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05:56, 19th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Sunday, 15 March 1925.

Posted by The KeeperFor group 0
Major Charles Storm
NPC, 26 posts
Major, US Army, Ret.
Former Cavalryman
Mon 19 Mar 2012
at 17:59
  • msg #111

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #110):

Storm looked embarrassed. "I, ah, know something of how to get through locked doors. We were always getting the keys lost on post, so I decided to learn something of the art of lockpicking. Got pretty good, too, although I am admittedly a little rusty I think I could be of service."
Howard Lampton
player, 75 posts
Noted Author
Mon 19 Mar 2012
at 18:04
  • msg #112

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

"I suppose we should let the Detective know our intentions. Sunday night seems the best time we could want.

"We won't want a taxi driver to know what we're about. Count, can you hire a car for us?"

Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 107 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Mon 19 Mar 2012
at 18:27
  • msg #113

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #112):

"We have a small delivery van that I have access to. It should serve the purpose well."
Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 157 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Mon 19 Mar 2012
at 20:12
  • msg #114

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

"Well then! What are we waiting on? I mean, aside from nightfall."
Imran Singh
player, 93 posts
Decorated Ex-Soldier
Loyal Sikh Manservant
Mon 19 Mar 2012
at 20:20
  • msg #115

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

"We should decide who will enter the building and who remain in the van. Also, what do we do, if we encounter Penhew employees? Do we go masked?

"Is the delivery van marked, Count Bathory?"

Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 108 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Mon 19 Mar 2012
at 23:19
  • msg #116

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

In reply to Imran Singh (msg #115):

"No it is just plain we have not had the time for sign writing. If I can use your telephone I can make the arrangements ?"

"So tonight, yes ?"

If in the affirmative the Count makes the arrangements for Mr Perkins and the small delivery truck.

"I would not go into this disguised as it would give us no leverage if discovered. Let us have another look at the plans you have."

After reviewing the plans the Count adds;

" I have been through the building and can attest that there is no where to hide people up stairs it is all offices and such. So we should focus our limited time frame in the lower levels. I doubt they are parading the captives upstairs."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:26, Mon 19 Mar 2012.
Major Charles Storm
NPC, 27 posts
Major, US Army, Ret.
Former Cavalryman
Tue 20 Mar 2012
at 08:42
  • msg #117

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #116):

"If we go tonight, I shall open the door. I'd like to stay outside, after, and keep a lookout. At the front, I guess. We'll arrange for a signal of some kind to warn of danger."
Prof. Ralph T. Fulty
NPC, 31 posts
Archaeologist
University of Milwaukee
Tue 20 Mar 2012
at 08:48
  • msg #118

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #116):

Fulty patted the hard leather case to his new German-made Leica camera. It was still amazing to think of a camera being so tiny it could be held in one hand, not one of the bulky monsters that were common before now.

"I should like to come inside, as well. I can use my camera to take photographs, record what we find so that we have some sort of proof of wrongdoing for later. I have great confidence that photography will be a great element in crime solving, one day."

He sipped his own tea and ate a sandwich.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:48, Tue 20 Mar 2012.
The Keeper
GM, 359 posts
Tony Stroppa
Tue 20 Mar 2012
at 08:49
  • msg #119

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

It was still early afternoon, tea time.

Darlington had not yet returned with JM or his friend, Karlheinz from their grisly errand to dispose of the most unpleasant Earthly remains of "Mrs. Shipley", if indeed that was her.
Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 158 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Tue 20 Mar 2012
at 12:42
  • msg #120

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

"Yes, I suppose disguises are just asking for more trouble if we're caught. But gloves would be a good idea, as well as some electric torches, notepads or carbon paper, and discreet bags."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:43, Tue 20 Mar 2012.
Doctor Phillip Weston
NPC, 12 posts
Professor/Doctor
Psychoanalyist
Tue 20 Mar 2012
at 18:02
  • msg #121

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #120):

"Aside from waiting for darkness, we may want to proceed with the assistance of the Detective Sergeant, sorry if that goes without saying. He may be able to tell us the police patrols, perhaps delay a response."

