You follow Jonathan's plan, take a late train to Southampton, and spend three nights in a dismal hotel in Southampton.

Assuming you spent the time lying low, exchanging stories with Percival, and buying some replacement clothes and accessories for the cruise. Percivals story coming up tomorrow.

On the morning of Monday 28th July, two weeks to the day since you arrived in England, you are at the first class pavilion, sipping orange juice or champagne while you documents are discretelychecked before you board the Northumbria. You morning is somewhat spoiled as you are discretely escorted to a side office, where inspectors Nelson and Pye are waiting flanked by a pair of burly constables.

"Lord Deville, we understand you are planning to leave the country with documents pertaining to a police investigation. Can you give me one reason why we shouldn't have you arrested for obstruction of justice?" says Nelson coldly.

Kit smiles and walks up to the Inspector. "Gentlemen, I applaud your thoroughness. Perhaps you can enighten us regarding what your concerns are and we can find a way to help you."

Percy stands open mouthed looking at Lord DeVille and the inspectors.

What had he gotten himself into?

"Don't play the innocent with me!" snarls the inspector. "Despite your assurances you have failed hand over the documents you pilfered from under the Soran Institute, and now I discover you are planning to leave England with them! Now I would advise you to remain silent and let lord Deville explain himself"

"Inspector, I have every intention of returning to England with these documents," Jonathan answers quietly, "However, I believe I have greater need of them just now than does Scotland Yard.

"For me, they represent an opportunity to solve a great mystery that has haunted the Deville family for a generation and possibly brought about the deaths of my father and grandfather.

"Can you explain what police investigation they pertain to and of what use they might be to your inquiries? I presume you have a warrant that allows you to seize them? If so, I should like to examine it."

"As to a warrant, I urge you not to go down that road Lord Deville, as by your own statement these documents were pilfered while you were trespassing on private property" answers the detective sternly. "However... since there is no immediate urgency to the case, given that the guilty party is most likely deceased, if you give me your word as a gentleman that yo will present the evidence to me in due course I will leave you to go about your business, providing you undertake to keep me appraised of your progress"

Assuming you agree to a 2 point Reassurance spend Jonathan. That, plus your persuasive speech swung the day.

[ooc - 2 points Reassurance duly spent.]

"Thank you, Inspector, for your consideration," Jonathan says warmly, extending his hand, "Here is my hand to seal our agreement and you have my most solemn word, as a peer of the realm and a gentleman. I will see to it that these papers are in your possession as soon as I return to England."

Although he simply gives the police officer a scowl, George is more than a little put out that the inspector had given him such a hard time over the papers, but flashed a little bit of the nobility, he backs down like a puppy dog.

Grabbing his valise and bag, he heads for the ship...
This message was last edited by the player at 06:07, Mon 10 Feb 2014.

Failing to hide the awe in his voice Percival says,"That was well done Lord DeVille, truly well done."

Scotland Yard's finest deferred to Lord DeVille Percy thought to himself, Percy took another careful look at his travelling companions.  These just might be the right blokes to help me get this sorted out after all.

Leaving the police behind you board the ship and are shown to your suite. The Northumberland casts off an hour or so later, and soon you sitting on the deck enjoying the sea air and balmy summer weather. The last days have been hard on Jonathan and his companions, and you use the opportunity to take a well-deserved rest. All to soon you will be arriving at New York...

The first few days Percival had trouble getting adjusted to his "sea legs", but he found that walking on deck was wonderful restorative.

You all arrive in America rested but heavy at heart, with even Percival forced to confront long-buried unhappy memories. Wasting no time, you forward the luggage on to the hotel and split off on your separate errands. George and Percival take a taxi to the New York City Library, while Kit heads for Greenwich Village to look up an acquaintance who might be able to help.

Kit pokes around the Village, enjoying the variety and people. He soon gets wind of a fellow whose brother is in Bermuda. Within a few hours he has sent a telegraph to a fellow named Angelo on the island to which they're heading, and the pair exchange contact information and basic plans.

"Well Percy, if I may call you that, I think we should split up. You seem the person to hunt for information on Soran and his sordid activities, I am going to do some research on Zoran Trifkovitch. Soran may be an alias for this fellow who was forced to step down as professor of anatomy at Prague University three years ago due to 'severe irregularities in his medical procedure and ethics'"

George glances around the library, looking for a place to meet other than the main reading area.

"Over there, by that bust of Shakespeare; see the secluded tables there? Let us meet up to share notes in about an hour. Fair enough?"

Percy nods agreement, "I also might see if I can find anything out about Bermuda and the occult".  He turns and heads towards the card catalog index.

Jonathan finds a chemist that is prepared to work overnight on the infusion, after a personal check backed by a phone call to the Cavendish family bank. You agree to retrieve the finished product tomorrow morning

Assuming you don't mind making the 1 Credit Rating spend required.

George finds no mention of Soran, but does find an article in Scientific American that mentions Zoran Trifkovitch, his real name according to Joseph Deville's diary. It confirms the details of his dismissal from Prague university that you already know, but there is also a photo of the man. As described in the journal, he is bald, and his coarse, greasy skin is evident even in the faded black-and-white newsprint. You cannot tell with any certainty whether Soran's corpse was the one you found in the cellar, however.

Meanwhile, Percival informs himself thoroughly about Bermuda. There is little on a connection to the occult, although he does find several books about the Hiatian religion know as voodoo that can be found throughout the Carribean, and even perhaps in Bermuda too.

No need for a spend from either of you. Percival, assume you have a wikipedia-level background knowledge of Bermuda http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bermuda. See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoot-Hawley_Tariff_Act. BTW, the concept of the Bermuda Triangle did not originate until the 1950s.

You all meet back at around seven o'clock in the hotel to compare notes.

Aside from collecting the purgative, let me know if you have any special plans for Sunday.

"I'll be attending services at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in the morning to pray for Father Alden, if anyone wants to go along," says Jonathan, "Then I'm off to pick up our antidote."

Not having known Father Alden, Percival decides to continue his research.  "No disrespect mean Lord, but since I didn't know the good Father I would feel out of place."


Percival wants to peruse the better book shops in the city to see if he can find anything informative about voodoo.  He realizes it is a long shot, but he will need something to read on the trip anyway.

On a beautiful, sunny morning you arrive at Bermuda, after five nights on the Spirit of Bermuda, a rather battered old packet steamer that makes a regular run between New York and St George's. The first class accommodation is if a somewhat lover standard than the Northumbria, but the atmosphere on board ship a lot less stuffy, with a diverse set of fellow passengers. Despite the gravity of your mission, you enjoy the voyage.

A young, coloured islander is waiting for you as you clear the rudimentary customs post at the harbour, introducing himself as Angelo. He is a musician, originally from Cuba, who makes a living playing the circuit of hotels and clubs on the island.

"Just tell me what you need, mon. I know a good place to stay, friend of mine has rooms to rent downtown"

St. George's is a bustling, picturesque town, with a strange juxtaposition of England and the tropics. https://www.google.ch/search?h.....45.0.0.H_KPft9DiaI

Percival, you picked up a couple of books on voodoo, and can consider yourself informed. If there is anything else anyone wanted to do in New York, please us the appendix thread.

Percival hangs towards the back of the group.  He pulls the front of his shirt out and in to get a little bit of air moving in the heat.

He looks around at the picturesque scenery marveling at the scenery.

Dressed in his new duds, Captain Yates gratefully places his feet on dry land and glances about.

There was something soothing to his military spirit in the sight of colonial style construction, white painted buildings, men and women dressed in civilized fashion walking about.

"Those Brits sure know how to do a thing right."

As to the young local who had volunteered to be a tour guide, George's natural suspicion rises tot he top. Turning to Jonathon, he suggests (quietly) that they can find their way without the help of the bohemian native musician.

Kit grins and greets the man. "Hello, there, Angelo." He introduces the group, making a point of introducing Jonathan without his title. "Why don't you take us to that friend's place, Angelo. We would like to settle in and then have some inquiries to make."

Assuming it's not past dinner-time.

"I say, Kit," says Jonathan, seeming very British, "I think I'd prefer a proper hotel. I'm certain there are several to choose from in Hamilton." He turns to Angelo, "No offense intended, my good man."

"None taken sir, none taken" replies Angelo amicably. "You'll be wanting the best place in town?"

Percival leans towards Jonathan and says quietly, "Might I recommend something less consipicuous?"

"The purser suggsted that The Princess in Hamilton would be quite comfortable. He gave me to understand that each room is equipped with gas lights and hot and cold running water," Jonathan says, "Let's get a cab."

