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Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

Posted by The KeeperFor group 0
The Keeper
GM, 1128 posts
Tue 13 Sep 2016
at 12:14
  • msg #1

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

The night passed uneventfully, leading into a day that was begun at the most pleasant of places possible. The dining room of the Savoy was speckled with guests who had risen early enough for breakfast, and they were being served at the moment. It seemed also to be a gathering place for guests, who greeted each other and joined in for their first meal of the day.
Vincent Moretti
player, 228 posts
Importer
Age: 31 App: 11 Siz: 15
Tue 13 Sep 2016
at 17:59
  • msg #2

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

Moretti woke early. His shoulders ached and he blinked repeatedly against the lingering sensation of grit trapped beneath his eyelids. He was well aware that he hadn't slept enough and equally certain that there was no point in trying to return to bed. He'd managed to function under worse circumstances.

Confident that Cotton and O'Connor could provide the others with a fair account of the previous night's events, he didn't hurry downstairs. Instead, he picked up the phone and requested that a pot of coffee be brought to his room. He then showered and dressed.

When the coffee arrived, Moretti poured himself a cup and sat down at the small desk in his room. He lit a Modiano, then retrieved the parchment they had taken from the spice merchant's home from his coat pocket. Spreading it out with great care, he examined what he found written there.

OOC: Keeper, let me know if you need any rolls from me.
Thomas Cotton
player, 326 posts
Age 24 APP 12 SIZ 09
Intrepid journalist
Tue 13 Sep 2016
at 23:44
  • msg #3

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

As the morning light bled through heavy curtains Tommy blinked slowly awake. He was sat, alone, still dressed, in a broad lounge chair at the foot of a bed occupied by the gently resting form of Millicent. After what she'd been through he couldn't leave her, and so at last whiskey in hand he had fallen asleep while the woman slumbered close by.
Easing himself upward so as not to disturb her peace the reporter quietly slipped from the room, returning to his own accommodation to  shower and change. The searing heat of the water on his skin focussed the mind and so when at last he approached the breakfast area to be seated he was at least alert, if not distracted by events of the night prior.

At least the police had not woken them...

Politly he waited to be seated. "Yes, I'm with the Elias party. Have any of my companions been seated yet?".
He peered over the waiters shoulder as he scanned for a familiar face and inivitation to breakfast.
The Keeper
GM, 1129 posts
Wed 14 Sep 2016
at 03:11
  • msg #4

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

"Elias party? I believe you're the first, Mr. Cotton. How many seats will your party require?" he asked.
Rosalie Elias
player, 270 posts
Historical Consultant
Age 34 App 11 Siz 11
Wed 14 Sep 2016
at 06:56
  • msg #5

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

"We'll take that large round table in the corner with eight seats," Rosalie supplied smoothly as she arrived behind Tommy.  She'd awoken in a very good mood for some mysterious reason and was far more chipper than she usually was at that time of day.  She gave Thomas a warm smile.  "Come sit with me, Mister Cotton, and we can chat while we wait for the others.  I think they will be down shortly."
Thomas Cotton
player, 327 posts
Age 24 APP 12 SIZ 09
Intrepid journalist
Wed 14 Sep 2016
at 08:50
  • msg #6

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

There was something reassuring about seeing Rosalie's cheery smile.
"Morning-someone sounds like she slept well?!" he smiled gently, following her to the table.

With the waiter lingering he ordered politly.
"Could I get some coffee pal? Make it strong.".

Turning to Rosa he added grimly "Long night. We've got some important stuff to talk about.".
Stanley Bishop
player, 589 posts
Pinkerton Detective
Age 38 App 09 Siz 16
Wed 14 Sep 2016
at 09:10
  • msg #7

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

Stanley entered the dining room and joined the others for breakfast. He too seemed as if a good night's sleep had done his spirits a world of good.

Seeing the others he headed over to join them "Good morning. I trust everyone is well."
Walter 'Bo' Brandon
player, 355 posts
Age 35 APP 09 SIZ 13
Wed 14 Sep 2016
at 13:46
  • msg #8

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

Bo strolled into the dining room and spotted his friends at a large table. He approached Tommy from behind, grabbing both shoulders and squeezing.

"Hey, champ," he says heartily, "How'd your hot date turn out?"

He slides around to take a seat beside Stan with a view of the door.

