The man looks completely shocked at your abruptness and actually staggers back a bit. At mention of the locket he stiffens, looking quite unhappy though hearing your credentials softens him up a bit.

I don't think the Pinkertons can do anything about Abigail he shakes his head bitterly. She's dead and there's nothing to be done of it. I suppose you've heard all the whispers around the train have you? At first I thought I was going crazy, seeing her out of the corner of my eye, dreaming about her at night. But others have...seen things. Maybe we're all going mad together? he laughs but there is no mirth in it. Look, if you think there was foul play in her death, you're wrong. She choked to death. Plain as that. I...saw the whole thing he wipes at his eyes.

A witness to the death who swore it was accidental put a great dent in Penny's theory of foul play. A ghost did not necessarily spawn from violent or unnatural death, she knew, but due to unresolved matters or desire for revenge. Sudden choking could as easily interrupt Abigail's plans as murder. 'I don't think we're going mad, Mister Jaffers. But it would be best, for her memory and our consciences, if we tell Abigail's story. How was her trip on the train? What were her final hours like?'


OOC: 14:16, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 15 using 1d20+8.  sense motive.

You sense he is telling the truth as he sits down on his small bed and proceeds to explain with no small amount of bitterness. They were happy hours, until the end. Perhaps the only happiness the poor woman had. You see, Abigail was on her way to get married to a man she did not love. Her mother had arranged the whole thing, and though she dreaded the arrangement, she felt it was her duty to obey. That was until she met...me. He looks up gravely and you start to realize just what his relationship was with the woman. She was traveling alone and ended up in the dining car quite often. The woman liked her wine and I admit, she caught my eye. Eventually things progressed as they do between a man and a woman and though I'd only known her a few days, I was determined to save her from her fate. Do, do you believe two people who barely know each other can fall in love? Because I do.

Penny's eyes flicked curiously to Ian, as if to check his reaction. 'Yes, I believe it is possible.' she murmured sympathetically. While Jaffers sounded honest enough, his tale did not quite fit with the elements Mrs Turning had mentioned: Abigail's jealousy of other women, an unfaithful lover. Surely there was more to this. But for now, she caught on what Jaffers had said about saving her from her fate. 'But what did you try to do?'

Ian's face is tight and he stays very silent at the exchange. You're not sure if it's because he's letting you take lead or if the man's tale has made him pensive. Either way, he doesn't seem his usual self, but then he hasn't really been quite the same since waking up from the Djinn anyway.

Meanwhile Jaffers continues. We were going to run away together! I had a little savings. Nothing like she needed to live the life she was used to of course, but she said she would have followed me to the ends of the earth barefoot if she had to he smiles wistfully at the memory. We were going to get off a stop early from her destination, and find a tiny little town where we could make a home together. It was the day of that she choked... he finishes, looking devastated once more. we were only an hour from our stop.

With a glance to her side, Penny had sensed Ian's tension and uncharacteristic silence, and wondered if he found this story too personal, given his recent separation from the hallucinatory Coira? She would ask him about it later, if he was open to talking about it.

As to Jaffers's story, the love affair seemed remarkably swift, to plan to elope after but a few days together on the train and little knowledge of the other. But such impulsive things were known to happen in both the carefully arranged courtships of England and in the first flush of love. And to die so abruptly before such dreams were realised, a whole lifetime cut short, a great potential cancelled – yes, that could well leave a soul frustrated and restless. But it still did not seem to explain Abigail's jealous attacks. 'And was there another woman for you, before or since? Was there a man Abigail disliked, perhaps her fiancé?' A third possibility arose. 'And how was her relationship with her mother?'

Jaffers winces at your questions and looks around as though for a drink before thinking better of it. I think your first question is...the relevant one here he sighs. You must understand. What happened to Abigail was years ago...I recently fell in love again. I...I think she's been terrorizing the men on the train for it ever since. I know that sounds crazy! I have dreams sometimes. She's happy and misses me one minute and then says she'll kill me the next. I just don't sleep if I can help it, but then I swear I still see her! I'm not the only one either, the other men on the train, they have dreams too! I just don't understand how it can be possible, but I know she feels betrayed. She's angry with me. So angry. But I think she still loves me too. Have...Have I gone crazy?

'No, you have not gone crazy, Mister Jaffers. It is all quite real.' Penny informed him gently, trying not to push the disturbing revelation of the existence of ghosts, nor to sound crazy herself.

