"Silas Nkwane and The Juju House at 1 Ransom Court."

"It is where this leads take us. The question is how can we get enough proof to convince Lt Poole to raid the place and scooping up the killers without spooking them."

"Or do we take a more direct approach?" Bishop asked.

"Mm," says Walter, looking up from the book he's been given, "I tried to stir up a little trouble for the JuJu House last night, but it went nowhere. I suspect the place is proetected. Either someone's paying off the cops or the cops are as intimidated as the mob.

"What reason do we have for thinking there's anything to be learned there?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:46, Sat 18 Apr 2015.

http://s105.photobucket.com/us...zpsfc8fea0c.png.html

Bishop was a bit confused by Bo's question, clearly Walter had thought the place interesting enough to pay it a visit. But perhaps Bo just wanted things laid out again.

Bishop had stood up and walked over to the buffet and filled his coffee cup, still standing he said "First the business card from Emerson Imports with Silas Nkwane's name scrawled on the back. When you and Annabel went to follow up on the lead, the owner told you Silas Nkwane was involved with the Juju House. Then you saying that you spoke with a friend who said that Juju House was involved in the killing of some mobbed up types. When you got an address it was One Ramson Street."

Bishop paced as if delivering his summation before a jury "Second when Leo and I looked into the other killings, we had a chance to look at the files of Walter Van Buskirk, the dead detective who's murder is attributed to the same people who killed Jack. Looking into his files we followed up on the case  of a missing girl, Andrea Duncan. The girl had disappeared after falling in with some Negro foreigners. When Buskirk searched the girls room he found a slip of paper with an address on it, One Ramson Street."

"Third of the seven other murders all the victims were discovered in the streets of Harlem except for Michael Conley, the longshoreman whose body was found at the docks, and Adolf Thurmond, whose body was found in the bookstore that he owned. That makes it likely the killers are operating out of Harlem. If I had to guess a spot it would be One Ramsom Street."

"Now I think we have enough to go on here to get the police to search the place. But my concern is that address might just be a front and that they might do the dirty work some place nearby. Bo since you went up there perhaps you can go into a little more detail as to why you went up there and what you saw and how exactly you tried to stir things up at One Ramson Street."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:14, Sat 18 Apr 2015.

"Okay."

Bo puts the book aside and takes a sip of cold coffee.

"I went there because of the connection with Nkwane -- who I don't think we have any reason to suspect except for his name written on a card from Jackson's room. It's pretty clear to me that the place is bad news.

"A lot of people are found dead in Harlem -- it can be a dangerous place, right? There's a lot of places in that neighborhood where bad guys can hang out, not just 1 Ransome Court. Now the cops know what we know about the missing girl's connection with the joint and the dead detective's, right? They haven't raided it so far.

"Last night I tried to stir something up. I called the nearest precinct and told them that Silas Nkwane had a shipment of horse-- that's heroin," he explains to the others, "At the JuJu House. I went by later to see if anything was happening and the only cops there were a pair sitting in a car with a Negro in the back seat, having a talk." He gets up and goes to the window to look out at the garden.

"If the mob's afraid of the place, I don't want for you and me and Leo to go snooping around, not unless we have a couple squads of New York's finest or a platoon of Marines along."

Bishop stopped pacing when Bo spoke up and lit up a cigarette "I do not believe the police know about the connection between Buskirk and the Ducan girl. I do not believe they know about the Juju House being tied to the killing of some mobster, probably Richard “Ritchie C.” Cederecci either. But Poole does know he has a growing list of killings taking place on his watch, and no doubt wants to end this killing spree."

"As far as going up there .. I agree." Bishop replied before taking a puff from his cigarette.

"These are stone cold killers. I suggest I speak with Poole, lay out what we have learned so far and see if it is enough to get the police to throw a nest over the whole bunch. I will diplomatically mention that their might be a leak in the local precinct house and as him to keep things close to the vest so they cannot slip away. I will also remind him of the possible dangers and suggest they come heavy."

"I do think there would be a value to some of us riding along if they are going to raid the place. We can call it lending our expertise." Bishop looked at Leo and then Bo.

  Annabel nodded at Dr. Elias's suggestion with a bit of relief on her face. "Ok, I'll take that one, I'll get started on it today." She felt like she had lucked out, this book was much smaller than the other one and looked like it would not take too much time to read.

  While finishing her meal, Annabel listened to the discussion of someone watching the house. She viability paled wondering who or what they were watching for. That didn't sound good; what if one of those people jumped one of the group as they left the house, taking them to try and get information out of them. Having protection around the house was all well and good, but they can't be everywhere at once.

