Indulgence & Temperance

Spring 1870

Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia

Beth Meridian stepped from the carriage onto the platform on Denison Street, her soft leather boots hitting the dusty ground beneath her. Straightening the skirt of her heavy, green travelling gown, she stretched her legs.

Looking around at the grand buildings and bustling streets, she sighed. She didn’t think to be back in her hometown of Rockhampton so soon. It had been barely six months ago when she left for the hustle and bustle of Brisbane.

Picking up the handle of her rather large travel bag, she began to walk toward the main street. When she left there, she had thought to go and make her fame and fortune. Unfortunately, her life took a sudden turn she hadn’t planned on.

“It’s good to see you again, Miss Meridian,” a gentleman who’d been friends with her father greeted her. “I do hope you enjoyed being away at school?”

She nodded. “Yes, thank you,” she muttered, continuing on her way.

She knew people would ask about her time away, but even now she couldn’t think of what to tell them. She certainly couldn’t tell them she’d been working in a gentlemen’s club as a dancer.

Stopping for a moment, she put her bag down and removed her soft leather gloves, fanning her face. She had lied to so many people, and all for her own indulgence. Glancing at the still fresh scar near her thumb, she remembered that life had found a way to teach her abstention.

Picking her bag back up and stepping forward, she realized she never did learn the name of the man that attacked her that night in the hellfire club. Thinking he was some kind of perverted lout, she retaliated to his unwelcomed advances with a whiskey bottle to his head. When she screamed out in pain from the shard of glass lodged in her hand, the manager of the establishment came running toward her, demanding to know what had happened. It was then, as she was being told to pack her stuff and leave, that she was told the cold, hard truth about the position she had been so eager to take up. Never could she have imagined that being a dancer in such a place also meant she was at the mercy of any male that took a fancy to her.

Seeing the bustle of the main street not far ahead of her, Beth wondered what was to become of her now. She had no idea. Her parents had left Rockhampton shortly after her ruse of going away to school. Desperate for them to remain unaware of what had happened to their only daughter, she had written to Hannah Raeburn, her closest childhood friend, to see if she could stay with her for a while. She was grateful for the speedy agreeance with no questions asked. Beth knew that living with Hannah didn’t come without its issues though. After all, living with her best friend would eventually result in her running into Hannah’s brother, Daniel, again after all these months. This was something she wasn’t sure she was ready to do.

By the time Beth reached the main street, her luggage felt like a dead weight in her hand. She walked around the corner, her aim the row of residential houses at the east end. Hearing the noises of a carriage being loaded just a few feet from her, she glanced up, her gaze meeting the familiar blue stare of the man who made her heart skip a beat in her chest. The pair stood, silence surrounding them.

“How are you, Beth?” he asked, his soft, gravelly tone warming her. “You look well.”

Feeling herself blushing slightly, she lowered her gaze. “It’s been a long time, Daniel.”

Again silence fell between them.

“Hannah mentioned you might be returning to town soon,” he uttered.

She looked back up at him. She knew he was trying to make small talk with her, acting for all to see that this was a comfortable meeting. Trying to not appear obvious as she studied him, she discreetly moved her gaze over him, needing to know what, if anything, had changed about this man from her past. Taking in his collar-length, light brown hair, and tanned skin, she tried to ignore the sudden thud of her heart. Daniel Raeburn had always been able to affect her this way.

“Do you have a place to stay while you’re home?” he asked, dragging her from her perusal of him.

She was confused. “I had assumed Hannah would have already asked you before agreeing.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Her fingers tightened around the handle of her bag, desperate to calm her nerves. “Your sister has offered me a room at your house for as long as I need.”

“Ah, I understand why you thought I would already know about your living arrangements,” he replied. “The thing is, I’m rarely at the house these days. Business keeps me very busy and I find myself renting a bed more often than not. For the last few months, Hannah has been practically living by herself. I try to go see her every day, just to be certain she’s behaving herself. Now that I know you’re back in town and staying with her, I might just have to come by and visit my sister a little more often.”

Before she could explain she had no intention of staying in town any longer than necessary, he turned away from her and walked down the street toward the telegram office.

