Millicent looked at the reporter with a mix of interest and disappointment. "Well now, that might be a bit of a different route to go, but not as much fun as seeing the joint but," she added, "there's no reason they both can't be done is there? Probably can't get anywhere with getting the info on that body until tomorrow anyway."

Tommy listened to the conversation with interest to Vincent's words.
"You think Gavigan was trying to discredit Jackson? That'd mean he had something to hide. But what? The alternative is Barrington is lying...after all, these killings have led to his promotion...". Tommy shrugged. That didn't sound plausible, but he threw it out there in case it meant more to someone else.

He grinned to 'Bo. "Ace reporting? At your service! I'm sure there are a host of excuses to interview either Barrington or Gavigan for the 'Times. I'd probably need an able assistant though.".

When Milly spoke next he shook his head to clarify.
"Oh I didn't mean we should pick up on the murder today. Probably getting too late for that. I was thinking about our plans for tomorrow after we explore Soho tonight.".

ooc - how unusual is it to have Americans in London in the 1920's? If Tommy was to approach Gavigan for an interview, does the very fact he is American raise suspicion that he is tied to Leo etc? Or were there plenty of Americans in London back then anyway?

In reply to Thomas Cotton (msg # 59):

"I really meant talking to some other newshounds to see what they know about it. No sense sending you in personally until we have more to go on.

"They probably could tell you where that new victim was found, too."

Moretti shook his head. "Sorry, Bo. The Sabinis, they'll help me locate a Captain who's good with the Port Authority in New York, give me a line on who's dealing in high quaility whiskey for cheap, but we're business associates, not friends. They wouldn't assist in getting information on someone, especially not someone who's well outside the usual circle of what they handle."

"Sure, I can make a few calls. Shouldn't be too hard to find out where the body was pulled up - that's probably in local papers anyway. As for Gavigan and his foundation...I can see what's on the rumor mill. Maybe we will get lucky, maybe not.".

Leo nodded at Stanley's question. "We mentioned Jackson and indicated that we are related to him. Gavigan mentioned that Jackson had come to him with theories about a cult operating in London, specifically the Black Pharaoh."

Leo took a breath before he answered the other query. "Though the man seemed willing to answer our questions, I think he's hiding something or knows something more about this cult. Why he's hiding something or what he's hiding I cannot say. Given my, er, misgivings about him, I think we should be careful with what we say to him."

Bishop helped himself to a whiskey as well. "I had not given much thought to the idea that Barrington might be part of some conspiracy. But if indeed the cult has English men among its worshippers best we consider it no matter how unlikely."

"Gavigan on the other hand is involved with Penhew, if he is like the other members of the expedition then he is in some way corrupted. As Life as a God mentions this cult, and as we found it with Carlyle's belongings it is possible Penhew was involved in the cult."

"If Gavigan is involved, and as he knows your connection, it seems likely he would already be taking precautions to deal with you. Though if that is the case based on his dealings with Jack it will likely be something subtle."

"Did you check to see if you were followed after you left the foundation?" Bishop asked Leo and Rosie.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:19, Sat 23 Apr 2016.

Tommy listened with interest to proceedings, before slipping down easily from the dresser he was perched on.
"I'll go and put a few calls in like you suggest...see what I can dig up before the offices close.".

Excusing himself from the room he trotted downstairs to the lobby of the hotel to find some private place where he could make a few calls.

First on his list was 'Times European correspondent Arthur Herald.
He picked up the receiver and waited to be put through.
"Artie! It's Tommy Cotton, you know, from Times New York. Ha, yes, the kid Billy was training! Been too long since we saw you back at HQ! The Christmas party wasn't it?". Tommy didn't know Arthur that well, but the pair had met a few times on the circuit.

"So what have you been up to?". He eased into a patter of small talk before taking a breath and getting to the point.

"So here's the thing Artie, I'm running a trail on a big piece and it's brought me over to your neck of the woods. Mind if I ask you a few questions?".

Arthur was glad of a chance to make a bit of conversation with Tommy, and gladly told his American counterpart what he knew of the Egyptian Murders and other assorted questions Tommy asked him.

He told Tommy that he didn't have any information that wasn't already published in the papers, but did his best to fill him in.

"Who found it? Some bloke walkin' back from a pub found 'im in Soho and called the bobbies," he said. "No, no witnesses. Just a dead bloke layin' on the street like all the rest."

As for the Penhew Foundation, he named it a notable institute and a good source for information touching on Egyptology if it was needed. Gavigan's reputation was only as a respected gentleman, and he hadn't heard anything more about either of them.

Artie passes on going to the Pyramid, as he's got a wife and kids to look in on. He's heard of the place, but doesn't spend that much time down in Soho.

