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Chapter 2.1: Investigations I: Scotland Yard [01/29/1925]

Posted by The KeeperFor group 0
The Keeper
GM, 995 posts
Wed 9 Mar 2016
at 19:32
  • msg #1

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

4 Whitehall Place
New Scotland Yard
Thursday Afternoon
January 29th, 1925


As Stanley and Vincent looked upon Scotland Yard, they gazed upon an elegant group of buildings that were in banded red brick and white portland stone on a granite base in the Victorian Romanesque style. The building was located on the Victoria Embankment, a part of the Thames Embankment, a road and river-walk along the north bank of the River Thames.

When they entered the building through the public entrance, they were able to locate the duty officer, a man named Meadows, who told them that the inspector would come and get them himself, bidding them wait in a nearby seating area.


This message was last edited by the GM at 16:49, Sat 12 Aug 2017.
Vincent Moretti
player, 131 posts
Importer
Age: 31 App: 11 Siz: 15
Thu 10 Mar 2016
at 14:29
  • msg #2

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

Moretti thanked Meadows, then walked over to the waiting area, taking a moment to absorb the impressive stature of the building, idly wondering just how old it was. It certainly seemed more stately than the station houses in New York. Of course, that didn't mean the police themselves were of a different caliber. Moretti had learned enough of human nature to know that there had to be plenty of bobbies on the take, just the same as where he came from.

Taking a seat, he glanced over at Bishop. "Stanley, is this your first time in London? Did you come over here sometime during the war?"
Vincent Moretti
player, 131 posts
Importer
Age: 31 App: 11 Siz: 15
Thu 10 Mar 2016
at 14:29
  • msg #2

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

Moretti thanked Meadows, then walked over to the waiting area, taking a moment to absorb the impressive stature of the building, idly wondering just how old it was. It certainly seemed more stately than the station houses in New York. Of course, that didn't mean the police themselves were of a different caliber. Moretti had learned enough of human nature to know that there had to be plenty of bobbies on the take, just the same as where he came from.

Taking a seat, he glanced over at Bishop. "Stanley, is this your first time in London? Did you come over here sometime during the war?"
Stanley Bishop
player, 537 posts
Pinkerton Detective
Age 38 App 09 Siz 16
Thu 10 Mar 2016
at 19:19
  • msg #3

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

"I have been here a few times, but not for a few years. I have a few friends in town that I may look up if time permits. What about yourself? you done business here?" Bishop asked.
Vincent Moretti
player, 133 posts
Importer
Age: 31 App: 11 Siz: 15
Fri 11 Mar 2016
at 14:37
  • msg #4

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

"A couple of times," Moretti said, "Truth be told, whenever I've conducted business here, it's gone pretty smoothly." He shrugs. "Problem is, I'm usually so focused on negotiating deals, I never have the chance to see the city, you know? I don't think this visit's going to be much different. We've definitely got bigger concerns than touring Parliament."
Stanley Bishop
player, 538 posts
Pinkerton Detective
Age 38 App 09 Siz 16
Sat 12 Mar 2016
at 20:39
  • msg #5

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

"Not sure exactly what we are trying accomplish where at Scotland Yard. Never a mistake to lay the groundwork with law enforcement when operating away from home, but other than that what specifics?" Bishop asked.
Vincent Moretti
player, 134 posts
Importer
Age: 31 App: 11 Siz: 15
Mon 14 Mar 2016
at 13:46
  • msg #6

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

Moretti shook his head. "I think groundwork is the main thing we're trying to accomplish. Kensington offered Barrington as a good contact with the police while we were in London. He might know we're here about Jackson, or might ask after our business. I'd thought we could put things in terms of settling Jackson's estate. Trying to handle his lingering business affairs with his publisher and others. If we get into Jackson's last proposed book, it might give us a way to bring up the Carlyle Expedition. Barrington might know something about it, given how much attention it got in the papers here."
Stanley Bishop
player, 539 posts
Pinkerton Detective
Age 38 App 09 Siz 16
Tue 15 Mar 2016
at 18:06
  • msg #7

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

"Well let's see what we can turn up."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:42, Tue 15 Mar 2016.
Chief Inspector Barrington
NPC, 1 post
Wed 16 Mar 2016
at 01:32
  • msg #8

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

"You the pair sent by that publisher Kensington? Ones that made the appointment?" A dignified older man with a stern, bluff countenance appeared from down a hallway.

