Bishop understood Dr. Elias' questions. If they had been speaking of the inner workings of the human mind, he knew that Leonardo would run circles around him. But this was what he did.

What many people did not know was much of Pinkerton's bread and butter was infiltrating unions. The docks of the West Side were dominated by the Longshoreman, Stevedore and Teamster unions. Getting a line of the place would be a few phone calls."I work for the Pinkerton Detective Agency Dr. Elias, I assure you we have more information about a import export business on the docks than Detective Poole. As far as out foxing Poole, if he gets wind that we are looking into an active investigation he will shut us down. He might only be a cop, but he is a solid detective."

"As for making a stop at the Hotel Chelsea, if they are watching the place I will suss them out, and whether they are or not I assure you if I wanted to go a look around in there, they will not clock me coming or going. But you are right to be concerned Dr. Elias, we are up against dangerous men.

When Anabelle mentioned her father was in shipping, Bishop nodded "Odds are he has men in his office who could ask some questions without raising any eyebrows."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:10, Wed 06 Aug 2014.

"Of course, Abraham.  Would you like to me to call ahead and set an appointment or do you prefer we just drop in?"  Having expected to say the night at her uncle's, Rosalie had a change of clothing and was already fashionably dressed for the day.  She held her cup and saucer as Avery refilled her coffee and then stirred in generous portions of cream and sugar.

"Also, do you feel fit enough to drive, or shall I call for a cab?"   Her tone wasn't at all judgmental.  He'd been drunk at a party, which was moderately acceptable, if somewhat embarrassing.  And the events afterward were sufficiently grisly to drive anyone to numb their feelings with alcohol.  She'd benefited from the nip from his flask that she'd had, so didn't think anything of it had he spent the night drowning himself with whiskey.

Leo's frown deepened at the response concerning the police officer. "Poole's got a lot of dead bodies and doesn't seem to have answers. Do you really think he'd refuse an offer of assistance? I was hoping we could work with the police rather than having to avoid their notice. Seems like it could save us a headache if we have Poole's approval."

He then turned to Annabel. "If you think your father could be of assistance, use the house phone to ring him. And then see if you can set up a meeting with Erica Carlyle. But not for tomorrow. Any other day would be fine, though the sooner, the better."

"Dr Elias, if we can come up with something and bring it to Poole, the  we will get more cooperation. I have worked with him in the past. I know him. Part of the reason I am meeting him is to see what can be worked out. But for now I suggest we see what we can dig up before we let him no we are poking our noses into the matter."

"Better to beg forgiveness than ask permission." Bishop said trying to be patient with a man who had just lost his son.

Abraham allowed himself a beat before answering Rosalie.  ”Prospero will make time we show up without an appointment.  By now, they’ve no doubt seen the newspaper and know about what happened yesterday.  Perhaps it wouldn’t be quite politic to simply drop in and insist on meeting with them, but they can hardly say no with you contributing on Jackson’s expeditions and myself a potential source of revenue.  I doubt there’s anything Prospero will have to hide, but they’re more likely to be candid and straight forward if we don’t give them any warning.”

”Thank you, Rosalie,” he smiled, genuinely grateful for her understanding.  He lifted his cup of coffee in an easy salute. ”While my head is contemplating the merit of reenacting the October Revolution out of spite for yesterday’s folly, I feel like I can handle the wheel.  If you don’t mind, I would like to stop at my house before we get to Prospero.  After… after yesterday I think I’d like some more protection if we’re going to be following up on our cousin’s investigation.”  Abe hadn’t refilled his flask after draining it at the Chelsea Hotel, and though he craved the taste of liquor now he couldn’t soak himself while there was work to do that didn’t involve putting pen to paper.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:18, Wed 06 Aug 2014.

  Annabel nodded eagerly. "Yes Dr. Elias." She looked at her watch. "I'll see if I can catch him."

 She got up smoothing her skirt as she did so. She watched as Abraham took a sip of his coffee. "It's good to see you drinking something more sensible Mr. Hargrove," she remarked with a slight smile. "We'll need you sharp to help us with these leads."

 Going over to the house phone, Annabel rang up her father hoping he wasn't too busy to talk to her.

Rosalie shook her head lightly at Abe's question.  "I have no objection to stopping before we visit Prospero House.  However, I do think that I shall ring Harvard and inquire about Miriam Atwright to see if she'll be in the office.  The letter was written in November of last year, so she may no longer be employed there.  I think we should inquire there after we visit Prospero."  Rather than making for the phone, she remained sitting and sipped at her coffee, letting Annabel have some privacy while speaking with her father.

"Stanley, I know that it might be a bit of a bother for you, but could you inquire as to how long they might keep the Luger they recovered from the scene?  I would feel better with it back in my custody, especially given the circumstances.  If, however, you feel it might jeopardize your good standing with the police, please do not mention it."  She tried not to dwell on the thought that Jackson might have defended himself better if he'd had his firearm available.  A wave of sadness washed over her and she felt her throat tighten with grief.  Falling silent, she pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed at her eyes.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:24, Thu 07 Aug 2014.

"I'll see if I can get it back. But if the police need to hold onto it, I can get you another pistol if you are seeking one for your protection." Bishop said in reply.

"It sounds as if we have the bases covered. Best we get started."

”Harvard I agree with.  Please,” he made a grateful motion with his hands, ”contact them first.  If Ms. Atwright has left Harvard, I’d rather not waste time driving down there.”

”One hopes the need for a weapon won’t arise.  However, we don’t know much about the men behind this mystery and what little we do isn’t reassuring.”

This message was last updated by the GM at 16:57, Fri 08 Aug 2014.

In reply to Telephone Call (msg # 34):



"Father," Annabel said with a bit of relief in her voice. "I am well, how is mother and the rest of the family? I hope the snow wasn't too bad up there, we really got hit hard here in New York."