She recalled what Mrs Turning had said about Abigail not stopping killing "until she finds her". "Her" must therefore be Jaffers's new beloved. That seemed to complete the matter. The frustrated ghost of Abigail was jealous and sought to kill Jaffers's beloved but, until she found her, she vented her rage on others she thought to be unfaithful, all except Jaffers himself. That woman would be in special danger until Abigail was stopped. Chillingly aware that the ghost could well be listening unseen right now, Penny asked 'Without saying her name, is your new love on this train currently? If she is, I beg you to avoid all contact with her.'

'Finally, do you have some keepsake of Abigail's, something precious to her, or to you? Perhaps a locket?'

Jaffers looks disturbed at your revelation, but not disbelieving. Enough has happened on this train that he has no reason to doubt you.

At your question he gives an unsteady nod. Yes to both those things. I will stay clear of...that person. But I fear for her! As for the second, I used to wear it around my neck until things took up with...well until I met that other person. She was jealous of my past with Abigail and insisted I put it away. I keep it with my extra belongings, in the cargo car. It's at the opposite end of the train...

ooc: Go ahead and finish up here as you wish and soon we'll be back with Alice.

So, that was the trigger for Abigail becoming a vengeful spirit. The pieces all fell into place. 'Hopefully, it will not be for long.' Penny assured Jaffers, hoping her measures would protect the other woman and not put her at risk. But it would be far too hard to keep her locked in a cabin with a line of salt at door and window and vent, with the train bumping so.

She quickly confirmed with Jaffers the location of his belongings, and ended with 'Thank you, Misters Jaffers. I hope we shall be about to lay Abigail's spirit to rest and help her pass to Heaven.'


OOC: Okay, I'm done. :)

Penny and Ian move quickly from train to train, getting closer and closer to the baggage car. As you do, Delapore finally finds you and frantically he gestures towards the general direction you're heading. Body! The crazy woman sent me to get you! he gasps, looking relieved to be done with his part. He quickly flops down, apparently having run around raggedly looking for you.

As you near you find quite a rush of people around the baggage car, a body on the floor and Emma and Alice at the scene too. Unfortunately one of the higher ups has taken it upon himself to try to remove everyone from the situation. Personnel only! Everyone out! Unless you want to be put off at the next stop, I suggest you listen! he barks, not in the mood to negotiate. He looks furious, frustrated and quite stressed about the chaos around him. Meanwhile Penny catches a glimpse of the corpse. Strangled.

Alice: You and Emma are being forced out (see above). By now you finally see Penny and Ian too, though with the authorities there, it's difficult to speak freely...

Penny didn't stop or hesitate for a moment, barking 'We're with the Pinkertons. This may be related to our investigation, and if not, we offer our assistance regardless.' She used the same story as with Jaffers for expediancy and consistency, as the train staff would inevitably discuss this and their earlier ruse of being a married couple was well and truly out the train window now.

Alice looked at the man trying to remove her. She did not fight but pleads to be allowed to remain.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:10, Sat 16 June 2018.

To punctuate Penny's story, Ian whips out a gold badge that reads, "Pinkerton national detective agency." They're both with me he nods his head to Alice too, letting the train employees inspect the badge, which is quite authentic, no doubt his old one from his actual Pinkerton days.

The lead in the situation looks like he wants to argue, but at last admits defeat and allows you to remain. I'll allow you to help, but the railroad would be remiss if we didn't have at least one staff member involved the entire affair! We cannot have our name dragged through the mud if you get the details wrong. I suggest myself he straightens proudly. And though it might look like the man's been murdered, I ask that you not jump to hasty conclusions without finding out for certain. Think what it would do to the company if such rubbish got out!

Alice is relieved to be allowed to stay. She conveyed what she saw, which did not include any ghost.

'Of course, we shall be completely discreet.' Penny assured the man, approaching the body. She already knew what she expected to find, but for the sake of thoroughness and appearances, she made a close examination of the corpse. There were clear signs of strangulation, and by ghostly hands, which did not leave fingermarks around the neck, but nevertheless crushed windpipe and larynx, leaving only the look of terror and suffocation in the face. Abigail was accelerating in her attacks, and Penny had no way to draw her out and trap her. Their only hope was to get to the locket, and salt and burn it.


OOC: Investigate 22 & Search 22

As you examine the corpse, you do indeed find it fits with what you'd expect. Penny glances about the area and sees quite a bit of baggage already, spilling out into this particular car. Another car, attached, holds the bulk of the cargo. Jaffers gave you exact instructions of where his trunk was and what it looks like. It should be in the other car, at the end of the aisle and packed in a large overhead cupboard. Getting to it with the nosy staffer, Mr. Goldman is is name, could be interesting as he's not likely to want you snooping around.

