Play@YSDC

Ah oh to be in Providence in September in Providence ah the blissful Autumnal mornings that gradually give way to colder, days before the onset of the Winter snows. For most people Monday 11th October 1926 was an uneventful, if slightly overcast day. The trees were typically resplendent in their autumn colouring caused as changes in tree leaves are triggered by the cooler temperatures, changes in rainfall and weather, and most of all, the shortening of daylight hours. As people file quickly through the Van Wickle gates on their way to lectures or other appointments.

Van Wickel Gates,http://s255.beta.photobucket.com/user/Cearlan/media/Spawn%20of%20Azathoth/vanwicklegates_zps39f088f1.png.html

It was a normal day, typical of any given Monday; but for David Johnson, PhD - Professor of Archaeology at Brown University it marked the return of his close friend, Martin Sorrell, the epigrapher who had worked with him on several previous digs. He had been on a four month field trip to British Honduras where he had apparently uncovered a Mayan complex. Sorrell has plans to return later in the year, but needs to gather funding, surely a mere formality considering the initial finds that were apparently uncovered. Tomorrow Sorrell will be attending the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology at 2:00 PM sharp, as he always is, to give his initial findings and report to Otis Randall, the dean along with the other deans such as Kenneth Mason, Dean of Freshen; and the increasingly ill Karl Barus and other interested professors. David had no lectures today and despite being anxious to see his friend, he knew Martin would not be available until tomorrow at the earliest, so he reluctantly decided to catch up on the mountain of paperwork in his office. As he approached the gates he noticed a fairly large man with greasy hair approach the gates at the same time. He had seen him a few times before and presumed he worked on campus somewhere.

For Mark Davison, it was another chapter in the endless stream of trying to better himself only to be hauled back in by the police for another robbery he had not committed. He knew he had not committed this latest one as he was in fact out of town committing a different crime - helping running booze across from the Caribbean, but obviously he was not going to own up to that thanks to Volstead. Fortunately he had a benefactor that stood bail for him. That Philip Baxter kept faith with him and was prepared to stand by him, that he could see something in Mark was sometimes a bit unsettling, but it helped to stoke his desires to study harder, at least for a while. When he stood bail for him last Friday, he had promised that he would redouble his efforts at studying history ... something he found all too easy to do as he loved it. As he approached the gates he saw one of them snotty nosed professor types looking down his nose at him ... not like Prof Baxter at all. He sped up to get through the gate ahead of him as he headed towards the library.

Merideth Jones, the Welsh imigrant working at Brown University in the Ancient History department, having attained his PhD at the prestigious Cambridge University, with even two or three items he found on digs in the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology's second floor Maudslay Gallery. swaggered onto the campus in his tweed jacket and immaculate bow tie. Like David Johnson, he knew Martin Sorrell, more by reputation than socially, though they had met several times. He always found Sorrell to be both knowledgeable and sociable. He too knows that Sorrell will be on-campus next Monday to give his initial findings and report. But for today, he had a lecture to give on one of his favourite peoples - the Phoenicians and their trading routes.

Joseph Huckleberry was dropped off by the gates and waited until the rush died down a bit before going through himself. The medical library he was researching in this morning was going to be quiet so he still had a little time to get to there in time. His immaculately parted hair was uncovered as the air was still not cold enough to require wrapping up. He looked up and saw that his fathers friend, Philip Baxter was going through the gates just ahead of him. Joseph shared a few cordial words with Baxter before he excused himself due to having to attend a meeting with the dean of his faculty. They parted with a promise to arrange dinner soon and they went their separate ways.

Professor Meredith David Arthur Jones Phd lecturer in Ancient History arms filled with various copies of learned manuscripts in readiness for his forthcoming lecture, stumbles almost dropping his precious load. Looking down he can see that the lace on his left boot had sucumbed to age and wear, its frayed remains becoming a danger to his existence.
"Damn and blood" he half mumbled to himself, eyes flicking left and right for a convenient place to rest the books and effect repairs.

After the lecture, as Merideth David Arthur Jones PhD is collecting his notes together he sees an older man approaching him from the back of the lecture hall, He had seen him enter the hall about two thirds of the way through and sit quietly in the shadows at the back. But you were in mid flow and the lecture was going well with more interaction from the students than normal.

"Professor Jones is it? I am Professor Baxter from the Archaeology department." He smiles and extends his hand;



"That was a very good lecture by the way, you obviously know a lot, and care a lot about the subject if I am not mistaken. What is more you had the attention and enthusiasm of the students ... that most elusive of mixtures that even the best of us fail to grasp more often than not eh? With this in mind I'd like to invite you to dinner on Wednesday night if you are free. 711 Houster Street, at say seven o'clock? We can talk about young Sorrell's return, I have a feeling you may be an interested party.


Having just finished his research at the University Library, Joseph Huckleberry started to head for the exit when he heard someone call his voice. Turning he saw Philip Baxter striding towards him purposefully. Joseph, you know we agreed to arrange dinner sometime soon, how about Wednesday night if you are free? 211 Houster Street. I am having some fine minds for dinner and wondered if you could attend. We are to discuss the return of one of our young epigraphers from British Honduras


Sitting in the library, Mark Davison is deep in his reading about the wars between Britain and Spain for control of the Yucatan Peninsula when he is suddenly aware that his friend, Professor Baxter is sitting opposite him smiling. "Ah Mark, it gladdens my heart to see you pursuing your muse. May I?" he asks holding out his hand. When you hand him the book, he snorts and twists his face slightly. "Pretentious nonsense and self aggrandisement for the whole but some of his conclusions are sound enough, if not the way he reached them. Sadly one of our former students, though he took the path of fame and fortune over fact. How are you finding it?" he asks as he hands the book back to you, an erstwhile look on his face. "I would like to invite you for dinner at my house on Wednesday night at 7 o'clock if you are not busy. 711 Houster Street. One of our young men has just returned from British Honduras and I think that you might be interested in the discussion that me and a few colleagues will have after dinner.


