“Well, yes he does.” Ayers studied Harris. “But he should be compensated for answering the parents’ questions and arranging for the children to be transported to the dock.”
“Not when he doesn’t bother to speak with the parents.” Thomas was nearly close enough to reach Harris. “Instead, he tells them their son or daughter ran away.”
“It’s a lie!” Harris grabbed the nearest child with his free hand, still holding the lantern.
“Then let us return to the workhouse and see if the parents of these little ones agree,” Thomas suggested.
Harris turned to Ayers. “There’s no time for this nonsense. The ship will be leaving shortly. We need to board this group.”
Ayers glanced at Thomas before returning his attention to Harris, his uncertainty palpable. “Surely arrangements can be made for a delay. Or a different ship tomorrow. We need to sort this out.”
“No. All our plans depend on them arriving in a timely manner.” He pulled the boy whose hand he held toward one of the ships. “Let us go. Come along, children. This way.”
Shaw and Garland moved to block his path. “You’re not taking them anywhere.” Shaw’s hands were loose at his sides, ready for whatever action was necessary.
Harris drew back, jerking the boy with him. “Stay back.” He held the lantern alarmingly close to the boy, his intent clear. “You don’t want the child harmed.”
“Harris, what are you doing?” Ayers demanded. “Let him go.”
“No. It’s too late. The arrangements are made.”
“You mean you’ve spent the money you received for this batch.” Thomas eased closer.
“And the next one as well.” Harris angrily shook the boy. “I’m doing them a favor. They have no future here. Their parents are too stupid to realize it.”
Several of the children started crying, adding to the tension in the air.
“The fee we pay you isn’t worth this,” Ayers argued.
Harris laughed, his eyes gleaming in the lantern light. “That fee is nothing compared to the other payment I receive.”
“From whom?” Garland asked from the side, drawing his attention.
“I have contacts in nearly every country and colony who will pay a hefty price for an able-bodied child.” He said it with pride as if he expected they’d be impressed with his accomplishment. “Do you know how long it’s taken to put the network together?”
“How long?” Thomas watched Harris to gauge when to make a move, determined to make certain the boy, who reminded him of Peter, remained safe.
“Too long to let it go because of the likes of you,” Harris growled.
Thomas took another step, but the manager noted his movement.
“Back I said. Damn you!” Harris pulled the child with him, the lantern swinging wildly.
The boy cried out, fighting until he gained his freedom.
Thomas pushed the child behind him, anger at Harris guiding him. A glance to the side showed Garland and Shaw standing in front of the other children, prepared to protect them from Harris if needed.
“You fools. You’ve cost me a fortune. Damn you all.” With the curse, Harris threw the lantern toward them then turned and fled.
Shaw reached out to slap it to the ground, managing to keep it from striking the children even as it shattered on the dock, the oil scattering flames on the ground. Garland rushed to stomp them out as Shaw moved the children out of danger.
Thomas tore after Harris, unwilling to allow him to escape. He tackled the man, and they both landed hard on the dock. Harris growled as he pushed at Thomas’s hands, throwing punches as he tried to free himself. “Leave off.”
“No. You will pay for what you’ve done to the Schmidt family and the others.”
Harris struck him in the jaw and sent Thomas’s head snapping back. That only made Thomas tighten his grip. He repaid the favor, striking Harris in the stomach then in the face, though it was difficult to know for certain in the darkness. One more blow landed on the man’s chin, and Harris stilled, his body limp.
“Sinclair, where are you?” Shaw shouted.
