IC: CH2 - LONDON - First Thread

[Decrepit]

Caroline can almost feel Timour's distaste for her at this moment, though she can't really imagine why. It wasn't like I was really married to his brother, she thinks. It's just an act.

Beth seemed too tense to talk to at the moment. Only Johnny seemed in control of his emotions, as nearly always. She decides just to keep to herself and go on to the hotel.

[Grafster]

Johnny looks confused for a moment, then smiles.

Yes, of course, we should ignore your brothers request. Let's get a car with a very strong engine. I am sure it will be vexatious for him to have a car like that.

[Timour Rukov]

Timour grins, "Well, I am only saying we are the ones to have the fun, eh? So let's not spoil it for ourselves. I'd like to drive a few before I decide on one...if that's alright with everyone. It's difficult to settle down. Have to check out all the options first."

He eyes Caroline carefully as he says it, and avoids her glances if she notices him watching her.

Knowing full well the tension, he figures better to talk about it and clear the air than drive through London in silence. He clears his throat then, "Elizabeth. Tell me, would you like to accompany me this evening for a drink? Or will you be tied up with that angry sop again?" He chuckles nervously for a moment under his breath before abruptly waiting for her reply.

[Raiko]

Palm Court, The Ritz Hotel - 150 Piccadilly, London
2:00pm - Wednesday 28th January, 1925

The taxi journey to The Ritz takes about twenty minutes, the route passes along Tottenham Court Road, passing by the Penhew Foundation Building, an elegant two-storey High-Victorian building, surrounded by a tall, spiked iron fence.

After crossing Oxford Street, which is teeming with shoppers, the taxi passes through the bustle of Piccadilly Circus, onto Piccadilly, and soon pulls up outside the splendid Ritz Hotel.

The Ritz Hotel - 1906

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The Ritz Hotel, viewed across Piccadilly - 1927

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As the investigators step out of the taxi, a virtual army of blue uniformed porters rush to assist with the luggage. Elizabeth manages to hire two adjacent suites, each with two bedrooms, and a sleeping area for a butler. The suites are high in the hotel, with magnificent views south over the woods of Green Park
- Buckingham Palace with its own extensive grounds is clearly visible on the opposite side of the park.


After freshening up everybody gathers back downstairs in The Ritz's famous Palm Court, where Afternoon Tea is being served. The restaurant's huge windows face South towards the park, and crystal chandeliers hang from the magnificent vaulted ceiling. There is normally a six week waiting list for Tea at the Ritz, but the concierge assures you that there is always room for occupants of the hotel's best suites.

Palm Court - The Ritz

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OOC: I've moved you to the Palm Court Restaurant, and move the clock on so that Maksim or Andrei can walk in during your conversation, should either of them join you at the Ritz.

And you can't stay at The Ritz without having tea there.

[imme]

In the taxi:

"Elizabeth. Tell me, would you like to accompany me this evening for a drink? Or will you be tied up with that angry sop again?" He chuckles nervously for a moment under his breath before abruptly waiting for her reply.

"I haven't been tied up with him for quite awhile now," she spits out. "He's been too busy hiding in his rooms." She settles back into a smoldering silence, either having forgotten Timour's question, or choosing to ignore it.
----

Tea at the Ritz:

Elizabeth returns from having freshed herself up. She has changed out of her traveling clothes, into something more appropriate for tea. Her hair and make up have been touched up, and there is a cheerful smile on her face. At the table the concierge is kind enough to find for them, she is as pleasant as ever. She politely questions Caroline and Timour about their previous trips to London, if any, and relates amusing anecdotes about her own adventures in the city.

[Decrepit]

Caroline answers Beth's questions but may seem a bit distracted. At one level, she's just morbidly concerned about the group's situation. Here we are in the heart of civilization, and we have to be worried about savage cultists attacking us. Hardly seems possible.

At another level, she's worried about how easily and thoroughly the group seems to be fraying. She glances down at her hand, noticing the ring again. It's not like we're really married, but it's funny how a piece of metal can create a sense of obligation somehow. She hopes Maks and Andrei will be all right.

[Timour Rukov]

Timour has escorted the women to their table with his head held high, offering an arm to both of them to walk through the beautiful tea room. He pulls each chair out for them, finally sinking into his own seat with a satisfied grin on his face.

"Ah....London. What a beautiful city. It's been years since I was here, personally."