She let out the breath she’d been holding. It had been nearly a year since she saw Daniel and still she lost all control of her senses when he was near. It was ridiculous, but she couldn’t stop herself. He had always been her undoing, even when it was painfully obvious he was seeing other women.

Thinking back, she realized she would have done anything for even a moment’s attention from Daniel. The last time they’d seen each other, she had arranged for them to ‘accidentally’ meet at a swimming hole so she might kiss him goodbye. She smiled slightly at the thought that now it seemed she would do anything to avoid him for fear he might learn how she had been living these past months.

* * * *

Daniel Raeburn walked down the street toward the telegram office, his mind a blur. Beth was back. He thought he’d never see her again, but there she was more stunning than ever.

But why? Despite his best efforts, he found himself needing to know what had brought her back to town. When his sister, Hannah, mentioned Beth might be returning home, he queried about the reasons. Being a loyal friend, Hannah told him to mind his own business, reminding him that Beth was her friend, not his. He wanted to tell her how wrong she was, but he didn’t. He couldn’t. After all, how could he explain the relationship he’d once had with this woman when he didn’t even understand it himself?

He had known Beth for some years now, and though they were friends of a kind, there was always something more between them. When Beth and his sister became near inseparable a few years back, he found himself looking forward to every function they were to attend together just to be able to see her. Their encounters were always so brief—a few passing words, the occasional interaction with her when they met mutual friends at a swimming hole.

Lifting his hand, he ran it through his hair. These thoughts and memories were foolish. Even so, he couldn’t ignore them. No matter how brief, each time they met, he revelled in being able to just talk to her. It was the memory of the last time they saw each other he treasured the most. Beth met him at the swimming hole, needing to say farewell before she went away to school. When she had left the water, her dripping wet body clad in little more than a camisole and undershorts, his breath caught in his throat. She leaned into him, her body moulding against his, her lips lightly touching his, and he couldn’t believe what was happening. Had his sister not come along barely a minute later, he wondered just how far Beth would have teased his emotions.

Smiling sadly, Daniel knew he would never know. Seeing the woman she appeared to be now, he knew his memories were from a different life.

Walking into the telegram office, he went to the clerk at the counter. “I was told there was a telegram from my mother.”

The clerk nodded, reaching for the correspondence. “It came late yesterday afternoon, Mr. Raeburn,” he said as he handed it over.

Daniel thanked him, then went outside to read the message.

Daniel,

There are businesses in Rockhampton operating little better than the hellfire clubs back in England. There is much money to be made should you buy into one or more. But be quick as I hear the police are closing down such places, blaming them for the growing drug addictions in the areas. Profits are to be had, but you must be careful and use your smarts. And don’t breathe a word of these businesses to Hannah, for I fear she is still too naïve to understand.

All my love,

Mother

His eyes skimming the words, Daniel found himself in awe of his mother. She was across the world selling what she couldn’t use of his late father’s assets for whatever profit she could haggle. Still, she needed to ensure that business matters were handled here at home. He assured his mother time and time again that he was more than capable of handling his and Hannah’s inheritance, but obviously, his remarks continued to fall on deaf ears.

As he read his mother’s words again, he knew she meant well, but he was beginning to wonder just how much more wealth they needed. They already had more than they needed to live comfortably several lifetimes over, yet still, she insisted on their family making more.

Glancing around, his gaze settled on several of the townspeople. Their clothes were dirty and their bodies looked worn from the harsh lifestyles they had to endure. He knew that wasn’t the life he wanted. Maybe his mother knew something he didn’t about the family’s assets. Maybe that was why she continued pushing him into one business deal after another.

Walking the short distance to his sister’s house, Daniel wondered if his mother’s concern had anything to do with Hannah. She wasn’t married, nor did she show any sign of being so any time soon. Their mother, constantly concerned for their financial state, was probably just worried that without a marriage in the family, he and his sister would become used to living well out of their means. He would have to check with his sister to ensure her spending was still well under control

Arriving at Hannah’s house, he turned the door handle and pushed the door open. He had barely opened it a crack when he saw Hannah standing there frowning at him.

“What are you doing here, Daniel?” she asked rather abruptly.

