Upon sighting Zubaida, Moretti said in a low voice, "Showtime, Tommy. Better turn on the charm."

Maintaining a friendly expression, he walked to intercept the dancer, his pace brisk, but not so fast as to cause the young woman alarm.

Tommy chuckled, quickly finishing his drink.
"I'm hurt you felt I ever turned off the charm!".
With a wink he let Vincent stride ahead. It didn't need the pair of them making a scene. Instead he calmly unfolded a note from his wallet to pay for their drinks and stood to straighten his collar.

Calmly he moved to the side of the street to lean against a building and wait for Vincent to bring Zubaida over, while the reporter watched to see who from the Pyramid, if anyone, showed interest.

In the course of going about her day, she looked surprised to see Vincent. Her eyes quickly flitted between the Blue Pyramid and him. She quickly turned so that her back was facing the building and walked down a side street, indicating with her hand that Vincent should do the same.

"Your friend, more questions? If he publishes article and they see me with him is dangerous for me," she asked.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:17, Thu 06 Oct 2016.

Nonchalant, Tommy waited. Even as she glanced toward him he ached to drift into her tide, Yet reassured by Vincent he waited patiently. Their objective was to warn the girl....or help her flee. His story was at least bait; a reason why she might leave the Pyramid if encouraged by Vincent.
Suppressing his nerves the reporter waited...

Moretti looked about, double checking to ensure that the only eyes on them were Cotton's. Returning his attention to Zubaida, he spoke quietly. "He does have more questions, yes. We've found some...evidence of the Brotherhood. Things that prove their existence. But we need to gather more before we can see them stopped. We need your help to do it."

He paused, studying her face. "Zubaida, we also have the means to get you somewhere safe. Out of the country. Somewhere where you can start a new life, away from the dangers that are here. We want to help you."

He glanced back at Cotton. "Is there somewhere where you and Mr. Cotton could talk? Somewhere you wouldn't have to worry about being watched?"

She listened to him quietly, her intelligent eyes locked onto his, absorbing his words and nodding at various moments. "I cannot simply leave this country," she said. "This is my home now. I do not want to go back to Egypt. And I have brothers, sisters, parents here. If I leave, what good is it if they find my family?" she asked him. 

"But I can answer some more questions. We can talk, but only quickly. My work time is soon, and they will not be happy if I am late. There is a tea house there on the corner. There is a yellow sign, down the street. You can bring your friend, and I will see what I can tell you. But ask him to be quick. No time to...how is it you say? Beating around the bushes," she said. She pointed at the tea shop's prominent yellow sign. It was down a side street, and well out of sight of the Blue Pyramid's windows. Without further ado, she moved in the direction of that place, saying only to him, "Be quick."

Moretti made his way to where Cotton stood waiting. "Zubaida's willing to answer more questions," he said quietly, "But she's asked that we be brief. She doesn't want to be late to the Pyramid."

His expression was somber. "She won't consider leaving the country. She has family here. She's afraid that if she left, they could ultimately face reprisals from the Brotherhood."

He nodded in the direction of the tea shop. "She wants to meet there. Let's hurry." Moving at a brisk pace, he led the way to the meeting.

Tommy nodded. "Got it.".

Walking briskly he hurried behind Vincent to join Zubaida in the tea shop. Her dark eyes still drank at his soul and grabbing a chair he got straight to business.
"I'm glad we caught you Zubaida. I don't know what Vincent told you, but you were right.  There is a cult, and Al-Sayad was involved.
But that puts you, and us, in danger. At some stage they will realize we are on to them and I think we need to get you some place safe.".
He glanced at Vincent. At some stage Zubaida would hear of Tewfik's death and it wouldn't take much for her to figure out their involvement. Better to be direct.
"Your love has been avenged.
Tewfik is dead. He attacked our freind who you met last night. Question is, what happens when the cult finds out? Is there anything that links you to him? Any reason why they might suspect you? We can help you get out of here, but if you can bear it you might be safer acting as if everything is normal.".
The reporter watched her carefully. It was alot to take in.

