Under the Dragon’s Tail

Quickly Murdoch took out his notebook and pencil.

“What did this woman look like?”

“She was wearing one of those waterproof cloaks, although there was not the smidge sign of rain. Trying to disguise herself she was. Didn’t fool me. I saw her face when she passed under the light. I recognized her at once. She’s a singer down at the Derby on Queen Street.”

“How’d you know?”

“Tuesday last I was at that tavern.” He smiled. “Don’t misunderstand me, Mr. Murdoch, I was doing a bit of preaching. Outside. They won’t let us in, of course. Me and a couple of fellows and ladies from the league go out regularly to the taverns.”

“Have any luck?” Murdoch couldn’t help interjecting.

“Oh, yes. Why just two weeks ago I had this young fellow on his knees praying with me. He signed the pledge there and then. Said he was a married man and a father and the demon drink was destroying him. As it does, officer, as it does.”

He looked as if he was about to launch into a speech.

“Could you continue with what you were saying about the woman?”

“Yes, well, me and Miss Yielding were working that night. She’s a mighty fine speaker when she gets going, can reel ’em in like sprats on spawning day. Turned out the young woman in question was performing at the Derby.” He snorted. “I dignify it by saying performing. All she does is wear skimpy clothes and sing suggestive songs. Don’t take much talent to do that, does it?”

“I suppose not.”

“Anyways, just as we got there and was handing out our leaflets at the door this one waltzes by. Big hat with red feathers and a red striped dress revealing as much as Mother Nature ever gave her if you ask me. Miss Yielding stepped forward to give her a leaflet. She took it, glanced at it, then laughed out loud and tossed it to the ground. Rude as you like. Well, my companion was a bit affronted by this, and so she should have been. She came at that daughter of Eve again but she shoved her aside. I mean shoved, like she was some kind of ruffian. Poor Miss Yielding fell down. Wet it was that night, and she fair ruined her skirt.”

“You’re sure it was the same woman who came to see Dolly?”

“Sure as a judge. I told you, I saw her clearly when she passed under the streetlamp.”

“Did she go in the house?”

“She did. I watched. I must confess to being a bit curious as our paths had already crossed as it were.”

“Did you see her leave?”

Golding paused. “To be God honest, I did not actually see her. I had taken a sleeping draught, and wouldn’t you know, it sent me off soon after that Jezebel arrived. But I did wake up about two by the clock there. I heard footsteps skittering down the street as if the Devil himself was snapping at her heels. Which he probably was, given what she’d done.”

“We don’t know that for certain, Mr. Golding,” protested Murdoch. “What direction did the steps go in?”

“She headed off westerly along Wilton.”

“Same way as she came?”

Golding hesitated. “Couldn’t swear on the Holy Book about that. She might have, might not. But it isn’t important, surely? If she came one route and went back another, she’s still one of the damned.”

“Do you know her name?”

“I do indeed. After she had treated Miss Yielding so badly we asked one of the customers going into the Derby. Annie Brogan is who she is.”

There was a tap on the door and his wife poked her head in.

“Can I come in now?”

“Yes, we’re all done, my dear.”

Murdoch wasn’t quite sure why Mrs. Golding had been banished, whether it was from delicacy given what her husband had told him or whether Golding was the kind of man who didn’t believe in the woman participating in manly talk.

He stood up. “Thank you for the tea, Mrs. Golding. It hit the spot.”

“Are you off to speak to that young woman?”

“I am.”

He gathered freshening up the teapot wasn’t all she’d been doing.

“Mr. Murdoch, is there anything I can do for those two boys?”

“The house is in sore need of a cleanup, but we’re sort of stymied until Mrs. Shaw’s daughter returns. There can be a funeral as soon as she claims the body. In the meantime…” He shrugged.

“I’ll just keep an eye on them for now. I believe Lily has vanished like this before. She just seems to wander back eventually.”

Golding shook his head. “What’s the world coming to? By the way, Mr. Murdoch, I assume you yourself have taken the pledge.”

“Won’t touch a drop when I’m on duty,” replied Murdoch ambiguously, and he picked up his hat and left quickly.