"Anyone seen Leo yet today?"
Dr. Leonardo Elias
player, 440 posts
Physician
Age 58 APP 12 SIZ 11
Wed 14 Sep 2016
at 15:36
  • msg #9

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

As if on cue, Leo walked in with a smile on his face. "Right here, Walter." He took one of the empty seats at the table and looked around at the others. "Feels nice to be sleeping in a bed that doesn't move up and down all night long. How's everyone doing this morning?"
Rosalie Elias
player, 271 posts
Historical Consultant
Age 34 App 11 Siz 11
Wed 14 Sep 2016
at 22:22
  • msg #10

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

Rosalie offered a warm smile to the others as they joined the table.  Her gaze lingered a moment longer on Stanley as he arrived, but her uncle's commentary soon drew her attention.  "I think my room was tilting this way and that last night, but that was probably from drinking too many cocktails.  I slept very soundly, however."  She added a few lumps of sugar and cream to her cup as the coffee arrived.  "I didn't see any of you stroll in before I retired last night.  Were you out late?  Find out anything interesting?"
Vincent Moretti
player, 229 posts
Importer
Age: 31 App: 11 Siz: 15
Thu 15 Sep 2016
at 01:42
  • msg #11

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

"Mannaggia," Moretti said softly, leaning back in his chair and running a hand through his hair. With the Brotherhood's roots, it stood to reason that the parchment was inscribed in ancient characters, well beyond the reach of his meager education. Perhaps Rosalie could puzzle out its meaning. If not, Derby Sabini or one of his men might know someone that dealt in black market antiquities. There was also Ebenezer Albright, who Moretti had done business with on one occasion. The old man seemed knowledgeable, but Moretti doubted he'd lend a hand to anyone unless they waved a small fortune under his nose.

He folded the parchment and placed it in the drawer of his desk, then finished his cigarette and a second cup of coffee. Rising, he took his wine colored tie from the closet and went to the mirror to tie it.

And froze. Blinking at his reflection, he let out a slow, shuddering breath. Had he seen...?

No. No. He reached up, rubbing his jaw with his hand. It was the same scarred face he had looked at for years. Reaching out, he touched the glass to find it cool to the touch and perfectly ordinary.

The words tumbled out of his throat in a whisper, familiar to him since childhood. "Santa Maria, Madre di Dio, prega per noi peccatori, adesso e nell'ora della nostra morte. Amen."

Mechanically, he tied his tie and left the room, heading downstairs.


When he reached the dining room, he nodded to everyone with a polite smile. Clapping Cotton on the shoulder, he said, "You doing alright this morning, paisan?"

He noted that O'Connor wasn't present. Admittedly, she had had a fair amount to drink at the end of the evening, but if she didn't appear soon, he knew that they would need to check on her. Finding an empty seat, he silently took in the layout of the room as he waited for a fresh cup of coffee.

When Rosalie asked her question, he looked to Cotton. "Do you want to tell them, or should I?"
Stanley Bishop
player, 590 posts
Pinkerton Detective
Age 38 App 09 Siz 16
Thu 15 Sep 2016
at 03:34
  • msg #12

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

It seemed to Stanley that everyone was slipping some playful innuendo into their comments, and on one occasion he had almost spit out his coffee.

Despite years of training in controlling his expressionson he was sure everyone knew what had transpired between he and Rosalie. Sitting across from Rosalie he already was wishing that the night before had never ended.


But when Vincent had arrived and cut straight to the matter, Bishop turned his attention back to the job at hand.
Thomas Cotton
player, 328 posts
Age 24 APP 12 SIZ 09
Intrepid journalist
Thu 15 Sep 2016
at 18:14
  • msg #13

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

How'd your hot date turn out?
The reporter sighed as he recalled Zubaida's allure. "As far as hot dates go...lets say there's room from improvement.".
Pursing his lips he blew gently across the surface of his scolding hot coffee, waiting for the others to make themselves comfortable. He was relived when Vincent appeared, glad the man would be there to pick up anything his story might miss.
While the Italian settled he addressed the unspoken question.
"I left Milly asleep upstairs. Slept on the couch in her suite.". Seeing his words catch the attention of the others he clarified.
"We had a rough night...".

Meaningfully he waited until the group were alone before beginning the tale in a low voice.
"So when we left you, we headed to the York Minster to wait for our dancing freind. I half expected her not to show, but sure enough she did. And while I'd have loved a date, it was information she had for us rather than kisses.

Turns out something I'd said caught her interest. The murders. She claimed the people behind 'em were the Brother Hood of the Black Pharaoh.".
Seeing recognition in Leo's eyes he nodded. "That's right. Same group - she mentioned them first, not me.

Anyway, she said every month they meet at the Blue Pyramid around midnight. Some truck comes for them and maybe twenty customers, all men, get in to go some place outside the city. Zubaida couldn't tell us who they were, save for one name. Tewfik al-Sayed, a Spice Merchant who has...",
glancing at Vincent he corrected himself grimly "...had a store on Wardour street.".

Taking a slow gulp of coffee the reporter paused before continuing.
"Zubaida was sure they had killed her boyfriend, but she was too scared to tell the police. To be honest I cant blame her. I think she figured if I could get some story published it might throw some light on the place without exposing her.
Thing is, it turns out Wardour street was on the way home. So we, ahem, took a visit.".