Kit nods and turns to their guide. "Sorry, fellow, but we will have to stay wirh your associate another time. Can you fetch us a cab and accompany us to the hotel? We will have business to attend to once our things are settled."

A small smile crosses the Captains face, happy to see young Jonathon taking charge. He was proud of the boy... he hoped the Princess would live up to it's reputation though.

Percy wasn't sure why he was surprised that he was surprised, after all why wouldn't the Lord want to stay in one of the nicest places in town.  He ambled along with the crowd trying to take in their surroundings.

You hop in a waiting taxi, and old but perfectly maintained ford, and motor the short distance to The Princess hotel. Sooon you are checked in Angelo gives you his address, above a nightclub near the harbour. He doesn't have a phone, but a message to the bar will reach him.

"Anything else you need?"

Kit turns to the others. "What about it, fellows? What else do we need?"

"Ask about regarding spas, health clinics, private hospitals and such, especially those with an odd reputation."

Percival responded to Kit with a shake of the head. As Captain Yates asked his question Percival listened intently, but turned his head away so as not to appear too obvious.

"I have no immediate need for anything, thank you, Angelo." As he shakes the man's hand, he presses a coin into it.

With that his Lordship mounts the stairs into The Princess Hotel.

Kit smiles. "As his Lordship doesn't need anything else, then I think Captain Yates' request is ours, Angelo. Find out some information for us, if you would." He discreetly gives the fellow a tip and sees him off.

"No problem boss, I'll ask around" answered Angelo with a wink, pocketing his tip in the blink of an eye. The Princess does indeed have hot and cold running water, as well as gaslight, and you manage to secure four adjacent rooms on the third floor. After you have unpacked and freshened up it is around 11am.

Percival makes his way down to the concierge desk and inquires about local spots of interest.  Without directly asking about them he is seeking to learn more about any "special" hospitals, asylums, sanctuaries .... and any spots known for the practice of voodoo.

Jonathan asks a bellman to bring a copy of the island's directory. He spends the remainder of the morning perusing it for Soran under either of his known names, as wll as for the name DeVille in any context. He makes a list of all hospitals, rest homes, and the like.

The rest of you?

Kit goes to some of the more reputable eateries and entertainment spots in town to ask if anyone knew his late uncle or a man of Soran's description. He carefully avoids using Soran's name.

George seeks about for any Men's Club catering to officers and the like.  he will not start out inquiring about anything, he will simply get to know the members who are around and try to make friends over a pint and a round of billiards. A good cigar wouldn't be turned down, either...

George manages to find the Army & Navy club near the harbour, where he finds no shortage of retired and bored military types to bond with.

Kit tours a few eateries, but none have ever seen someone like Soran, and his appearance is quite distinctive. Jonathan does not find a listing for Soran under either of his names, nor anything close. He makes a careful list of a dozen or so rest homes, hospitals and the like.

You meet back in the hotel in time for a late lunch.

"I didn't find much that seems helpful, but I do have a list of establishments that could be Soran's, if he is trying to hide in plain sight, as it were. We should probably devote a day to scouting them out. Perhaps in the guise of relatives looking for someplace to stash poor, old Uncle Hiram Cavendish.

"How did the rest of you make out?"

"I made some friends, but nothing useful came up. I didn't expect to find Soran on day one though, I feel things are progressing well. We've made enough of a spectacle of ourselves that he and his might reach out to us, if we are not careful."

Kit looks a bit abashed. "I won't joke--I did half expect to find SOMETHING. Ah well. I almost welcome having our quarry make a move. Nary a word about the 'good doctor' among the social circles."

He sips his cocktail. "Where do we go next?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:46, Tue 22 Apr 2014.

Percy compares his meager list to what Jonathan compiled and doesn't have anything different.  Percy frowns in disappointment.

Was Jonathan just better at this than Percy, or was a function of having better contacts???

Percy shakes his head, "Nothing new to add I am afraid."

"I guess we need to learn to think like an evil genius then. If Soran is here, what other name might he have taken? What other cover would he don? We know his ego hasn't let him stray too far from his own name, so we should be able to figure this out. Can we get some sort of map of the island. And a phone book?"

Jonathan tosses his copy of the Bermuda directory to George.

Like Jonathan, George, is unable to find a listing for Soran or his pseudonym.

Ahh,  but George does not stop there. He flips randomly thru the phone book looking for anything that might seem to relate to the situation. Doctors offices, promises of longevity, Soames, Trifkovitch or any reasonable abbreviation of same. Is there an Austrian embassy here?

George finds the same list of a dozen medical establishments of Jonathan; none of them stand out for promises of longevity. And there are no Soames, Tifkovitches or any other likely sounds aliases. He does find the address for the Austrian embassy, right here in Hamilton.

Following a suspicion, George also looks up fortune tellers...

There is only one listing in that vein, "Madame Lowe's House of the Occult", right here in Hamilton. George is fairly sure that there will be others not listed in the business directory, however.

"Well, I've got two places to start, I think, an occult house, and the Austrian Embassy. One is a spooky place full of con-men with bad accents who are after your wallet, and painted women who will charge to read your tea leaves; the other is an occult house. Anyone have any other suggestions?"

Kit chuckles. "Call me foolhardy, but I think I'll head to the Embassy. I'm better-suited to rub elbows with that bunch. Who's with me?"

"Seems as good a place to start as any," George says.

Jonathan chuckles at George's joke (presuming it is a joke).

"I'll choose Madame Lowe's establishment."

Both establishments lie within walking distance of your hotel. Percival joins Jonathan in his trip to the occult store, and you part ways at the end of the street.

Switching to private threads.

Kit and George arrive back at the hotel at four in the afternoon to find Jonathan and Percival waiting for them.

George touches the tip of his hat in a greeting to the receptionist while he lets Kit pass him into the hotel. He stops in the doorway between the lobby and the restaurant to keep an eye over the entrance for a minute or so, before he follows Kit to the rooms.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:58, Wed 29 Oct 2014.

"George," says Jonathan, turning from the window as his uncle enters the room, "I'm glad to see you. You, too, Kit.

"George, I may have someone who's willing to give me some information. This Madame Lowe claims to know the whereabouts or current identity of Soran or Tifkovitch. She'll tell me for a hundred pounds, but I have to meet her in the graveyard behind St. Peter's church at midnight. I'm to come alone and she won't meet if I'm followed. I think she has a confederate trailing me.

"I'd like you to go out the rear of the hotel and conceal yourself in the churchyard now to watch my back in case she intends treachery. Kit, would you and Percival get a cab out front after I leave tonight and be in the vicinity of the church just after midnight?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:04, Wed 29 Oct 2014.

Kit nods. "Sounds about as reliable as my source. We caught a fellow trailing us who agreed to meet us shortly at the bank, where we'll get him some cash and he'll spill some information. Or at least that's what he said he'd do. Thoughts?"

George is thinking through the options. But there arent any. Both needs to be followed.

"If either of our contacts leads to information I think we have made a good first day here.

If you three get money for our friend with broken ribs, I'll take the kitchen-way out and look for a good spot to cover the graveyard. I think I'll need something to eat first, though. Anyone else?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:15, Tue 04 Nov 2014.

In reply to Christopher 'Kit' Cavendish (msg # 62):

"Good idea, George. Make sure you find a well-concealed place where you can see the back of the church. I'd say you should try to be in position a little after dark. I don't know how early Madame Lowe might arrive, but doubt she'll get there -- or have someone watching -- before dark.

"How much do you need, Kit?"

Kit relays the amount. "And when I pay him, we should all be there. Safety in numbers, I say."

In reply to Christopher 'Kit' Cavendish (msg # 65):

"You and I can be there with Percival, but I need George to get into position once he's had a bite to eat. What time are yo to meet your informant?"

[ooc - What time is it now?]

Around four fifteen in the afternoon.

George makes a walk to the window. He looks out to see if he can spot their newly found "friend"

Jonathan consults hiswatch: "It's a bit late for banking, but I'll cash a check at the front desk and you can take the money to the bank to meet your party."

He sits at the table and makes out a check drawn on his London bank.

[ooc - How much?]
This message was last edited by the player at 14:03, Tue 11 Nov 2014.

Kit names an amount that he thinks will convince the man. About a 2-point spend :-)

He pops over the window and discreetly looks to see if the fellow is still trailing.

George spots his tail standing in a doorway a few houses down on the other side of the street. There are two others with him, talking and sharing a cigarette.

