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08:01, 19th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Friday, 13 March 1925.

Posted by The KeeperFor group 0
John-Marc Falcon
player, 36 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Mon 5 Dec 2011
at 22:58
  • msg #108

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

Listening calmly to the experts JM takes up on being prepared for the gloves off, and prepares for such himself, rising to the phone himself.

"Gloves off, you say?  I might want to get prepared for that myself.  One of my planes is ex military you see, and being such myself, I still have the armaments.  It might be time to make sure those are ready and oiled, just in case."

He casts a glance at Darlington and winks "No worries, I carry for the Post, so if more dangerous waters are our next destination, it is perfectly legal."
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 9 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Mon 5 Dec 2011
at 23:16
  • msg #109

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925


"It maybe prudent to also disperse said items or at least to have them on your person within your group. This is especially true of the sceptres, they are a matched pair. So it is probably safe to say whatever they are for it is diminished if they are apart."

Cynthia Jane Holloway:
"Given the sergeant's warnings, perhaps best we ate in when we can. I'm sure we'll tire of the menu soon, but it's better than the alternative.

"So now that we have this, what is the plan for the morrow? I've never been very bookish. I hope it's not just another day in the library."


"Well Miss Holloway maybe we could follow up this Miles character ? I am afraid your drawing and his works are to similar to be coincidence. We could call at his house under the guise of buying one of his paintings and see what we can make of him. Of course if anyone else wishes to come we could make a day of it"
Albert Darlington
NPC, 56 posts
Detective Sergeant
Metropolitan Police
Tue 6 Dec 2011
at 08:38
  • msg #110

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg #108):

Seeing that Phil wasn't paying attention at the moment, Darlington decided to reply to something to John-Marc said.

"'Old on there, son, ya do 'ave papers for said weapons, wite? Oi'll see to that tomorra if you give me a list."

He turned back to Phil. "Wake up, me son! Tell ol' Al here wot 'appened to yer in that alley. Daon't be shy."
Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 76 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Tue 6 Dec 2011
at 13:49
  • msg #111

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

"Perhaps. It seems unlikely they're related, but if given the choice of an art show or a day trapped among the stacks, I think I'll take the art show."
Phil Webley
player, 24 posts
Drifter - Good looking
Weak, sickly and clumsy
Tue 6 Dec 2011
at 14:40
  • msg #112

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

In reply to Albert Darlington (msg #110):

Phil is a bit reluctant to tell the tale, "Ahhh... I was errr.. I was educated by two men about whose alley it was.  Not wanting to call attention to myself, I ran away before getting into a fight.  Not very heroic, I admit. "
Howard Lampton
player, 57 posts
Noted Author
Tue 6 Dec 2011
at 20:29
  • msg #113

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

"I intend to spend tomorrow on my reading. I think dining in tonight is an excellent idea.

"Since Simmons is almost always in our rooms when I am out, I suggest we keep these items locked in my trunk, unless someone is actively studying them."

Imran Singh
player, 47 posts
Decorated Ex-Soldier
Loyal Sikh Manservant
Tue 6 Dec 2011
at 20:31
  • msg #114

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

"I will accompany you, of course, Miss Holloway, when you go to see about this artist."
Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 77 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Tue 6 Dec 2011
at 20:51
  • msg #115

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

"Thank you, Mr. Singh. Anyone else? Do we know anything about this artist? About what sort of company he keeps?"
Albert Darlington
NPC, 57 posts
Detective Sergeant
Metropolitan Police
Tue 6 Dec 2011
at 21:08
  • msg #116

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

In reply to Phil Webley (msg #112):

DS Darlington laughed, trying not to sound scornful of Phil's weakness but not quite succeeding. "Daan't worry, son! Any foit ya walk away from, or dann't get inter inna first place, ya come out on top in me book." He looked like if it were him, he'd would rather relish getting into some manly fisticuffs.

