I am walking from the piers to seek lodging; my spirits are low while I ponder my journey thus far...
Long have I waited and dreamt of visiting this city. It has taken me almost nine years since leaving London to arrive in New York. This city is supposedly a shining beacon to a multitude whom I encountered during travels through many nations. Many with whom I have conversed have expressed their desires and dreams in crossing the Atlantic to have a chance at a better life. Ever since I stepped off the boat in San Francisco – it seemed to me as though I had a destiny in this city. I felt certain that once I arrived in New York; I would understand why I have been searching all these years. I have assembled many pieces of a grand puzzle and I realize from my dreams and the nagging feeling that ensues that I have important business here. However, I have been here only for five hours and so far I am off to a rotten start – The Gentleman somehow knows that I am here.
I knew what I had to do in New York when I left the ship at the piers earlier today. My priority was to make contact with a representative of Harrison Schwarz so I might find some form of correspondence from Mr. Solomon. It has been almost year since I have heard from him and I am terribly worried. More so to my immediate concern was the undeniable fact of my diminishing travel funds. I have barely enough funds to get through the week – much less pay for passage back to London.
In all my years since leaving Fairsae; Benjamin Solomon has been a constant in my life. Although I admit that he sometimes gets on my nerves, I also have to admit that his absence has left me feeling distraught. In addition to these feelings, I cannot seem to rid myself of the sickness I contracted along the Amazon River. My condition has improved since I stayed on the islands of the Bahamas. The time on land was helpful even though I had very little success at the Nassau offices of Harrison Schwarz. Earlier today I had similar lousy luck when I walked to their offices on Maiden Lane and I saw a swarm of soldiers wearing the signature coat and hat of Lavender Security. New York just happens to be the home of Clifford Lavender the man also known as The Gentleman and he has a training base north of the city along the Hudson River. Although I have not personally encountered The Gentleman since leaving Ricardo’s home in Mexico – I sense that he expects me to pay a visit to New York City. After all, I have almost completed a voyage around the world.
I saw a stark contrast in passing the slums of this city and into the affluent area where I am currently lodging. The Ellerman Hotel is the nicest place I have seen for some time and I plan on taking advantage of all the amenities. I will make an effort with some of my dwindling funds to bribe the bellman to enter the offices of Harrison Schwarz in my place. Mr. Solomon has told me that he started his career in accounting at the New York offices and surely some of his original colleagues are present and accounted for in the Maiden Lane office.
The Ellerman Hotel has been a safe haven for me thus far. My disguises have bolstered my confidence in freely walking about without recognition. The powder on my face covering my facial spots along with the typical top hat have helped me to blend in with the rest of the populace. As the crowds of people find respite from the rain and shuffle through the grand hallway of this hotel – past the gentleman’s smoking lounge and beyond towards the ballroom; I sit quietly at the bar and I cannot help but feel somber. I have resolved to rest for the remainder of the day and take care of the lingering sickness. Something just happened, I am sure I recall that perfume scent and the lady who just sat at the other side of the bar – I have to investigate…