Tommy paused knowing the others might have questions or incase Vincent wanted to chip in.
Stanley Bishop
player, 591 posts
Pinkerton Detective
Age 38 App 09 Siz 16
Thu 15 Sep 2016
at 19:59
  • msg #14

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

As wonderful as the night before had been the urgency in Cotton's voice drew Bishop in quickly. Listening to the subtle clues it was clear that the trio had seen some  actionew last night and from the sound of it that al-Sayad or his shop was the worse for it.
Vincent Moretti
player, 230 posts
Importer
Age: 31 App: 11 Siz: 15
Thu 15 Sep 2016
at 20:46
  • msg #15

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

Cotton was doing fine. He didn't need Moretti jumping in and muddling the account. He listened in silence as he sipped his coffee, hoping that the dark liquid would somehow revive him further.

When Cotton paused, Moretti cleared his throat. Looking to Leo, he added the only detail he felt was relevant. "I want to make one thing clear, sir. The decision to enter the shop was mine. The responsibility rests with me."
Millicent O'Connor
player, 89 posts
Age 29. App 14, Siz 10
Innocent Businesswoman
Fri 16 Sep 2016
at 01:42
  • msg #16

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]


  Millicent woke with a gasp breathing heavily then calmed down some realizing it had just been a dream. She lowered her head back down then thought better of it feeling that the sheets underneath of her were soaked with sweat. Thanking silently to whoever had closed the curtains she groggy stumbled out of bed, aftereffects of the early morning booze giving her a nasty hangover.

  Not too in a rush, she took her time showering, dressing and popping some pills for her headache. She didn't see anyone around so assumed the others were probably downstairs getting breakfast. Heading down she soon appeared dressed simply and wearing sunglasses indoors, and made her way to the table where the others were seated.

 "Good morning," Millicent said, "though it doesn't feel particularly good, Sorry I'm late but I got a damned awful headache. God I could use some of that coffee, but nothing to eat please, I don't think my stomach could handle it." Seating herself she poured a cup of black coffee and sipped gingerly at it. Gesturing to Vincent and Tommy she asked, "did they tell you what happened yet last night?"
Rosalie Elias
player, 272 posts
Historical Consultant
Age 34 App 11 Siz 11
Fri 16 Sep 2016
at 03:29
  • msg #17

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

"They were just getting to it," Rosalie answered.  "Morning, Millicent. You look a bit worse for wear.  I am almost sad to hear I missed some of the action."  Her eyes flitted briefly to Stanley, hint of a smile playing about her lips.  "Almost."

Taking a drink of coffee, she glanced back to Thomas.  "Please continue.  Vincent looks like he ran over someone's dog, so I know this story has to be good.  What happened?"
Thomas Cotton
player, 329 posts
Age 24 APP 12 SIZ 09
Intrepid journalist
Fri 16 Sep 2016
at 15:56
  • msg #18

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

Tommy was glad to see Millicent emerge looking at least mostly human and smiled as she sat. The whole family was back together.

"So, like I was saying, we decided to walk by the place on the way home.". He looked at Vincent as he 'confessed' to the crime.
The decision to enter the shop was mine. The responsibility rests with me.
"Ah, but we didn't stop you either did we? We did the thing together, I aint letting you take the blame.".
Imagining a furrow forming on Bishop's brow he held up a hand to calm objections and hurriedly added;
"Look I know it was bold. But the place seemed empty. We saw an opportunity and we took it. But it's what happened inside that matters.".

While a waiter deftly delivered various plates of breakfast Tommy composed himself before continuing.
"We broke in through a back ally. The place was dark, we figured empty. Downstairs a store room adjacent to front store. It all looked legit enough as far spice stores go, so we carried on our investigation upstairs. That's where things got interesting.

There was this mirror...it was just weird. Covered in carvings, a big thing too. Plus a cabinet full of little Egyptian statues, a Koran, and a desk. Mr Morretti worked his magic and that's when we found it. There was a secret compartment and inside..."
his expression darkened "...all kinds of things.".
Tommy looked at Bishop and Bo. They'd both been at the Juju house - they'd understand the chill he felt.
"Ceremonial stuff. A robe, scepters, parchment. Vincent took it all.". He glanced at the Italian for confirmation. "Little vials, an inverted ankh. Things a normal person dosn't have. We would have investigated more but before we knew it someone was opening the door downstairs. Tewfik I assume.".
Recalling the adrenaline of the moment Tommy continued the dark tale, his voice hushed and urgent.
"There was nowhere to hide. The bastard found us. Did something to Milly before we could jump him. We struggled until Vincent got 'im and broke his head in a fall down the stairs.". The reporter shrugged, leaning back.
"Of course then we had to get out of there. The commotion might have alerted neighbours, so Milly and I left first while Vincent tidied the place up. I didn't see any curtains twitching but it was dark and we were moving quick. Eventually we all met up back here.".

