“I don’t know. Do any of you remember anything unusual happening right before they left? When you were out, did you see or speak to anyone out of the ordinary?”
No one spoke as they tried to recall.
“Didn’t Marcy speak to a man a few times?” Another girl, this one with freckles and glasses, spoke.
“That’s right,” said the red-headed girl. “Whenever we were down near the docks.”
“The docks?” Caroline interjected. “I thought I told you girls not to go there.”
The students all gave her a sheepish look, realizing they were caught.
“We’re sorry, Miss Hearst.” A third girl appeared close to tears.
“It’s all right.” Caroline embraced the young girl. “Do any of you remember what this man looked like?”
Kane waited patiently, allowing Caroline to take charge since she knew her students and how to handle them.
“He was young, like you and Mr. Badgely,” said the spectacled girl.
“But he had an accent. I think it was French,” said the student who had almost cried.
Duvall
It was the first name that came to mind. And it didn’t help matters that Kane had seen him a few nights ago at the docks speaking to Graham. He had to find out more about the Frenchman. Perhaps Heath would know something. He’d mentioned seeing the gentleman at some of the social functions he attended.
Caroline dismissed the girls before turning to Kane. “Well? What do you think? It doesn’t narrow things down too much since there are so many Frenchmen in Dover.”
“I think it might be Duvall.”
“Duvall?”
Kane explained who the man was and how he had seen the Frenchman at the docks the other night.
“I’m going to find out all I can about the man. Have you had any luck recruiting anyone from the police to help?”
“Yes, Detective Wells has agreed to look into the matter.”
“Sounds good. I will check back with you in a few days.”
Caroline sniffled, but did her best to keep her emotions in check.
Kane put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry. We’ll find the girls, all of them.”
She nodded, but a few stray tears escaped.
Never liking anyone to be upset, Kane put his arms around her. Caroline hugged him back. It was nice and reminded him of home, when his sisters would come to him whenever they’d been upset, seeking comfort. And just like then, Kane silently swore to protect those he cared for.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to fall apart.”
“It’s all right. I know it must be hard for you, but we will find them.”
“You are a good friend, Kane.” She gave him one last squeeze before releasing him.
“Thank you. And I’m lucky to have met you as well.”
She dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief. “How are things with you and Sir Heath?”
Kane stuttered for a moment. “What do you mean?” Did she somehow suspect something was going on between them?