A knock at his door brought Dr David Johnson back from his reverie. He had a difficult choice to make, one of his students was really struggling with the material, but refused all efforts of assistance - how could he draw the young man's undoubted intellect out. For the last twenty minutes he had been gazing out of his window across the campus square and when he had heard the knock, he saw, with a start, his mentor and friend Philip Baxter standing in the doorway. "Hello there David, you were in a world of your own there." he chortles to himself. "I would like you to come to my house on Wednesday night to discuss young Sorrell's return, 711 Houster Street, but you know this already. We want to discuss young Sorrell's return today"

"It's good to see you, Philip," says David, coming to his senses and rising to his feet. "I'd be delighted to come. I'm definitely looking forward to Sorrell's return. I can't wait to hear about his discoveries!"

Thank you Professor Baxter, It will be my pleasure to dine with you and your colleagues. I will arrive at time.
Thought, he is not an Archaeologist, Joseph wonders why he was summoned to this meeting, perhaps his medicine skills are needed to identify mummies ??
that would be great ...
Jospeh thinks to himself as he walks back home with a bundle of new reading books under his arm.

Meredith quickly scoops his notes into a pile and secures them, just, beneath his left arm. He extends his right hand in a warm grasp to Professor Baxter,

"Why thank you, I shall be pleased to attend"

"Well I'm not one to turn down a free meal. Lets just hope I can follow the conversation." Mark says releasing a short laugh, in truth he was a bit worried, he didn't really think he'd fit in with the Professors friends.

At the appointed hour the guests start to arrive at his house, 711 Houster Street, a well appointed three bedroom clapboard style house painted in a light blue colour. As you knock on the door you are greeted by a short plump woman of obvious Italian descent aged about her mid fifties, but she carries the air about her of someone who could in truth be anywhere between forty and seventy.



"Please to come in. Mr. Philip is in the library if you would follow me kindly" Her accent is soothing as she takes your coat and hat (if worn) and hangs it up under the stairs before she leads you through to the study where you host for the evening stands in front of the fire. Baxter’s large study has a wall of shelves containing numerous books. Many of which have paper slips acting as place-markers. the room is dominated by a huge desk and several comfortable chairs scattered around the room. A fire burns in the grate and the smell of apple-wood permeates the air giving the room a cosy and comfortable air.

Philip Baxter offers you a drink whilst his housekeeper excuses herself to carry on with the preparation of the meal, muttering to herself in Italian as she departs.

OOC,I'll assume everyone is present rather than roleplay greetings and so forth.

Once everyone has arrived, Professor Baxter makes introductions to one another, and ushers everyone into the dining room. Throughout the meal small talk about your lives and what you do seems to be the order of the day.

Philip says "Mark here is a bit of a dark horse at History Meredith, though his interests seem to be a bit more modern than yours. You See Mark, Meredith here is an expert in Ancient History, concentrating mainly on ... where was it again Meredith?"

"Joseph, David here is in the same field as myself, and I believe one of your patients, though probably one you have never seen as he is a lot fitter," he adds with a laugh "than I was at his age."

Baxter is an excellent host, ensuring that everyone is involved in good conversation with each other. The meal is classic Italian, a starter of Bruschetta followed by Baked Ziti and Tiramisu, all very generous portions and cooked and prepared to perfection.

After the meal you are ushered through to the study once more where glasses are recharged and you all take seats around the fire finishing off the small talk from the table.

Baxter stands up and taps his glass with his letter opener.

"Gentlemen, I called you here to discuss the return of young Sorrell from British Honduras. He had unearthed a Mayan complex according to the reports he sent back periodically, and by all accounts this could turn out to be a major find. Some of you may know that Sorrell was on the ill fated Bowery expedition almost nine years ago now. Weren't you on that dig David, the one near Kate's Lagoon? Damned drug lords and their infernal meddling."

"Back to the present though. Sorrell arrived back at Brown University early, Saturday I believe, and met with the Dean. Now I met with the dean on Monday morning who informed me that Sorrell is missing. Or rather he is not, and there lies the problem. Please allow me to explain."

“For the last three years, Sorrell has directed successive excavations in northern British Honduras. Twelve days ago, the University received a telegram from Sorrell informing us that he was returning to British Honduras to take care of some personal business. He had been researching a new book about the emergence of Mayan civilization. A week ago, he made a startling call to the University. He said he’d made an incredible discovery that verified all of the research for his new book. We got another telegram five days ago telling me that he was coming home. On his way from the ship, Martin was hit by a car. He did not die immediately, though at the hospital, the medical staff made a startling and puzzling discovery."

“You see, the blood coming out of his body was not Martin Sorrell's. The blood type matched, but there was a problem in the serum. He had caught malaria while in the field a few years back. Malaria is a chronic disease. You never quite shake it off. This information showed up in his records, but no trace of malaria or malarial antibodies existed in his blood. Two hours after the accident, the man carrying Martin Sorrell's passport died and was promptly cremated, apparently because of a clerical error. By the time I had been informed, it was too late to verify anything. But either Martin Sorrell had found a cure for malaria in the swamps of Belize, or the man who died was not Martin Sorrell!"

“Interestingly enough, that same night the police were dispatched to Sorrell's home here in Providence. A neighbour had reported a prowler moving about inside. The police found no prowler and no signs of a break-in, yet the house was a mess, as if someone had ransacked it. Coincidence? Unlikely. So, where is Martin Sorrell? Who is the mysterious stranger who died in his place? What was the incredible discovery that so excited him? Did his discovery have something to do with his disappearance? Finally, what were parties unknown looking for in his house that night? These are the questions I want you to answer."