He was irritated by the way she greeted him. “Remember I’m your guardian while mother is abroad, Hannah,” he retaliated. “I may no longer live here, but I am still required to check up on you regularly.”

“Maybe so, but as Beth has only just arrived you will have to do your ‘checking’ some other time.”

He raised his brow. “You’re dismissing me?”

“She’s tired and needs her rest,” his sister explained. “So yes, I am dismissing you.” And with that Hannah shut the door in his face.

* * * *

Weeks passed, turning into months. Being the dutiful son he was, Daniel looked into the businesses his mother had mentioned in her correspondence. Having visited a few, it didn’t take long for him to see there was indeed a lot of money to be made in such a place. The only challenges ahead of him now were finding out just who ran these establishments and convincing them that they needed a partner.

Profits weren’t all that was occupying his mind of late though. Since seeing Beth upon her return to Rockhampton, Daniel hadn’t been able to push thoughts of her far from his mind. Her beauty haunted him. The memory of the softness of her skin as their lips met...

He shook his head, needing to clear those memories. He didn’t have time to dwell on the one brief encounter he’d had with this woman before she left for school. But he could think of little else. He wanted to know what had become of this woman he’d once known. What kind of life did she live now? From what Hannah told him, Beth was seldom home, always out and about with whichever of the young townsmen came to call on her. This revelation didn’t sit well with him.

Changing directions, he headed to his sister’s house. Due to his new business venture, he’d been unable to check on Hannah for several days now. That wasn’t the only reason for his absence though. He didn’t want to go to his sister’s house just to learn Beth was out with yet another gentleman.

Daniel hesitated at the door. After what happened on his last visit there, he felt as if he should knock or something. Hannah didn’t seem very welcoming to him just walking into the house now that Beth was also living there. His sister would probably appreciate it if he announced himself somehow, but knowing this didn’t mean he would do so. Holding his breath, he turned the front door handle and walked into the house.

“And where have you been?” Hannah verbally attacked him as soon as he closed the door behind him. “I’ve been worried sick about you.”

Daniel couldn’t help but chuckle slightly. “Worried about me? I hate to be the one to remind you, but it is I who is supposed to be taking care of you, little sister.”

She slapped him across the shoulder. “Don’t you ‘little sister’ me,” she said firmly. “Now tell me why you haven’t been to see me.”

“I am sorry, Hannah.” Walking over to the coffee pot on the small coffee table, he poured himself a drink. “I have been busy trying to secure a new business venture to support our family.”

Hannah raised her brow, looking quite unamused. “Our family already has enough money for us to live a few lifetimes. We don’t need any more. If you’re doing business for profit, you’re doing it for your own insatiable need of money and nothing else.”

He put his cup down. “It was our mother who requested I go forward with this new venture, not I. So I can only assume you have done something to make her think we will not be as comfortable as Father intended us to be.”

“How dare you!” she shouted at him.

He had expected her reaction, and in truth, he deserved it.

“If you came here to insult me, you can leave now.”

He stepped toward her, knowing he needed to explain his tart remark. “You said I was being gluttonous looking for a profit in business, when I’m only doing as our mother has requested of me.”

“I grew up with you, remember? I know better than most that you don’t do anything you don’t want to or that you can’t see the gain in.”

“And what is that supposed to mean?” he asked.

“It means you’ll go into this new business to get yourself money, just like every other venture before. And you will use and abuse anyone you need to in order to achieve that goal.”

Daniel went quiet, again picking up his coffee and taking a sip. “I don’t want you to have to live in poverty, Hannah,” he finally said. “I’ve seen what that life does to a woman, and I promised Mother I would protect you from that.”

She went to him, hugging him from behind, her head resting on his shoulder blade. “I know you mean well,” she said. “But I am no longer a little girl. It is time you let me stand on my own two feet.”

Finishing his coffee, he set the empty cup back on the tray. His hands going to hers, he patted the back of them. “I must be going. I have places I need to be this afternoon.”

Turning, he kissed Hannah on the forehead and walked toward the front door.

“You didn’t ask after Beth,” she mentioned as he reached the door.