"My friends and I plan to get to the bottom of this thing, but we need more evidence to involve the police and strike a killing blow. Before then, we need your help. Think.
The truck; did it have markings? Did it arrive at a specific time? You mentioned around the start of the month before.
You said Tewfik was involved and you were right. Were the others afraid of him? Or do you think he was deferential to another? Did you see him speaking to anyone else you recognize in the club?".
As he spoke he pulled out his notebook, ready to jot down any critical notes.
"There is another thing you should know. We had a freind; Jackson Elias. He came to London a few years ago. Jackson was a good man. A historian of sorts, studying the Carlyle Expedition - have you heard of it? The Penhew Foundation here in London were involved. Thing is, Jackson's notes hint at a cult too. He shared your fears. But we cant figure out how the cult and the expedition are linked...".

ooc-goes without saying that we sit in a corner and talk in hushed tones about such things so others cant hear! Hope you'll forgive a bit of an information/question dump at the end in the interests of progression.

The flow of questions and information came at her quickly, but the dancer seemed as nimble of mind as she was with her body. She didn't ask Thomas to repeat himself or slow down, simply nodding and waiting for her chance to speak. She looked a little alarmed, but relieved at the information presented.

"There is no link between myself and Tewfik, or any one else. I do not think I am a suspect of anything unless they find you out, and see me with you. If you keep coming and asking for me, it will be seen as strange, maybe."

She considered his next set of questions. "The lorry, it comes very late at night, after midnight. I do not remember much about the truck. The night is always different - I do not know how they decide what night it is to be. It is near the end of one month, beginning of next. Sometimes thirty first night, some times thirtieth, some time second, some times first," she said.

"Tewfik is...was I think the leader. Others look to him, he gives orders."

---

OOC:

Can I get an Idea roll?

Moretti felt a surge of relief when Zubaida stated that al-Sayed was the cult's leader, but the emotion was short lived. Although the spice merchant may have been a leader within the cult, he could very well have been simply a lieutenant, carrying out the orders of someone as yet unseen. Even if the man was the ringleader, given the Brotherhood's long history, there was almost certainly someone waiting to take his place, The shop owner's death didn't mean victory.

Moretti cleared his throat. "Zubaida, do you happen to recall what specific day the truck came last month?" Although he couldn't guess what reasoning led to the cult gathering on certain dates, he felt sure there was an undelying logic. It wasn't random. Some guiding principle dictated when they came together.

Even as he asked the question, he sighed inwardly. The Pyramid would likely need to be watched this evening. Barring any disorder among the membership stemming from al-Sayed's demise, this could be the night of the gathering.

15:49, Today: Vincent Moretti rolled 34 using 1d100 with rolls of 34.  Idea - Idea 85%

Tommy listened with interest. He was conscious of time - the longer they were with Zubaida the greater the risk. Still, she seemed sure there was no connection between herself and Tewfik. The girl was safe and for now their enemy should have no idea that the Elias family were their adversary.

He suppressed a frown though as it became clear Jackson Elias, the Carlyle expedition, and Penhew Foundation meant nothing to Zubaida. How were they involved in the Black Pharoah? Without that knowledge the investigators could not leave London.

"If we need to contact you again, how can we reach you Zubaida?". It would be dangerous to approach her at the Pyramid again.

12:23, Today: Thomas Cotton rolled 77 using 1d100 with rolls of 77.  Idea vs 80. Best idea ever.

"Yes, it was on the eve of New Years," she said to Vincent.

She shook her head to Tommy. "No more contact unless it is emergency. You come too much already. It makes me fear. But if emergency, you already know how to find me."

---

OOC:

It occurs to you both that the stated variance in dates, but with a reliability in the time of the month might be more compatible with a lunar calendar, aligning with a particular phase of the moon.

Make an Astronomy roll or a Knowledge roll against half your Knowledge.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:06, Thu 27 Oct 2016.

Tommy nodded sincerely.
"You have my promise Zubaida. I pray the next time you hear from us will be after this whole thing is behind us.".</blue> He shrugged. "Pray by then we will be asking your wisdom on lighter matters, like where to stay in Egypt.".

New Year's Eve...the turn of the month. The dates didn't mean much to the young reporter. His brow furrowed with frustration as he looked to Vincent.
"I still don't understand what the hell any of this has to do with Jackson.". Surely there was something they were missing.

Today: Thomas Cotton rolled 80 using 1d100 with rolls of 80.  Vs half knowledge (65/2).

Moretti nodded in agreement with Cotton. "We won't bother you again. Not unless lives are at stake." He appreciated the courage it had taken for Zubaida to meet with Cotton in the first place, to speak up with danger so close at hand. Without her bravery, they would literally know nothing.