“The dean and I want want to know what happened to Martin and, if there was foul play, I want the perpetrators brought to justice. You have full autonomy in this investigation. I have no wish to interfere with your methods. I expect periodic verbal or written reports. If you need something, contact me or the Dean if I am not available. Good luck, all of you, and good hunting.” Baxter asks for questions.

"That is disturbing news," says David, concerned deeply for his friend and colleague. "Martin and I have been through a lot together. But I have a feeling that he is still alive. If the dead man did not have antibodies for malaria, it couldn't have been him. Even if he found a cure for it, he should still have the antibodies in his system." He turns to Joseph Huckleberry. "You're a medical student, and you know more about that field than I do. Would you agree?"

"Umm, interesting". Meredith produces his much used, and loved, pipe, waves it at Professor Baxter, "Do you mind?", he asks as he begins to fill it with a dark mixture of tobacco.
"if you don't mind me asking, why us?"

"Please Meredith - continue." Baxter says gravely before adding, "As to why you as individuals that is easy." Baxter pauses as though in thought.

"David is a Archaeologist specialising in the Mayans and there are few who know more in that very obscure field - other than maybe Sorrell himself. Joseph, as you have already quite rightly pointed out is a masters medical student and as this situation could require you calling on his ... ah, specialities shall I say, especially if the drug pedlars are still involved. My friend Mark here has a fine enquiring mind with a particular historical bent and I think an investigation like this could also make use of his rather unique skills. Finally there is you Meredith. The precise analytical mind, the intuitive grasp of facts and being able to correlate them whilst not being tied down to this region," looking over at David he continues "Sorry David, no slight intended but the dean felt a slightly different approach coupled with yours may be advantageous for a speedy resolution. I will add that one of my students will be going along with you, Not sure if you know Sarah Hawkins David, but I can highly recommend her. The dean has also 'persuaded' an epigrapher to join with you - a certain Emanuel Goldberg who some of you may have heard of. Of course the notion that we employ outsiders to look into this could only bring bad publicity on the University, and so between the dean and I, we came up with you four as the best possible choices.

"I honestly don't know how much help I'd be, but I'm glad to try." Joseph says aloud, hoping that one of these braniacs would know where to start.

"Bravo - spoken just like your father Joseph. You know that you remind me of him like he was when I first met him" Baxter retorts with a wide grin on his face

Having successfuly packed his pipe Meredith looks around in search of a light, "So, gentlemen what is our first move" He had a feeling he might enjoy this little escapade.

"Thank you, Philip," says David. "I for one welcome all the help we can get. I think our first order of business should be to go to the hospital and speak to the medical staff who treated the man with Martin's passport. Do you know their names? Were any photographs taken of him, before or after he died? We could see how much he looked like Martin. Failing that, we'd have to get a description from the medical staff."

Sarah Hawkins worked late as a typist to make ends meet, so she had regretfully declined the invitation to dinner. He was insistent she join the others for a discussion when she arrived, however. He had told her about young Mr Sorrell, and told her he was recommending her to be his eyes and ears on the investigation. It was perhaps later than was appropriate for a young lady to be paying calls, but her relationship with Professor Baxter was widely known and unlikely to cause scandal. She knocked on the door, with some mild apprehension about the reception from the housekeeper.

The door is opened by Baxter's housekeeper



"Si?" asks the robust woman as she opens the door to the young lady ... "Ah you must be the Miss Hawkins Yes? let me take your coat and show you through to the study where the men are meeting. Mr Philip told me you were coming here after the dinner - would you like some food? There is plenty left if you do." She hangs up your coat under the stairs. If you want some food she will take you through the back and give you Bruschetta followed by Baked Ziti and Tiramisu. She then shows you through to the study where the four men and Professor Baxter look towards you as you are shown in by Mrs Vincenzo



Philip Baxter




Joseph Huckleberry




Meredith Jones




David Johnson




Sarah Hawkins

While Sarah was indeed hungry, she did not want to go into the back and eat alone while the menfolk discussed interesting and serious matters in the study. "Thank you, but no, I had something before," she said to the housekeeper, smiling. As she is led into the study, she cutseyed to the Professor and the other guests. "A pleasure to meet you all." If offered a seat, she demurs, saying "I have been sitting down all day reading and typing, I feel I need to spend some time standing." She stands in a discreet part of the room near the Professor where she can view each participant clearly. Remembering what Goethe wrote about the spiritual gestures of the fourth post-Atlantean age, she puts her physical hands behind her back and imagines her etheric hands crossing in the front, an gesture of reverence for those present.

"Ah Gentlemen, I have the distinct pleasure of introducing Miss Sarah Hawkins." Professor Baxter indicates each gentleman as he introduces them, "Professor Meredith Jones, from our august Ancient History Department, Soon to be Doctor Joseph Huckleberry, Mark Davison, a freelance history student and Professor David Johnson from our very own archaeology department. Please Miss Hawkins, or would you prefer Sarah? please do take a seat, it would never do to have a lady stand when we are all seated."

OOC,[color=#FF4000]If Sarah still does not want to sit down then he will not pursue the matter further.[/color]

Sarah thought to be coy for a moment, as was her usual way of dealing with the Professor. But suddenly the thought of her standing while the men sat and conversed reminded her of a house slave standing to attention. She pushed such thoughts away, and took her seat. She smiled and nodded at Mr Huckleberry and Mr Davison in turn, and then smiled at the two professors.

"Professor Jones, I read some of your works on the pre-Roman Celtic civilization. It is very interesting. I have some interest in the Druidic tradition of that era, before the Judaic religions invaded Europe.

"And Professor Jones, I have read your papers as well. You can count me as a believer in pre-Columbian Phoenician contact in the Americas. It seems to me unlikely that the Mayan Indians could have developed civilization on their own."