He glanced over his shoulder. “Given that she’s been out every other time I’ve come to call, I assumed this time would be no different.”

There was a brief moment of silence. Daniel felt his hopes begin to grow that he had in fact been wrong.

“The young Mr. Douchester came to collect her for a picnic about an hour ago.”

Those words were like a lead stone to his heart. “As I said, there was no point in asking,” he uttered briefly. Opening the door, he left his sister’s house.

Closing the door behind him, he headed toward town, his steps heavy on the cobbled pavement. He was behaving like a fool, pining for Beth as if she were some lost love of his. Smiling at the idiocy of it all, he knew if he were going to get his mind clear of this woman from his past then he needed a distraction, and he knew just the place to find that—The Criterion.

Walking down Fitzroy Street, Daniel looked ahead to the two-story, weatherboard building. The hotel had been through many rebuilds, each one significant, with every owner it had. The most recent change was the addition of the first-floor veranda, a welcome escape from the Queensland heat for many of the patrons.

He had visited The Criterion regularly over the last few months, each time studying the many well-dressed men who frequented the establishment. After only a couple of visits, he noticed that a lot of the patrons had a habit of disappearing throughout the night. Curious, he asked where those men might be going if they weren’t in the company of a woman. He soon learned there were rooms in this place that catered to more things than just the ache in a man’s groin. The Criterion was the kind of place his mother had spoken of and insisted that he invest some of his inheritance into. And he would, once he could find the owner.

Hearing a commotion between several of the well-dressed men, he looked over to see each pulling at the young woman with them. Just as he started to go to her aid, he saw an oversized, bearded man with a brilliant red, jagged scar just above his shirt collar go over and grab the men by the collars of their jackets. Thinking he was yet another brawler, given his rather grotty appearance, Daniel was surprised when the men quickly offered to pay him even more should he let them stay. Watching the larger man escort the group of men from the building and literally throw them out, he knew any business in this place would mostly go through him.

“Excuse me,” Daniel said to the young prostitute walking past him, his hand reaching out and stopping her. “That burly-looking man over there with the greying hair, who is he?”

The woman followed his line of direction. “His name is William Maxon,” she replied. “He owns more people and places than the queen herself.”

Nodding his thanks, and offering her a few coins for her trouble, he left her and walked toward William. He would have to be smart if he were to be allowed to buy into such a place run by such a man.

* * * *

William Maxon sat at the bar, his gaze surveying the crowd. “Bring me a brandy,” he yelled over his shoulder to the bartender.

The younger man brought his order, and William motioned his hand, sending the man back about his business. His line of sight returning to the patrons, he knew he would have to do something about those men he’d thrown out. Men who left his establishment dissatisfied were more inclined to report the happenings of The Criterion to the police. He couldn’t afford for that to happen.

The business had once been quite profitable, supported by the many fortune seekers flocking to the district since the discovery of the Canoona goldfields. When William took ownership, he thought he would be able to simply drift through on the wealth of the townspeople. He offered the patrons everything they could desire from whores of every colour and shape to indulgent feasts and a constant supply of well-made alcohol. For a price, he even offered as much absinthe and laudanum as his guests wished to indulge in under mild supervision in the restricted back rooms on the first floor. His profits should have been booming. Instead, he was barely covering expenses.

And he knew why. He gorged himself on every indulgence he supplied, but given that he owned the business, he felt he had the right to enjoy the luxuries. What was the point in supplying everything he did if only the paying customers got to enjoy it? Sipping his brandy, he knew that his gratifications had come at a cost. Should he not find a way to inject some money into the business, and soon, he risked losing everything. He couldn’t allow that to happen. He would do anything and everything to keep The Criterion, and the other similar businesses he ran, afloat.

“Mr. Maxon?” a masculine voice said beside him.

Turning, his gaze settled on a young man who looked to be no more than twenty-five. He was built like someone who worked hard for whatever living he had.

“I don’t know you,” William muttered, eyeing his tall frame up and down, curious how such a man had enough money to even be in his establishment.

The younger man reached out his hand, offering a handshake. “My name is Daniel Raeburn.”

Staring at his hand momentarily, William finally reached forward and shook it. “And what is it you want, Mr. Raeburn?”