"I honestly don't know, Tommy," he replied when the reporter asked about Jackson. "Aside from the Brotherhood being of concern to Jackson, I'm not sure how it ties in to the rest of his research." Even as he said it, Moretti found the idea difficult to accept. Jackson was a supremely skilled investigator and researcher. He wasn't a man to be pulled off course in pursuit of something tangential. Perhaps somehow, the Bloody Tongue and the Brotherhood originated from the same corrupt root. It seemed possible, given the two cults' similar taste for brutality, but at the moment, it was pure speculation.

Shifting his mind to the truck's last appearance being on New Year's Eve, Moretti pondered the information, recognizing that the meetings might coincide with phases of the moon, which would naturally fall on differing days of each month.

23:10, Today: Vincent Moretti rolled 13 using 1d100 with rolls of 13.  Know 1/2 - 1/2 Know Roll 40%

"I must go, so I am not late. I wish you luck," Zubaida said, bidding them goodbye and making her way out of the place and walking down the street in the direction of the Blue Pyramid.

"Farewell Zubaida, and good luck. Next time we meet I'll be interviewing you as a top dancer or actress I'm sure!".
He smiled, trying to reassure her as she slipped away.
When she was gone he ordered another cup of tea and lingered with Moretti. Together they watched the blue pyramid, studying the traffic that came and went for anything unusual. For a truck...for any sign of concern that tewfiks body had been found.

While they lingered he spoke. "So what next my friend? Jackson visited this city for a reason. But why? Is Penhew the missing link? Maybe while we are off chasing shadows we are missing something vital. Or maybe the clue is in hustons notes. Jackson said to find them right? And the only thing in London they mentioned was Crowley. Maybe he is the lead we are missing...".
Or maybe coming to London had been a mistake altogether. Brady was in the orient. Wouldn't he be a better source than ghosts in London?

Moretti nodded at the dancer as she rose to depart. "Best of luck, Zubaida. Vai con Dio."

When she departed, he was silent for a long moment, listening to Cotton speculate about Jackson's reasons for being in London, and where the next clue might be found. After taking a sip of coffee, he said, "Tommy, everything we've heard about Jackson's activities in this town seems to tie to the Brotherhood. I may be completely wrong, but I don't think that he just stumbled onto proof of their activities by accident. He was looking for them. He had prior knowledge of the cult and was seeking them out. Hunting for evidence that they were still active here in London."

"My honest suspicion is that the Bloody Tongue and the Brotherhood share a common origin. Like the two groups are siblings, or cousins, if you will. I think Jackson was aware of the link, whatever it might be. But it's escaped us so far."

He shook his head. "Aubrey Penhew was an Egyptologist and the Brotherhood has its origins in Egypt. Inspector Barrington made it sound as though Edward Gavigan, from the Penhew Foundation, went out of his way to discredit Jackson after Jackson shared his suspicions about the cult with the police. It also seems as though Gavigan was quick to do the same with Leo and Rosalie. There could be an important tie there, but I'm sure that Gavigan isn't going to give anything up if there is. If we want to look into it, we'd need to find someone else associated with the Foundation who we could convince to talk. Or have another late night adventure to look into the place ourselves."

He drummed his fingers on the table. "Crowley? He might know something valuable. I don't know much about him. He's a writer, lives a crazy lifestyle, and is deep into the occult." He paused. "If we could find out where the man lives, or frequents, we could try to hunt him down. Maybe contact his publisher?  You'd be the key to getting our foot in the door. You work for the New York Times and want to do a piece on the colorful Mr. Crowley." He looked back down the street. "Nothing left to see here for now. Might be a good use of our time. As unorthodox as the man sounds, if he knows something of the Brotherhood, he'd probably be willing to discuss it."

A frown settled on his face. For a moment, Moretti fixed his attention on the Blue Pyramid. "One other thing before we go, Tommy." he said. "Bear with me. On New Year's Eve I was...working late. I'd just finished up some work and I stepped outside to smoke a cigarette, get a little air. It was a clear evening. I looked up at the moon and I remember having the random thought that it looked like it was in its first quarter phase. One of those random facts that I'd picked up at City College that just floated to the surface."

He took a last drink of his coffee, returning the empty cup to the table. "The thing is, the moon's first quarter doesn't happen on the same date every month, but it does occur around the same general time. Near the last day of the month, or the first day of the next."

