A disused warehouse

Captain Flint turned and walked towards the seedier part of the port. With Erik looming close behind her, she had no trouble negotiating the crowds. From time to time, a street-urchin of the lower town tried to follow the pair out of pure curiosity, but a glare from Erik set each one minding his or her own business.

A crumbling warehouse in the further curve of the harbor displayed the right signs -- a sketchy chalk rendition of the nautical signal flags F and K. Following previous instructions, she and Erik turned the corner and entered the side of the building.

"Erik, leave it here," she said softly. The big man shifted the sea-chest off his shoulder and settled it on a heavy wooden table in the anteroom. As she made a move to exit through the door opposite, he barred her way.

"Mmmunnh," he grunted.

She let him precede her through the door. It closed behind them with a heavy click. They followed a dimly-lit hallway strewn with roughly-woven sacks that muffled their tread. At the other end, they ascended a half-flight of stairs to an office with ripply old glass windows and the aged remains of what was once fine furniture.

The bell-mouthed end of a brass tube pointed at them at head-level.

"Well met, Captain," a voice said, emerging from the tube. "We are pleased with your final settlement."

Emily Flint clenched her teeth. Erik made the tiny scraping sounds with his heel that meant he was restless.

"It has been a pleasure working with you," the voice continued in its metallic tone. "I daresay you will be missed. If you would care to join me in a toast to commemmorate the successful conclusion of our business, you will find a flask and cup in the side cabinet."

Neither Emily nor Boatswain Gruff turned aside.

There was a faint clink from the speaking tube, and the sound of liquid pouring into a glass.

"I hope you won't mind if I help myself," the voice said. There was another clink and the bubbling sound of an aerated sip. "Ah. But if you are just here for business, you will find what you seek under the rolled top of the desk before you.

Erik held up a hand before Emily could grasp the handle. He loosened his axe and quickly slid up the top.

On the surface of the desk was a small gold key.

Captain Flint felt a wave of relief. She snatched the key up.