"To be clear, your benefactor as you say, isn't Mr. Grey, but Ms. Erica Carlyle," she clarified. "I don't know that she's as much a benefactor, as a co-sponsor, or a very interested party. Her brother may have been a lout, but he was family. So yes, finding out more of the Carlyle Expedition is obviously a preferred route for them."

She did look a bit perplexed at the suggestion that there was something else they might follow instead. "To be truthful, though, I thought the chase was one and the same. From what you all told Mr. Grey, the same people that were responsible for the death of Jackson Elias may have ties to the Carlyle Expedition. My thought was the hunt for one was the hunt for the other. What other motivations do you all have? I figure perhaps vengeance, with how Mr. Bishop was always so keen on securing more guns. Understandable. Can't say I'd do different me self. Or perhaps knowledge - wanting to uncover the mystery that he fell while seeking, for the sake of completion. But as far as I can tell, all roads follow that same group."

She leaned back and crossed her legs, turning to the reporter. "What about you, Tommy boy? Surely you're after a story for your paper? Isn't that the story - the Carlyle Expedition? Or this global cult?"

---

OOC:

I've updated her earlier post slightly to allude to the substitution of her presence in the group with another, as opposed to outright withdrawal of a representative.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:48, Wed 19 July 2017.

In reply to Thomas Cotton (msg # 90):

"Close to what? Have we found anything here that connects to the Carlyle bunch? Seems to me we just got sucked into chasing after another bunch of mad killers.

"Maybe Stan's death got me spooked, but I don't want to end up in another mess like that Juju House, or worse. We could come out on the short end this time. And if you guys are right about that mirror, it gives Gavigan a way to find us and kill us without anyone even knowing.

"We're in a hell of a spot and running seems like the smart move."

Leo pressed his lips together as he considered. "Mmmmm....they're mad killers that we know have discovered some of the same mystical stuff that Jackson was researching. I guess we'll call it magic. The stuff we've read in the tomes that we borrowed from Miss Carlyle as well as what we've found in Gavigan's foundation seem to be linked to each other. There's a bigger picture here. But it's one we need to be alive to eventually puzzle out. Jackson did talk about the original members of the Carlyle expedition opening some sort of gate. That worries me immensely."

He briefly shifted his gaze around to the others. "There are currently several significant threats to our staying alive right now, here in London. There is every reason to believe that we are known to Gavigan and this cult. Not just a couple of us, but most if not all. All those that were at the docks may have been made, we know Gavigan had notes about some of us, and he met Rosalie and I in person. He and his followers also seem to have a mirror that can at least see his enemies, if not kill them outright. This is the most compelling reason for not running. If that thing can actually kill from a distance, it won't matter if we're on a boat or not. However, I don't think we are certain on that point. It seems it can cause harm, though, and perhaps kill so long as they have some of the Gabeshegal that is required for that particular ritual. The other major threat to our survivial is the mass of cultists that will no doubt be at the Misr house."

Leo paused a moment. "Based on what our more experienced members have said, a frontal assault of Misr house is out of the question. That way lies certain death. Sticking around London with faces that are known to the cultists will lead to an eventual confrontation, likely on their terms. Leaving means we have the ability to avoid certain death at the Misr House and being chased down somewhere in London. But it also leaves us open to attack from that God-damned mirror."

Leo frowned. "Splitting at least gives us multiple chances at continuing what we're doing. And maybe if there's any unfinished business here, we come back after things cool down a bit. There is still some mystery about Penhew himself, but I'm unsure how much more we need to learn about him. I think that instead we need to find him."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:36, Sat 22 July 2017.

"I'm not running," Rosalie said after a moment of considering Leo's choices.  "As I've said before, we wouldn't get very far.  As ridiculous as it may sound to some, I think that this mirror is dangerous in their hands.  I have more than enough historical evidence that it is bad news and bad luck for those that oppose the holder.  Some may chalk it up to superstitious nonsense, but in all my years of anthropological study, I've learned that all stories have some factual basis.  I think this mirror and this cult is a very real threat.  A frontal assault on the Brotherhood might be suicide, but so is sending one or two people off with the hopes that they can handle it themselves.  Vincent is very good at sneaking about, but what happens when he's caught?  Overwhelmed by sheer numbers?  Cornered and outgunned?  He'll die, that's what, and the Brotherhood will still exist and they'll still be in possession of the mirror."

She frowned.  "We know for a fact that Gavigan and his group are directly responsible for Jackson's death.  I can't let that go.  I won't allow them to hurt anyone else.  They're going to have human sacrifices, for God's sake.  What about them?  I can't so easily forget the poor souls trapped in that basement in New York.  If we hadn't taken the chance and stepped in, they would have died."