George walks away from the window, and speaks up.

"Ok, he's still there, but there are two more men with him. The question is if the money is enough. The question might even be bigger than that. There is a risk that the two convinces him to NOT help us out at all."

George wonders for himself if they really should split up the group at all.

"The others might have be your tails, even if you didn't see them."

"I suggest we keep the same strategy as before. First eat a bit, and at the same time as you depart from the front, I'll get out the backdoor."

"You three tries to come to an understanding with the follower I contacted with my fist, and hope that he spills some, if offered the cheque."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:52, Tue 11 Nov 2014.

"All fine, George," Jonathan agrees, "Except I won't go with Kit and Perceval. I don't want anything to keep me from meeting Madame Lowe. I also need for you to be there well before midnight. I don't know how early she might show up or whether she'll send watchers ahead of time."

"Ok, Jonathan. I think you have the time to go there after diskussing with the sneaking boys down there. You just take care of you on the way. I will be there when you arrive."

George walks down to the restaurant to have a quick meal.

"So what information does this guy who was following you supposedly have, Kit? I'm not keen to throw money away unless he has something good."

Kit blinks and thinks about it for a second. "He admitted that he was sent to trail us. I wanted to find out from him who, and why. That seemed worth the money." He flicks ashes from his cigarette and shrugs. "Your money, though. We can just as soon beat him senseless and tie him up so he won't report on our doings instead. That's what a character in my books would do, anyway," he adds with a grin.

Jonathan shakes his head, "Let's not be beating anyone up for now. Here's fifty pounds. Start at twenty for the information promised and see what you can get.

"It doesn't seem he's the only one shadowing us. We have to expect that our activities will be reported to whoever has set the watchers on us."

Kit smirks. "That would be our luck, then. Percival, you're with me. Anything else to think about before we leave, Your Lordship?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:58, Wed 19 Nov 2014.

"Shall we have a tray sent up?" Jonathan lifts the telephone receiver and orders a light repast for three.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:41, Wed 19 Nov 2014.

Less than an hour later Kit and Percival return to the hotel, their tail still following them.

Bump! NB if I wasn't clear you are all reunited except for George. I didn't make another private group just for this bit, but if things develop that way I will do so.

Jonathan has just finished eating when his cousin and their friend return to the room: "Kit, Percival, what did you find out?"

Kit snorts. "That our tail has expensive tastes. Waste of time. The good news is we didn't spend anything." He hands the money back to his cousin. What about you?"</green>

"I've still got time to kill. I won't leave for the cemetery until eleven. Shall we play some bridge?"

Kit grins. "I'll beat you in bridge anytime, your lordship." He winks at Percival. "Come join us, fellow. We're actually an entertaining bunch when we're not chasing mysteries."

"I've never tried the three-player version, but I'll give it a shot" replies Percival genially.

After a few rubbers it is time for Jonathan to depart if he is to reach the church on time. Will Kit and Percival go with him? The watchers are still outside your hotel, although one (the potential turncoat) has left.

"Alright, chaps," says Jonathan, glancing at his watch, "Time for me to leave for my rendezvous. I figure it will take me about a half-hour to walk to the graveyard. Madame Lowe said she wouldn't meet me unless I came alone.

"Give me an hour's lead. Then you can get a taxi and drive down to the docks, let's say, and then back to be outside the cemetery at midnight. She'll have met me by then or she won't, but you'll be on hand in case of need."

He shakes hands with both men, takes up his hat and walking stick, and departs the room. He goes from the elevator directly through the lobby and makes for the cemetery at a brisk pace. He assumes he's being followed, but doesn't try to spot his shadow, though he keeps vigilant in case anyone tries to interfere with him.

In the graveyard...

Jonathan moves to confront his watcher, who does not seem intimidated by the young lord's words. He moves back his cheap jacket to show a wicked looking Bowie knife holstered beneath.

"Go back to the hotel mon, ain't no ting for you here" he says, his voice deep and hostile.

Meanwhile George is stepping out from his hiding place among the graves while Kit appears at the cemetery entrance...

Beckoning to George, Jonathan moves quickly to join Kit.

"Where's the car, Kit?"

Kit nods to the road outside. "Right where we parked. A young woman ran away a few minutes ago. Might that have been your contact?"

George nods back at Jonathan, not at all liking the looks of Jonathan's follower. But since he is only talking, and the Madame isn't here, George won't take any measures.

But he goes in between Jonathan and his shadow, trying to allow Jonathan to have a couple of meters. George is ready to draw his gun if there is any problem with that.

The three of you leave the cemetery and walk quickly towards the Percival and the taxi, which guns its engine at your approach. You pile inside, and see your watcher running after you, angling to stand in front of the taxi.

In reply to Christopher 'Kit' Cavendish (msg # 90):

As they reach the taxi, Jonathan asks, George: "Did you see a woman arrive after you, George? Or did you see a woman leave the cemetery?"

As they get into the car, he tells the driver: "There's a pound in it for you, if you don't let this man delay us. Another if you do it without injuring him too seriously."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:31, Mon 16 Mar 2015.

Kit's face becomes very serious, but his nostrils flare. A bead of sweat forms on his foredhead and his eyes are wide. He grips the door handle near him tightly, his fingers tens but not quite white-knuckled.

"Not a woman, but a girl", George replies.

"She left when you arrived with your shadow. Probably she ran to the Madame to tell, so if you know in what direction she went, there is a slight chance we can get to see them, if the Madame supervised it all from outside the graveyard"

As the taxi moves, George scans the alleys and tries to get a glimpse of the presumed two.

The driver guns the taxi and swerves off with the screech of burning rubber, narrowly missing your tail who bangs on the roof in frustration as you speed past. The thug sprints along behind you, falling behind until after a few blocks you lose sight of him.

"Where to boss?" asks the driver.

Jonathan gives the address of Madame Lowe's shop, as he passes the driver two pounds.

The driver takes the money with a wide grin and drives on. Soon the taxi soon pulls up upside Lowe's emporium. The shutters are closed and there is no light coming the upper floor.

At this time of night there is no-one else on the street and few lit windows...

Kit steps out, leaving the payment to His Lordship, and heads for the door, trying it quickly and quietly...

The door is locked and the locks looks fairly stout.

When he sees Kit trying the door, the taxi driver starts to look uncomfortable. "You done with me boss?" he asks Jonathan.

"Yes," says Jonathan, passing over the fee plus a substantial tip, "Thanks for your good service."

Figuring that here, as in most cities, proprietors keep a flat above their shop, Jonathan looksfor adoor that might give access to a stairway to the second floor. If he finds none, he seeks access to an alley behind these buildings.

As soon as George understands that Jonathan has decided to stay, he gets out of the car, checking the surroundings.

Even if there is few people around, he tries to figure out what kind of neighborhood it is. He is thinking of the protection of them all, and as soon he finds a good spot to stand and have control over the street and alley, he makes sure his gun is in perfect condition if it will be needed...

Kit turns to George, "Can you try to kick this door in?" he asks hesitantly.

In reply to Christopher 'Kit' Cavendish (msg # 103):

"Come on, Kit," whispers Jonathan, "Not the front door."

George frowns at Kit's proposal, and is glad Jonathan has a better understanding.

While not taking his eyes off the street, he replies quietly:

<sub>"Even if I could, I have some concerns. The front door can't be the best place to begin. We would be spotted very fast, and we'll have only a small amount of time to search. And the locks on the shop are probably rather sturdy. A backdoor is preferable"

"Jonathan, you decide if we wait for the Madame here or inside..."</sub>
This message was last edited by the player at 16:28, Sun 22 Mar 2015.

In reply to Captain George Yates (msg # 105):

"First, I want to find out if she is already here. It's possible she never intended to meet me. Or she might have been scared off by the fool that followed me."

Jonathan continues to look for a door that might give access to a stairway to the second floor. If he finds none, he seeks access to an alley behind these buildings.

Kit harrumphs. "You'll never make hero of one of my novels that way, George," he whines, but he follows Jonathan.

You do not find access to the upper floor on the street proper, but there is a dark and foetid alleyway running parallel to the street that looks promising. You find the gate to the back yard of the shop and Kit climbs over the wall to let the rest of you in.

Luck is not with you, however. As you approach the back door, you hear a challenge from a darkened window above just as you smell the tobacco from a late night smoker.

"Hey! what you doin' back there!"

"Hallo!" calls Jonathan to the speaker to the speaker, "We are concerned for the well-being of Madame Lowe. Does she reside on these premises?"

Kit stands back, looking casual.

