Once We Were by Aundrea M Lopez Page B

money to pay for it?”
    “ If you identify the missing person in this photo, you'll be well compensated.” Emmett held up a poster. The tramp stared at it pensively. “Ya, I know him. I know the girl on the next one too. And this one. And this one. And this one.”
    Emmett raised an eyebrow. “Can you tell me their names?”
    “This one here, her name is....Sally. That's it. And that's Smith. This one here is Smithson. And this is Mr. Ping,” he stammered. “Alright, so I ain't no expert at remembering names, but it ain't no difference? You asked if I could identify 'em.”
    “ Where is his new residence? This man. Mr. Ping, you said? Where is he staying?” Emmett pointed at Ioan's photo.
    “ Davey Jones locker, obviously.”
    “ Right. Get out of here.”
    “ My pay?”
    Emmett marched away. He asked himself again and again why he was here. This was all one big stupid idea. After tea, he'd charge back to Massachusetts and never return. He strode pass the protestors outside the White Star Line American headquarters. A White Star Line employee scurried out the back door. He checked every corner.
    “Excuse me, sir,” Emmett called.
    “ I'm sorry. I'm late for a meeting,” the man replied.
    “ My name is Emmett O'Riley. I represent my client, Mr. Darcy Luckett. I need just a moment of your time to acquire some information.”
    “ I am not qualified to speak on any White Star Line business outside this office. If you wait in line, a representative will see you shortly.”
    “ I'm not here for compensation. My business is with this gentleman,” Emmett held up Ioan's photo. “He was a crewman on Titanic. Do you know where I can find him?”
    “ I don't know him personally. I've only seen his identification placard,” the man answered.
    “ Is he still employed?”
    “ I know he was recently promoted to a junior officer, but I have no information regarding his whereabouts. That is withheld for our workers' privacy.”
    “ I understand. Privacy is highly valued these days. However, I desperately need to find this man for my client's sake. Has he boarded another ship since Titanic?”
    “ A good many took a short leave after Titanic. I couldn't tell you where he is,” the man said. “However, I have it on good authority that some may participate in interviews at the U.S. Senate Inquiry. I'm not suppose to talk about that. Perhaps you could try there. I really must be going.” He glanced nervously at the protestors.
    “ And your name sir?”
    “ Henry. Nestor Henry.”
    The man fled. He was agile for a heavy man. He bumped a woman outside a medicine shop. She had the prettiest eyes. It was still quite early for tea. Emmett decided one more survey looking into those eyes wouldn't hurt at all. “Excuse me, miss,” Emmett stopped her. “Could I trouble you with a question? My sister, she went missing after Titanic sank. I must find her.”
    “Oh,” she sympathized. “Bless your heart.”
    “ Please tell me you've seen her,” Emmett said, handing her Cora's photo.
    “ No, I'm sorry, sir. I don't know who she is.”
    “ Perhaps you recognize her close friend? They traveled second class together. Her name is Beatrice-”
    “ Beatrice Luckett?” the woman questioned.
    “ You know her?” Emmett said surprised.
    “ I don't know the lady personally. I heard she died on Titanic. So tragic,” she replied. “A patient at our hospital swears up and down that she is Beatrice Luckett. We played along with her, of course, but when we realized who Beatrice Luckett really was, the idea was outrageous. That poor girl.”
    Emmett's mind raced. “Forgive me, what hospital did you say?”
     
    *               *              *
     
    Ioan washed down the Valerian with whiskey. He reached the door to his room. The ocean breeze numbed his toes. “Mrs. Dillsworth,” he called downstairs. “I specifically instructed these doors would remain locked.”
    “ Come close them yourself,”