The Song Bird (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Beth D. Carter

Author:Beth D. Carter
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance
Published: 2012-09-30T16:00:00+00:00

* * * *

The ride to the accountant’s office was short. They traveled out of Sydney Town heading west, passing from the more sinister aspect of the city to an area where a row of normal-looking businesses stood. She saw a baker, a butcher, a button maker, a shoe store, and the accountant’s office.

Jason helped her down and made arrangements for the cab to stay for their return trip before opening the door to the office.

“Mr. Braddock,” greeted the proprietor, a small, round man. Literally. His bald, round head rested on his rounding shoulders, which led to his round body.

“Hello, Mr. Pintari. This is Miss Chambert.”

Mr. Pintari nodded his head politely. “How can I help you?”

“I need the accounting ledger from October.”

“Right away.”

He was gone just a few minutes, and when he returned, he held a black leather binder with him. He held it out to Jason.

Jason took it, opened it, and skimmed through it till he found what he was looking for. He turned the book around and pointed to a column of names. “These were the working girls.”

Avilon took a deep breath and glanced at the list: Franny, Esther, Popper, Sabrina, Doll, Queenie, Duckie, Louisie.

“She’s Louisie.”

“How do you know?”

“She’s from Louisiana. Couldn’t it be more obvious?”

He sighed and snapped the binder shut before handing it back to Mr. Pintari. “Thank you. I’ll see you next month.”

The accountant gave them a smile and left the room. Jason took her arm and led her to the door. “Listen, I’ll tell you about your sister.”

She shot him a surprised look, but when she opened her mouth to question him, he shook his head.

“Not here,” he told her.

But when they stepped outside, the first thing Avilon noticed was that the hackney cab was gone.

“Damn it,” Jason muttered.

“Jason, tell me what you know. Please, just…tell me the whole story.”

He sighed and looked around the busy street. He shot a quick glance down the alley. “Come here,” he told her and led her away from anyone who might overhear him. “Have you ever heard of the Committee of Vigilance?”

“No.”

“Four years ago, thousands were pouring into the city. Not just Americans but Russians, Chinese, Australians, people from all over. It was a madhouse. California had just become a state two years prior, but there was barely any form of law. Hell, we didn’t even have money printed yet. So about seven hundred citizens felt the need to step in by forming this band of…persecutors, for lack of a better word. The committee engaged in policing, investigating, deporting, even acting as a militia, all without due process. Four people were hung, Avilon, before the committee was dissolved by the elections.”

“What does this have to do with my sister?”

“I’m getting to that, but this has more to do with the banking system. For a gaming establishment like the club, patrons have to put their money up front in our bank. They’re extended credit so they can never bet over their limit.”

“That makes sense.”

“There’s been talk about wanting

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