He shook hands as they introduced themselves. "Chief Inspector James Barrington," he said. "How's he doin' then?"
Vincent Moretti
player, 136 posts
Importer
Age: 31 App: 11 Siz: 15
Wed 16 Mar 2016
at 16:15
  • msg #9

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

"Mr. Kensington is doing very well. Keeping quite busy, as I understand it," Moretti said.

"Mr. Bishop and myself are relatives of Jackson Elias. Mr. Elias was an accomplished writer. He passed away recently in New York. He had been researching the Carlyle Expedition in preparation for his last book. We're here with other members of the family to settle some personal and business matters Jackson had here in London."
Chief Inspector Barrington
NPC, 2 posts
Wed 16 Mar 2016
at 16:46
  • msg #10

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

"I'm sorry for your loss," he said frankly.

"He was a sharp kid. Came in to interview me once. I've done my share of interviews, believe you me. He had solid technique. Awful young to die, though. Bad heart?"
Stanley Bishop
player, 540 posts
Pinkerton Detective
Age 38 App 09 Siz 16
Wed 16 Mar 2016
at 23:22
  • msg #11

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

Bishop had let Moretti make the introduction, but when the subject quickly turned to the manner of Jack's  death, he spoke up "I am afraid Jackson Elias was murdered shortly after his return to New York."


Bishop waited to see the inspector's reaction to the news before proceeding.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:18, Thu 17 Mar 2016.
Chief Inspector Barrington
NPC, 3 posts
Thu 17 Mar 2016
at 19:22
  • msg #12

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

He shook his head regretfully. "Blimey. Sorry to hear that. I didn't know him well. Kensington put him in touch with me. That Elias fellow had some real interesting theories about these murders I've been investigating," he said.

"Let's go to my office." He lead them down the hall into an office, and let the door close behind them as they entered. He gestured them to seats, nonverbally.

"So...what's this personal and family business you're here after? Not looking to settle scores, I hope."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:23, Thu 17 Mar 2016.
Stanley Bishop
player, 541 posts
Pinkerton Detective
Age 38 App 09 Siz 16
Thu 17 Mar 2016
at 21:20
  • msg #13

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

"He was killed in New York, that hardly seems likely."

"But Jack was close to finishing another book, as it turns out his last. So some of the family decided we should carry on and see it through. When Jack got hold of a mystery he did not let go."

"If Jack was helping you on a case, maybe we can add something as well."
Chief Inspector Barrington
NPC, 4 posts
Thu 17 Mar 2016
at 21:51
  • msg #14

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

"Can never be too sure," he said.

"He wasn't quite helping me on a case, per se. Not actively, at least. He had a theory he wanted to share with me though. He claimed that the murders were ritual killings of a group called the Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh. I humored him, but later I called and verified it with a gent at the Penhew Foundation. They know their business, I figured, so I should ask them," he said.

"They told me that group was ancient and didn't have a modern day equivalent, that maybe the whoever did the killings was imitating something they read about. The gentleman I spoke with uh...Gavigan. Yes, he said he had met with Elias before and thought him a sensation seeking profiteer. No disrespect to the dead. Not my words, his. But I looked Elias up, and it seems he's written a lot of books about cults."

"Now, in my experience, Elias didn't seem to be disingenuous. But all the same, the experts didn't seem to agree with his assessment of the situation, so I had my doubts as well. I'm just about desperate enough now to maybe take him seriously." He rubbed his forehead a bit.