Timour chit chats for a bit, but finds himself feeling quite melancholy after a spell. Perhaps it was the brave front Elizabeth seemed to be putting on. Or perhaps it was the look on Caroline's face when he noticed her staring at his mother's wedding ring.

Finally, he gives her a slight smile. "It's a beautiful ring, isn't it? Mother wore it every day." How could anyone have known Maks was the thief? When the rings went mysteriously missing before we went off to the war, we all thought it was the hired help. And now this.....

Timour gazes around the tea room for a moment, then decides to leave these thoughts for a moment by himself. No use in becoming a sap in front of the ladies.

"We've quite the adventure to undertake, don't you agree? I have a feeling we'll have much to discover here."

[Grafster]

In the Car
Johnny leans over to stare intently at the Penhew Foundation as it passes. Once it has passed from view he slides back into his seat with a slight harrumphing sound.
"A Fence..."

At the Ritz
Johnny hobbles into the tea room looking slightly flushed.

He was visible in the rooms earlier with hotel staff quiring them mercilessly on issues ranging from the frequency of window washing (when the could be expected, for how long), the existence of keys and master keys (number, possession, etc), frequency of room cleaning and identity of staff and so forth.

The famous British reserve was probably on display as the small Chinese man braced his cane against the window and leaned out as far as he could; intently inspecting the building both above and below the windows.

After that he departed immediately for a tour of "every egress in the building".

Johnny nods to Miss D and then everyone before sliding into his seat. He looks well satisfied.

The detective glances over at Timour. We have an appointment with the garage later; I believe one of their mechanics or someone similar will discuss the cars with us. They have a "Bentley Speed, ahh, Tourer Johnny flounders slightly, I've been assured it's quite fast. It won a race or something to that effect.

"We've quite the adventure to undertake, don't you agree? I have a feeling we'll have much to discover here."

That does bring up the question of what we are going to look into during our visit here. I had presumed we might enjoy more relaxation during our trip, but, in light of the recent events here perhaps should consider continuing to travel in pairs?

[Decrepit]

Finally, he gives her a slight smile. "It's a beautiful ring, isn't it? Mother wore it every day."

Caroline looks up, startled. "Wha- what? Oh, my! I- I didn't know." I guess I should have imagined something like that, but ... no wonder Timour has been on edge with me. She looks down self-consciously.

[imme]

Elizabeth is well aware of the crowded room and the constant servants passing to and fro. "Why yes, I think we must enjoy the city together. Perhaps while you gentlemen go to look at the car Caroline and I can go to the Penhew Foundation? I remember that one of my favorite professors at Barnard dearly loved the place. He said they had an excellent collection, and somehow I've never managed to make it there on any of my previous trips. A pleasant afternoon activity, don't you think?"

[Grafster]

Johnny, a touch edgy, nods. His voice is pitched low.

"Naturally, since the demise of its founder it might be interesting to see how things are developing in his absence. Certainly, since the man perished in that terrible accident it's unlikely that he's still lurking about.

And of course, it has a very nice address. I'm sure there wouldn't be anyone to be worried about. It certainly couldn't be a haven for,".... Johnny pauses as a waiter passes the table... "some sort of international criminal gang."
The last three words are more whispered than spoken.

"Nevertheless, I'm sure you'll take any necessary caution to prevent drawing unnecessary attention to yourselves. And as Mr. Gavigan may have had communication with Jackson in the past I'm sure he'll be curious to have heard about the unfortunate events in New York. You might want to spare him any, ah, unnecessary details of course.
The English sensibilities are quite delicate, I've heard."

"Timour and I will make sure a vehicle is ready when you return."

[Decrepit]

"Beth and I probably should go to the foundation," Caroline says. "I think we can be discreet enough, and probably more so if we don't all go in a troupe."

[Timour Rukov]

Finally, he gives her a slight smile. "It's a beautiful ring, isn't it? Mother wore it every day."

Caroline looks up, startled. "Wha- what? Oh, my! I- I didn't know." I guess I should have imagined something like that, but ... no wonder Timour has been on edge with me. She looks down self-consciously.

Timour pats Caroline's hand as he speaks, but you can tell it's a subject he wished he hadn't brought up. "Just take good care of it, will you? It's been missing for some time now." He gives her a half hearted smile and looks away.