“You have quite an establishment here,” Daniel commented. “One of the best of its kind I’ve ever seen, in fact.”

William nodded, knowing what the young man said was right. “You should go find yourself a wench, Mr. Raeburn...provided you can afford my prices.”

Daniel smiled as if humoured by his remark. “You have no idea who I am, do you?”

William’s gaze narrowed, studying the man before him. “You do look vaguely familiar,” he commented. “Aren’t you one of those patrons that are usually still here in the morning that I have to kick out?”

Daniel laughed. “Maybe once or twice. That’s not why I’m here though. I’ve come to make you an offer.”

“I’m listening,” William responded.

“I want to buy into your business,” Daniel stated firmly. “I think a handsome injection of money would be able to allow you to supply your patrons with much more than you already do.”

William eyed the younger man, considering the offer. A money injection right now was just what he needed, but not for the reasons it was being offered. “How much money do you have?” he asked.

“I want to buy at least half of the business,” Daniel replied. “Provided the books look right.”

William smiled. He knew that the books would show a profit that didn’t exist. He had been sure to fabricate his ledgers to appear as if he ran a successful business. If he was honest and kept accurate accounts, it would be immediately obvious to any who looked at them that he spent way more than he earned, and indulged in every extravagance he provided far more than any of his patrons did.

“You’re rather sure of yourself walking in here and assuming that I’ll sell half of my business to you,” William commented.

Daniel nodded. “Rarely do people say no when I offer to throw money at them. Also, I may have a way to deter the police from raiding this place and shutting you down.”

William thought about what he was being offered and knew he would be a fool not to take him on as a partner. After all, if the business was ever raided, he could blame any illegal activities on Daniel, leaving himself free of any trouble from the law.

“I’ll offer you forty per cent of the business, but you have to pay me at least half of what the business is worth,” William finally said.

Daniel eyed him intently before slowly nodding. “I’ll need to see the books before I offer you anything.”

William nodded, signalling for him to follow as he led him to the office and the fraudulent books within.

* * * *

Watching while the younger man glanced through the leather-bound books on his office desk, William studied him carefully. Would he question the figures before him? After only a few moments, Daniel closed the book and carefully laid it back on the desk, his gaze returning to William.

“I’ll bring the money in the morning,” Daniel said.

William smiled at the business deal he’d just done. “I’ll show you where your office will be. There’s even a cot in there should you decide you need to spend the night here.”

Reaching toward each other, the two men shook on their deal.

“I’ll be happy to see my office in the morning,” Daniel said. “There are places I need to be.”

Bidding his new business partner farewell, William waited until he left the building before calling in one of the women who worked for him.

“What do you know about Daniel Raeburn?” he asked her.

She shrugged. “Not much, sir. Only that I’ve seen him downstairs many times.”

“Has he ever used the rooms out back?” William asked.

The woman shook her head.

Dismissing her, he thought about her answer. He needed to know more about Daniel, other than his apparent need for women and alcohol. Until then he would have to be mindful not to advertise the activities of the back rooms too much to his new partner.

* * * *

Leaving The Criterion, Daniel walked toward the telegram office to send a message to his mother. He needed to let her know of the business that he’d bought shares in. He was slightly concerned if he had done the right thing. He knew better than most though that his mother was never wrong when it came to affairs of money. It was a gift he had learned from her well. One his sister had yet to learn.

Writing the short note to his mother, his thoughts drifted to his sister and their life without their parents. When their father died and they claimed their ample inheritance, he thought to move north to one of the cattle properties left to them. They both could have comfortably lived off the profits of the land. His sister had objected, claiming she couldn’t bear to be away from her friends that still lived in Rockhampton. Even when he had reminded her that one of the properties supposedly was laden with gold, Hannah would still not be persuaded.

Though it frustrated him, Daniel remained in Rockhampton with his sister. He knew if he had left her, Hannah would surely fall victim to one of the many money-hungry lechers in the town. If that were to happen, she would lose everything their father left to them. He couldn’t allow that to happen.