  Stanley and Bo's discussion of the Juju house was rather animated. From what they were saying, the place sounded dangerous but they kind of knew that. She still wondered what kind of place it actually was and if she would ever see it. From the sound of it, probably not if the men had anything to say about it. she gave a little frown then shrugged, probably not her style anyway.

Leo nodded at the back-and-forth between Walter and Stanley. "I agree with you, Stanley, we should go directly to Poole concerning the Juju House. He, at least, seemed to be on the level. If there's some funny business going on between that place and the police, perhaps Poole can subtly let us know."

Leo furrowed his brow again. "As for other leads, I would like to try to get a look at Doctor Huston's medical records. Perhaps there is something interesting within. I would also like to do some research concerning the apparent suicide of Imelda Bosch."

"That is more your end of it Doc." Bishop said. "But if we are all agreed I better place a call to Lt. Poole this morning. "

"I really should check in with the museum this morning to ensure there is nothing there that needs my attention.  I'll likely spend the rest of the day at Columbia doing a bit of study on one of those books we discovered." Thinking on the items they'd found in Jackson's hotel room, she tipped her head in curiosity.  "Did anyone inquire after the Penhew Foundation?  I recall there being a card with a London address.  The name sounds familiar, though I cannot place why it should."

"Never thought I'd say this again, but I guess I'll go hit Low Library and see what I can make of this book." He hefts the volume with a wry smile.

Walking into the old Low, he finds it hasn't changed much, which is about what he expected. After all, what would they do, rip out the card catalogue and throw away all those decades of accumulated notes?

The words refuse to make sense as he pores over the text. He wanders to the card catalogue, but can't seem to find anything helpful.

Well, whattya expect, Bo? It's fifteen years since you did any serious intellectual work.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:18, Fri 24 Apr 2015.

A few minutes after Walter's departure, a pounding knock came at the door. When Avery opened the door, Stanley saw that it was one of his Pinkerton buddies that had agreed to do him the favor of keeping an eye on the house.

"Everybody stay low and keep away from windows. We saw that mope sneakin' around again. We're gonna try to get him in hand," he said, leaving promptly after he had delivered the information to attempt to apprehend the lurker.

In reply to Rosalie "I appreciate the desire to get to work on completing Jack's work. But given the threat this band of mad Africans poses to others as well as our selves I propose we make sure they are dealt before we put our energies into any other aspect of the investigation."

As Walter rose from the table to depart "As Walter is raring to go, I just want to remind you all that the men we are after are after us as well. They have shown to be ruthless killers and would suggest no one travel on their and if they are going to travel they do so carrying some protection."

"I am going to put a call into Poole and set up a face to face." Bishop said as he finished his cigarette.

Just as Bishop finished he had been interrupted by the knock.

Bishop nodded "Everyone stay here and away from the windows."

With that Bishop headed out with the other Pinkerton operative to see if they could get their hands on the assailant.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:40, Fri 24 Apr 2015.

OOC:

Bishop, give me a Spot Hidden roll.

07:55, Today: Stanley Bishop rolled 32 using 1d100 with rolls of 32. spot hidden. 70

The two Pinkerton agents split up to cover different areas of the search.

Bishop spotted a man slinking away down a nearby alley that lead towards the back of the house. Fortunately, Bishop was only steps away from him. A quick sprint showed that his target was hopelessly outmatched against the physical talents of the lawyer turned detective, and Bishop managed to grab the man by the collar.

He had dark hair and dark eyes, and was smaller in stature than was Bishop.

"Thomas Cotton, New York Times!" he said pleasantly, as if this was a friendly meeting and the two men were exchanging polite introductions, clearly pretending that Stanley wasn't presently manhandling him and holding him by the collar.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:45, Fri 24 Apr 2015.

Bishop, who had been prepared to smash the face of the man in his grip relaxed slighty but still held the man.

"Better make with some credentials Mr Cotton." The big man said with polite menace.

Tommy grinned, caught red handed so to speak. Well, caught by the spade like hand of Bishop at least.

Unintimidated the smaller man fished in a pocket to pop out a notebook and flipped it open to fish a tattered card from the sleeve within. Looking a little sheepish the young reporter shrugged. "Gosh that's getting a little worn isn't it? I'll have to get a new one from the chief." he mused to himself before turning those bright eyes on his assailant.

"Stanley Bishop isn't it? Do you prefer Stan or Lee?". Pausing to allow Bishop to examine his credentials Tommy shifted his weight in a manfully doomed attempt to stand with some dignity. Eagerly he continued the tirade of questions.
"Awfully good of you to come out for an interview! Any comment on the terrible murder of Jackson Elias? Or why his family and friends have been behaving so...irregularly recently?".