Meredith smiles at the praise of the young lady. "Such beauty", he though, "And an intelligent mind it seems". He rose from his seat, in a gentlemanly fashion,

"Really, Miss Hawkins, or may I call you Sarah? It would appear that our mission has more to do with the ancients of the Americas than those of Europe. Still the chance to spend a few moments in discussion of the religious patterns of Pre-Romaic Europe will be most welcome"

He smiles and resumes his seat hoping that the heavy aroma of his rough cut dark shag tobacco does not offend the young ladies sensibilities.

"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Hawkins," says David with a smile. "While I have long believed that there was contact between the Phoenicians and the Olmecs, the ancient precursors to the Maya, and there is no doubt in my mind that there was some Phoenician influence, make no mistake: the Maya had a distinct civilization all their own. They were not primitive by any means, but were brilliant astronomers and mathematicians. They also had a zero in their numbering system, something that the Romans, for all their advances, never did. Martin knows more about Mayan origins than I do, I've focused more on the mystery of their civilization's end. I've often referred to the two of us as bookends for that reason."

Being quite until now, Joseph smiles to the nice lady that came in but then turns to the others.
It would be interesting to look at the blood again, as long they kept it, maybe there was a mistake in the laboratory. Surely it cannot be that someone who had Malaria will have no trace of the disease in his blood and Martin is not a doctor of medicine that can invent such a cure without the aware of the community.
Joseph says as he takes a sip from his cup of tea
I agree, we should visit the hospital.

OOC,[color=#FF4000]The Providence Medical Hospital is about five miles South of Philip Baxters house, very close to the house of young Joseph Huckleberry and the Butler Hospital about a mile and a half East of the Baxter house. However the former is where Martin Sorrell's body would have been taken as Butler is more like one of these new fangled Psychiatric hospitals as opposed to the Dexter Asylum.[/color] [img]http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh150/Cearlan/Spawn%20of%20Azathoth/ProvidenceRhodeIsland_zpsc02c4a67.png[/img]

Baxter draws himself up to his full height. "It may be helpful if Miss Baxter were brought up to speed with what we know so far."

"Twelve days ago, the dean received a telegram from Sorrell informing him that he was returning to Belize to take care of some personal business. He had been researching a new book about the emergence of Mayan civilization. A week ago, he made a startling call to the University. The telegram said he’d made a discovery that totally vindicated all of the research for his new book. We got another telegram five days ago telling us that he was coming home."

"Martin Sorrell returned from British Honduras early and met with the dean sometime on Saturday, in the afternoon I would guess. Between then and Monday Morning, when I was summoned to the dean's offices Sorrell's car was hit by another vehicle and despite the best efforts of the staff at Providence Medical Hospital, he died some time later. Now on a previous expedition Sorrell had contracted malaria, a time I both remember and it was shown up in his records. Yet the blood of this person had none of the antibodies of a past malaria victim, though the blood type was a match."

"Now that night, the police were dispatched to Sorrell's home here in Providence. A neighbour having reported a prowler moving about inside. The police found neither a prowler nor any signs of a break-in, yet the house looked as though it had been ransacked. I for one do not believe in such a thing as a coincidence. So, where is Martin Sorrell? What was the incredible discovery that so excited him? Did his discovery have something to do with his disappearance? Who is the mysterious stranger who died in his place?"

"Finally, what were parties unknown looking for in his house that night? These are the questions I want you to answer. The dean and I want want to know what happened to Martin and, if there was foul play. Personally, I want the perpetrators brought to justice. You have full autonomy in this investigation. The dean and I have no wish to interfere with your methods. I expect periodic verbal or written reports."

"So it looks as though the hospital is your first point of call as the dean predicted. The administrator, Calvin Hewitt will be expecting you at nine o'clock sharp tomorrow morning. he is a stickler for punctuality so please do not be late. Are there any other potential sources you have from what we know?"

"After the hospital, we should search Martin's house thoroughly," suggests David. "Whoever ransacked it may not have found what they were looking for and might have had to flee from the police before having a chance to search properly. There could be something important still there."

"Hmmm", muses Meredith as he puffs agitatedly on his pipe, which had obviously gone out, "Perhaps it might be an idea to speak to the police about the accident. You know get all the details we can."He starts the search of pockets for matches, "Awr lle wnes i roi rhai gemau?" ("Now where did I put those matches?", I hope!)

Professor
Joseph turns to Baxter
Where is Martin's book? Did he gave the dean a copy of his writings?
Anyone knows where was his camp in British Honduras?
What about a family in the town or he was all alone in here?

Baxter rubs his chin thoughtfully. "Good questions Joseph. The dean did not mention that he gave him his book, and I would have thought Sorrell would need his notes to prepare for his meeting next week. As far as I know, the camp was beside a place called Kate's Lagoon, where the camp was in 1917, isn't that right David? He had no family in Providence, or even alive according to the University records. I believe that his next of kin is cited as being some auntie and a pair of nieces living just outside Marseilles, somewhere in the South of France." Baxter looks puzzled.

"It would be strange if the dean withheld something from me seeing as I am acting as his intermediary."

"Yes, that's right," says David, nodding. "I was at Kate's Lagoon with Martin and know the area. We were lucky to get out of there in one piece."

"Yes," Baxter says somewhat regrettably, "A lot of good men were lost, or their reputations scattered to the four winds in the aftermath of that fateful dig." He hangs his head in remembrance of old colleagues for a few moments. "Whilst I am not privy to the exact details of the expedition, such as the location of Sorrell's dig site, I have been led to believe that it is in the same general area. I would imagine that this information would be in his notes, so they need to be located as well."

