I can't imagine finding a bar of metal will be that hard. Likely even another screwdriver can be located somewhere. And as Cynthia has already searched the building, she certainly has a good idea where she saw either of those items last.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #58):

Cynthia looked around for a pry bar of some kind while Darragh started working on the screws.

This was a storeroom and there were boxes and crates that needed opening, so she quickly found a pry-bar for Darragh to use.

JM takes another look around, then notices the ledger being carried.

"Might I have a look at that... and this might sound odd, but try turning on or tugging decorations, moving them a bit maybe.  It sounds cliche but sometimes it turns up secret latches.  I think.  Is that the only book we have found?  That can't be right."

Singh shows John-Marc the Koran from Tewfik's flat.

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg #60):

The book was indeed the only one they found in the flat, other than the ledgers by the till.

When Imran showed it to him and he immediately recognised it as a copy of the Quar'an. It seemed to be normally kept in front of a shelf of figures of ancient Egyptian Gods.

No amount of pushing, pulling and prodding revealed anything unusual. To do this himself he needed to leave the front where he was keeping watch.

"Quite the pagan, to have quite so many idols, don't you think? As though one religious leaning wasn't enough for a proper person."

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #63):

"Quite unusual for a Muslim to have such idols, indeed.  This book is a sort of Arabic bible.  In fact some of it is nearly identical to the Christian bible."  He taps the book with a bit of an idle hand, then start to examine it for clues... is it well worn, put back together hastily, repaired... one cover a bit thicker?  Any underlined passages?

"I would examine and catalog those idols, they might have some significance."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg #64):

The book seemed like a normal Qaur'an, if anything, the condition was great, a little too good for a book that's read regularly. The idols were: Ra, Annubis, Osiris, Isis, Seth/Set, Thoth and Bastet. Common enough Egyptian Gods.

From the rear came the sounds of Darragh working on the lock. Finally he said, "Oi opened de lock! 'Oi warn yer, 'twill not fool any paddy who looks at it."

Inside the compartment hidden in the floor was an unmarked cardboard box, big enough maybe for a pair of shoes.

"Oi'm not touchin' dat. I'll go outside an' send yisser mucker in."

With that, Darragh left out the back door and sent in Howard, telling him, "Oi foun' a box in de 'ole. yer better 'av squizz."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 00:09, Sat 19 Nov 2011.

JM Takes another quick look at the statues and then replaces the Qaur'an in it's normal place.

"That book is purely for show"

He chuckles and then looks over to the revealed box in the floor.

"At the least, handle that with gloves."

He keeps a respectful distance to it for opening, but intends on watching.

"Stuff," says Lampton coming into the room. He picks up the box and carries it out to the counter. He lifts the lid and looks inside.

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #67):

Inside the heavy-seeming box were two sandstone vials resting with a silken skullcap and black inverted Ankh on top of a folded black silk robe. Under the robe were two ebony sceptres and a brass scroll tube, such as one would fine throughout the Middle East.

Upstairs, Imran kept an unseen watch out the front windows on the street and sidewalk.

Lampton whistles under his breath and covers the box. "Put the lid back on the hidey-hole. We're taking these things with us," he says quietly, "I think it's time we were on our way, yes?"

Cynthia agreed, "the quicker the better. Let's make sure everything is back where we found it." She does a quick check through to make sure nothing is out of order.

Tewfik al-Sayyid's Foreign Spice Emporeum

There wasn't too much clean-up to do. Darragh gave the inside a once-over, tsking at the damaged lock as there wasn't much he could do if someone pulled on it. Since the contents of the cubby in the floor were being taken any subterfuge regarding the hidden door would be pointless.

"Oi 'ill stay an' clean up a bit. Git 'eadin'!"

"Best av luk ter yer. Say 'owaya ter de Doctor for me an' yer man can call any time yer man needs any marr av me 'elp."

Otherwise, it was a simple task to return everything else to the way it was. JM called Darlington to alert him they were leaving.

They were still in Soho, a little far from the club but relatively close to the Penhew Foundation. To get back to the Hotel they took 2 cabs which travelled circuitous routes and also involved a mid-trip change of taxis. They should arrive back at their putative base by 3:00pm or so.

Scotland Yard

Having received the word via telephone that the group was clear, Darlington also wrapped up his interview with Tewfik. The man was clearly insane, barely keeping from leaping across the interview room at the Detective, although Darlington would have relished the chance to sort this bugger out, right proper. They had moved from his office because Darlington sincerely expected fisticuffs to break out and didn't want to damage his office again.

