Elsie

Chapter 2: The Search

A/N: The Breakers Mansion (pictured above) serves as an example of what Elmsdale might look like.

It wasn't yet ten o'clock the next morning before Mr. Sullivan made the expected visit. Mr. Lane immediately escorted him into the study.

"Mr. Jones," Ray nodded coldly, "you don't strike me as a man who goes back on his word. Tell me," he scoffed, "did the girl not satisfy you?"

Clement resisted the urge to punch him. "She left," he said simply.

"Left? You mean she ran away?" Ray laughed. "Mr. Jones, I delivered her safely to you. What happens afterwards is none of my concern."

"It is your concern because, as you've already been informed, I won't invest now. No girl, no money."

"She's no longer my responsibility," Ray balked.

"Mr. Sullivan, I think you're forgetting a very important issue. There is no contract between us as of yet, so therefore, there is no way for you to hold me accountable for the investment. You'll find the girl and bring her back or there will be no deal," Clement stated firmly. He turned to leave. At the door, he glanced back, "Oh, and I'll be deducting ten percent of the agreed upon sum for every day it takes you to find her."

With that, Clement walked out. He heard Ray punch at the wall and growl, "Elsie!"

"Sir," Mr. Lane whispered, "I hope this is the right decision. Mr. Sullivan is in ill humor."

"Ready the carriage," Clement ignored his fears.

"It is ready, sir. I'll wait for your signal," Mr. Lane promptly left for the stables.

After several more moments, Ray Sullivan sauntered out of the study. His attitude was lazy, but his face was tense. He wandered past Clement.

"See yourself out," Clement said nonchalantly.

"To think you'd be so hung up over a girl," Ray insulted him. "Don't worry, Mr. Jones. I'll do whatever I can to get your wench back for you before tonight. You won't be sleeping alone."

This time, Clement didn't hesitate. His fist forcefully landed on Ray's jaw. Ray stumbled back, but didn't fall. Instead, he smirked.

"Defending your character? Mr. Jones, aren't we passed that? After all, the brothel visitations aren't exactly a secret."

"Get out!" Clement roared. "Unless you want me to revoke the investment altogether!"

Clement watched as Ray drove away. He signaled with his hand, and Mr. Lane pulled up for him to board the carriage.

"Don't let him know he is being followed," Clement commanded.

"Yes, sir," Mr. Lane nodded. He stayed well behind Sullivan's buggy, but close enough so that he wouldn't lose him.

They drove several blocks into an area of town that Clement did not frequent. It wasn't a nice place. Clement kept a watchful eye, trying to find any clues. The carriage stopped and Clement heard Mr. Lane's voice.

"Sir, the man has stopped at a hotel. He is going in now."

"Wait for me," Clement alighted and walked forward. He clearly didn't belong in this setting. His clothes were too refined. The people bustling in the streets were mostly dressed in simple clothes, some of them tattered from being well-worn. Clement didn't notice, however. His mind was on the hotel. At the door, he slowed his steps and pulled the door open quietly.

Inside, he immediately spotted Ray yelling at the woman behind the counter.

"Don't play dumb with me!" he was yelling. "I know she came here, and I know you know where she is! I'll tear this place apart!"