yes?" Quiller-Couch prompted as his subordinate fell quiet.
George took a deep breath as he decided to use his superior's good mood to get him 'into the boat.' "This morning, I learned from my wife that Viscount Ashford has gambling debts," he said carefully. "Wendy learned of it by accident as she passed the viscount's study and heard a conversation between him and his confidant. It seems the viscount's interest in her lies more within the benefits of my job and my position in the bank than her charms."
Sir Edward lifted his bushy, white eyebrows. "Are you sure?" he asked, astonished.
The younger shrugged non-committedly. "Wendy wouldn't lie about something like that. She called last night in secret, obviously … somewhat afraid." A white lie, knowing his daughter she hadn't been afraid, but furious, but if he wanted to warn Sir Edward about what might come within the next days, it was better to play the card of 'damsel in distress.' "She learned that the viscount had already … uh … used his fathers' companies to repay some of his debts but is still in need of money. A lot of it. It seems he thinks that I might provide him with cheap credit if he shows a 'serious' interest in my daughter."
The bank-director sat back heavily in the seat. "That is … outrageous!" he stated after a pause, clearly irritated.
"I agree," George nodded. "After our breakfast this morning, I phoned Benjamin Taylor and asked him to investigate the Ashford accounts. If the viscount really is misappropriating funds from his father's companies, perhaps masking them as investments, the banks the Ashfords work with are being defrauded, too. And I know that the count has two accounts in our bank. If there are financial irregularities because of his son's deceptive practices, we have to know it."
Sir Edward took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "You did well," he said after a few beats. "If there is a real suspicion that the young man is dishonest, our bank – and the other ones – could lose a lot of money." He glanced at the younger man beside him. "What about your daughter?"
"She is … unhappy. And worried, after all she is in the lion's den, so-to-speak." This was true. After all he learned about the viscount from John and from Wendy through Mary, the young nobleman was a fiend. But he couldn't say this to his superior, so he stuck to the more official version, relevant to the bank. "She and the viscount's cousin, Victoria Ashford, are very close friends as you know. I don't believe the young lady knows about her cousin's failures, but the whole matter is quite … awkward for my family. The first young man to seriously court our daughter is only interested for his financial benefit. It's like the Middle Ages."
"Scandalous!" Sir Edward stated firmly. "Your daughter is such a sweet young lady and for this to happen -" He shook his head. Then he looked at George with realization "That's the reason why we finished the negotiation in record time! You wanted to return to London to clear things up."
George sighed. "Indeed, sir. The first thing I will do tomorrow is speak with Mr. Taylor, and then I'll drive to Surrey and bring my daughter home. I won't allow the viscount to use her for his … schemes."
"Are you going to confront the viscount with what you found out?" Sir Edward asked.
"This depends on what Mr. Taylor has revealed. If this young man has gambling debts he is unable to pay, they must be large. And if he plans to pay them back by cheating his own father and the banks, then there is no doubt about his character."
"Hm," Sir Edward murmured, then he sat up as if deciding. "I can ask my wife to keep her ears open – perhaps speak with a few of her friends. I'm sure that there are rumors among the upper class if the young Ashford is a gambler with excuses to delay payments. Whatever Mr. Taylor discovers, please keep me posted." It was no request but an order, and George felt relieved.
"Of course, Sir Edward. I would be most grateful if you and your honored wife could lend a helping hand in this matter. I love my daughter and I didn't raise her to become a puppet of a dishonorable young nobleman."
"Spoken like a true father," the older man smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. "You have grown in the last years – from a shy clerk to one of my best employees." He smiled suddenly. "And as a distraction, I invite you to an early dinner."
"Sir …" George began but was interrupted.
"The evening train back to London leaves in two hours and I heard that the station restaurant serves a fine kidney pie. We'll pack, go to the station, have dinner and then we're back on our way to London. I'm sure my wife will be happy to see me a day early as well." He picked up his gloves as they approached the hotel. "And tomorrow you may have the day off to clear up this matter with the viscount and your daughter."
George smiled for real now. "Thank you, sir," he said heartily. He would be glad to be back in London so soon. Not just for his daughter and the viscount's finances, but because of a certain pirate captain who had come to England. And he assumed that the latter would be even more challenging than solving the riddle about the viscount.
He couldn't know that the coming night would be a very long and illuminating one.
TBC…
So, Hook and the others are in the orphanage, now they only has to get to Peter – easier said than done. And, as it is well-known, Hook's patience isn't the strongest one. And Mr. Darling told his superior a part of the truth. He is going to need Sir Edward's support soon…
In the next chapter there is, as you already assume, the next big reunion, and Mary and Daniel will fully realize that the 'one-handed man' is indeed a pirate through and through.
I hope, you liked the new chapter, including Millicent meeting Hook for the first time and our captain is out in East London, being confronted with the town-life. Like always, I would be happy to get some feedback.
Have a nice rest of the weekend,
Love
Yours Lywhn / Starfligh