The detective glances over at Timour. We have an appointment with the garage later; I believe one of their mechanics or someone similar will discuss the cars with us. They have a "Bentley Speed, ahh, Tourer.Johnny flounders slightly, I've been assured it's quite fast. It won a race or something to that effect.

"Ah yes, a fast one eh? Maks will be tickled I suppose." Timour sits back in his chair and strokes an absent minded hand along his moustache. "Yes, I suppose that would be best."

He looks over at Beth and Caroline as they speak about the foundation, and Johnny's warning rings in his ears. His eyes lingered over Elizabeth's face, seemingly enraptured with every detail for a moment. He thoughtfully sips his tea, then sets it on the saucer with a clatter. He looks around nervously, then leans in. "I'd really prefer to be going to the Foundation if there's any hint of trouble possible there. What if the ladies get into hot water? And we're off at the garage, distracted by large engines and greasy tradesmen? No, we'll have to swing by there before we return to the hotel, just in case. Unless Caroline's interested in car shopping with you, Johnny?" He winks at Caroline and grins.

[Grafster]

In my experience less can sometimes be more more. Two young ladies with a casual interest in the Foundation's work don't raise the sort of attention that three, or even four people would.

Johnny begins to roll a cigarette. "And there is something else to consider as well. This Gavigan is probably the bookish sort. Afraid of his own shadow," he glances over at Timour, "Probably not comfortable around, well... men of strong character. He'd probably be so flustered at the sight of you that he'll go running to hide behind the lace curtains in his office." Johnny swallows for a minute, but forges on. "I think Miss Downings original proposal is the most likely to bear fruit."

[Timour Rukov]

"Ah, yes, the meek sort eh?" Timour laughs, as he picks up a pastry and bites into it.

"Really what I meant was to drive around the back and scope it out. Make sure there's no strange characters lurking about, running for their lives." He pauses to take another bite, "You know, just in case." Timour adds.

[imme]

"Timour, I do appreciate your concern, but it is the middle of the day and we'll only be two young women visiting a respectable foundation. Trust me, if I believed there to be any significant danger, I would be the last to want to go. You and Johnny do whatever you wish, but Caroline and I will travel there alone." Elizabeth smiles at Caroline. "It will be our own little harmless adventure."

[Grafster]

Yes, quite. I am, and I am sure we all are, quite comfortable and confident that Miss Downing and Dr. Ward due to the great care and discretion they routinely exercise, and will be quite safe during their short and casual visit to the Foundation." Johnny's voice is studiedly neutral, almost placid.

Johnny notes he seems to have squeezed his cigarette a bit too hard and forcing tobacco leaves out of the ends. He begins to roll another with measured, careful movements.

And there are a great deal of other things we could follow up. I believe there was discussion of checking up on Mr. Moore, or visiting the offices of the Scoop or even speaking with Inspector Barrington.

Plus there is the matter of, loading all of those heavy bags into the car.

[Decrepit]

"Oh, yes, I'd almost forgotten Mr. Moore," Caroline exclaims. "Someone should see about him. Oh, but didn't Andrei mention that he was going to check up on him?" Still, Andrei had been proving rather ... unreliable. A frown crosses her face momentarily.

[Raiko]

The Ritz - Piccadilly, London
3:30pm - Wednesday 28th January, 1925

Elizabeth and Caroline leave for the Penhew Foundation after everyone has finished their tea, Johnny and Timour wait around for another twenty minutes for the Bentley to be delivered.

The rental for the powerful car is £5 per day, rather expensive, but little to someone of Elizabeth's means.

Maksim still hasn't arrived, so unfortunately the task of testing out the race car will fall on them.

******************

Click here to read about Elizabeth and Caroline's visit to the Penhew Foundation.

[Grafster]

Johnny leans against the wall of the garage while they wait for the Bently to be brought around. Massaging his leg with one hand and smoking enthusiastically.

He glances around, seeing that no one is within earshot he takes his chance to speak with Timour.

"I'd been meaning to mention something. The ah...." Johnny inclines his head at the heavy set of bags resting on the ground nearby, " ... is quite useful. But it's not so easy to carry around. Maybe we should consider picking up something that's a bit more.... concealable. You mentioned something back at Andrei's apartment about grenades." Johnny whispers the last word.

"I don't think I took your comment seriously at the time. There have been times recently when I wish I had. I think we may need to be more prepared than we have been in the future for unforeseen events."