Jonathan's Boston accent draws a sardonic chuckle from above. "She don't reside nowhere 'round here whitey".

In reply to Great Old One (msg # 111):

"I see," he replies, taking no offense at the laughter or the slur, "Could you tell me where she does live? I am genuinely concerned for her well-being."

Kit nods. "She's in danger."

"One moment, askin' the wife". You hear an indistinct conversation from above, then the man shouts down an address. By now lamplight is appearing in several other houses on the street, a reaction to the commotion below.

"Thank you."

Jonathan leads his friends back to the street. He tries to figure out where the nearest taxi stand might be.

George keeps an eye open for people taking interest in his little group. Even though they have no followers around here, there is always the usual risk of criminals wanting to get money from well-dressed foreigners.

"So, back to the hotel or to the madame? I'd suggest the madame, she might be back home. Or what do you think?"

You eventually find a taxi at about one thirty. "Where to boss?" asks the driver.

Jonathan gives the man the address.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:51, Thu 16 Apr 2015.

The taxi swiftly brings you to the address, a well-maintained street of simple subdivided houses in a poorer suberb. Lamplight in the front window shows someone is at home...

"Listen, fellows, I think I should go alone. I don't want to frighten her. If there's trouble, I'll give a shout."

Jonathan leaves his friends in the taxi and walks to the front door, rapping smartly.

Kit snorts but doesn't argue. Still, he keeps his eye on his cousin at all times...

George just can't sit and wait. He opens the door and steps out of the Taxi to be sure he sees everything Jonathan does.

From a discrete distance away George and Kit see from the way the light flickers that someone is moving around inside the house. However, after 30 seconds the door remains unopened...

Jonathan knocks again, more heavily. "Madame Lowe! are you alright? Please, let me in."

After a moment he adds, "I've brought your money."

He tries the door.

"Christopher... There is someone there", George says, before he hastes over to the house. Avoiding any streetlight he can. He goes to the opposite side of where Jonathan bumps the door, to be ready if someone is trying to get out of the building without being seen.

He has his hand on his gun in the pocket.

OOC: Is it a flashlight, candles or lightbulbs in the rooms?

Kit harrumphs and gets out as well, going to the far side of the building with George, but with no useful weapon in his hand at the moment.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:05, Sat 09 May 2015.

George and Kit skirt round to the back door via a very dark alley just in time to see a young woman slip out, closing the door quietly behind her...

You have both seen her recently, at different times.

Kit quietly clears his throat, recognizing the girl. "Hello! Please don't be alarmed. We would like to speak with you." he says quietly.

If the front door opens, Jonathan enters the house.

George moves into the shadows, trying not to scare the girl, but still having her covered. He keeps his gun behind his back, not to scare her by that if he can't move unseen.

Jonathan tries the front door, which is locked tight. Outside the back door, the girl is poised to flee...

Waiting on Kit's call on the spend.

The girl hesitates for a second, then darts away down the alley leaving the back door ajar.

Kit moans, "Not again! George, help me catch her!"

He sprints after the girl...

Jonathan turns from the front door in time to see his friends sliding down the passage to the alley. He follows cautiously and hears Kit's call.

Darn...

George could've used far worse words for Kit's inability to smoothtalk a girl. He runs after the girl, while putting down his gun.

Seeing George and Kit chase a shadowy figure down the dark alley, Jonathan turns back to the house. He finds the back door open and peers in.

[Any light in there?]

The door open onto the kitchen. It is dark inside, although Jonathan can smell the hot iron of a recently extinguished lamp.

Meanwhile the girl dodges down several alleys, with Kit and George in hot pursuit, but trips over something in the dark, allowing them to box her in before she can stagger to her feet.

"I scream rape and you will be in trouble" she says defiantly. "Let me go!"

Kit bends down. "Or I will tell the authorities you stole from us. Who do you think they will believe, eh? Come back to the house and we won't harm you."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:56, Wed 20 May 2015.

Jonathan pushes the door all the way open and steps inside.

"Madame Lowe? Are you here?"

He tries to sniff his way to the lamp.

"It was Jonathan who was to meet madame Lowe on the graveyard. But you ran then too"

George takes a breath.

"Follow us back, and we can talk"

George is uncertain of the reaction of the girl, so he is ready to put a hand over her mouth if needs to.

"Careful, lass", George whispers between his teeth.
"If you want your pretty face intact, you'd better keep quiet!"

If it needs to be done, George will cover the girl's mouth and take a firm grip to ensure she doesn't disappear.

The girls bravado collapses at Georges intimidation; she is, after all, just a scared teenager. "Let me go! I don't know where she is" she pleads while pulling ineffectually at George's arm

Jonathan finds the lamp and as his eyes adjust to the dark he can make out a box of matches next to it.

Lights the lamp.

George doesn't answer the girl. He just forces her back toward the house with a grip on her arm.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:23, Sat 30 May 2015.

Kit points to the house. "We will let you go when you answer more questions from our friend. IN." He goes back to the house, opens the door and waits while George escorts the girl back in.

Jonathan lights the lamp, and sees nothing immediately untoward. He is in a small, cluttered kitchen.

Jonathan, do you want to spend the five minutes or so you have before the others get back searching the house?

Lamp in hand, Jonathan goes in search of Madame Lowe. As he passes through the rooms on the ground floor, he notes anything unusual or out of place. He won't leave this level until his friends arrive.

Jonathan quickly tours the house, finding evidence of a hasty departure but nothing else of immediate note. The whole house is rife with ethnic curios, and to Jonathan's untutored eyes these look a lot more authentic than the wares Madam Lowe purveys in her shop.

Shortly Kit and George arrive at the back door with their sullen captive.

Kit leads her up to Jonathan. "We found this young lady trying to get away, your lordship. Same girl that was at the cemetery a bit ago; she gave me the slip then. I think she owes you an explanation."

Jonathan indicates a chair where the young woman should sit.

"I should like to know your name and how it is that you have turned up twice in places that very much interest me."

The girl ignores the chair and glares at Jonathan defiantly. "I don't know where she's gone or anything about your business and you've no right to keep me here!"

Kit's face darkens. "Don't play around, little girl. The Madame was tied up in business that led to his father's death. This is serious business."

"Easy, lass...

We dont want to hurt you, but dont fool around. Answer our questions."

What relation do you have to the Madame? "

"She's a friend of my ma. Look, she just wanted me watch out for anyone following your boss there. Soon as I told her what I saw she upped and left" says the girl.

"All I want to know is 'What did you see?' And why your report caused Madame Lowe to flee, if you know."

[2 point Reassurance spend.]
This message was last edited by the player at 12:14, Thu 18 June 2015.

"She told me to check if anyone was following you. I saw a man come after you into the graveyard. This man I know, he is part of a criminal gang. Soon as I told her she was out the door"

She seems to struggle with her conscience before telling you more. "This gang that is watching you, they are bad news. Really bad news, believe me boss. My advice to you is be on the next boat out tomorrow"

"What else do you know about them? Like, where do they hang out?"

The girl shakes her head in exasperation. "Aren't you listening? Stay away from these men! Get off the island before you end up under the ground, or worse"

Kit cocks his head. "We may have a quarrel with these men. Do they have any enemies? People who are out to get these scum?"

"Are they putting  pressure on you as well?"

"What is worse than ending underground, girl? What powers do they have to scare you like this?"

"What I know is, people who cross these men, say by discussin' their business with strangers, come to a bad end. That's why gramma lit off once I told her you were followed". The girl pauses, realising she has let slip her lie, then stares at you defiantly.

Kit smiled a smile that was not at all friendly. "Ahhh. That explains why you'd cover up for her."

He goes over to Jonathan and whispers, "I hate to say it, cousin, but I think the girl has a point. We may be outgunned. We should head back to the 'States and see about getting some help."

"So, girl. How can we meet and talk to your grandma, without these men gets to see it? As you obviously see, we are not them..."

Whether George has heard Kit's comment or not, he makes hus approach to the girl.

Jonathan turns from the dark window from which he has been studying the night.

"Forget it," he says dispiritedly, "If she and her grandmother won't help us, so be it."

He approaches the young woman.

"But understand; these men represent an evil that doesn't go away. We want to put an end to this pestilence. It would be best for all concerned if Madame Lowe would just share the information she promised me. The money's still on offer and they would never hear of her involvement.

"If she wants to just write what she knows, I'll be at my hotel until the end of the week."

