Re: I - A Need for Answers
Mrs. Hargrave hands the paper to Flatt. Unfolding it, the photographer sees that it is a newspaper clipping, a story from the New York Pillar-Riposte.
Fifth Slaying Baffles Police
(Special) The mutilated body of Miss Jennifer Hargrave, 23, was found by police shortly before dawn in an alley off Clinton Street in the Lower East Side.
Investigating officers are withholding all details of this new outrage, and the area is completely cordoned off. The Commissioner announced that a statement would appear this afternoon. Such was the condition of the victim that police refused permission for the press to view the remains. A witness shakily told reporters that “blood ran across the sidewalk and down the gutter.”
Police believe that Miss Hargrave is the latest victim of a madman thought to have claimed four other lives in the past four weeks. At present, this paper has no information concerning the identity of this fiendish murderer, and advise readers to maintain constant vigilance.
Though they decline to state why they believe it, police have privately indicated that the Slasher, as the killer has come to be called, is a lunatic escaped from a hospital!
A check of institutions within fifty miles of New York City shows no escapes, and this newspaper’s search for answers has been widened to Upstate, New England, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, and Ohio.
”Jonas and I remain convinced that there have been more killings like Jennifer’s, and that some of those who have disappeared in the area may be victims of this person as well.” Her voice turns bitter. ”I’m not especially convinced by the theory the police have publicized either. I think that the idea of an escapee from an asylum is a convenient explanation. One that the police are making use of since they likely don’t possess any other solid information.”
”Professor,” she says, addressing Wells, ”Your talents as a researcher are widely respected. I had hoped that you might be able to examine the recent history of the Lower East Side, to see if Jonas’ and my suspicions are correct, and there are other deaths or disappearances that could also be the work of this individual.” Nodding to Flatt she adds, ”And, Mr. Flatt, I wanted the participation of a capable professional photographer like yourself to capture images of any evidence that was uncovered. To create a permanent record of all that was learned.”
“Mr. Morris and Mr. Quinn both possess reputations as seasoned investigators within their respective fields.”
She pauses, then says, ”Generous, Mr. Morris is a five hundred dollar retainer paid to each of you who choose to look into my daughter’s murder. We will, of course, also cover any expenses that you accrue in your efforts to uncover the truth. Should you locate evidence that points to the culprit behind these acts, we are prepared to pay each of you an additional twenty five hundred dollars.”
This message was last edited by the player at 20:54, Tue 26 Oct 2021.