Meanwhile Goldman has cleared out the rest of the onlookers so that you can investigate the scene better. Ian does his best to seem like he's doing the same and muttering to you as he does, so he seems more official. Likely Goldman would take him more seriously than a woman. Ian gives an apologetic wince as he does.

You don't have much time to investigate before a sudden cold sweeps the room. The lights flicker and blaze in turn. Abigail is coming.

ooc: No worries! I was busy this week anyway so it was nice to have an extra day or two.

Alice pulled a pistol and waited for the shoe to drop.

As the temperature dropped precipitously, Penny hissed in alarm and annoyance. They were so close to the locket and expelling Abigail, but the officious Mr Goldman was in the way and now the ghost herself was about to manifest again. Abigail seemed intent on doing anything she could to keep them from her anchor. Or was she merely mindlessly attacking another target of her jealous rage? Regardless, they had to move to the next carriage expeditiously and get rid of Goldman. The story told itself.

'This man was clearly suffocated. But there are no obvious causes.' Penny told Goldman, carefully not lying but giving him the story he needed to hear. 'Perhaps exposure to some gas or powder – oh, can you feel that chill? It must be the gas! Quickly, man, open all the windows, we'll search for the source. He came from the end carriage.' Penny quickly clamped a frilly handkerchief over her mouth.


OOC: Who is Abigail's target? Sense Motive 29, including +2 from Profile. Bluffing Goldman, Bluff 17.

Alice went along with the ruse, taking out her own handkerchief and covering her mouth and nose.

Fortunately for him, Goldman takes the bait and quickly obeys, not too concerned with the likes of you when he has his own skin to save. Best of luck to you! I'll leave you authorities to it! He literally runs away. Ian watches him leave and shakes his head. Brave lad isn't he?

Meanwhile Abigail is quickly manifesting. The lights flicker and threaten to go out and the cold is escalating. Ian sighs and draws a nasty looking knife. Alright. If you're going to shoot be bloody careful! Even if you don't hit us you might hit somethin else important and we are going to have to explain ourselves when all this is done. I don't particularly want to walk home do you? I think someone should go look for the locket while the rest of us- He's suddenly interrupted as he's hurled across the car, slamming into the wall violently. It's a miracle he didn't fall on his own knife! A pale skinned woman, young and beautiful, stands there, watching him coldly. Clearly she's selected her target.

ooc: Ok, go ahead and roll your first round! Keep in mind the close quarters and your weapons of choice. I know Alice has a lot of bonuses on that score, but depending on your gun type, you could cause a lot of collateral damage, so just be mindful of that...

Alison will move around so that she is to one side of the ghost but not facing Ian. She fires her revolver.

18:20, Today: Mary-Alice Reussoe Conner rolled 18 using 1d20+14. Single shot + 3 for Point Blank.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:20, Wed 27 June 2018.

'Not paid enough for this, I'd wager.' Penny muttered, quickly discarding her unneeded handkerchief and reaching for her weapons. But too late – Abigail had come! 'Ian!' she called in alarm, as her friend was thrown across the carriage, about to attack as well before practical sense prevailed. She clamped her mouth shut, and ran into the next carriage, desperately searching for Jaffer's luggage: end of the aisle, in a large overhead cupboard, a large, slightly worn dark-brown flat-top steamer trunk.


OOC: Initiative 5
Run and find Jaffer's trunk, Search 20
14:12, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 20 using 1d20+15. search +2 from Profile.

Alice: Abigail looks surprised when the bullet slightly grazes her, obviously not expecting it to hurt. She disappears only to reappear instantly behind you. Ian croaks out a warning, stumbling to his feet. She tries to grip your neck with icy hands, eyes wide and bulging with hatred...


Meanwhile Penny, you know exactly where it is supposed to be, but getting to the trunk is another story. It is completely buried by other luggage, though you can see the cupboard in question. You'll have to move a lot of heavy trunks, and fast...

Muttering curses better suited to a Holborn street and directed largely at the luggage handlers, Penny pushed her through the baggage car, fixed on her goal. Sometimes, she was forced to twisted sideways to slip through a narrow gap, at other times she clambering over a heavy trunk or crate in a most undignified fashioned. However, she still had a task ahead of her when she was confronted by the cupboard in question, veritably walled up behind other trunks and suitcases. 'Good lord...' Spying the most load-bearing suitcase, Penny roughly tugged it out, then tried to escape the inevitable avalanche.


OOC:
19:57, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 21 using 1d20+4. intelligence.
19:57, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 9 using 1d20+0. strength.
19:58, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 17 using 1d20+2. dexterity.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:35, Wed 04 July 2018.