"She told you to come alone and you broke the agreement. What did you expect!" answers the girl indignantly, then her tone soften somewhat. "If I can get a message to gramma I will. But take my advice and don't go back to your hotel , they'll just pick up your trail again"

Kit leans close. "Tell you what. We will leave your gramma alone if she can tell us where to find these men. She can leave us a note or pass the word through indirect methods, but we just want to know so we can take care of things. Do you think you can have her do that?"

George is glad the girl has started to talk. The thugs will most definately be on our tail if we return to the hotel.

Question is if we have enough of our stuff with us. George knows he hasnt. Yet, IT might be unwise to pick it up now. Better to get further in the investigation. As long as the stuff is on the hotel, they know we will return. That should buy us some time. And IF we want to we can return after we know more.

He turns to Jonathan and asks, in a low voice.

"Have we left anything vital in the hotel?"

"More or less everything... So I guess we need to get there later. But hopefully we can have our tails of pur backs in the meantime"

George had an odd idea. "Say, have you got the brush that the maid left in your bag with you?"

The brush? What do we need it for?

Kit's eyebrow shoots up "Yes, old man, do tell. Are you developing an unnatural fondness for hair brushes?"

George waves his hand dismissively at Kit. "I have a thought. I wonder if there is something about it--a hidden compartment or some such."

Jonathan checks his pockets, but shrugs.

"Sadly no..."

OCC:
00:20, Today: Jonathan Cavendish rolled 6 using 1d6+3 ((3)).

George curses. "Lovely. What do we do with the girl?"

Kit winces. "Let her know, I suppose. What else do we hope to learn from her?"

He turns to Jonathan for his opinion.

Well, we need to meet Madame. I think we prefer you to take us there instegade of just a note?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:39, Fri 30 Oct 2015.

"I don't know where she is" answers the girl wearily. "I just can get a message to her. Maybe".

George growls, "You had better see to it that she cooperates. Or, when these men you fear find us, we will tell them that you were helping us, that you were our contact all along. You get her to see us and we will deny that you and your grandmother ever helped us. Got me?"

Jonathan isnt convinced that another threat is what is needed, but on the other hand, the need to get to the Madame outweighs some.

"We need to be able to meet somewhere safe. If we get back to the hotel, we will have a tail again. We need to meet her before we return. For all ours safety. We dont want your granny to be in jeopardy, do we?"

The girl shrugs, unimpressed by the threats. "She will get the message when she gets it, but don't reckon on hearing back for a while. How can I get in touch with you?"

George growls a bit under his breath but backs off.

Kit scratches his chin. "All right, cousin, I've got an idea."

He moves in and whispers to Jonathan. "I will head back to the hotel and grab our things. I will then lead these on a wild goose chase and lose them in the city, but meet up with you somewhere else. We just need to find somewhere else to hide so we're not being trailed."

Jonathan nods toKit. Well, is there an establishment around here where we can wait, miss? A hotel or the like? We can as well get some sleep while waiting.

"None that would give you a room at this time except around the bay, and those places charge by the hour" says the girl knowingly.

George snorts. "All right, enough of this foolishness. Let's just go back to the hotel. I will stay up watch for a bit while you lads sleep, and then you can take turns while I sleep. We need to rest a bit and recoup in the morning when the rest of civilization is awake, such as it is."

Kit sags a bit. He nods wearily. "All right, all right. Come on, your Lordship; I'll watch for watchers as we head back."

He nods to the girl. "You're free to go."

Jonathan is relieved George steps in.

"Allright. Lets go back. See to that a message gets to us, miss. Then we get out and sees to that noone follows us. You'd better not deliver the message yourself, since we will be guarded."

"Come on, lets go back."

And the party heads back!

In the end it is quicker to walk to the hotel than try and find a taxi in the early hours. The clock has just struck two thirty when the four of you make it back to the end of the street. You can see a group of three people standing around on the pavement opposite the hotel, but it's too dark to see if they are the usual watchers. You have a few moments until they notice you...

Anyone want to make a Sense Trouble roll? Target is secret!

George is wrapped up in his thoughts...

09:54, Today: Captain George Yates rolled 4 using 1d6+3.  Sense Trouble spend 3.

If that's a fail, Kit will roll as well.

That's a fail!

Kit, however, is as nervous as a man can gate. He smokes a cigarette nervously as his eyes dart about...

09:54, Yesterday: Christopher 'Kit' Cavendish rolled 8 using 1d6+3.  Sense Trouble spend 3.

Kit seems to have reached a new plane of awareness as he strolls onward with his companions. He feels the nervousness of the watchers as you approach the hotel and notices their gaze constantly straying to an unmarked van parked further down the street. Unusually, the hotel reception is still open and staffed; the employee  who hands over your keys seems almost scared of you. You have a very bad feeling about this...

When the party gets to the room, George locks the door and pulls out his gun. "Right. We're taking watches of two each so each of us can get some sleep while not leaving anyone alone to his devices. Any argument?"

Kit looks resentfully at George. "Is that really necessary? I won't be falling asleep when I'm on watch."

George's face turns a bit red. "This isn't a writing party, boy. We need to watch our backs. Hard to do that when you're alone and groggy."

He looks to Jonathan for support.

Yes, a watch is needed. They have obviously pulled up a few more people, and there is a risk they want to kidnap us in the van. They will probably make a move at us, so how should we handle this? The staff is probably at it as well. Any ideas, George?

George smiles grimly. "I'm a regular font of ideas. This room is defensible. The is only one door that can be chained and barricaded, and there is no access to the small semi-circular balcony overlooking the street. We will barricade the door, turn the sheets into a rope just in case we need to beat a hasty escape, and hold out in here tonight. In the morning, we can consider our options."

This clearly does not improve Kit's mood, but he does not proffer an alternative plan.

Only a few minutes after you have manhandled the dresser in front of the door, before anyone has had time to fall asleep, you hear a commotion in the corridor outside your room, followed by a firm, persistent knocking on the door.

"Open Up! Police!"

Jonathan whispers to the others.

"So, has the girl been speaking to them, or is it the thugs trying to fool  us?"

George holds up a finger to his lips and peers over the dresser through the peep-hole, his gun in hand.

Outside the door are three policemen and a police inspector, together with a worried looking hotel employee.

George curses and holsters his gun. "Give us a moment, sir. I need to move something away from the door," he says grumpily.

He nods to Kit. "Give me a hand getting this out of the way."

Kit frowns....

Would a Sense Trouble spend check here help determine if this seems legit?

Jonathan helps with the furniture.

You clear away the barricade and let the police in. The inspector, middle-aged and careworn, examines you all for a moment before addressing Jonathan without preamble.

"Mr Jonathan Cavendish? I would like you and your companions to accompany me to the station in connection with a criminal inquiry"

George stands back and waits. Whatever his feelings on the matter, better to have the police deal witha Peer of the Realm than him at the moment.

Kit is having a harder time containing himself, but he waits for Jonathan as well.

Jonathan looks past the officer to see if there are any known men behind him. But then makes eyecontact with the police.

"Well, yes sir. What seems to be the problem? What can we do to help?"

Jonathan starts collecting his things.

"We havent filed any complaints, have we?" He looks to see what the others in the group thinks.

"We need to talk to you in connection with Angelo Rodriegez. We understand you were speaking with him earlier" answers the detective. "We can discuss the matter at the station, but I must ask you to come with me at once"

Angelo Rodriegez was the local help that Kit engaged en-route to Barbados, a cuban musician. George asked him to "Ask about regarding spas, health clinics, private hospitals and such, especially those with an odd reputation."

Kit's face falls. "What? What's happened to Angelo?"

George holds up his hand. "Easy, lad. Let's find out."

He turns to Jonathan. "I think we should go with them."

"Of course."

"Lets go."

Jonathan turns to the others.

"Should we bring something with us?"

"No need to take anything sir, you'll soon be back to collect your belongings" says the inpsector firmly. "Now, if you'll come with us..."

So, sir, do we all need to follow? he asks the detective.

Or do any of you want to stay, here with the luggage? he asks his friends.

George shoots Jonathan a cautionary look, but then turns to the officers.

But if the constables make to try to arrest them, George is going to resist.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:43, Thu 18 Feb 2016.

Kit looks a bit doubtful but heads out first.

Percy exits without saying anything.

Jonathan exits last. He tries to remember where everything is, and then closes and locks the door.

He watches the police and beyond to see if there is any familiar faces interested in what is happening.

The police usher you out of the hotel and along the street, towards an unmarked van. The same van that the thugs watching outside were glancing at...