"I don't want to go rushing in with no plan, and I certainly don't wish to die, but I'm willing to, if it means avenging Jackson's death and ensuring that no one else will die by their hand.  We have Stanley... stuffed in the boot of the car." Her voice broke, but she managed to compose herself. "You think he died of natural causes?  You think that someone suffocated him and he just let them, without putting up a fight?  You heard the gunshot.  At close range, he would have killed whoever was attacking him.  So what does that leave?  Something unnatural.  Call it magic, or voodoo, or whatever name you like.  If it happened to Stanley, the most capable and strongest of us, how do we have any hope of escaping?"

"Half the problem is that we have no idea what the place looks like, let alone what kind of numbers we'd be facing. And we don't have the firepower we had in the Ju-Ju House. But not much to be done about it, I guess.

"Let's see what we can get Barrington to do with this information we give him. Leo, you and Rosalie are probably best to approach him, while Tommy and Vince and I keep going through this stuff from Penhew Foundation. Time is getting short. How long will it take to get to this place, anyway?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:25, Tue 25 July 2017.

Tommy nodded, heartened by Rosalie's passionate words and hearing 'Bo start to see the plan.

"With Barrington's help we can stop whatever Gavigan is planning tonight. We can do the right thing, and maybe even make some sense of whatever Jackson was on to with his investigations. But right now it dosnt get any bigger or more serious than bunch of messed up freaks doing Egyptian hoo-do in central London. If we walk away, who the hell is going to stop them?".

Bo's next move made sense.
"I agree with Walter. Whatever happens next, we've got to warn the police.
Leo, while you do that, I say Vincent, Bo and I take the car and drive over there, do a few laps, get the lay of the land. Avery, maybe you could dig us out some place we could meet over in Norfolk? There must be a pub with rooms.".

Leo nodded. "Sounds like a good plan. Rosie and I will do what we can to get the police to help out. I do have other connections in London that I can call on if it comes to it, but those are not necessarily reliable. But if we're going to do this, I should make those calls."

The physician looked over at Rosalie. "What do you think we should bring with us to show Barrington?"

"Bo, we should probably let Vincent know that things have changed.".
Knowing Avery would let them know if he was able to arrange a staging post for the group closer to where-ever Misr House was located, the reporter ducked outside to join Moretti.

"So, remember what you said about staying here alone? Well, we figured that's a dumb idea.". A strange fuel of adrenaline and anxious fear slipped in to Tommy's veins and he grinned to the Italian as he told him about what he'd missed inside.
"Leo and Rosalie are going to talk to Barrington. You me and 'Bo - well I figure the more we can find out about Misr House the better. What do you think? It's time I called back Mahoney too.".

Moretti frowned, remaining silent for a moment as he exhaled, the smoke from his cigarette mingling with the steam of his breath. "Honestly, I wish you were all leaving. Going somewhere safe. But if that is what Leo and Rosalie have decided, tale è la volontà della famiglia." He dropped the smoldering remains of his cigarette to the street, crushing it with his heel. "I am a soldato," he muttered, "I will do as I'm told."

He looked at Cotton. "You and Bo are right. If we plan to go out to the Misr House ourselves, we need to collect as much information about it as we can. Do you think your friend Mahoney can help us with that?"

"The closest towns to the location you've provided are Colchester and Harwich. I can certainly attempt to find some suitable accomodations there if desired," he said.

"Thanks Avery. We'll get our plan straight but I think it's likely we'll want a staging post in one of those towns. Your call which.".

-----

Outside with Vincent (and Bo?) Tommy felt subdued by Vincent's response. He'd felt like they were heroes about to take the fight to the enemy. But the older, more experienced Italian had been anything but enthused. This wasn't an adventure-what they faced could be deadly. Still, it was the task at hand.
"Come on paisan. Talk like that and I'm likely to shit myself and run from this place forever! We are doing the right thing. Together. We are going to crack this.". He looked at his comrade hopeful for encouragement.
"I made the call to Mahoney earlier and promised to call back right about now. I don't know what he'll have for us...if anything...but he's an ally. You think I should tell him what's going on? If we do he'll be all over it-Barrington will figure we leaked it to the press and that wont do us any favours. So I reckon we keep him ticking along for now, right?

Apart from Mickey, I say we three take the car East now. It'll take us some time to get there and none of us want to be blind. A couple of hours checking out the locals and getting our bearings could help a lot. Leo and Rosalie could follow-I asked Avery to look at a staging post for us...

Ooc-ughhh, sorry, a bit rushed-flight about to take off so posting and will tidy later!
This message was last edited by the player at 20:12, Tue 25 July 2017.

In reply to Lawrence Avery (msg # 100):

"Try to get a couple rooms near the train station, if possible, Avery. That gives us options for transportation back to London."

Bo nods at Tommy.

"Definitely keep Mahoney in the dark. If this goes sideways, we don't need him tying us to it."