Frowning gravely, the ageing professor continues, "If you choose to accept this task, you need to be aware that there may well be some danger to yourselves and others in your party, though the job should not take more than two or three weeks of your time. Now this being the case, the dean has authorised me to offer to reimburse reasonable receipted expenses as well as a payment of two hundred and fifty dollars up front and a further five hundred upon completion of the job."

Baxter seems to brighten a little after his recent display of sadness over the previous expedition to Kate's Lagoon. "All receipts are to come through me please. Any equipment you need may possibly be furnished by the University, though we will not and cannot assist you in the procurement of firearms or their licences."

Philip Baxter moves over to sit behind his large desk and asks "Well gentlemen and lady" nodding to Sarah apologetically, his face creased with a slight wry smile over his oversight. "Are you prepared to accept these terms or not? If so I have a short contract and receipt for you to sign as well as your payment of $250:00"

Sarah was interested in the case, and knew she needed the money to get by, so she nodded enthusiastically. I do declare I feel like a lady detective on the cusp of a mystery. I will do whatever is in my power to help these esteemed gentlemen get to the bottom of whatever befell poor Mr Sorell. Indeed, he may still be alive if his identity was stolen by some kind of brilliant impersonator, as unlikely as that sounds. Perhaps it would be wise to speak again to the dean? It is often important to get every detail, seemingly inconsequential or not, and perhaps Mr Sorell may have said something in passing that may provide us with a clue. In any case, we need to ascertain the location of his notes. Are we able to search his residence, legally speaking?

Meredith nods slowly,

"Well there is little doubt that the money would come in very handy. It would help fund a trip to look at a recently discovered site in Mesopotamia". Looking around at the others, in particular David Johnson he asks, "You seem to have an idea of what we might be up against, any advice boyo?"

Joseph nods in agreement.
Yes, Professor Baxter. My father will be happy to hear that I assist you and I can leave the clinic for the other assistants in the weeks to come and supervise from a far or attend in emergency cases.
In addition...
He turns to the others
We can use my father's clinic in case of medical need or sampling blood for example.

"Of course I'll do the job," says David. "I owe it to Martin to find out what happened." He nods to Meredith. "Nine years ago, Martin and I ran afoul of some drug smugglers at Kate's Lagoon. It's possible that they were still after him after all this time and took action when he returned to the area, but that's just speculation. We need evidence."

Meredith relights his pipe,

"So whereabouts in British Honduras is this 'lagoon'?", turning to Dr Baxter he asks, "Do you by chance have an atlas?"

Baxter just looks at Meredith with a raised eyebrow, a hint of amusement on his face. "Of course I have an atlas dear boy Please everyone, come over to the desk." Once everyone is seated around the desk he opens a massive atlas to the page showing British Honduras, the place being kept by an envelope which he places by the side of the massive book.

OOC,I have cut the map down to show the relevant bit of the country - the South does not feature but if anyone wants to view the full map then here is the link; [url]http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/photolib/maps/Map%20of%20British%20Honduras%201922.htm[/url] Note it does not have the annotation for Kate's Lagoon on it, but you can get it's location on Google Maps.

"This is the latest edition, of course, but the map is only dated 1922 I'm afraid, and it does not show the lagoon itself ... I have had to indicate in red pen roughly where it lies from what we have been able to piece together from the Ill fated Bowery Dig. Does that look about right David?"

David,[color=#FF4000]Your memories of the location have always been a bit vague but this ties in with as much as you remember ... plus it was nine years ago now.[/color]

Baxter traces the road from Belize City to Orange Walk Town. "Leaving Belize City the Northern Highway branches in two, with the new highway going more or less straight North West whilst the Old Highway goes North then West. Just before the two roads meet up again lie two relatively small lagoons. The larger, Kate's Lagoon is the Eastern one. About half a mile at it's widest and from North East to South West it measures just under a mile. It has a small island on the South Eastern shore. The Bowery site lies somewhere to the South West of this lake, and it is suspected that this is where Sorrell continued to work for some reason, either with or without the co-operation of the drug bandits. Baxter lifts the envelope and slowly opens it before handing the contents round as he says;

"Which brings me on to this. Here is a photograph of Sorrell taken in Belize two years ago, and the only surviving photograph we have of the Bowery dig; A recent photograph of the Old Northern Highway, taken two years ago I believe, as you can see, not the best road we have encountered. Also," Baxter pauses as he slides open a drawer and removes a small bunch of keys, "here are the keys to Sorrel's apartment in town, there is an address tag on the keyring which may be useful. I would caution however that it is against the law to enter a building that is a crime scene under investigation."

Martin Sorrell - 1924


The Bowery Dig


The Old Northern Highway


Sorrell's Spare Keys


"Right Lady and Gentlemen, if you could please sign the contracts and usual waivers and reiepts for me then I can release the monies to you. Then you are free to act as you will, but bear in mind the good name of the University could ride on your actions, so I would stress the need for caution where possible." Baxter made sure that he emphasised the 'Lady' after embarrassing himself earlier by forgetting her presence

Meredith, pipe clenched between his teeth so as to free up his hands, pats his jacket pockets and produces a pen with which he signs the various papers,
"So, where first?"

Sarah Hawkins also signed the papers. "Perhaps we would be best served by making the most efficient use of our time by splitting the investigation of the hospital and Mr Sorrell's residence into two groups. Perhaps the police have concluded their investigation of the apartment, as no suspects have been located and there were no signs of theft. We can always formulate some kind of reason for entering the apartment if we are challenged. Perhaps to retrieve a book on loan from the university library we believe to have been in Mr Sorrell's possession?"

"Yes, it was somewhere around there," says David to Philip. "It's been a while, but that looks about right." He nods at Sarah's suggestion. "A sound idea, Miss Hawkins. I'd like to be part of the group that goes to the hospital, as I knew Martin personally. I'll bring that photograph of Martin so I can show it to the staff to see if the man they treated looked like him." He proceeds to skim and then sign the documents.