George stops a few feet away from the men taking them. "Officers, I believe we overlooked something. I need to see your authorization for taking us in. One of is is a Peer of the Realm and can't be detained for no reason."

Kit stopped as well, with a "well, nuts, I should have thought of that" look on his face.

The police stop with you, and the inspector addresses Jonathan directly. "Detained? We simply need to ask your party a few questions regarding Angelo Rodriegez. Am I to understand you are refusing to co-operate with our inquiry Lord Deville?"

George makes a face. "His Lordship will cooperate as soon as you produce your badges or papers. We are happy to cooperate with the legitimate authorities."

He stares the man in the eye, clearly calling the man's bluff.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:38, Mon 29 Feb 2016.

Jonathan watches the officer, and is surprised of being called Lord Deville. Obviously the police knows more about us than we thought.

"Sir, you obviously know who I am. And of course I am co-operating. My friend is interested, however, in details. On the other hand, so am I"

He follows the officer a bit further and wonders. Whether he is a police or not. Might he have more information of what we are looking for?

The detective sighs and shows George his badge, identifying him as detective Victor Bynoe. It looks authentic.

"Now if that's settled, can we get going" he says, gesturing to the van.

George gives Jonathan a nod. "Certainly, Detective Bynoe. Gentlemen."

He leads the way into the van.

Kit, remembering his manners, waits for his cousin the nobleman to enter the van before he does.

Two constables accompany you into the back of the van, which has two wooden benches, one on each side. The detective and one constable ride in the front, which is separated by a metal partition. There was an additional policeman, the driver, waiting in the van.

You drive for around ten minutes, the two constables eyeing you with evident hostility all the while. The van stops, although the engine is still running, and you hear one of the front doors open followed by a low conversation...

As the badge is shown, Jonathan nods.

"Thank you, sir."

Jonathan enters the car, trying to follow discussions, while being silent himself.

When the car stops, he tries to hear what they are talking about, if they have been stopped, or if it seems to be something decided by themselves.

Jonathan can't hear what they are saying, but recognises Bynoe's voice. He sounds agitated.

BTW, if I wasn't clear, you are in the back of a panel van. No windows.

George raises a staying hand to the others and waits--nothing else much for it right now.

Jonathan sits back.

The large policeman who was sitting in the cab with the inspector gets in the back, and the van starts moving again. After ten minutes more driving you start to wonder exactly where you are being taken. Surely you would have reached any police station in Saint George's... plus, from the sounds outside you get the feeling you are driving through open country.

All the time the policeman, a heavily built young negro with a feral cast to his features, has been glaring unashamedly at the four of you with evident hostility...

George pulls out his gun and points it at Kit. "Stop the van or the boy is dead," he growls.

Kit's eyes get very wide...

"Hey George, take it easy!", Jonathan says, surprised.

He warches the policemen's reactions.

The two other constables look to the third for leadership, the instigator of the aggressive staring. He grins mirthlessly. "You sure you want to walk that road mon?"

His hand moves slowly towards his jacket and the two other policemen follow suit. "We shoot it out here people will get hurt. Put away your gun, I know you 'aint going to use it"

George pulls back the . "I'm willing to bet that what you have in store for these boys is worse than me putting a bullet through his head. Move your hands away from your holsters and stop the van, or he's dead."

His eyes are steely cold. "Move your hands away by the count of three. One..."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:37, Sun 24 Apr 2016.

Kit is sitting stock still, trying to breathe deep, looking terrified out of his mind.

Jonathan eyes flick between George and the policemen.

The back of the van is transformed into a scrum of struggling figures and gunsmoke, as it sways alarmingly from side to side in the melee. Percival frantically tries the back door, but finds it locked from the outside. Meanwhile several firearms discharge deafeningly...

Kit's struggle for the weapon ends with the policeman gutshot and of the fight and Kit holding his gun.

Jonathan and the other policeman are still struggling for the weapon, but the policeman is wounded on the arm as the weapon discharges.

George and the lead policeman exchange gunfire. George is amazed to see that his shot, which was right on target and should have put his target own, only caused a grunt of pain. Meanwhile George is shot himself, the bullet passing though the soft flesh of his shoulder.

7HP damage George.

Next round. Jonathan and the policeman are still scuffling for control of the weapon, George and Kit are armed, one policeman down so far.

Remember to put your spends (if any) in the dice roller.

KIt shouts, "Cousin! GET BACK!"

Since Percy couldn't open the door he looks inside again and asks George: Do you want help George?

OOC: If George says yes, Percy will try to hold the policeman. If he says no, he will keep trying to open the door.

Percy will keep trying to open the van's door.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:27, Sun 22 May 2016.

George, bleeding, shouts, "STAY BACK! I'm going to finish him!" He aims for the man's head...

Jonathan and the policeman continue to struggle for the gun. It discharges once again and the policeman slumps forward, bleeding heavily, leaving Jonathan with the weapon.

Percival forces open the back door, to reveal a dark country road swaying from side to side as you speed along.

George and Kit both fire at the policeman. Both bullets are right on target, but as the bullets strike  there is a flash of fire from the man's chest under his uniform, which starts to smoulder. Kit's shot takes the man on the collar bone, while George achieves a head shot. However, the bullet appears to have lost must of its force; rather than blowing out his brains it is embedded in the man's forehead like a third eye, leaking blood.

Suddenly the driver slams on the breaks, sending you all flying towards the front of the van.

Everyone make an Athletics roll Dif 5 to hang on, spend in the dice roller please.

Kit tumbles nimbly out of the van, rolling ably as he had learned in gymnasiums years ago.

Athletics of 6 with a spend of 2.
21:39, Today: Christopher 'Kit' Cavendish rolled 6 using 1d6+2.  Athletics, spend 2.

George tumbles out more roughly, but still manages to roll well enough. When he lands, though, the others can see that he is bleeding badly...


Athletics of 5 with a spend of 3.
21:40, Today: Captain George Yates rolled 5 using 1d6+3.  Athletics, spend 3.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:53, Wed 01 June 2016.

Jonathan counters the braking car, and tries to get out with whatever equipment he can grab.

Athletics roll 6 after spending 3

Percy failed to maintain balance.

23:28, Yesterday: Secret Roll: Percival Naughton rolled 2 using 1d6. Athletics.

Percival and the two supine policeman slam into the metal panel that separates you from the driver. Meanwhile everyone else, included the wounded ringleader, pile out of the back of the van while the driver, another police constable, steps out of the cabin truncheon in hand.

The ringleader gives every impression of being ready to flee into the bushes at the side of the road!

You are on a moonlit road, no sign of any houses near, marshy scrub-land on either side.

Kit and George both fire at the driver, who is winged on the arm by one bullet. The policeman throws his truncheon to one side and flees into the bushes to the right of the van.

Patrick clambers out of the back, a handgun held awkwardly in one hand.

The wounded ringleader also sprints away to the right, making for the cover of the bushes and undergrowth next to the road...

Kit shouts, "Percival! Take the driver's seat! Cousin, let's get that guy!"

He sprints determinedly and tackles the ringleader, trying to pin him so Jonathan can help restrain the man.

Lucky roll! Athletics of 6.
11:16, Today: Christopher 'Kit' Cavendish rolled 6 using 1d6.  Athletics (no spend).

George, meanwhile, moves to the passenger-side seat, keeping his gun trained on the police and firing if any of them make a move.

Percy moves to the driver seat, going around the vehicle from the opposite side the driver is.

Anyone wants a gun? He asks and shows the handgun he took from one of the policemen.

The ringleader escapes Jonathan's tackle with a sudden burst of speed and disappears into moonlit scrubland. You can hear him and the driver crashing through the undergrowth, but have no line of sight on either man...

Jonathan runs back to the car.

"I lost him"

"We'd better leave"

"Do you have room for me?"

Let's take the other two from the van and get out of here. Percival says, starting the engine of the vehicle.

George climbs up into the passenger-side seat of the car and starts tending to his wound.

Kit scrambles up, waving to Percival, and together with Percival, they carry the two bodies out of the van, tossing them rather abruptly. Kit then scrambles into the back, shouting, "Cousin, can you drive this thing?"

Percy leaves the engine running (in parking) and goes back to help Kit to remove the policemen from the back of the van.

When he leaves the driver seat, he says to Jonathan: You drive. I'm going in the back with Kit. Let's get the hell out of here.

Jonathan gets into the driverseat and looks out of the window.

"Do you manage to move the bodies into the bushes?"

"I guess dead policemen will make them start looking. If we can make it longer before the force find us, the better"

George winces as he treats the graze wound. "The important thing is to get off the island. This has gone entirely wrong. We need to get out of here."