Now there were sure to be questions...
This message was last edited by the player at 15:56, Fri 16 Sept 2016.
Dr. Leonardo Elias
player, 441 posts
Physician
Age 58 APP 12 SIZ 11
Fri 16 Sep 2016
at 16:00
  • msg #19

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

Leo smiled at his niece when she said she slept soundly - with all that they had seen the last few days, sleep wasn't always easy to find.

He greeted Vincent when he arrived, and then settled in to listen to what he and Cotton had to say. His face betrayed a little bit of surprise at what they'd found, and Leo shook off Vincent responsibility taking. "Doing some investigation at night was a good idea."

He looked up at Millicent as she joined them, though his doctoring instincts kicked in as soon as she mentioned not feeling well. "Millicent, if you feel nauseous, there are at least a half-dozen sorts of tea that will be better for your stomach than coffee. And seeing as we're in London, I suspect getting some tea would be a simple matter." He waited to see if she would listen to Doctor's orders - he would happily order something that would do her well.

Once Leo had seen to her ailment, he returned to the conversation and listened to what Tommy had to say. He had many questions, but his concern for Millicent was now magnified and took precedent over everything else. He looked over at her again. "What did he do to you?" His voice and face were filled with concern.
Walter 'Bo' Brandon
player, 356 posts
Age 35 APP 09 SIZ 13
Fri 16 Sep 2016
at 21:08
  • msg #20

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

Bo listened with amusement to Rosalie and Stan's banter, pleased for both.

As Tommy began his tale, Bo felt his nerves twitch. If he'd known what they were getting into... Nervously, his fingers reduced a scone to crumbs, when Vince took the responsibility for entering the shop, Bo's mouth went dry and he gulped at his coffee.

His eyes went to Millicent, searching for any sign of physical injury. When Tommy said the spice merchant was killed, he murmured approvingly "Good job" at Vince.  Knowing they had gotten clear, he relaxed and ate his remaining scone.
Stanley Bishop
player, 592 posts
Pinkerton Detective
Age 38 App 09 Siz 16
Fri 16 Sep 2016
at 21:46
  • msg #21

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

Although listening intently, Stanley could not resist returning Rosalie's attention with a smile.

Turning back to the others "I'm glad you all escaped unharmed."

Bishop was about to ask if they have covered their trail. But knowing Vincent, he decided he could trust that his friend had done enough to make sure that the police would be mislead.

"Did any of the objects you recovered provide any useful clues?"
Millicent O'Connor
player, 90 posts
Age 29. App 14, Siz 10
Innocent Businesswoman
Sat 17 Sep 2016
at 01:40
  • msg #22

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]


  Millicent listened to Tommy's tale of their adventure. She looked a bit uncomfortable when he told of what happened to her as if speaking of it dredged up the memory once more and even more so when Dr. Elias wanted to know. Setting her cup down, Millicent took off her glasses to get a better look at the Doctor, reluctantly nodded and said;

   "If you think it would help then by all means, though I think it's more of the hangover than anything else. As for what happened." She hesitated and pursed her lips thinking then shook her head. "I actually don't really know. The others were fighting with the Egyptian, he spoke some words and then I saw such strange and horrible images, they...they seemed to consume me and I guess I blanked out. From what the others told me, I was screaming like a banshee but they were able to bring me back. I don't know exactly what that bastard did, but I'll tell you, I never want to experience it again. Do you think Doctor," she added, "that I'll be ok?" Millicent looked at him with uncharacteristic worry on her face.
Rosalie Elias
player, 273 posts
Historical Consultant
Age 34 App 11 Siz 11
Sat 17 Sep 2016
at 02:06
  • msg #23

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

She threw Vincent a worried look.  Broken head sounded like reporter speak for 'dead'.  Shifting attention back to Millicent, she frowned slightly.  "It sounds something like hypnosis."  She looked to her uncle for his opinion.  "That shouldn't be possible, should it?"
Stanley Bishop
player, 593 posts
Pinkerton Detective
Age 38 App 09 Siz 16
Sat 17 Sep 2016
at 06:41
  • msg #24

Chapter 2.2: Winter of Our Discontent [01/30/1925]

As Millicent spoke Stanley remember the Juju House. He remberee his mind torn at by horrors.not the horrors of the dead and dying, or of the killing,but the horrors inflicted upon him by the Voodoo of the Juju House.

"I endured something very similar. A few words and a gesture and my mind turned against me. I would never want to relive it, but in time you should shake the I'll effects and someday even the memory. "
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