"They just gave ya a warnin' then? They weren't wogs loike Tewfik and his chums? That might 'ave been a local "ragpicker" "welcomin' committee" warnin' ya off their territory. Such chaps moight be useful, they see and knaow everythin' that 'happens in them alleys, if the Brotherhood or Bloody Tongue or whatever they call themselves 'ave been takin' their people they'd knaow about it."

Darlington shrugged at Shipley's name, not having seen him as connected to the murders in any way before now. "Shiply? Name daan't ring a bell fer me. Oi'll be glad ter accompany you tomorra, Miss 'Olloway."
Prof. Ralph T. Fulty
NPC, 14 posts
Archaeologist
University of Milwaukee
Tue 6 Dec 2011
at 21:44
  • msg #117

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #113):

"I should like to come as well to do more research."

Ralph smacked his forehead. "Wait! Speaking of research, we didn't tell you our own big news on that front! Dr. Weston, allow me."


He ducked back into his room to retrieve a cardboard tube of the type that contained blueprints. Spreading them out on the table, they could see these were floor plans for Tewfik's "Foreign Spices Emporium". It seemed apparent that there were no rooms hidden by being walled-off and there was no basement.

"We found these floor plans to Tewfik's Spice Emporium. Like we said over the telephone, as you can see it doesn't appear there were any hidden spaces according to your description."

"There are plans on the record for the Penhew Foundation building, as well, although those won't be prepared until tomorrow."

"Intriguingly, we found a list of properties relating to the probate of Sir Arthur Penhew's estate and subsequent title transfer to the Penhew Foundation and subsequently, Edward Gavigan. There's his home in London, of course, but also a warehouse on the Limehouse docks. In Soho, Tewfik's Warehouse is also listed, as it the property of which the Blue Pyramid is a tenant.

"There is no listing for a steam yacht named "Dark Mistress", but there is one for the "Wanderer", supposedly tied up at the Royal Thames Yacht Club. Perhaps there is some attempt at subterfuge, there."

"Most importantly, Gavigan now possesses Penhew's country estate, called "al Misr" ("Egypt") up in Essex. Not far from Harwich, on the river Nave."

John-Marc Falcon
player, 37 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Tue 6 Dec 2011
at 23:13
  • msg #118

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

Albert Darlington:
"'Old on there, son, ya do 'ave papers for said weapons, wite? Oi'll see to that tomorra if you give me a list."


John-Marc grins a moment and moves to a writing table to make a list for Darlington.  "Just in case they are misplaced, it would not hurt, yes?  Oh, and I will include my Post Handler number.  I'm thinking I might need those guns for defense to deliver post to Africa or Persia, you think?"

He Looks back over at the mention of splitting things up "I'll carry a scepter if it helps.  I'm wondering if it might be prudent to fetch a street sweeper rather than rely on handguns in case this comes to blows.  What do you think Inspector?"  Action, that he could sink his teeth into, this conspiracy stuff was creepy, sneaking around with all these false religions and cults, but of what truth could they possibly have?

He listens to the Professor and nods to himself  "I can do a flyby of the estate to get a look at any boats that might be tied up, I suggest we might split our forces and have another team check out his registered ship.  My smaller plane is a two seater, and I'd appreciate another set of eyes with some binoculars in that seat."
Major Charles Storm
NPC, 10 posts
Major, US Army, Ret.
Former Cavalryman
Tue 6 Dec 2011
at 23:15
  • msg #119

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

John-Marc Falcon:
He listens to the Professor and nods to himself  "I can do a flyby of the estate to get a look at any boats that might be tied up, I suggest we might split our forces and have another team check out his registered ship.  My smaller plane is a two seater, and I'd appreciate another set of eyes with some binoculars in that seat."


Storm smiled.

"I should be glad to get back in the saddle, as it were!"
Albert Darlington
NPC, 58 posts
Detective Sergeant
Metropolitan Police
Tue 6 Dec 2011
at 23:32
  • msg #120

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg #118):

Darlington took the list and read it with a nod. "Shan't be a problem, you bein' a mails carrier an' an officer and a gentleman. Persia and Africar? "

"Street sweepas? Roight, shotguns. If you daan't 'ave one, Ya can score wahn at the bleedin' Lollipop tomorra wite proper. Pardon, you can stop by any gun shoppe and pick one up in the mornin', naow trouble a-tall."