"It's been about a year with those murders going on."
Stanley Bishop
player, 542 posts
Pinkerton Detective
Age 38 App 09 Siz 16
Fri 18 Mar 2016
at 00:50
  • msg #15

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

Bishop was a bit surprised when the inspector  had not asked for details of Jack's murder. That was a natural response.

"I grew up with Jack and married his cousin. I can tell you, despite the nature of his work he was not a sensation seeking profiteer. He was an expert in an esoteric feild and published books backed with research. I traveled to South America with him while he researched one of his books and witnessed first hands the lengths to which he went to get the facts rights."

"For the sake of full disclosure, while I am an attorney as my card indicates, I am also an operative for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, although I am on a leave of absence while I help complete Jack's work. Up until now, I did not expect to find any connection to Jack's death here in London, but after your mention of this Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh .. I am not so sure." Bishop said with a frown.

Bishop had decided to lay his Pinkerton card on the table. Pinkerton and Scotland Yard  worked together over the years. Bishop hoped the detective might be inclined to trust him.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:54, Fri 18 Mar 2016.
Vincent Moretti
player, 137 posts
Importer
Age: 31 App: 11 Siz: 15
Fri 18 Mar 2016
at 01:28
  • msg #16

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

After Bishop had laid out his credentials, Moretti asked, "I hope you don't mind me being curious, Inspector, but these murders you're investigating. What were the elements of these killings that led Jackson to think they were the work of this ancient cult? Was there something specific he pointed to that, in his mind, tied back to this...Brotherhood?"
Chief Inspector Barrington
NPC, 5 posts
Fri 18 Mar 2016
at 01:41
  • msg #17

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

"Good outfit, Pinkertons," he said, picking up Stanley's card to look at it. "Done some work with your lot. Not recently, but some time ago."

"Mind you, I've got a good opinion of Elias. Didn't seem in it for the fame, despite what Gavigan supposed. I've got a knack for spotting that sorta thing, and I didn't peg him for one," he said to Bishop.

Turning to Vincent, he said, "It's an open investigation, Mr. Moretti, one that I'm actively involved in. I came to this position because my predecessor was killed - assassinated, I believe - by whoever is perpetrating these murders. So I can't divulge the details to you, but yes, there was something specific in the manner of the killings that Elias believed tied them back to that group. At first, I thought it was simply that he was latching onto that name because all the victims were Egyptians. Then I talked to Gavigan, who confirmed that there at least used to be a certain group, but in more ancient times. I don't know what to make of it all."

He turned to Bishop. "So, why does this Black Pharoah lot seem to have you convinced it had something to do with your now deceased relation?"
Stanley Bishop
player, 543 posts
Pinkerton Detective
Age 38 App 09 Siz 16
Fri 18 Mar 2016
at 19:16
  • msg #18

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

Bishop held up a hand slightly as if to slow down the inspector "I did not say convinced, but considering the violent nature of Jack's death, it does raise questions."

"Jack was ritually murdered. It might be nothing, after all Jack's specialty was investigations into these dangerous cults."


"Are the killings you are investigating ritualistic in nature?" Bishop asked. As he did his mind flashed to the scene of his friends murder and then to the room full of zombies, cultists and blood.
Chief Inspector Barrington
NPC, 6 posts
Sun 20 Mar 2016
at 03:57
  • msg #19

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

"Well, whether they're ritualistic in nature cuts to questions of intent. I suppose they might have been ritualistic in nature. At least, that's what Elias proposed to me. I suppose I can say that from what information was available publicly, he believed they were ritualistic in nature," he said.
Vincent Moretti
player, 138 posts
Importer
Age: 31 App: 11 Siz: 15
Sun 20 Mar 2016
at 04:23
  • msg #20

Chapter 2.1: Investigations I

Moretti nodded. "You'll have to forgive me for what may seem like morbid curiosity, Inspector. It may just be that...well, we're all still trying to adjust to the reality of Jackson's passing. But if you don't mind, could you share with Mr. Bishop and myself what is publicly known about these murders you're investigating? And, of that information, what it was that Jackson had based his suppositions on?"
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