"I may have lost my mind, but I think that's what the Brotherhood is using to dictate the date of their gatherings. It coincides with what Zubaida told us. If I'm right, that means that truck should be pulling up to the Pyramid either tonight or tomorrow. We'd need to check a lunar calendar to be certain. But if so, someone's got to be here to follow that lorry after it picks up its passengers."

Tommy nodded.
"Thats exactly it. Jackson didn't seem to be a man to stumble over things. He investigated them for a reason. Problem is I cant figure for the life of me what that reason was.".
He raised an eyebrow with interest as Vincent suggested the two 'brotherhoods' be related. "Now that is a grim thought. But its the best theory I've heard yet - I like it Vinny!
The other option is that Egyptian angle. The Foundation went there next, and if an outfit named after a Pharaoh dosnt have links over there I'll eat my hat.".

For a moment he fell in to silence as he watched the Pyramid. Nothing untoward seemed to be happening and he supposed there were worse things to do than sit in London drinking tea and think on riddles with a freind.

"I don't know about phases of the moon.". Tommy shrugged. "I remember there was some frat back home that met according to it, so maybe you are on to something...
And you are right about Penhew and Barrington. Seems both didn't listen to Jackson. Either they are incompetent or implicated. An angle in to either one of them would do no harm.

Say, we could pay a visit to our buddy Mahoney this afternoon maybe. If he dosnt know how to contact Crowley no one will. The Scoop probably laps up his stuff; nothing like an occultist who seems semi legit. Besides we might press him a little more on those other guys too.".
Gulping back the dregs of his cup he stood and straightened himself out.
"I'm gonna touch in with Avery. You ok watching the joint for five without me?".

If there are no objections I'm going to assume Tommy has rung Avery and given him the details of our morning with Zubaida (along with our report we've seen no truck), and that we are clear to head to the Scoop so we keep moving. Keeper, feel free to edit the second part of this post if I've been too forward!
He will also specifically share Vincent's lunar theory so the others can research Egyptian astrology if they fancy it.

After a few moments of hushed conversation in the phone booth Tommy hung up and returned to Moretti.
"Did I miss anything?" The reporter didn't sit, instead nodding North toward Fleet Street.
"Bishop and Bo havn't reported in yet so they must still be watching the other place. I told Avery we would head to the Scoop so they will call us there if they need anything. Shall we?".

Once Vincent was ready the pair set off.  As they walked they spoke about how they would handle Mahoney and what they might ask him.

Things to explore at the Scoop:
- Dates of bodies being found and if this coincides with the lunar calendar (offset for discovery).
- Locations where bodies were found.
- No doubt the Scoop will have a astrologist contributor who runs horoscopes and such - a call in to that person to check the significance of the lunar calendar (reinforcing Vincent's theory). i.e. Any specific mumbo-jumbo on the moon's first quarter...is the Jan/Feb one significant for any reason?
- I think I recall Mahoney already said Barrington and Penhew were above-board right?
- A contact for Crowley, which if possible we will specifically follow up to see if he is accessible in London.
- Anything else Vincent adds.

Moretti cast one last, long look at the Blue Pyramid, then nodded. "Let's get going," he agreed.

In addition to Tommy's very thorough list:

• The place where Jackson was staying while here in London, if Mahoney happens to know. In addition, any places Jackson might have frequented (besides the Pyramid), if Mahoney was aware of them
• Any noteworthy news/gossip regarding Aubrey Penhew that might have tied the late Egyptologist to something unusual or scandalous.

Their journey by cab takes them to the Scoop offices in short order, where Mahoney appears surprised to see Tommy again so soon. He shakes Vincent's hand, and is as friendly as he was previously, very helpful to them.

When asked about Jackson's residence while in town, he freely volunteered the information. "Jackson stayed at the Savoy. Fancy bloke, wasn't 'e?"

He didn't seem to know anything interesting about Penhew. "Penhew? Jackson did talk some about him, but that isn't much of what we cover. Never heard much about him other than what Jackson told me. I think he's a peer, a Viscount. Or at least he was, before he died on that expedition. One o' those Oxford types. Trust me, if there was any scandal I'da heard of it and published it."