When Fulty related the news of Gavigan owning an estate in Essex he slammed his palm down on the table, startling everyone. However, he was excited, not upset.

"FUCKIN 'ELL! Ah, sorry, ma'am. I bloody knew it! Many of them suspected victims, wot been found outside the Thames 'ave been found along the road between 'ere and Essex! A couple ain't, an' wahn or two been fished outta the ocean but Oi'll bet me grandma they was washed daahn the Nave Damien Hirst!"

"Not in the chuffin' buff for a warrant, I wager, but bloody suspicious."

Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 10 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Wed 7 Dec 2011
at 06:00
  • msg #121

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

Cynthia Jane Holloway:
"Thank you, Mr. Singh. Anyone else? Do we know anything about this artist? About what sort of company he keeps?"


"I have not meet the artist myself but I did read a piece about him recently and over the summer he exhibited one work at the Royal Academy to gain admission, he was unsuccessful."

The count thought for a minute then added:

"I will procure his home address on my way home tonight and if we meet in the hotel lobby say at 9am tomorrow ?"

"As for arms and ammunition may I suggest The London Armoury Ltd on Bury Street. Several of the members of my gun club use them exclusively and I also have used them on several occasions. Wonderful service and the height of desecration. We could stop there on the way to the artists house in the morning if you like. I believe they have the Colt and Winchester agencies and I purchase my ammunition from them."

"And on that note, I shall say my goodbyes, it was wonderful to meet you all and I shall see you on the morrow."



The count leaves via the main entrance where he hails a cab to the Athenaeum Club on Pall Mall. He signs in the members book and hands over his hat, gloves and coat, before going to the library. He scans the spines of the Royal Academy summer exhibition catalogues until he finds the one he needs and quickly jots down the address of the artist.


The Reading Room of the Athenaeum Club, Pall Mall, London

He then spends the next three hours studying the period of Egyptian history he thought the artefacts came from. He also left a note for the librarian asking if she knew of or could source a copy of "Africa's Dark Sects".

Once satisfied he had done enough for the night he left the club and caught a cab back to the shop, baring the side door as he entered and retiring upstairs.



The South Library of the Athenaeum Club, Pall Mall, London.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:34, Thu 08 Dec 2011.
Athenaeum Club Librarian
Wed 7 Dec 2011
at 12:19
  • msg #122

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #121):

The librarian promised that she would keep an eye out for that book, as his contacts vowed to do earlier in the day. "I'm not familiar with it at all. Just published in 1922 or 23? How odd. "Africa's Dark Sects". Sounds like a book on beastly cults! Nevertheless, I shall make some inquiries."

Good book in hand, Báthony retired for the night.
Albert Darlington
NPC, 60 posts
Detective Sergeant
Metropolitan Police
Wed 7 Dec 2011
at 12:51
  • msg #123

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #121):

"I shall take me leave naow, as well. Mus' get back to the struggle 'n' strife!

"Fer tomorra, I'll get those permits wot you require for your armaments, Mr. Falcon. We both 'ave friends in 'igh places, we do! Daan't kna aahhht abaht this Shipley bloke, Oi'ill ask 'round. See if 'e has a record 'n' such. In the mean time, I shall look at other 'otels wot you can move to in an 'urry, should the need arise. Less conspicuous, loike, not as comfortable. Oi'll also check on yon boat at the Yacht Club, less botha' if Oi do it.

"Also, Oi wann't as loike ta be free until after 5 pm tomorra, meet back 'ere for a bit o' tea and palaver, yeah?"

"Right then, I'm off."
He seemed happy that he made an important connection in the Soho Slayer case. Not enough to get a warrant but enough to break the case open a little.
The Keeper
GM, 229 posts
Tony Stroppa
Wed 7 Dec 2011
at 12:55
  • msg #124

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

8:00pm

As Cynthia suggested, they ate in.

