It wouldn’t do to give his real name. “My name is Jones. I was told you might be the man I need for an upcoming shipment.”
“What sort of shipment?”
Kane walked towards him and lowered his voice. “The type of shipment that needs special care and discretion. I need a man who can get the job done quietly.” Kane stood to his full height. “You would be well compensated, of course.”
The old sailor pursed his lips. “What’s the cargo?”
“Does it matter?” Kane raised his brows. He did his best to act condescending, hoping intimidation would work. “All I need to know is if you can get the merchandise from here to France under the cover of night.”
“Shouldn’t be too hard. I’ve done it plenty of times in the past.”
“Your crew is trustworthy?”
“They know they have to answer to me if they flap their jaws.”
No doubt the man ruled with an iron fist. He may have been older, but Graham’s knuckles were gnarled and scarred. The man had undoubtedly gotten into plenty of scuffles over the years.
“What about customs? If there is cargo that we do not wish to be inspected, do you have a way around that?”
Graham grinned. “Don’t worry about that, sir. Got a man on the other side who turns a blind eye.”
“For a price, I’m sure.”
“Man needs to make a living.” He winked.
It was disgusting to think these crooks might be involved in kidnapping and shipping young girls. Kane was jumping ahead, making too many assumptions. It could be nothing more than a wild goose chase, but he would see it through for Caroline’s sake. He turned his attention back to the ship’s captain.
“I will talk to my employer and see if he is satisfied. If he is, I will come back with a price.”
Graham nodded.
“I’ll be in contact.”
Without looking back, Kane disembarked from the ship. Now that he might have a lead, he had to figure out what to do. The best bet would be to watch the ship, but that would involve coming down to the docks every night. There was no way he’d be able to do that. Perhaps it was time to see if he and Caroline could get some help.
Kane returned to Caroline before going back to Stokesby Manor. He told her about the conversation he’d had with Graham.
“What do you think?” Caroline rung her hands tightly.
“I think it is the best we have to go on, but you must understand, it may be nothing.”
“I know.”
“There’s something else. I think we need help.”
“From whom?”
“The police.”
Caroline walked away, rubbing her hand across her forehead. “But they won’t care if a few girls from the orphanage have gone missing.”
“Then you have to make them care.” Kane gently took her arms to steady her, seeing she was visibly upset. “There must be at least one person who will aid us. Can you make inquiries?”
She let out a small sound of exasperation. “I can ask around.”
“Good. In the meantime, keep an eye on the girls. If there are nights I can slip away to the docks, I will.”
“Thank you, again, Kane.” She embraced him. Kane gladly returned the gesture.