Clerkenwell

Fulty, Storm and Dr. Weston continued their research at the London city and county record archives for additional information on Penhew, Gavigan, and the Penhew Institute.

3:00

Park Lane Hotel Lobby

Count Sigismund Báthony sat in the lobby of the Park Lane hotel watching the people pass him by.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:35, Sun 20 Nov 2011.

Park Lane Hotel Lobby

Count Sigismund Báthony sat in the lobby of the Park Lane hotel watching the people pass him by. His top hat and gloves resting on the chair next to him. He sat in an upright position with both hands on his ebony cane. His fingers reassuringly touching the elaborate carved Russian jade handle, if anyone passing where to look they would see it is in the form of a dragon, no one did.

When he had inquired at the desk as to whether the party he sort where in, he did not then know how to proceed when he was told they where out. He handed the concierge his card and said he would take a seat. In Romania he would just wait, but this was London and in the two years he had been here there where still many English idioms to pick up.

It was a very pleasant place to spend some time and Perkins seem to relish being left on his own in charge of the shop. His mind then moved as to why he was waiting for this group of strangers, it still grated when he thought about the manuscript. He had been naive to give it up, it went against his better judgement, but he had only just arrived in London and was eager to make his mark and the promissory note looked genuine as had the peer of the realm that had given it to him.

The manuscript was one of the letter despatches made by Doctor David Livingston and bound by an unknown person. He had found it wrapped in brown paper and string in the basement of his shop. It was dated the 12th October 1868 and was during the six year period the explorer had been missing just before the meeting with Stanley two years later. From the quick glance he had given it he discerned it dealt with unholy rights the tribe Livingston was staying with preformed. It looked to be incredibly detailed in the description with hand-drawn images and sections in different languages. Once he had found it he took it upstairs and then forgot about it. He had many months of cataloguing and cleaning ahead of him and it was going to be an arduous task.

It was, he remembers that summer as a dirty smelly experience. There where other treasures, in the end many that more then made up for it or the small price he paid for the business. Some he spun off for a quick profit others he kept mostly for his own interest. He refurbished the shop and the apartment upstairs, he produced a catalogue and hired Perkins.

If he hadn't given it up would he have been sponsored for membership of the Athenaeum ? The place had been a trove of information and contacts, not to mention it's excellent library. He had meet his best customer there who was now really a patron. It had opened doors and a refusal to sell would of closed all of those doors. No he had made the right decision and now he wanted paid or the item back.

He took out his pocket watch and checked the time, another half and hour and he would go get a drink from the hotel bar and then if they have not arrived he would leave a note with his card.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:15, Sun 20 Nov 2011.

Lampton enters the hotel lobby, crossing to the front desk to retrieve his kay. A large cardboard box is tucked under his arm.

3:10 PM

London Park Lane Hotel

Somewhat delayed, the investigators received their room keys at the front desk. The Concierge cleared his throat and said to Howard, "beg your pardon, sir. There is a gentleman waiting at your convenience in the lobby. A Count Sigismund Báthony?"

He recognised the name of his old associate, a colleague of sorts who had been invaluable in his London researches some years back. He'd gotten in touch with him due to the nature of this investigation and the Count's expertise in the occult. Punctual as ever, he had pried himself from his dusty volumes to pay a visit to his old friend, Howard.

Scotland Yard

Having had a grand old time raking a furious Tewfik over the coals, Darlington cut him loose well after the others should have departed the warehouse. They'd probably be at their hotel by now, planning their next move in light of any information they'd gathered. While the police could not make use of any information or evidence gathered by way of illegal means, it was perfectly all right to accept any such material gathered by others using means he should not be in the habit of inquiring too closely about.

That Tewfik was a nutter all right, but shrewd. He'd not divulged anything other than what was already established fact, that being he had a minor past connection to the Penhew Foundation and currently frequented the Blue Pyramid.

For the moment, he would greatly like to know what they could have dug up.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:52, Thu 24 Nov 2011.

On the ride home, Cynthia provides her etching to the group. "I'd like to start doing some research on the symbols on this mirror I discovered. Where do you suppose would be the best place to start with something like this?"

"Capital!" Howard exclaims when told of Count Bathory's presence, "Cynthia, come along, here's just the fellow to answer your questions."

He crosses to Sigismund, taking his hand in a double handshake, "So good to see you again, Sigismund. This is splendid of you to come down for a consult and do we have some things to show you!

"Count Sigismund Bathory, may I introduce Miss Cynthia Holloway of New York. Cynthia, this is my friend and colleague, Sigismund Bathory. Let's go up to our rooms where we can talk in privacy and comfort."