Kit yells at George from the back of the van. "WHAT? You want to give up now? These fools were taking us to our quarry. We almost had it. We can't give up now!"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:01, Mon 04 July 2016.

As you start to remove the police from the back of the van, you realise that both are still breathing...

BTW there is no window between the front and back of the van.

Kit curses when he sees that the policemen are still alive. "Brilliant. What do we do with these two?"

While Jonathan sits in the cab with the engine running, Kit and Percival clean and bandage George's gunshot wound, then get to work stabilising the two policeman. This take around twenty minutes and the road remains deserted throughout.

One of the policeman is regaining consciousness and should be able to answer questions. The other is stable for now, but will need to be hospitalised soon if he is to survive...

Kit switches with George and sits up front with Jonathan. "Let's start driving, cousin. No point waiting here for someone to come after us."

George, meanwhile, sits down with the less-wounded policeman.

"Listen, you," he says, gun in hand. "You're going to tell us where they were taking us. Now."

Willing to do an Interrogate spend to get info out of the policeman.

George has to apply a little pressure, but in the end the policeman talks. He believes you murdered Angelo Rodriegez - there are witnesses to prove it, and clearly he believes you are more than capable of killing him too. They were delivering you to the Salt Kettle ferry; apparently you were to be held on an isolated island. He doesn't know why or where; apparently Sergeant Luna (the ringleader who got away) was the one in charge.

Jonathan is now coming up to a small settlement. Still no sign of anyone else on the road.

One spend for Interrogation made. Remember, Angelo Rodriegez was the local help that Kit engaged en-route to Barbados, a Cuban musician. George asked him to "Ask about regarding spas, health clinics, private hospitals and such, especially those with an odd reputation."

George smiles a grim smile. "Well, you're wrong about a lot. If Angelo was killed--which would be the first we heard about it--then we didn't do it. If you believe we did, you're a fool. Someone's framing us, the same people who want us on that island.

"But you're right about one thing--we are going to that island. But not as prisoners. We're going to the Salt Kettle Ferry and are going to meet the men who paid off Sargeant Luna."

He cocks his head. "We can bring you and your companion to the closest village where they can get your friend to a doctor. Where is the nearest village with a phone on the way to the Ferry?"

The wounded policeman shrugs. "We must be almost at the ferry now, there'll be a telephone there for sure".

George nods. "We're going to the ferry. We'll call to get your friend help, but then we're going to the island. If you send anyone after us, be prepared to make some arrests, and not just us. Something band is going on there."

He instructs the officers to direct them to the ferry.

"So, we're closing in on some houses."

Jonathan keeps the eyes open to see if there is anything happening in the village. Trying to see the way to the ferry.

"Does anyone know if there is a doctor of some sort here? Might be the best place for the officers"

Kit nods. "I agree. Let's leave the officers here where they can get help and head for the ferry."

George nods. "Agreed. Let me do the talking when we get there."

Percy did his best to take care of the wounds of the policemen. I hope it helps until you get proper care. He says when it's decided to leave the men near the village.

He will wait for George to take care of conversations and find a better place to leave them.

You drop off the two men near the centre of the ramshackle village. They do not thanks you as they limp away to find care. Following their directions, Jonathan stops the van a hundred yards or so from the ferry, at the top of a gentle slope down to the sea. The night is becoming foggy, deadening the constant chirp and whine of a million insects, but you have no doubt anyone waiting at the ferry will have heard your motor...

Not sure if you want to continue on foot or drive all the way to the ferry, so leaving it up to Jonathan as he's driving!

Jonathan parks the car, and puts the key in his pocket.

He starts fixing his clothes, to be as warm as possible. While still sitting in the car, he speaks up.

"So. In the middle of the night, we are going to take a ferry to an unknown island, covered in mist. It could as well have been a horror story by Edgar Allan Poe", he says with a smirk. Especially knowing it has happened a lot of strange things the last couple of hours.

"Let's stop here, and gather up our things, and then stroll down the slope. There might be someone waiting for us, if the "police" alarmed the captain"

"I'd say we should keep off the road, and try another route to surprise a probable welcome committe. Should we even divide in two groups from different angles, George?"

George nodded. "Exactly what I'd recommend, Jonathan. Good of you to pay attention when I was talking at you all those years."

He nods to Jonathan. "Jonathan, you're with me. Kit and Percival, you go down the other side and meet us around at the docks. If one or the other group gets in trouble, whistle twice sharply."

Following Georges plan you split up and advance on the docks in pairs. The dock consists of a simple wooden jetty with a single moored boat, and a wooden shack close to the waters edge. A hurricane lamp hanging on the porch illuminates the jetty, giving the sea mist a lurid glow. There is no sign of anyone outside, but there are lights on in the shack...

Jonathan starts walking down the hill, slowly. He tries to listen for things, or rather people nearby. He takes it easy and tries not to slip on the wet grass.

George, weapon out, moves down slowly with Jonathan, letting his young friend go first.

On the other side, Kit scoots down headed for the shack, keeping his hands free for the moment.

You steal through the mist, approaching the cabin from opposite sides. As you near the dock you notice a cloying, fishy smell coming from the boat tied up at the end of the jetty. It is unlit and no-one is one the deck.

When you get close to the cabin, you spot the silhouette of someone watching the road at the front window, but your stealthy approach pays off and you pass by unseen.

Feeling a bit better now :) Assume you have stealth enough to creep up on the cabin and/or boat without being spotted.

Percival follows Kit, approaching the shack in silence. When he sees the boat he looks at Christopher and makes a sign to go in that direction.

As he walks in that direction, he searches the area looking for Jonathan and George.

George and Jonathan move right up next to Percival. George pokes Percival in the shoulder and then leads the way quickly and quietly to the boat.

Kit waits for the others to pass before him and goes with them, watching the guard post regularly, gun out...

Percy nods to George and follows him and Jonathan. He tries not to make any noise and pays attention to the surrounds to see if there is someone else around.

Jonathan let George pass, and follows, to the boat.

Leaving the cabin behind, you head along the jetty to the moored boat. There is no-one on the deck and no lights showing from the cabin or portholes. The boat is old and dirty but seems seaworthy. The smell of fish is stronger here, and the mist is starting to thicken...

Jonathan takes it easy moving towards the boat, looking at it to make sure there isn't anything bad on it.

He whispers to George. "Well, without too much of a rough sea, we should be able to get it moving. If only the motor is ok. Since it is so smelly of fish, it is probably in use, and shouldn't be any problem. However, it will take a couple of minutes to get it moving, so we should be prepared that whoever waits in the cabin will get to us"

Jonathan is watching toward the cabin, and asks a question.

"Well, we could take a chance and push the boat out a bit, and try to start it, but it will be a gamble. It is not like we can row the boat ashore"

George nods. "That's what we need to do. We don't want to be detected until it's too late for them to respond. Come on, all aboard."

He ushers everyone else onto the boat before giving it a running push and jumping aboard himself. Once the boat's floated a dozen feet out into the water, he tries to start the engine.

Kit doesn't argue--he dives aboard and finds the steering wheel, so he can steer the thing once someone starts the engine.

Percy follows his colleagues and checks the ropes to untied them and let the boat free. He agrees with George's plan to get the as far as possible from the docks before starting the engine.

Working together, you push out the boat and George fires up the engine. Three figures rush from the cabin and along the jetty only to watch impotently as you disappear into the night, the engine chugging gently.

There is a series of thumps from below-decks...

Kit blinks in shock. "Damn! There's someone below-decks!"

He looks over at George. "Now what?"

George looks at the hatch with clear dismay. "Well, nothing for it. Open the hatch, Kit, and I'll grab whoever's down there and throw them overboard."

He positions himself to be ready to grab anyone who comes out of the hatch.

Kit nods and looks to Jonathan and Percival. "You guys okay? If they get away from George, we may all have to jump them."

"Well, unless they are tricked here as we were, I'm all for it", Jonathan says, and backs off.

If he needs to take the steering, he will, otherwise he tries to help George.

Kit opens the hatch, and immediately the smell of rotting fish becomes almost overpowering. George stands ready, but whatever was moving around in the pitch-blackness below-decks is now silent...

Kit peers down and, seeing nothing, closes the hatch and puts a crate on top of it. "Call me incurious, but I'm leaving that alone," he says.

George pulls up a seat and watches the hatch off and on as the boat moves along towards their destination. A sense of dread overcomes him...