"Were I younger and more adventurous, I should like to be of direct assistance, but perhaps I may be of use in establishing an alibi here, at the hotel."

"I could also call my friend, Darragh, if we need his expertise, but it sounds like the Major wants to get into the fray."

This message was last edited by the GM at 20:34, Tue 20 Mar 2012.
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 109 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Tue 20 Mar 2012
at 18:46
  • msg #122

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925


"Looking at the floor plans I would say our best bet would be the basement door, here at the bottom of these stairs."

"It looks to give access off the loading area at the rear. It would also be more discrete if the Majors lock picking takes longer then we anticipate. I believe the Inspector maybe able to clear the streets as it where before we arrive. A couple of extra patrols to pick up any extra sets of eyes would help."

Flipping through  notebook he had retrieved from his coat pocket the Count adds;

"Lastly, I don't think Mr Perkins encountered one but there is always the possibility the building will have internal security night watchmen etc..."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:11, Fri 23 Mar 2012.
Prof. Ralph T. Fulty
NPC, 31 posts
Archaeologist
University of Milwaukee
Sun 25 Mar 2012
at 10:12
  • msg #123

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #122):

"Mr. Singh brought up the possibility of people being inside. It is worth considering. Mr. Gavigan's associate, Tewfik, suffered a break-in and theft this past couple of days, Miles Shipley's house burned down last night, they could be in a state of alert (whoever "they" are)."

"Accordingly, here is what I propose:

"One: we keep watch outside and when the last staff member leaves and there are no inside lights, the Major unlocks the door and we send in a single person to double-check. I propose Detective Sergeant Darlington for several reasons.

"Two: when the coast is clear, myself, Mr. Singh, Miss Holloway, the Count and perhaps Mr. Falcon enter and conduct a thorough investigation of the premises. Starting from the bottom up, as the Count advises. I don't want to take flash-powder so if I take photographs, the room lights will have to be on and so we should take that into account.

"There will be an outside watch set. Signals can be arranged to warn those inside. If need be we can set an alternate meeting location if we need depart in a hurry. Other than the Hotel. In fact, we should do what we can to avoid leading anyone here. Not the police so much as the beastly Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh."

This message was last edited by the player at 10:21, Sun 25 Mar 2012.
Doctor Phillip Weston
NPC, 13 posts
Professor/Doctor
Psychoanalyist
Sun 25 Mar 2012
at 10:24
  • msg #124

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

"I can't very well let you all risk yourselves without doing the same."

"I shall keep a look-out on the front. Major Storm can effect access and then watch the rear."

Major Charles Storm
NPC, 28 posts
Major, US Army, Ret.
Former Cavalryman
Sun 25 Mar 2012
at 10:42
  • msg #125

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

In reply to Doctor Phillip Weston (msg #124):

"We must be careful as we're still under surveillance."

"We have two unmarked vehicles at our disposal: the Count's van and John-Marc's flatbed truck."

"Let's have them wait in separate places. We shall split into two groups, one per truck, then make their separate ways and meet the Penhew Foundation building."

"We could use whistles for signals. One whistle means all is clear. Two is an alert that someone approaching the front, three means the back, and four means get out of there!"

"If we run, we must meet somewhere other than here, it's the first place anyone will look. Police, Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh, even police, who knows?"

"John-Marc mentioned he was concerned that with people being followed, we were vulnerable here, so he was making arrangements to rent a house in Islington, not too far from the Foundation. I say if he has the place, let's be ready to move there in an emergency. I can travel light when I need to, I don't know about some of you people! Bags left behind here at the Park Lane can be picked up when we leave England."

Howard Lampton
player, 76 posts
Noted Author
Sun 25 Mar 2012
at 12:40
  • msg #126

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

"Will whistles attract the police? After all, that's how they signal to one another.

"Only the driver and perhaps two others can ride in the cab of Falcon's truck. It might be best to have a taxi standing by at one end of the alley, Falcon's truck at the other and the Count's van out front. Simmons will remain here and serve as a central point of contact.

"Certainly, when we go out on this raid, we must try to shake off any shadows, but I remain unconvinced that we need to move. We know that our opponents have been following us and know we are here. There are too many of us to avoid detection as we go about the city, especially since we have to go on our enemies' own turf.