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:36, Fri 08 Aug 2014.

In reply to Telephone Call (msg # 36):



   Annabel was not surprised, probably shopping, spending the family's money while she was here dealing with this. But it's what she wanted, right? Sometimes she thought otherwise, she caught herself twisting the cord of the receiver in worry and stopped.

   "I'm.. I'm not sure." She quickly changed the subject. "Father, I wanted to know if you can help me with something....."


   Annabel went on to describe what she needed, information on Emerson Imports; if her father or his company had dealt with them, any information he can give her, etc. If he asked why, she would say it was for her employer Dr Elias, he was thinking of using them for business and wanted to see if they were reputable.

This message was last updated by the GM at 19:57, Fri 08 Aug 2014.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 38):


  "Would you happen to have his contact information or have someone who does contact me? It would be very helpful." She gave the number of the house phone to reach her in case it was needed. It sounded to her, they had a lead on this. It made her feel good that she was being of some use and not just a pretty bauble to be trotted out..... Annabel stopped herself and blushed, embarrassed that her mind was wandering again.

  Relief shown on Annabel's face as she heard her father's voice with the requested information. Grabbing a pen from the cup beside the phone, she wrote down the information on a notepad.

  "Thank you father, this will be of great help to Dr. Elias. I better let you go, I'm sure you're very busy with much to do. Tell mother I'll see about coming to visit when I'm done with helping Dr. Elias. Love you, goodbye."

 Annabel hung up the phone and checked around her to see if there was a phonebook she could use to look up the address to get the number.

"I am off to meet with Lieutenant Poole. I suggest that as Walter as well as possibly Miss Ashcroft, will be here today, that we call in with any reports of progress. I also suggest we all check in from time to time of if we are changing plans." Bishop said gathering his coat and hat.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:33, Mon 11 Aug 2014.

OOC:
Annabel, please make an Idea roll.

10:00, Today: Annabel Ashcroft rolled 81 using 1d100 with rolls of 81. idea (65).

OOC: Well whatever idea it was, it was a sucky one. :p

After inquiring after the phone directory, Avery goes and brings it for her, in which Annabel is able to easily find the telephone number of Emerson Imports: HA-6 3900.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:17, Mon 11 Aug 2014.

Rosalie rose from her seat and moved to use the phone after Annabel was finished, requesting that the operator connect her to Harvard University administration.  When a woman answered the other line, she asked after Miriam Atwright to see if she was still employed by the university and, if so, in what department she worked, her office hours, and whether she was working that day.  A small notepad in hand, she scribbled down several notes as the conversation progressed.  Thanking the voice on the other end of the line, she hung up the phone and returned to Abraham.

"We are in luck.  Miriam Atwright is still employed at Harvard and will be in the office today until six this evening.  If we make haste to the publishers and make our inquiries there, we may even be able to make to Harvard and catch her before she leaves.  Unless you wish to visit the university first?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:31, Tue 12 Aug 2014.

Remaining quiet while Annabel spoke over the telephone, Abraham patiently waited while Rosalie took her turn on the line contacting Harvard University.  There’d been a time when he would’ve scoffed at the national prestige hoisted upon America’s premier university, known even in the middle of Mojave Desert as the one of if not the most desirable institution for young minds who had in them the budding means to seize the reigns of capitalism and claim their fortunes.  Then again, he was half a Princeton man.  Just don’t ask the year he graduated.  As he moved closer toward 34, he’d yet to claim even a bachelors’ from the Ivy League school and with his infamous reputation with the heads of the English department, there was little chance he’d ever receive recognition from the university even if his literary career exploded among both critics and common fiction readers.

“What news!” he remarked, perking up despite the somber mood lingering in the sitting room as members of Clan Elias prepared to embark upon their chosen tasks.  “Now Harvard or Prospero Press.” Abe drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair.  “Let’s speak with Prospero first.  Then we’ll head to Harvard.  You didn’t happen to get Ms. Atwright’s home telephone number, did you?  If we aren’t done with Prospero by,” he glanced at his watch, “say, 2 o’clock then we should give Ms. Atwright a call.  Perhaps we can arrange to meet with her at her house.  Or , should she be willing to bring any relevant materials she might have on the subject in her keeping, we could arrange to share with her.  With this business as, ah, grim as it’s been thusfar, I’d understand if either you or Ms. Atwright would find that suggestion inappropriate.  However, it might save us a day.  And from what I’ve read in the pulps,” Abe attempted his best affectation of a New York copper’s accent, “times a crucial element in any investigation.”

”So,” Abe dropped the terrible accent, ”if that’s settled, shall we head to the car and begin?”

"I would prefer if we reached her at the university, especially as the research materials she mentioned will likely be there.  It would be more convenient.  We can cross that bridge when we come to it, however.  I am ready to leave, if you are.  Just let me get my coat and hat."  She approached Leonardo and leaned to give him a kiss on the cheek.  "Abraham and I are leaving so we can get an early start on our inquiries.  Be careful out there, uncle."  She squeezed his shoulder gently before pulling away.

On her way to the foyer, she stopped to wag an admonishing finger at Walter.  "Don't exert yourself, Bo, or there will be hell to pay when I get back."

Collecting her things, she shrugged into her coat, pulled on her hat and gloves, and looped her scarf around her neck.  With her pocketbook tucked in the crook of her arm, she waited for Abraham to gear up for the chilly winter weather.

Walter smiles at Rosalie's admonishment.

"Don't worry, Rosalie, I'll be a good boy today."

He waits patiently until the bustle of the various leave-takings are over, then rises from the armchair and walks over to ring the bell to summon Lawrence, asking him to find out when Aunt Catherine will see him.