Money had never been an issue for his family, nor could he bear the thought of it becoming one. Like his mother, Daniel bought and sold what artifacts of his father’s they had no use for. He also involved himself in businesses that could feed his ever-growing need to have yet more money. He didn’t consider himself a greedy or gluttonous man, but admitted his constant fear of one day losing everything important to him. He couldn’t contemplate a world where he had nothing, so he invested and sold to ensure that was never going to be the case.

* * * *

It was mid-morning the next day as he was crossing Fitzroy Street that Daniel found himself thinking about his new business venture and a smile crept on his face. This would have to be one of the best business deals he had ever done. After all, how could he lose? Even if he didn’t make a huge amount of profit at first, he would be able to gain whatever equivalent wealth from using and abusing the facilities the establishment provided.

Hearing a woman giggle, he glanced toward the familiar sound, his gaze resting on Beth. At that moment he admitted that no matter how many women he laid with, he would never have the woman he truly desired—this woman, who haunted his every thought.

Beth stood on the corner of Fitzroy Street and Quay Lane with a well-dressed gentleman, looking as if she were hanging onto his every word. Despite his best efforts, Daniel envied this man, an emotion he wasn’t much accustomed to. He could only dream of having with Beth what this man appeared to.

Quickly walking into the front entrance of his new business, he knew that should Beth ever discover his involvement in this place, he would lose any chance of having even the mildest relationship with her.

“Mr. Raeburn,” a nervous young woman called out to him as he went to walk up the steps to the top floor of the building. “Beg your pardon, sir. Mr. Maxon said I was to show you to your office.”

Daniel eyed the woman and her slightly unkempt appearance. “I was supposed to meet with Mr. Maxon this morning. We have business to finalize.”

The woman nodded. “He said he will come to find you later.”

Daniel thought there was something odd about not only this woman’s behaviour but what she’d said. It was hardly the way to start a profitable business partnership in his opinion. “Is he attending to other business?”

Suddenly, tears welled up in her eyes. “There’s been an accident with one of the women,” she muttered.

Accepting her answer as a reasonable excuse to postpone his business matters with William, Daniel gestured for her to continue with her duty of showing him to his office.

Walking into what was to be his office, he looked around. It was very basic—a desk, chair, and a small cot in the corner—but it would do him just fine to perform business in.

“Did William mention what he wanted me to do today?” he asked.

The young woman shook her head. “No, sir, only that there were some deliveries expected this morning that you could handle.”

“If you could show me to the delivery docks, please,” he requested. “I’d like to have a look around there before the new shipments arrive.”

The woman nodded and quickly did as was bid of her.

* * * *

The next few weeks passed rather quickly for Daniel as the new part-owner of The Criterion. After the exchange of money was done with William, he was assigned the duty of receiving the loads of food and alcohol that were brought to the side entrance. After several of the delivery people complained that they had not received payment for past goods, he was also put in charge of paying any outstanding accounts. He didn’t mind. It made him feel involved in the business. He soon realized though that it also didn’t allow him much time to indulge in the facilities of the establishment.

Hearing a commotion downstairs, several of the women shrieking, he rushed down the steps to see the madam, Violet, trying to tend to one of the young women who appeared to have collapsed.

“What happened?” he asked as he hurried to the madam’s side.

Violet glanced at him before turning her attention to the woman before her. “She’s overdosing,” she explained as she gently tapped the woman’s cheek, trying to bring her around.

Bending down to the unconscious young woman, he lifted her eyelids to see her pupils constricted and barely bigger than pinpoints despite the dim-lit room.

“Overdosing on what?” he asked.

“Laudanum,” Violet said.

“How?” he asked, trying to pick the woman up in his arms. Before he could though, he felt a man’s hand on his shoulder, pulling him to his feet and back away from the woman.

“I paid good money for this wench, and all she did was take my laudanum,” the man said.

Infuriated by this man’s reaction, Daniel clenched his fists around the collar of his shirt. “This girl is dying and all you care about is some poison you brought into my establishment?” Dragging the man to the front door, he threw him out on the street.

“You can’t do that,” the madam said, rushing toward him.

Ignoring her, he went to the young woman who was still unconscious, and lifting her into his arms, he carried her to his office. Laying her on his cot, he checked for a pulse. It was weak.