Tommy blinked expectantly, fearless in the pursuit of a story.

Bishop looked at the Cotton's hands for the tell tell signs of a reporter.

"Does the New York Times know their reporter has been peeking in the windows of young ladies at all hours day and nights?" Bishop asked as he patted down the young man for signs of the truth  of his story like a notebook or something damping like a knife or a gun.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:13, Sat 25 Apr 2015.

"Easy now big guy. Ain't no crime to be walking the streets is it? This alley isn't private property so far as I can tell.".
He danced away smirking cheekily. "Tho it's a real compliment you want to get to know me so well.".

Reaching for a pencil he flicked to an empty page in his notebook and chuckled. "Peeking into ladies windows? That's rich coming from you Bish. My notes say you're a PI right?". He shrugged and continued. "B'sides, old Harry down at the gazette loves a good smutty story of ladies windows. He pays well for that sorta gossip, so peeking is my job.".
Absently he frowned. It was far to rare that ladies left their curtains open these days...

"Pretty damning of the police isn't it that the Elias family bring in a PI to look in to Jacksons murder. I mean, that is why you've been retained right? Do the Elias estate believe the police won't find the killer? Seven dead now, the public deserve an answer.".

Once discovered, Bishop kept the notebook with the images and notes of names and tucked it in his coat pocket. Bishop resisted the urge of meting out justice and released his grip on the man.

"Mr. Cotton, you have been twice observed on the grounds of a private residence; both last night and this morning. That is trespass. You just admitted to peeking into windows and providing a 'good smutty story of ladies' to your associate at the Gazette. That is a violation of decency laws. A report will be made to the police."

"We have no further business." Bishop tone was professional but stern. Bishop stood waiting for the man to walk away.

Bishop had a decent relationship with members of the press. From time to time he had traded information with reporters. Sometimes their relationships were adversarial but Bishop always tried to make sure they remained professional. But this young man had over stepped his bounds, and had made the mistake of confusing his knowledge of the matter with familiarity with the people involved. Had he come across more professionally, and as a man capable of discretion as a man who could be trusted that could have helped each other, but that did not seem to be the case.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:15, Sat 25 Apr 2015.

Curious as to what was happening, Rosalie gave the men some time to do their duties before rising and moving to one of the windows, standing alongside it and peeking through the curtains.  Nothing much seemed to be happening.  She saw no sign of Stanley out front, nor of any mysterious skulker, but she did note the detectives converging on the alley.  Moving to one of the windows along that side, she drew the drapes aside a fraction to peer through the window.

"It is only a young man with a notebook and pencil," she announced to the others.  "I wonder if he's the one that has been sneaking about.  He doesn't look all that dangerous.  Rather, he looks the complete opposite."   While she wished she could hear the conversation, she didn't think it prudent to open the window and draw attention to herself.

OOC:

I need a DEX roll from Bishop and Tommy

Tommy fell in step with bishop happily, conviniently ignoring the larger mans suggestion the conversation was over.
"Come now mr bishop, no need to be so brusque. I recall in the johannes case you were involved in there was some talk of improper access? And the case of the diamond dog, did they ever find the PI who cracked the case? We all have to find a way of living eh?".

Unperturbed  by the big mans surliness Tommy fished another notebook from his back pocket. He was nothing if not resourceful.
"'Sides, ive been working these killings since it turned into a streak. Murder three was when I met Poole. And he said I was welcome to come chat with you good folk.".

He smiled disarmingly and offered a hand of friendship.
"Come now Mr Bishop. Im sure the Elias family must have some thoughts on the case?".
This message was lightly edited by the player at 10:34, Sun 26 Apr 2015.

As the reporter continued to verbally antagonize Bishop, the big man began to reconsider his decision to teach Cotton some manners. Fortunately the mention of Poole's name mollified Bishop slightly. "Mr. Cotton if you intended to may contact with the Elias family, you should have done so directly. Creeping around in the dark is not a way to gain trust."

"Off the record."

"Given the circumstances you it seems that you are the one seeking access and information. I do not see a reason to speak with you. But it is not my decision alone.  If you have some insight into the matter the notebook should reveal it. If it looks like you have something to offer, and if your story about Poole checks out then perhaps we have something to talk about. But.. just to be clear there will be conditions in place to protect the family."

Do we have an understanding? If so hand over the note book, if not best you are not seen around here again." Bishop asked without putting out his hand for the note book.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:53, Sun 26 Apr 2015.