Once everyone has signed up and their envelopes containing twenty-five crisp new ten dollar bills Baxter reiterates "I must be kept informed, verbally at the very least, on a daily basis. From what I see you can go to the Hospital, which I have already arranged for you, go to the Police ... which reminds me ... have you seen the press report of the so-called accident? Excuse me a moment." Baxter rises and leaves the room, only to return a minute or two later with the daily newspaper. Folding it over to the relevant page he hands it over to whoever is nearest the door.

"It says very little that we don't already know other than the name of the detective running the case, a very proficient and dogged man by all accounts."



"As I was saying ... as far as I can see you options are the hospital, the police, Sorrell's house and possibly checking out any other contacts you may have."

Meredith nods and smiles,

"Well as creeping around a house is a little out of my league, I'll go and talk to this Lt O'Grady. If no one objects?"

"That sounds like an excellent idea," says David. "Perhaps he could give permission to enter Martin's house, or at least let you know how long it will be before it will be okay to enter."

David, I will join you to the hospital as I wish to go over the records of Sorrel's Hospitalization before he passed away.
Joseph, the medicine student say after he signed the contract.

Meredith relights his pipe as it seems to have gone out again, coughs and says,

"I think it a bit late to be calling on the good Lieutenant so it will be first thing in the morning",

"Thank you, Joseph," says David. "I'm sure your medical knowledge will be of help there."

I will be happy to Join the visit to Sorrell's House if you plan going there in the evening.
Joseph says to Sarah.
After all, several eyes, looking for some clues are needed.

Baxter sits down in the chair behind his desk and steeples his fingers as he says; "Do you have any more questions that I can help you with? I only ask as it has just gone ten, and I have an early start in the morning, and whilst I do not wish to appear to be a bad host, an old man like me needs his sleep. If you can wait a moment I can hastily write a letter of authorisation for the Hospital " Baxter opens a drawer and removes some writing materials before penning a brief letter of introduction and authorisation for the administrator at Providence Medical Hospital.

Once complete he hands it to Joseph, "I believe you said you were going there, this should smooth the way through the bureaucracy a little."

"I'll go to the house after the hospital as well," says David. "As Martin's friend and colleague, it would be plausible that I would be along to retrieve any books he had out on loan. As someone knowledgeable about the subject matter he was researching, I'll also know what to look for there."

Meredith nods,

"It might be a good move to meet at the house. It will give me a chance to talk to the Lieutenant and see what thy know and if they are keeping an eye on the place".

Baxter looks thoughtful. "If you are planning on going round there after speaking to Lt. O'Grady, may I suggest that the meeting may not go well - I know he has a reputation as being very dogged and ... ah, shall I say almost belligerent where jurisdiction of his cases becomes involved. This being the case it may be better if the house is visited separate from the visit to O'Grady, just in case it doesn't go well down at the station."

"You know the man better than I do," says David. "That sounds like good advice to me."

"I have never even seen him before!" says Baxter, slightly put out by the insinuation that he has had dealings with the police, "... but his reputation precedes him. It is said that when a District Attorney gets a case handled by him, then there is a far greater chance of successful conviction than other cases."

"My apologies," says David. "I had assumed he had already spoken to you about Martin. In any event, Lt. O'Grady is clearly not a man with whom to trifle."

"Interesting", says Meredith. "If this O'Grady is such a fire breather, would someone care to accompany me to see him? Someone better versed in the skills of investigation than I"

1d100 → [2] = (2) Idea 65%

1d100 → [95] = (95) Idea: 65

Yeah, she got nothin'.

Meredith rubs his chin in a thouthfull maner,
"On second thoughts, it might be more sensible to check out the house before talking to O'Grady", he sucks deeply on his pipe, even though it had, once again,gone out. "Mae Rhufeinig rhybuddio o Rufeiniad peryglus, as the Ordovice peoples may have wisely said, roughly an alerted Roman is a dangerous Roman, if you get my meaning?"

"My thoughts exactly," he says. "Best not to even let him know we're interested in the house or draw attention to ourselves until we've already been through it."

Sarah thought for a moment. "What's to stop us going there now?"

"An excellent thought," says David. "The darkness will aid us. We should all go together, before we speak to the lieutenant or visit the hospital. We can't do much else until the morning anyway. If the police do stop us, we can use that story about needing to retrieve some library books Martin had borrowed. I'm his colleague, so it would be believable."

Mark thinks to himself "Right then ... at last something I can have some input into. Going tonight is a good plan, but having all these respectable types would only slow him down and increase his chances of getting caught. How can I get them to do as I say?" Out loud he says as he brushes his fingers through his greasy hair, a habit he picked up as a child when he was nervous.

"Right let's go then ... but this is an area where I know a little so I expect you's all to follow what I says - right? You gotta agree before we go. I don't want to risk your good names getting sullied with stories of breaking and entering."

Meredith Nods in agreement,

"Absolutely"

"Agreed," says David. "Of course, it's not really breaking and entering if we have the keys."

"That's a legal technicality we can discuss on the way over." says Mark. "Doyle Avenue's not too far from here according to the address on the keys."

"Well,," Mark says standing up, "Unless anyone has any further questions, I suggest that we take our leave of the good professor here and head on over to Doyle Street, unless anyone has any better ideas?"

"Capital idea. May I suggest we all travel in one car, so we don't get lost on the way?", having given up on his pipe, Meredith inserts it in his jacket's breast pocket, that it was a familiar place for its keeping could be seen from the discolouration of the tweed material in that area. Following Mark's lead he stood up in anticipation of their departure.

"Agreed," says David again. "Let's go."