“We need to get a doctor up here before this girl dies,” he ordered. “How the hell did that bastard manage to bring laudanum in here without anyone noticing?”

“He didn’t bring it in,” the madam uttered carefully.

“What aren’t you telling me?” he demanded to know.

“We supply the laudanum here in the back rooms,” she replied. “Along with absinthe and whatever sick sexual pleasure the patrons want.”

“Where is William?” Daniel asked, leaping to his feet. “He needs to know what’s going on here.”

Reaching out, the madam laid her hand on his forearm, stopping him. “William is the only one with a key to the back rooms.”

He stopped in his tracks, confused by what he was hearing.

Violet let her hand drop away. “Doctor Carter is downstairs with one of the women. I will send him up to look at the girl and see if there is anything he can do.”

Though he watched the madam leave his office, he felt as if he were so very far away from where he was right now. This wasn’t what he signed up for when he became a partner in this establishment. Just then the door opened.

“Violet, take this young man out for some fresh air,” the doctor ordered. “He looks almost as bad as the woman on the cot does.”

Nodding, the madam went to Daniel and guided him from the room.

“Will she die?” he finally managed to ask.

Violet shrugged. “We’ll know soon enough. But if she does, she will not be the first.”

He pulled away from her as they reached the bottom of the staircase. “None of this makes sense. I checked the books before I bought into this place. There was no mention of what you say is happening in the back rooms.”

The madam smiled at him. “Do you think William would have advertised it to all and sundry?”

“Damn it,” he cursed. “I’m his partner.”

She laughed softly at his words. “You were his scapegoat, Daniel. William never intended for you to be anything more.”

He reached out to her as she went to walk away from him, his fingers firm around her wrist. “What do you mean by scapegoat?”

“Check the books,” she told him. “Not the baloney William showed you. The actual books with the orders and income. He needed someone to inject some money into this hole before it, and every other one of his businesses, crumbled around him. You gave him what he needed, along with someone to blame should the police ever raid us.”

“None of this makes sense,” Daniel said, shaking his head. “How could this place be running at a loss?”

Violet pulled her arm free from his grip. “William uses the indulgences he provides more than any of his patrons ever could.”

“A man is allowed to live,” Daniel defended him.

Reaching back for him, the madam took him by the arm and led him to a room out back, its door slightly ajar. Motioning for him to be silent, she positioned him to be able to see into the room. Peering inside, he saw scraps of food on the floor and at least two dozen bottles of half-empty alcohol scattered around the part of the room he could see. On the bed was a mass of tangled legs, suggesting at least four people. Waiting on the chairs beside the bed were still more women.

“Who’s in there?” he asked, turning back to the madam.

“That’s William’s room,” Violet told him. “He sends for orders of wine, women, and food, one after another, again and again.”

The reality of the situation began to dawn on him. “The books you spoke of, where can I find them?” he asked.

The madam hesitated a few minutes. “There’s a run-down building not far down Fitzroy Street. The rear door is always opened. Inside you will find what you need to know.”

* * * *

Going to the building he’d been directed to, Daniel found what looked little better than a makeshift office, with a small filing cabinet in the corner. Struggling with the stiff drawer, he pulled out several of the books inside, and setting them on the dust-covered desk, he proceeded to look through them.

He read and re-read the figures before him. None of it making sense to him, he reached for and opened another book and began to read. There were orders and suppliers of laudanum listed, many of which had been crossed out, notes beside them explaining they were demanding payment. Glancing back at the book filled with figures, he studied the amount of money going out and coming back in.

A piece of paper fell from between the pages. Picking it up, he read through what he could only assume was a list of expenses incurred by a single patron. From what he had been told about his business partner, he was almost certain it was he who was responsible for such expenses. William was spending money quicker than The Criterion could make it.

This wasn’t what he had signed up for. The books he’d been shown upon his offer of partnership showed profits, and plenty of them. That was the only reason he’d bought into the place to start with. But now...

What was he going to do? No one other than his mother knew of his association with such a business. If he didn’t do something quick, William would suck all his money from him. He would be left with nothing. He wouldn’t allow that to happen. He couldn’t.