"The hotel is a public place, full of porters, housemaids, and other staff, not to mention other guests. These are many eyes that will be alert to ruffians on the premises, especially -- forgive me Mr Singh -- foreign-looking ones. In a private house, we are much more vulnerable with no resources but our own to watch and ward, not to mention keeping us fed.

"I will volunteer to be in the cab at the end of the alley. Of course, if the police became involved, the cabbie is most likely going to heed their directions, rather than making a get-away."

Major Charles Storm
NPC, 30 posts
Major, US Army, Ret.
Former Cavalryman
Sun 25 Mar 2012
at 20:27
  • msg #127

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

In reply to Major Charles Storm (msg #125):

Major Storm thought for a moment.

"What else can we use, then? A flare from a Very pistol? Dispatch runner? Semaphore? Bugle call? Field telephone line? Those are the tools of military communication in the field. Until someone invents a portable wireless of some sort, we are restricted to an audible or visual signal of some sort."

"Does anyone have any alternatives? We could use flashes from electric torches which will aid for signalling out of the Foundation building, but those inside will have to station someone looking out a window or door to receive incoming message traffic. It would still be visible."

"I agree, the public nature of the hotel has served as a deterrent until now, let us pray that it continues to be so."

Prof. Ralph T. Fulty
NPC, 32 posts
Archaeologist
University of Milwaukee
Sun 25 Mar 2012
at 20:34
  • msg #128

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

In reply to Major Charles Storm (msg #127):

"Er, I can imitate an alley cat. Here, let me try."

Professor Fulty then did a creditable imitation of a cat's plaintive meow, looking embarrassed.


OOC: Knowing how to make animal calls is a Natural History roll. Knowing a common animal within reason (dog, cat, owl, pigeon, etc.) would be a further Knowledge roll.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:35, Sun 25 Mar 2012.
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 110 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Sun 25 Mar 2012
at 23:27
  • msg #129

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925



"I am sure if the need arises we can communicate in some way, a runner probably or animal noises. As we seem to have a workable plan in place I must take my leave so I can prepare. What time should we meet and where, I would suggest 1am in Skye Pharma Place off Piccadilly. It is just down from the Naval and Military club."

He waits for a reply to his suggestion before donning his hat and coat.
Albert Darlington
NPC, 83 posts
Detective Sergeant
Metropolitan Police
Mon 26 Mar 2012
at 00:03
  • msg #130

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #129):

Before they left, Darlington and JM returned from their errand, the one they really didn't want to talk about.

"It's a wee short notice. Cor blimey guv, would I lie to you? Today is a right good day, bein' a Sunday and all. Right. I'll pop 'round the station 'ouse now and determine the foot patrol schedule for that area is tonight. I'll 'ave a word wiv the beat coppers, right, make sure the lads're nowhere near the Foundation between, say, two and four in the mornin'."

"Yer cop us inside the bloody Foundation, I'll 'ave a look. I'll also arrange for the taxi."

John-Marc Falcon
NPC, 69 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Mon 26 Mar 2012
at 00:26
  • msg #131

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

JM poured a stiff drink for himself and Darlington.

"Christ. Glad that's over with."

He listened to the plan.

"So, the Count's van will be at the Sky Pharma Place in Picadilly Circus at 1am. My truck will be waiting outside the South Kensington tube station, in the opposite direction. The tube stops at midnight so we'll leave a little early and kill time before heading to the Foundation to meet up."

"Karlheinz, myself and the Major will go in my vehicle. Ralph, Mr. Singh, the Count, his man, Miss Holloway in the Count's delivery van. Howard and Dr. Weston in a taxi from wherever convenient, probably not the hotel."

"Then we proceed to the Penhew Foundation and meet at 1:30. We do a reconaissance and then the main group enters and searches between 2 and 4 am. Any later is pushing our luck. Signals will be along the lines we've said."

"If it all goes to pot, I suggest not returning to the hotel, even staying away for the night if you can. That would be my suggestion, at any rate."

"See you tonight, Count, and do check in ahead of time to see if there's any change of plans."

Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 111 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Mon 26 Mar 2012
at 05:20
  • msg #132

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

He was rather relieved to leave. There was much he had to get done in the few  hours he had free before the continuation of their adventure. The Count hailed a cab after checking the front of the hotel for watchers and followers. He stopped at his club and asked the driver to wait as he popped in. He held onto his hat, coat and cane as the attendant approached saying he was not staying. Moving to the pigeon holes he found two notes.

The first was a reply to his gift and invitation from the curator he was eager for a meeting as they had “much to discuss in our common interest”. The Count turned the paper over and with his fountain pen wrote a reply asking if he was free Wednesday evening for dinner at “Rules”. The second was a familiar black envelope with gold ascents, the Count smiled as he opened it and read the note enclosed. It looked as if his Monday afternoon and night were full.

He lastly obtained a small box and some tissue and out of sight placed the claw and finger in it. He addressed it to a colleague at the Natural History Museum in South Kensington. He asked the curator to prepare the specimen, to contact him when it was done and to keep it in the strictest confidence. The Count then pasted the package to the attendant asking him to place it in the evening mail.

Back in the cab the Count went over what he would need for the break-in so once he was back in the shop it was a quick task to collect his carpet bag and begin filling it. He retrieved the small pry bar and hammer from the downstairs work bench and a small amount of rope. He placed two torches and a couple of candles and some matches. He also took the four canvas book bags he had for library moves.  Each could hold more books then could be carried by one man once fully extended. Finally he changed into a dark two piece suit and selected a matching Borsalino hat. He felt he was somewhat over armed with both revolvers and his automatic so he replaced the revolvers in their case in his room. The Count made a light dinner and ate it in the conservatory on the terrace.

He then placed a phone call to Sarah Evans asking her to lunch on Tuesday and asking how her day had been. He mentioned the Rothschild’s meeting at church and she said she had also received an invitation to the house party. She suggested they could drive up together or take the train, he replied that would be wonderful. Placing down the receiver after several more minutes chatting, he gathered the paperwork that Perkins had left on the side table and busied himself with the more mundane tasks of running a moderately successful book shop.

Finally when the time had arrived to leave he looked himself over in the hall mirror. Then retrieved his leather gloves from the hall stand, a double breasted black knee length coat from its peg and his cane from the shell case as he left.

Perkins was a couple of minutes late but the Count was glad to see the familiar outline of the Ford Model T panel truck as it weaved past traffic up the road. As he climbed into the passenger seat Perkins doffed his cap and the Count gave him a smile. He saw the lamps in the back so their house breaking kit was complete. They took a longer route to the hotel to shake any pursuit and parked some distance away in the side street of Mayfair.
Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 159 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Tue 27 Mar 2012
at 08:15
  • msg #133

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

"Well, this sounds like a straightforward plan. I don't imagine my alley cat imitation will convince any local toms, but if we decide a meow is our call, I shall meow."

Cynthia also writes up a shopping list which she passes on to her maid, Anna, to see to. The list includes electric torches, basic tools (pry bars, screw drivers, et al.), short lengths of rope, flares, and an additional camera. She lets anyone else put anything on the list they feel they need.
Imran Singh
player, 94 posts
Decorated Ex-Soldier
Loyal Sikh Manservant
Tue 27 Mar 2012
at 11:37
  • msg #134

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

Singh, bathed and dressed in clean clothes, takes Cynthia's list from Anna, giving her his filthy clothes and boots to send down to the hotel laundry instead.

He goes out to make the purchases.
John-Marc Falcon
NPC, 70 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Mon 2 Apr 2012
at 18:42
  • msg #135

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

All purchases and preparations are made without incident. As evening waned into night, the rain slacked off and fog rolled in, muting the streetlights. Dark clouds hid the moon and stars.

The midnight hour approached, time to get moving. Trusting that evil cultists, ritual killers or merely unbalanced Egyptian spice merchants wouldn't have the time and resources to monitor the hotel's many side entrances at all hours of the day and night, they left in their usual circumspect manner (different times, different entrances, keeping their eyes open for watchers). They all met up with their prospective transport and made their way to the Penhew Foundation.
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