"As much evidence as we can manage, I'd say.  Everything that links Gavigan to Jackson's death.  Some of the more disturbing things that we found in his office would also do nicely.  If he isn't convinced by that, then we'll have to go it alone."  Thinking a moment, she shook her head.  "I can't imagine we have much more than that to take, unless we can scoop up Thomas' sweetheart and make her confess what she knows.  That doesn't seem likely, though.  Vincent was looking for her last night with little luck."

She frowned.  "I do hope that she hasn't been taken by the Brotherhood."

It was difficult not to be taken in by Cotton's eagerness to unravel the remaining mystery. Putting his gloves in the pockets of his coat, Moretti smiled and nodded. "We'll see this business through to the end, paisan. No question. But don't sell yourself short on bravery. I remember just how well you held yourself together back in Harlem. You'll do just fine."

Looking up at the afternoon sky, he said. "Taking the car and getting our eyes on the place is probably the best way to go. If the Brotherhood sticks to its habits, the big gathering shouldn't happen until around midnight. I'm sure the estate isn't empty. I'd bet Gavigan's there, at least. But if there's only a few people present, we might have a good chance at casing the place fairly well."

"We shouldn't drag our feet. The sooner we're there, the better."

"Before we speak to the police, there's a man I would like to introduce you to. I mentioned earlier that the Carlyle's were recalling me, but would still like to maintain their presence in the group with an addition or two," she said.

"I of course, have not yet provided him with this particular address, given the level of secrecy we're maintaining. But I can arrange to have him meet us at Scotland Yard. He's a solicitor by the name of Harry Price, and should be able to help keep you in good standing in terms of legal authorities. He served in the Great War as well, and comes from a good family. I've been informed that he's standing by for my telephone call, so whenever we're ready to leave I'll dial him from the nearby telephone booth."

"Ok. I'll put the call in the Mahoney-you figure with Avery where we should meet the others later and pull the car round, right?".

If there were no objections Tommy would head to the phone booth and their friend from the Scoop.
"Mickey! It's Tommy. What have you got for me bud?".

OOC: So Tommy, Bo, and Vincent are outside an the rest of us are inside, right?

Leo raised an eyebrow at Millicent and then nodded at the suggested meeting place. "Scotland Yard sounds like a good a place as any. It will be nice to have a man of his talents with us as we bring this evidence to the police. How much have you filled him in on what we've discovered thus far?"

"I've been regularly sending discreet reports to Mr. Grey, who has then in turn briefed Mr. Price. I imagine he has the general sense of things, if not some of the finer details of any activity which might have fallen into a...gray area. In those cases, I was careful to avoid any mention of specifics," she said.

"Best to avoid putting some things in writing. But I would advise in person full disclosure to him, as any such disclosures made directly to him are protected."
This message was last updated by the player at 15:37, Mon 31 July 2017.

Tommy heard a familiar voice on the other end.

"Then I think that we should meet with him directly."  She frowned at Millicent.  "I will miss you terribly, you know.  Though still out numbered, it was nice to have another woman along for the ride.  No one else understands the difficulty of wearing a corset, except Bo, perhaps, but that's a very long story."

She rose to gather her coat, hat, and purse.  "Uncle, shall we call a cab?"

Tommy listened to what his contact had to say.

The newsman's lilting accent continued on through the receiver.

Leo nodded at his niece's suggestion. "Yes, I think we should head outside to call for a cab. Millicent can contact Mister Price and let him know to meet us at Scotland Yard. We will need to bring some of the evidence with us, but should leave the rest of our belongings with Bo and Vincent."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:37, Fri 04 Aug 2017.

Cotton offered his thanks to the man on the end of the line before hanging up.


With the call over Tommy paused to check his notes, brow furrowed before he popped the small book back into a pocket and made his way back inside to the rest of the group.

"Right, that's Mahoney done. 'Bo, Vincent, you ready to head East? We should drive to Harwich by the sea. I'll tell you why thats important in a moment. Hopefully find a pub with rooms in the centre - Avery did you manage to dig one out for us? Leo, Rosalie, I'm figuring you will meet us there in a few hours.

Misr House is on an Island in some place named 'The Naze'...whatever that is I don't know. But its between a swamp and the sea and Gavigan owns the whole thing. One road up to it, not much else around.".
He shot a glance to Leo and Rosalie.
"The previous owners were Jim Barton and Samantha Riley. Mahoney didn't have anything on them, but maybe the names will mean something to Barrington. Wouldn't be surprised if they'd vanished in the last few years...or maybe they are just Gavigan's lackies.".

Tommy shrugged as he continued.
"Mickey didn't have much else. He knows we are digging in to something, but he dosn't know the details. The building itself is two stories, each about five hundred square. But we aint gonna find out more unless we head over there.

Lets go.".

He digs his boots out of his bag and his most expendable trousers plus a sweater. Swamps are no places for overcoats and shoes. He tucks Stanley's .38 into his hip pocket and drops his compass into the front.

"Bon voyage, Milly, it was nice to meet you. I'll buy you a drink when we get back to New York."
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 20:07, Wed 02 Aug 2017.