| Chapter Eighteen - Uncovering the past |
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It was certainly an interesting tale. It seemed that Siraj had a considerable knowledge of the local underworld business concerns of the area. In fact, it was more than that, he positively lived and breathed commerce in all its forms, be they above board or operating beneath the scruitiny of the authorities. Whatever you had a need for, it seemed he had a price for it - or knew somebody who did. The "Kentish Export Company" was a reasonably new concern which had been spreading from one port to another, gaining exclusive export rights on certain goods. This was an endeavour which had been persued aggressively with little consideration for the locally established businesses, who were forced to either sell or go out of business. It transpired that one of these firms was Percival Export, which had caused great upset, as this was a well respected and trusted trader in the port. At the mention of my families' name, I tensed internally and it took all my self control to supress the feeling of outrage that suddenly surged within me. I needed to keep a clear head and think objectively. I expressed an interest in investigating this further, under the guise of protecting the captain's interests.
Siraj gave me verbal directions and also sketched a crude map of the docks area. "Regrettably, I cannot accompany you sir, I cannot be seen to be involved in such matters - I have a glorious reputation to protect!" he added with a flourish. I grinned in return and headed out into the streets, my course set and feeling a grim determination growing with every stride. It took around 30 minutes to make my way from Siraj's less than salubrious bolthole to vicinity of the docks. The journey was one of discovery and wonder, for I had never visited such a place before. The smells, sounds and sights I beheld were a world away from the smoky, dingy suburbs of London which had been home before my timely extraction into the Captain's serene estates and bunker. This was a teeming settlement which was certainly more technoligically basic than England's capital but it had an endearing, well, newness to it which was quite uplifting. The bustle had a fresher feel to it and exuded an aura of possibilites - a fortune waiting to be made by the bold and the shrewd. The differences fascinated and enthralled me as I made my way to my destination, trying to refer to my map only casually, I was not wanting to be targeted by any street toughs looking for easy prey such as would be the case back home. They would certainly get a surprise if that were to occur but drawing attention to myself was the last thing I needed. I passed a bazaar pausing to take in the bright and outlandish colors and fabrics being sold, whilst also watching the spirited haggling of the traders. I suddenly realised why my father spent so much of his time here, life seemed vibrant and simpler here and it must have been a blessed relief from the lifestyle of a city gentleman and its accompanying pressures. My gaze passed over the stalls selling fresh fish and my purpose returned to me, I must be nearing the docks. It was time to learn a little more of the lay of the land and perhaps start to get some answers... I spent some time nearby, watching the comings and goings in the docks under the pretence of sheltering in the shade and perusing the some goods of rather dubious quality on the periphery of the dock. "Watch and learn awhile before diving in headfirst, you may learn something which will save you embarssement or worse" my father used to say and I followed his advice now. I noticed that a number of berths and dock premises appeared unused or sparingly occupied. All major endeavours seemed to be occurring in the centre of the docks with a steady stream of boats and also carts going to and fro. My gaze fixed on a large sign erected on the biggest central warehouse "Kentish Export Company - Calcutta" it read. "No mistaking their dominance here then..." I murmured and proceeded into the dockyards. I paused to converse with several traders on their way to and from the premises half masquerading as a new trader in the area with goods to sell, looking for a smaller concern to sell them to so as to test the water in the area. I was informed a number of times that no such concern existed any longer and that if I was to find one nearby, I should inform various traders in the marketplace who would be most pleased at the news. It was clear that the local trading landscape had changed both considerably and swiftly and the traders were most disgruntled about it. In the course of my enquiries I made a sobering discovery. I had retreated into a warehouse to hide from the sun and stumbled over a dust covered sign on the ground. Cursing, I stooped to move it from my path and my heart dropped as I lifted it, disturbing the covering grit. A weathered and beaten remainder of my famliy crest lay before me. This must once have been one of the business' buildings, a bustling, thriving environment of hard work, cheerful banter and good honest endeavour. Now it stood forlornly awaiting a purpose, its darkened rooms silent - a dusty testament to a bygone glory and now a hollow shell. I looked around, imagining my father pacing these rooms, inspecting the wares and murmurring encouragement to those men working hard. I closed my eyes and focussed upon the task in hand, drawing strength from my surroundings. It was time to shake things up a bit. I was abruptly dragged away from my reverie by a rough, harsh voice: "What are you doing in here? Havent you bastards taken enough already?". I spun and was alarmed to see a scarred and sizeable fist speeding towards my chin... |
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