It was a dangerous business, in more than one way. Those who worked for the ‘house’ were protected by Campbell and his people, for a substantial share of what the women earned. Those who worked for themselves might keep the full amount of what they earned, but without that protection and often tragic circumstances.
The ladies Campbell kept in his high-end establishments brought in a higher class of clientele. Those fine gentlemen from well-placed families had a taste for fine whisky and other fine things. Particularly Old Lodge whisky, along with wines that Munro traded for. He saw to it that those up-market brothels had both.
He gave the coachman the address of the ‘respectable’ New Town Georgian townhouse near Danube Street and St. James’s Square. There the city’s elite could be found in luxurious individual flats with their choice of company for the evening, rather than seeking out the sixpenny whores such as Lily’s friend in the Old Town.
That ‘company’ he knew might include one or more of the ladies for the evening, or the entire night, for those whose wives ignored their frequent absences and the rumours.
It was a habit of Campbell’s to begin each evening early at the Club House, as it was known, then leave the house manager in charge, and gradually call on the other houses he ran.
The manager, Mr. Ralston, was a distinguished sort who spoke proper English and saw to it that their gentlemen guests had whatever they needed, whether it was live andwarm, substantial whisky, or a fine wine. Or certain other ‘entertainments.’
It was just after six o’clock in the evening. Those who had a standing reservation would not have arrived yet.
He paid the driver, then ignored the usual rule for servants and those who made deliveries for the house, and approached the front entrance.
He was greeted by the head butler, a man by the name of Beech, and made his inquiry for Mr. Campbell. As expected, the manager, Mr. Ralston, appeared in his evening attire.
“Mr. Munro.” He smiled a greeting in that manner that Munro had experienced from women, and that he suspected might be an open invitation. He was not inclined to accept.
“Thank you, Mr. Beech. I will take care of Mr. Munro,” the manager informed the butler.
When the head butler had departed, Ralston commented, “You can be such a devil, Mr. Munro. I had not been informed that our stock of whisky was so quickly depleted. Yet, it is always a pleasure to see you.”
He did not exchange the small talk that the man usually pursued and inquired after Campbell.
“I assume you do not have an appointment, but you can be forgiven,” Ralston replied with that same smile as he led the way to the library on the ground floor that served as Campbell’s office.
With a knock at the door, Ralston announced his arrival, then ushered him into the library.
“Is there anything else I can do for you, Mr. Munro?” he inquired.
“That will be all,” Campbell told the man.
“Of course, sir. I will see to the meal preparation for the evening’s guests.”
Munro waited until the door closed behind him.
“You have Mr. Ralston in a stir as usual,” Campbell commented.
“Does he keep yer gentleman clients in a stir as well?” Munro replied.
“Not to my knowledge or any request that I’ve heard. There is an advantage to his employment. There is no concern that he will bother the ladies. So,” he added, “to what do I owe the pleasure of yer company if not to deliver more whisky or torment Mr. Ralston.”
“There have been two murders recently in the Old Town. One at Fleshmarket Close.” He saw the way Campbell’s eyes narrowed.
“I heard of it,” Campbell replied. “You said there were two.”
“The woman who collected the rents in the Close has also been found murdered in the Grassmarket.”
Campbell shrugged. “An unfortunate part of business. Still, what has this to do with me?”
“Nothing happens in the brothels or on the street that ye dinna know of, perhaps even have a hand in.”
“I have no interest in a common street whore who works in a tavern and finds her customers there. What is yer interest?”
As little information as possible was always the best approach in dealing a man like Campbell.
“The original victim was a friend to an acquaintance of her ladyship.”
