The next morning I asked the hotel porter for a train schedule to New York. There was a train leaving at two o’clock. I packed my suitcases and sat down to wait.

A knock came on the door. I was expecting breakfast. I’d ordered almost everything on the menu. May as well, I thought. It’ll be the last thing I’ll be getting out of Sullivan. I hurried to the door. My mouth fell open when I came face-to-face with Kearney.

“What now?” I said roughly.

He pushed the door wide open. It was then I saw a small girl standing in the hallway. Kearney grabbed her hand and pulled her into the room.

“Who’s this?” I said.

“Never you mind,” said Kearney. “You’re to keep her here for the morning and then take her to the station in time for the two o’clock train to New York.”

“I’m going on that train myself.” I blurted out the words before I could stop them. My nerves were getting the better of me and I was acting like an eejit.

Kearney smirked. “So I understand from the porter downstairs. This will work out very well.”

“And what am I to do with her when we get to New York?”

“Someone will meet you there, don’t worry.”

I looked from him to the child. “I’m not a bloody child minder,” I said. “What do you take me for?”

“You forget, Mr. Sullivan has paid you until the end of the week.”

“But you said you wouldn’t need me any more after yesterday.”

Kearney’s tone was sarcastic. “That was only if you had a signed lease, Miss Sweeney. Unfortunately, you failed.” He went to the door. “Two o’clock,” he said, and then he was gone.

I wanted to yell after him, but what good would it have done? I looked down at the child. She was watching me with wide, blue eyes.

“So, what’s your name?” I said.

I must have sounded impatient, for she didn’t answer me. I tried again, more gently this time.

“There’s no need to be afraid, love,” I said. “I won’t hurt you. My name is Nora. What’s yours?”

I wasn’t used to being around children, and I felt awkward talking to her like that. But she still didn’t answer. I wondered if she was mute.

Another knock came. If it was that arsehole Kearney again, I was ready for him.

“What the hell d’you want now?” I shouted as I opened the door.

A young waiter dropped a tray on the floor and backed away. “Breakfast, ma’am,” he murmured, then ran away down the hallway.

It was almost comical. I must have scared the daylights out of him. I picked up the tray, brought it in and set it on a table.