The car is parked opposite Sorrell's house a bit further along the street where the group can observe the house which sits in the middle of a block of clapboard houses similar to Baxters, but with a garage on the ground floor, two living space floors and anattic. In the South East corner of the roof is a cupola.

"Let's sit awhile and watch. there may be a pattern of patrolling police we need to watch out for or even some on guard outside the house. Watch out for cigarette lights or anything like that. Quiet now lest we draw attention to ourselves." It becomes apparent that a foot patrol passes every fifteen to twenty minutes or so. after about an hour, Mark pronounces himself satisfied that they can just go straight in the front after the next patrol passes. which it does without event.

Once the officer rounds the corner the group exit the car and under mark's urging for quiet make their way to the house, ascend the porch and let themselves in through the front door. The lights from the street are bright enough to allow you to see inside the house reasonably well, at least at the front.

As you enter there is a dust cover on the left hand wall covering what you presume is a coat rack. A set of spiral stairs in the far left corner lead upwards and a small room on the far right corner with the door facing the stairs. A door, slightly open lies halfway down the left hand wall. Footprints in the dust on the floor lead from the front door to the stairs. and a rolled up rug lies against the dust sheet and a dark stain on the wood panelled floor.

Urging everyone inside Mark puts his finger to his lips indicating that they should be quiet from now. Looking up there is a wooden bannister running round the first floor where there is a light well and beyond that you can see what you presume are the windows of the cupola on the roof. On the first floor you can see the tops of a couple of doors from where you all stand.

Meredith grins at the others in a schoolboy on an adventure style,
"This is bloody exciting" he whispers, then eyes alighting on the stained floor he adds, "Hello, what's this then?" and pushes forward to investigate.

The streetlights cast lurid shadows across the hallway, amplifying your shadows across the floor and on the far wall. As Meredith bends down to examine the dark stain the patrolman's torchlight flashes across the door. The change in light distorts the shadows into grotesque shapes. "Be still!" hisses Mark and after an eternity, though it is more likely only a brief moment. the light moves away again as the policeman continues his rounds.

Meredith,Spot Hidden roll please

David peers carefully at the dark stain. "Is that...blood?" he whispers.

Meredith whispers,
"Hmm, what have we here?"

Meredith,Meredith peers closely at the stain, sniffs at it and deciding it is nothing harmful he is about to answer David when he looks up and notices that it is directly below the cupola. you believe it is water damage from a leak or possibly from an open window

The sounds of two small dogs barking in the street filter through to you and you can faintly hear voices from outside. From your vantage point closer to the floor you can see a couple of cigarette butts close to the wainscoting that you had not seen before. The dust seems to be uniform across the floor with only a couple of sets of prints going into and from the room on the left hand wall with most of the prints going to and from the spiral staircase.

A door on the far wall that you had not previously noticed is closed with footprints leading towards it. The thick dust lies everywhere else. The voices outside seem to be getting closer as does the barking of the dogs, which you can identify as two separate small dogs.

David holds perfectly still and doesn't make a sound, hoping that it's just two people walking their dogs outside, and that they'll move along soon.

Meredith was just about to point out his discovery, when the sound of approaching dogs reached his ears. He closed his mouth quickly sure that the sound of his teeth knocking together must have been heard for miles. Turning toward David he pointed upwards toward the cuppola.

I suggest going up or behind the door over there as we don't want the dogs and the policeman to spot us.
Joseph says after being quiet for a long time
And lock the door from the inside, if the policeman will try the knob and will find it open he will go in to investigate.

David nods and stands behind the door, making sure that it is locked.

Scoolboy grin lost amidst an icy sweat which has broken out at Joseph's warning. Meredith creeps alongside David making sure that he is hidden from view.

Joseph crawl behind an arm chair or a nearby sofa.

As you all try to hide from view you can hear the dog's barking and two voices. The first a whiney, nasal voice that sets your hackles rising. Every areas has it's own typical nosey neighbour and here is this areas.

"... were parked over there, the black sedan, when I noticed them first. Then they just walked over right to the house and entered ... well I assume they entered, I couldn't see from my house due to the hedgerow."

The second voice sounded tired and bored and non too pleased that he had been called out by this busy-body again;

"Okay - look Mr Inman, I know Detective O'Grady said that you were to keep an eye on this old place, but are you certain that the people you saw actually went inside the house?" He tries the door handle and found it locked.

A small dog growls and barks, and Inman says, "Quiet Uriel, you'll start Beelebub off if you don't hush." The officer shines his flash-light in through the window and steps back looking over the house before going round the back. closely followed by the busy-body Inman. "Are you not going in then officer I am certain that you ..." The voices fade as they go round the back of the house. A couple of minutes later the voices return and the policeman says.

"There is nothing I can see amiss here Mr Inman, Go back home and go to bed, it's late. We have a patrol keeping an eye on the place so you can sleep tight tonight. Goodnight now sir, you rest easy." Inman trots off as bid clutching his terrier in his arms muttering about the Police Department.

"Bejesus, why did O'Grady have to go and say that to this moron - it's not as if we don't have enough to worry about" mutters the police officer as he tries the handle once more before moving off himself. Once back on the street, he casts his light over the house once more.

David finally exhales silently when the policeman walks away, but he still doesn't move as long as the light is shining on the house.

Thinking that staying still might be a good idea, at least until the light had been directed elsewhere, Meredith whispers quietly to David,
"The stain appears to have been made by water either from a leak or from an open window above"

David nods, relieved that it wasn't what he had feared it was.

Once the comforting darkness has returned, Meredith will cross beck to the stain and look up in search of an open window.

We'll have to search the place without turning the light on unless we'll find flashlights.
Joseph says from behind an arm chair.
Anyone knows where Sorrell kept his tools?

Priest wrote: by Priest » Sun Mar 31, 2013 5:57 pm

Once the comforting darkness has returned, Meredith will cross beck to the stain and look up in search of an open window.