"For my part, if I'm havin' a night out with the boys, I'll go for a couple o'pints, maybe some chips and head home. I don't know about all that, whatever those people eat," he said, sounding distinctly parochial.

Somewhere else, on the phone

Tommy chatted amiably with 'ole Artie, reassured by the voice of an old colleague. It made him feel safe to listen to the experience of the older reporter...who knew, in a few years Cotton himself would settle down in a nice city like London. After he made his name of course.
"Any tell of which pub in soho, or name of the fella who found the body Artie?". Tommy pressed gently. He figured his friend would tell if he knew aught and saw no reason to push the issue.

As the conversation moved to a close Tommy laughed.
"Ha! I can imagine you're missing a decent steak Artie. Can the English cook?

You're a good man, give my respects to Mrs Herald. Once this is all done with I'll tell you the full story over a pint. I owe you buddy.".
Satisfied he hung up, the receiver offering a satisfactory click.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:48, Tue 26 Apr 2016.

"The fella's name is Richard Stewart, and he was comin' from the Lamb and Flag, down in Covent Garden. It's not gonna get you much, though. Really, won't get you anything. Already interviewed him. Of course, so did the pigs. He just happened to be at the right place at the right time," Herald said.

"Damn right I am. Can't wait to get back to New York. These English can't cook worth a lick, but they seem to know that 'cause they seem to keep an awful lotta French cooks," he said.

"I look forward to it. Hey, maybe when I hang up my hat you can take my post over here. I'll tell the Missus you said hello," he said.

"I did not notice anyone following us, but I confess that I wasn't actively looking for anyone, Stanley.  I didn't get the impression that Gavigan was all that interested in us, even though he wasn't that forthcoming with information on the cult.  We were allowed to freely explore the library and there were very few people around.  No one followed us when we left, either."

Leo nodded at his niece's response. "We wandered the streets for a bit as I was concerned with the possibility of being followed. And we didn't come directly here, either. I do not believe we were followed, though one can never be certain."

"Well in my experience when someone is interested in finding out what someone is up to, they put a tail on them. If, as your gut told you, Gavigan is hiding something, he might be interested in knowing more about you. If you are heading out to the Museum, perhaps a couple of us should tail you from a distance and see if someone is interested." Bishop said knowing he probably sounded paranoid. But his training from Pinkerton had taught him that such measures paid off.

Somewhere else, on the phone

Tommy chuckled. He liked Artie. If life ever gave him the time, he'd like to know him better. "Take over as European correspondent? I've got a lot to learn first chief! Besides, that coat has got a lot of wear in it yet I'd say.

Artie, its been a pleasure speaking to you. The next round is on me.". He clicked the receiver down, ending the call.

Reaching down under the telephone cabinet he pulled out the heavy directory. Lamb and Flag...Lamb and Flag... he thumbed through the pages till he saw what he was looking for. "Ah there you are.".
If Artie said there wasn't much to be gained from interviewing that Stewart fellow then Tommy believed him. Still, he jotted down the address in his notebook incase they needed it. He flicked through the heavy tome for a moment longer before returning it to its well dusted shelf.

Back with the others...

Satisfied with his explorations Tommy made his way back to Leo's room. With a nod to Avery he slipped back in to the conversation, hearing the 'tail end' of the conversation about tails.
"Better to be on the safe side I guess. But we shouldn't jump at shadows...". He pulled himself back on to his perch on the dresser.
"So I spoke to an old friend. He's based over here, European correspondent to the Times.". Briefly the reporter described the details of his conversation. "So we could follow up on the killing if we decide to, but it dosnt sound promising. What are we going to find out that Barrington and Artie havn't already?".
He shrugged. "Artie didn't have anything on Gavigan or the Penhew Foundation either. Both pretty respectable...no dark rumours going around. That's good news right?".

He glanced at the clock.
"If you guys want to visit the British Museum before it closes maybe we could meet you at the Blue Pyramid in a couple of hours. Might not do any harm for us to arrive as separate groups. Less suspicious...multiple perspectives and all that? I wouldn't mind a wander around Soho first too. Give the mind some time to think things over.".
This message was last edited by the player at 07:51, Tue 26 Apr 2016.

In reply to Stanley Bishop (msg # 71):

Walter trades a look with Stanley.

"I'll go along to the museum, Leo, if it's alright with you. I could use a dose of culture after a morning drinking with the journalists."

Leo nodded at Bo. "Absolutely, Walter. And Stanley, I think your planned precautions are prudent. If there's another cult here that's killing people, just like in New York, it's best we keep our eyes open."