Further, there was some shuffling of rooms. Dr. Weston took what were his regular lodgings at the Park Lane Hotel, while Falcon was moved p from the ground floor to bunk with Webley. Howard and Simmons, Cynthia and Singh were staying down the hall from them, adjacent to each other.
Prof. Ralph T. Fulty
NPC, 17 posts
Archaeologist
University of Milwaukee
Wed 7 Dec 2011
at 12:57
  • msg #125

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

10:00pm

After something of a leisurely and late dinner was over, Ralph yawned.

"Well, I should toddle off to my room now. Maybe after a nightcap. Simmons, scotch and soda, if you please?"

"To reiterate, tomorrow Howard, Dr. Weston and I will continue our research of the records along with Mr. Lampton, while Miss Holloway, Mr. Singh and Mr. Webley, pay a visit to this Shipley character, once the Count has located his home address or that of a showing of his. Mr. Falcon and Storm will perform an aerial reconnaissance of this "al Misr" estate in Essex. The Detective Sergeant will see to his own business, and some of ours, then meet us here at 5pm."

"Whoever likes to shall drop by Bury St. and the London Armoury Ltd. shop in the early morning. There is no licence required for shotguns, I believe."

"When you question this Shipley chap, what shall you ask him?"

Francis Simmons
NPC, 16 posts
Faithful Manservant
Baltimore Native
Wed 7 Dec 2011
at 12:58
  • msg #126

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

In reply to Prof. Ralph T. Fulty (msg #125):

Without being directly asked, Simmons gathered the items they'd "found" and locked them securely in the trunk.

When asked for a drink, he moved over to the bar on the sideboard. "Anything I can get the rest of you folks?"
Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 78 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Wed 7 Dec 2011
at 15:05
  • msg #127

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

"Oh dear. Artist or aeroplane ride. I wonder if he can fly us by aeroplane to visit the artist? You suppose that would be too far out of the way?

No matter. So we know where these ceremonies are taking place now, and when they're happening. Now we just need the evidence so the police can go in and save us the trouble.

All of this talk about shotguns, where are people supposing we should store them? We're not going to carry them on our hips through town, are we? And I don't trust any hackney enough to leave my competition guns in his trunk. Will the good count be lending us a car to carry them in?

Should we elect to keep both scepters on people, I can take th e second. It's easier to hide in a purse than in a coat pocket, after all. But that's assuming we dont think it more practical to leave it in the room."


Cynthia is so busy chatting she hardly has time to enjoy her drink.
Howard Lampton
player, 58 posts
Noted Author
Wed 7 Dec 2011
at 15:45
  • msg #128

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

Howard chuckles, "I expect a shooting party strolling the streets of London Town would attract quite a lot of attention. Goodnight, all." He retires to his bedroom to read a bit.

[ooc - How big are the scepters? I would thing at least two feet long.]
Major Charles Storm
NPC, 11 posts
Major, US Army, Ret.
Former Cavalryman
Thu 8 Dec 2011
at 09:11
  • msg #129

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #128):

"Well, I'm off. See you in the morning."

Storm bid the others goodnight, leaving Lampton's suite and walking down the hall to the one he shared with Fulty.
Prof. Ralph T. Fulty
NPC, 18 posts
Archaeologist
University of Milwaukee
Thu 8 Dec 2011
at 09:12
  • msg #130

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

In reply to Major Charles Storm (msg #129):

"Myself as well. Hold up, Charles, I'll walk with you."
Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 80 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Thu 8 Dec 2011
at 13:59
  • msg #131

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

"Abandoned. Good night, gentleman."

Left nearly alone, Cynthia will eventually excuse herself to tuck in.
Imran Singh
player, 48 posts
Decorated Ex-Soldier
Loyal Sikh Manservant
Thu 8 Dec 2011
at 23:28
  • msg #132

Re: Friday, 13 March 1925

Singh wishes Miss Cynthia pleasant dreams. Then he and Simmons clear away and tidy up the suite.

Singh meditates for a time before going to sleep.
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