Lampton leads the way to the lift.

Singh takes charge of the items brought back from Tewfik's, taking them up to the rooms as soon as he has Miss Holloway's key.

Rising from his seat as the others turn to look at him, Sigismund extends his hand and greets Mr Lampton.

"Yes wonderful to see you again, it has been too long."

Before you is a tall man with black wavy hair to his shoulders and an anchor style beard and waxed moustache. He is dressed in a three piece style lavender suit with a cravat and a small jewel. The style of his dress is more in keeping with the 1890's then the present day and it adds to his general feel as being a foreigner.

On being introduced to the others in the group, he gives a curt bow. Through a heavy Eastern European accent he says;

"I am Count Sigismund Báthony of Mureș, my card."

The card is printed on the finest white linen paper and it reads in red letters:


                       Count Sigismund Báthony
                               Proprietor
              Abingdon Rare Books, Maps and Antiquities
                          23 St. Martin’s Court
                              Covent Garden
                                  London

As they wait at the elevator for the attendant to open the grill he adds:

"Indeed, I believe I may also have some information that may prove useful."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:53, Fri 25 Nov 2011.

Park Lane Hotel 4th Floor

Singh was already gone up to their rooms by the time the Count engaged his friend in introductions.

The lift attendant opened the grille and allowed them entry with a smile. Being circumspect, they were let off on their richly-carpeted floor without continuing the discussion until they were in private.

In Lampton's suite, Simmons was preparing the tea time meal. Singh met them there, as the items were securely hidden in their rooms.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:25, Fri 25 Nov 2011.

Cynthia follows along with Lampton, her etching still in her pocket. "Howard, who are we going to meet? Have you made some other arrangements?"

She follows along regardless. Meeting Bathony, she offers a hand, "Hello. Any friend of Mr. Lampton's is a friend of mine."

Cynthia will initially hold off on sharing much, until Bathony and Lampton have had a chance to share whatever is burning holes in their pockets.

The Count took in his surroundings as he entered the room behind Mr Lampton. He noted any other exits and when he took his seat was facing the door. He passes off his gloves and hot but keeps his cane.

"Well Mr Lampton I was somewhat surprised to receive your message. It seems we may also have a mutual acquaintance, a Mr Gavigan and his Penhew Foundation. But I am getting ahead of myself let me explain. As you know it was about two years ago that I purchased my business... how would you say “Lock, stock and barrel”. It was not so much the building I was interested in but the large uncatalogued stock in the basement."

"It was within this clutter that I found what I though at the time was an unimportant manuscript, the authors account of his explorations of Africa. So much clutter, there was a vault down there Mr Lampton hidden by all the books. But that's bye the bye, this manuscript was very detailed in it observations of the tribe that the explorer was living with, unholy rites."

"Well it was not two days later I was at my club and I was introduced to a Lord Hattering who was searching for African oddities to add to his library. He initially asked about a book called "Africa's Dark Sects" a book I was unfamiliar with and I made a counter offer of the manuscript. Now I must admit I was somewhat eager to make the trade and was taken in. This man was not a Lord and the promissory note was worthless."

"It was only a couple of months latter that I discovered the old ledger for the shop in the vault. It listed the manuscript as having come from Doctor David Livingston, no less and having been bound at the shop. It was one of only two bundles of letters to have made it out of Africa during the Doctors time there."

"Well this added to my indignation and I could not let it stand, it became a matter of honour. So through some investigation I was able to find that an expedition had gone missing and one of the percipients was our “Lord”. The expedition was entangled with the Penhew Foundation somehow. I have tried to use intermediaries to inquire of the manuscript but they have not meet with success. Of course the foundation denies all knowledge of the piece. I have had an employee of mine, a Mr Perkins watching the building other then that I gave up contact several months ago."

At this he lifts his hands in a gesture of resignation.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:47, Fri 25 Nov 2011.

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #81):

5 O'clock

Park Lane Hotel

Over the next hour or so they had tea, which consisted of the usual assortment of sandwiches, pastries and of course, tea and coffee. At that time, the reason for their visit and the state of the ongoing investigation was explained in some detail.

The Count's revelations came as something of a surprise, as this was obviously someone who joined up with the expedition in London and not New York. Still, it was an unknown, and it occurred to a couple they could do some more research on the expedition to eliminate such unknowns.

They were joined by Prof. Fulty, Dr. Weston and Major Storm. Later, the cockney Detective inspector, DS Darlington, arrived. The day's exploits were related to all and sundry.