Percy was looking for something to use as a weapon, a metal bar, a piece of wood. While he was searching the boat, Kit opens the hatch and the smell of rotting fish spreads around. Percy reaches for his handkerchief to cover his nose and mouth and keep the smell "out".

Seeing his colleagues are not concerned with the "below deck area" anymore, Percy looks for a place where he can seat and wait until they arrive at the island. His sentiments are confused, although there is a sense of anticipation, he also fears what lies ahead...

Remember folks, you are just sailing aimlessly for now as you have no firm destination in mind.

Trying to take control of the vessel, Jonathan looks around.

"So, we are on our way. The question is where? See if you can find a chart of some sort, otherwise we will probably run out of fuel while looking, or finding a reef instead..."

Jonathan takes a safe way out of the little harbour. He tries to stay away from land, not only to keep away from rocks, but also from someone leaping onto the boat.

In the wheelhouse you find several well-thumbed and annotated charts as well as a grubby and semi-literate log book. George studies these for a while, and identifies Grace Island as their likely destination.

Am assuming George spends a point of Outdoorsman to decipher the log and charts. Take a look at a map of Bermuda, lot's of islands to chose from! To get an idea of the scale, you can see Grace Island on the google satellite map.

With a firm grip on the wheel, Jonathan, with the help of George tries to keep track of the lights on land, and the shores of the islands, to make the way to Grace Island.

"So, Grace Island it is. Question is, however, if there is another, shadier destination, that is not written into any book. But this is our best shot. You others, please look out for reefs."

George nods grimly and waits for his chance to confront their elusive foe...

As you approach Grace island the mist seems to thicken, until the islands looms out of the murk barely a stone's throw away. There are several ruined building visible, all almost covered by lush undergrowth and lianas, and you catch a glimpse of a large mansion in the centre of the island, with dim light showing from several upper windows. A dilapidated boathouse, lit by a single storm lantern, extends out into the surf supported by thick wooden pillars.

George points to the mansion. "That looks promising. Let's bring the boat into the boathouse and go investigate." There is a look of grim determination on his face.

Kit huffs. He is dying for a smoke that he's not going to get and is feeling altogether cranky. "Not sure I like your definition of promising, George. Let's do this."

Jonathan tries to make a smooth landing. Probably too smooth, holding back on the throttle early, making the landing take a long time.

He steers towards the lantern, and uses the time to see if there is anyone waiting on the shore.

"So, George. Can you tie her up?"

A drip of condensed mist drops from his nose.

George hops out and ties her to the appropriate tie on the dock in the boat-house. "Done. Let's be quiet about this."

He moves up slowly and pokes his head out the far door of the boat-house to see if anyone's watching, if he can tell.

The boat house is deserted, and Jonathan manages to dock the boat without too many bumps, then George ties her up. As Jonathan kills the engine you can just about hear the chugging of another engine, just of the edge of hearing but coming closer...

Hearing the other boat is coming closer, Jonathan disembarks as soon a he can, making sure they don't leave anything useful, if there is a smallish compass, he takes it. Might be useful if the mist gets thicker.

"So, someone is following us. Come here everyone"

He helps everyone ashore.

"George, what do you say. Should we move up to the mansion and trying to find a backdoor, or should we follow the newcomers, letting them lead the way?"

George considers this. "There is a good possibility that the people coming are looking for us, in which case we would be the prey, not the hunters. I propose we move to the mansion and establish a position there, where we can find tactical advantage."

"All right, George. You lead the way."

While following George, he is looking for possible people around the house.

Kit also follows, looking nervous and keeping his hand on his holstered pistol...

You wind your way along the path leading to the centre of the island. On either side, the lush undergrowth looms menacingly in the dark. You notice the occasional clump of tobacco plants, leading you to suspect the island was once a plantation. When you catch a closer glimpse of the house, a sprawling and decrepit colonial-era manor , your impression is confirmed. There are several dim lights showing, from windows on both floors. At one point the path splits, and you can just about make out the ruins of the old salve quarters further into the jungle...

Jonathan closes in on George.

"House?"

He wonders if there is any Idea to stay outdoors.

Jonathan closes in on George.

"House?"

He wonders if there is any Idea to stay outdoors.

Jonathan closes in on George.

"House?"

He wonders if there is any Idea to stay outdoors.

George nods. "House." He leads the way...

You approach the house, it's colonial grandeur faded and worn, the remains of the formal gardens overgrown with weeds, one wing reduced to broken windows and peeling paint. Light shows from the entrance hall, and several windows on the first floor. Aside from the front door there are several opens windows, plus whatever lies around the back of the mansion...

Using first floor in the English way here, in the US you'd say second floor.

George indicates the long wall of the mansion. "Make for the side or back, I think," he says quietly, leading the way.

The rear of the mansion is even more dilapidated, with an overgrown kitchen garden and several outhouses collapsing into the undergrowth. One room, presumably the kitchen, show a dim light. A worn path leads from the kitchen door through the riotous garden and into the jungle...

George holds his finger up to his mouth, indicating the need for quiet. He then sneaks up to the kitchen window and peeks in.

Kit stays back towards the back corner of the house, watching and waiting, gun in hand.

A single candle burns on the kitchen table, dimly illuminating the mess and squalor of the room itself. There is no sign on anyone.

George moves in, grabbing the candle and moving into the next room, gun in hand...

Jonathan watches before he also tries to climb into the window.

You enter the kitchen, which shows signs of infrequent use by a slovenly cook. There three doors, all closed and dark. You can hear footsteps and muffled voices from somewhere on the floor above...

George nods to the left and leads the little group through the door to the left...

The door leads to a musty dining room, clearly long disused. There is another exit, with a dim light showing underneath the door...

George waves the others into the room before he pushes the door open, gun in hand...

Sweating profusely, Kit moves up next to the door out of sight of the doorway before George opens it!

The door opens into the entrance hall, the height of the house with an ornate double staircase leading to a upper balcony running along three sides of the room. The voice, and a dim light, are coming from somewhere upstairs.

The hall itself is clearly in frequent use, a couple of threadbare persian carpets acting as a doormat. Everything is dusty and somehow squalid. There are half a dozen doors leading from the hall, but no light shines from any of them.

George is breathing heavily, but he moves very quietly to the stairs, waving the others with him. He slowly moves up the stairs, testing each to try to avoid squeaky boards or the like and watching out for booby-traps. His eyes are wide and sweat beads on his brow.

The expression on Kit's face is a bit more inscrutible--something between a poker face and the face of a man about to vomit. He waves his cousin and Percival in in front of him, watching on this floor with gun in hand for any trouble...

Jonathan follows.

Since there is someone talking, there must be at least 2 people where the group is heading. He prepares for whoever they will encounter. But if they move slow enough, we might be able to hear what being said, and by whom, so he keeps his eyes and his ears open.

The back of George's head prickles as he advances up the last few steps of the stairway, and he looks over his shoulder. There is a large black man dozing on a chair on the landing above and behind him, clearly a servant. But, servant or not, you notice he is armed with a pistol stuffed in his belt. The chair sits next to a half open door. The room inside is dimly lit, and looks like some kind of study. There are two people speaking inside, but you cannot see them without passing the guard, and their voices, though loud, are too muffled to hear clearly.

Just then, dimly but getting louder quickly, you can here shouting from somewhere outside...

Going to read up on the Stealth rules and post something in Meta tomorrow.

Moving quietly you climb the stairs and turn right on the landing above, away from the guard. There are two doors leading on to the gallery on this side of the entrance hall. Both are closed. You have scant seconds before the approaching party outside wakes the sleeping guard...

Since Patrick's player is having some health issues I took the liberty of rolling for his Stealth to keep things moving.

Before the rest of the "party" gets there, Kit moves in quickly and quietly and pulls the sleeping guard's gun away from him. He then waves the others back around the corner, where they resume hiding....

Jonathan is impressed by Kit's stealthy moves, and goes around the corner.

You head along the gallery and open the last door, which opens stiffly to reveal a dusty bedroom that smells strongly of mould. You all pile inside and Kit closes the door just as the front door opens with a bang. You hear muffled shouting and several set of footsteps running up the stairs.

Giving you the chance to respond, if you want to wait for further development just don't post :)

Kit gets behind the door, ready for whoever is coming, his gun at the ready.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:23, Tue 22 Aug 2017.

George growls, "Get behind me, kid, to Jonathan before taking up a position right in front of the door, aiming his gun at the entrance to the room.

Jonathan moves back, and whispers.

"Should've had the door open a bit. Now we don't hear..."