(Untitled)

[merrimanlyon]

It is mid-afternoon, and the Pridewin lies at anchor at the East India docks, rocking very gently with the slight ebb of the tidal Thames. Her crew have been given their most recent month's pay (a little under two pounds for an ordinary seaman, not a bad wage by the day's standards) and a week's leave, and as a result every man under the rank of

Comments

[politestpirate]

It is quickly enough that the boy returns- resolutely not mentioning the extra sixpence also given to him by Morrison. The sealed letter he gives to Merriman reads as the following-

Commodore Lyon--

Considering the nature of our past discussions, I would quite look forward to hearing about any new information you may have on the subject.

Tomorrow evening I may be found at the office at my company's warehouse down at the docks, and will be free to be at your disposal past eight, sir, if the time and location is amenable to you. If it is so, I will see to it that safe and discreetly reliable transport is available for you, at whatever time you wish.

Your ob'dient servant,
H. Morrison

[merrimanlyon]

A shilling and sixpence in all, then. Enough to keep a growing lad on a comfortable diet of beef, bread, and small beer for the better part of a week, if he is careful with how he parts with it.

Merriman duly hands over the sixpence, along with another brief note to deliver. (In lieu of an additional payment this time, the boy gets a small orange, a rare enough treat.)

Sir,

As I have a few matters of business to conclude in the general area, I shall call at your office at the suggested time. The offer of transport is most gracious, and if the hour warrants it (as it may, I think, considering the nature of the topic at hand) I will gratefully accept it upon my departure.

I remain,
M. Lyon
* * * The church bells are ringing the hour as Commodore Lyon's walking stick clicks busily across the cobblestones. The Emerald Shipping and Trading Company's offices are at a fair distance from the mass of docks and wharfs and warehouses that service the East India Company's vessels, and as such the high-collared dark cloak fastened at his

[politestpirate]

Well, not all of the East India Company, perhaps. But Morrison is hardly the type of man to to paint all others with the same brush, and Commodore Lyon has proved himself to be a rare exception when compared to most that find themselves in the Company's hire.

Merriman finds no trouble on his way to the Emerald Shipping and Trading offices- the streets and alleys are quiet at this time of day. A lamp hanging over the doorway illuminates the way, as well as the discreet sign indicating that this is the place. The front office is mostly empty- an older clerk and a young boy are going over some papers at a desk in the back, with quiet murmurings, and seated at the front, looking over some papers of his own, is Morrison.

When the door opens, he looks up, and gives Merriman a wry smile. "Just the man I was expecting. Good evening, Commodore." Morrison stands, and motions to the other two to remain where they are.

"Late business, Jenkins. I'm not to be disturbed."

[merrimanlyon]

Removing his hat, Merriman gives Morrison a little bow in greeting. 'Good evening to you, sir.'

He gives the clerk and the boy a brief, seemingly incurious glance as he advances into the office, before he looks back to Morrison. 'My thanks once again for your prompt reply, and for your time this evening.'