He shrugged when asked about Barrington. "I don't know the bloke honestly. I don't have much cause to have dealings with the police. Don't want that sort around the paper. He's new in his position, since the last bloke before 'im got offed. From what I know...very by the book chap. Not one ta bend th' rules. Sorta fella that'll clap'm'in irons whether or not he's yer mate if you did wrong."

On Crowley he just shrugged. "I don't find Crowley very interesting. A secretive lot, them. I was followin' some story about him that just fizzled. He hopped off to Paris and I lost interest. I think I read in a paper that he's in Tunisia now."

He had some work to do, but offered to let them look through the archives. He assures them they won't find much new information on the murders.

Nevertheless, they look through the archives and find that there is no apparent connection between the murders that is easily discernible save for the method of killing. They were found all over London, in twenty five separate locations. Many were dumped into the Thames, but some were also left out on the street. The dates the bodies have been located appears to have no pattern, and no connection to the lunar calendar or the solar calendar.

The astrologer talks a little bit about the First Quarter period of the lunar cycle:

"At the First Quarter Moon, we might meet challenges we had not prepared for.  We may need to make on-the-spot decisions about how to proceed and then do what needs to be done in order for our intentions to manifest. It is a time for action."




OOC:

I think I got everything there.

Tommy, no one ever asked Mahoney about Barrington or Penhew, so he never mentioned whether they were above board or not. I don't know what you mean by "above board" in this context, so I basically gave you whatever Mahoney would know about Barrington - and what little he knew about Penhew.

After speaking to the astrologer and Mahoney the pair of investigators found themselves a quiet room beside the Scoop archives where they could talk.
"Interesting stuff eh Vincent? Especially Crowley heading to Africa too. But then I suppose the rich do like to visit new places and peoples...maybe its nothing.
I can't find any pattern in the killings either, even thinking about the moon. But I suppose that dosn't prove or disprove anything either. Did you dig anything up?".
He grinned.
"That astrologer guy though. Love a bit of drama don't they? I know its all mumbo jumbo, but sometimes its hard to resist getting carried away. Maybe we should tell Leo it was the moon that made us break in last night!".
He shrugged.
"Anyway, shall we head back to the hotel to meet the others?".

ooc - ah, I think maybe it was my Times contact then that we asked about Penhew or Barrington. All I remember is we got nothing notable from whichever source it was on that subject, but our questions were throwaway and nonspecific so unlikely to elicit much anyway.

OOC:

Also forgot to mention that the astrologer revealed that tonight is the beginning of the first quarter phase.

Moretti shook his head. "No, I didn't come across anything worthwhile. If there is a pattern to where the bodies are being left, I can't see it. To me, it all looks random."

He grinned at Cotton's astrology excuse. "I'm not going to hold you back from anything you want to try, Tommy. But I wouldn't hold your breath on Dr. Elias buying it."

He drew his cigarette case out of his coat pocket. He nodded as he slid one out and lit it. "Yes, let's head back. It might be wise to squeeze in a little rest. If the gathering is happening this evening, we may be in for another late night."

Together the pair walked through Soho back toward their hotel as they absorbed the bustling life of London around them. These people were oblivious to what might be happening in their back streets.
Strange that it took a group of American's to solve such riddles for them. The thought triggered an idea.
"You know Vincent, there must be other groups investigating this pharaoh thing. Victims families, local detectives, whatever. You dont kill twenty or thirty odd people without making enemies right?". Tommy mused openly as they neared the hotel.
The reporter shrugged.
"But finding allies would likely mean interviewing families, time that we dont have.".
He glanced at his watch.
"Like you said, lets grab some rest. I'll let Avery know we are back and ask him to wake us when the others are ready.".

Moretti shrugged. "I would think there's got to be a family member out there that wants vendetta for a loved one's murder," he said, "But all of the victims, except the police inspector, were Egyptian, and if Zubaida is any example, that community is truly afraid of these mostri. So, you're probably right. Anyone who's looking into the deaths is doing so in secret."

When they reached the Savoy, Moretti gave Cotton a brotherly clap on the shoulder before heading upstairs. In his room, he slipped his shoes off and stretched out on the bed, hopeful that sleep would overtake him.

It didn't. Each time he closed his eyes, the images that coalesced in his mind served only to incite doubt, confusion, and ultimately, despair.

Finally, he sat up, angered at his inability to wrestle down his own demons. After calling room service for an urn of coffee, he lit a cigarette and sat on the corner of the bed, staring steadily at his image in the mirror above the dressing table.