He nodded at Thomas' report. "Thanks for digging into that lead. Following up on the killings in New York did help a bit, right? Maybe we can start on that tomorrow. I think for this afternoon, Walter, Rosie, and I will head to the museum. Stanley and Vincent can keep an eye on us from distance to see if we've picked up any tails. Millicent - would you like to go with Thomas to Soho? Perhaps Stanley and Vincent could meet you there after seeing to our safety. We could all then reconvene at the Pyramid in the evening, presuming they serve dinner there. Else we can reconvene for a bite and then head to the Pyramid afterwards."

He looked around to the others to see if they had any other thoughts or opinions on how to next proceed.

   Millicent shrugged, "Soho it is then, I wouldn't mind a bit of a walk before we hit the club and a few pints before dinner." She gave a wink at Tommy; "After all this booze we'll probably have to sleep it off. And believe me," she added. "I don't mind a bit about holding off investigating murders, dead bodies, or whatever." 

Bishop took a sip of his whiskey and then looked to Vincent to see if his friend was in agreement and awaited his counsel.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:26, Wed 27 Apr 2016.

Moretti looked to Bishop and nodded. "After what we saw in Harlem, we need to keep our guard up. Vigilance is a good idea."

"While some of you visit the museum, I have a bit of business to conduct with one of my import partners here in the city. I'm sure I'll be back before everyone heads to the Blue Pyramid."

"A few pints before dinner? I'm in.".
He grinned as he stood, ready to depart. "Lets reconvene at the Blue Pyramid in a couple of hours then. If they dont serve dinner Milly and I can find some other joint near by.".
This message was last edited by the player at 08:54, Fri 29 Apr 2016.

In reply to Thomas Cotton (msg # 78):



 Milly gave a jovial laugh and clapped Tommy on the back.

"Lets get on it then, the sooner we get there, the sooner we can start. We'll see you folks later," she said to the others.

At ease in the company of the likable red head Tommy nodded to Avery as the pair prepared to head out. "Wanna join us for dinner Ave's? We'd be glad of your company.".

Outside the sky looked grey, threatening rain which was thankfully holding off for now. With no rush to get to Soho the reporter gestured toward a broad street that seemed to head North, tempted by a a promising set of bronze sculptures awaiting them at the next junction.

"So what do you make of all this Milly? Even if there is some Egyptian killing cult in town, it sounds like they're independent of the Carlyle expedition. I thought that was what we were here to pursue?". He wouldn't admit it, but he had no desire to chase after a cult again. Better to pursue a story-afterall, what harm could the Carlyle expedition do now?

Nimbly he stepped aside to let some racing street kids hurry by before continuing. "Why kill Egyptians too? I mean, who dosn't like a good pyramid?
Vincent mentioned the 'Black Pharaoh'". Tommy waved his hands mysteriously, saying the name with theatrical aplomb " which sounds distinctly Egyptian. So does that mean it is some kind of internal tribal thing? Or maybe these people are willing victims, promised heaven, eternal life, or whatever it is Egyptians like.".

ooc - for flavor, I had a little check and no one seems to have a particular reason to dislike Egypt in the 1920's...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...wars_involving_Egypt

  Millicent let out a surprised laugh. "Willing victims? What would make someone so willing as to die like that and why do it so publicly? If this cult is involved with some ritualistic murdering, why not just do it all secret like so no one knows and gets suspicious?"

  She shakes her head in disgust. "They're all completely daft if you ask me, a bunch of sick loonies, it gives me the Heebie-jeebies just thinking of it."

 Millicent gave a sigh, "You know Tommy, the more we investigate this, the more it seems there is far more to this than just some rich folk disappearing mysteriously. Personally, I just hope WE don't disappear mysteriously and just become some mention on the back pages."

Tommy nodded with interest.
"Interesting...I hadn't thought of that. It sounds like the way the cops know about this is through the bodies...not because they realised Egyptians were going missing. So you think someone might be allowing the bodies to be found for publicity?".
It was an unusual suggestion, but possible. After all, couldn't they have burned the bodies rather than dumping in the Thames where they would be found?
Hearing Milly's concern he clasped her on the shoulder warmly. "Don't worry buddy. We'll tread carefully. Besides, all we're planning right now is having a beer right?".

Approaching the junction they stood back to admire the tall bronze statues that loomed over the traffic buzzing by.
Some plaque read:
To the memory of 2152 Officers, Non-Com. Officers and Privates of the BRIGADE OF GUARDS who fell during the war with Russia in 1854–56. Erected by their Comrades.
"The Crimea eh? Those Brits do love a good war eh?".

He grinned, pointing East.
"Come on, my gut tells me beer is this way.".

ooc-spot hidden to entertain myself while Milly's player is away
09:11, Today: Thomas Cotton rolled 75 using 1d100 with rolls of 75.  Spot hidden vs 60%