As Meredith peers up into the darkness you can see an slightly open window on the side of the cupola opposite the front of the house and away from where you think Inman lives, based on the direction he and the officer approached from and that he took after being dismissed by the officer. You know it has not raining for the last couple of days so the stain is not too recent.

royya wrote:We'll have to search the place without turning the light on unless we'll find flashlights.
Joseph says from behind an arm chair.
Anyone knows where Sorrell kept his tools?

Mark says, "Listen up - no lights unless it is absolutely necessary. At the front of the house at least, we know it is being watched by the patrol-man and that nosey neighbour. At the rear of the house, well we will have to see when we get there. As for his tools, my guess would be in the garage which we won't find by sitting here. Shall we search the rooms as a group or in pairs? I'd suggest inn pairs as it would cut down the time we are in here. Remember to wipe everything down after you have searched an area, unless you have gloves in which case I'd suggest putting them on now." Mark looks at everybody as he dons his leather gloves to make sure his words have sunk in.

David nods again, slipping on his own gloves. "Yes, in pairs," he says. "When we're done and we're ready to leave, I suggest we do so through the back. Less chance of being seen that way."

"Agreed" whispers Meredith as he carefully heads towards the stairs searching his coat pockets for his gloves. "Is anyone coming with me? I would like to take a closer look at that partialy open window"

"Professor David, I agree about leaving the back way as it is obvious that nosey is going to be watching the front, though if we have to come out to the front, we will have to pass right by his fence." Mark turns to Meredith.

"Yes, I'll come with you Professor ... Meredith" agrees Mark. "I prefer to start upstairs myself when ..." he trails off looking abashed in such company at almost admitting he broke into houses. "I know I said we should split up to search, though I think it may be best if we all stayed on the same floor though rather than having people all over the house, that way we can assist each other if needed." his mind was racing here, thinking that he didn't want to miss out on the chance to acquire anything should the situation arise - I mean it's not as though Sorrell is going to miss it now is he!

I should be able to move quietly and stay low, so I can search the downstairs without tipping off the neighbor, I think. whispered Sarah, putting on black satin gloves. She slowly begins to move towards the ajar door on the left hand wall, keeping low and silent.

As Meredith slips his gloves on he points to the footprints that lead from the front door to the stairs, "Those look interesting too"

I'll join you upstairs.
Joseph says

"If we find any of Martin's books and writings, it's best if I'm on hand to determine what's relevant," whispers David. "I know the subject matter well. I doubt we can carry his entire library. I think we should all search upstairs first and then move down - I'll defer to the expert - but if Miss Hawkins is determined to remain down here and the three of you are going upstairs, I'd better accompany her, though I'm not much good at sneaking around."

Nodding at David's point, Meredith continues towards the stairs looking closely to see if the footprints continue upwards.

Looking at the floor closely, you notice that the footprints on this level seem to be pretty equally spread. The footprints to the spiral staircase however seem to indicate that the majority took this method of egress from the hallway.




As you look up to the light-well, you can see the railing around the well leading up to the roof space.

"Interesting"whispers Meredith, more to himself than anyone else, "It would appear from the amount of traffic going up, that something on the next floor has received a lot of interest". From his pocket he produces his pipe and proceeds to suck on it, unlit, as if to aid concentration. Slowly he begins to ascend the spiral staircase, hoping that he is not going alone.

As you head slowly up the stairs you can see two windows down the front of the house casting light on three doors, two on the west side wall and one on the north. A rug lies rolled up against the east wall.

It seems that a lot of the steps seem to head down towards the door by the front of the house as opposed to the other two.



You can hear rain start to fall against the sky-light. it sounds like a drum and the sounds echo round the otherwise silent house. The only sound you hear is the beating of your heart and the sound of your own breathing.

Mark follows close behind Meredith and nods towards the front of the house where the footprints seem to lead.

OOC - who else is going upstairs?

Sarah goes to check the doors on the first floor, but if there is nothing obviously of interest she goes upstairs as well.

tormsen wrote:Sarah goes to check the doors on the first floor, but if there is nothing obviously of interest she goes upstairs as well.

Shall I assume that you are just looking in from the doorways then?

Once at the top of the stairs Meredith, using his pipe stem as a pointer, indicates the rug turning to Mark he whispers, "There seems to be a deuced lot of rolled up rugs in this place", He then proceeds to cross to it and prod it with his foot.

"Hope nobody outside heard that," whispers David. "Whoever was in here earlier was probably searching through his books, but I think we'd better get upstairs and see if anyone needs help."

Meredith, feeling somewhat chastened by the obvious explanation behind the rolled up rugs, jumps physically at the sound. Suddenly in two minds as to turn toward the door from behind which came the noise, or, making a quick run for the stairs. He had come to the conclusion that maybe this boy's own stuff was not for him. In a low whisper he asks Mark, "Should we investigate that noise?"

Mark edges down the hallway and looks back towards the two professors. "Get ready - I'll go first." He heads down the hallway slowly with his back against the wall.

As he pauses by the door, another thump emanates from within the room, then another. Crouching down, Mark runs his hands through his greasy hair before wiping his hands on his trousers, seemingly oblivious to the fact he is wearing gloves. He reaches slowly into his jacket pocket and draws out a snub nosed .32 revolver, flipping the safety catch off. "It never hurts to be prepared ... for anything!" he adds quietly as he smiles ruefully at the astonished looks he gets from the assembled academics.

Mark looks at everyone making sure that they are all ready as he reaches out and turns the door handle and gently pushes the door open before flattening himself against the wall as the door swings gently open.

OOC - Can I have everyone's position please - I'll assume that Mark will wait to open the door so that anyone coming upstairs will be where they want to be.

Sarah looks anxiously at the ceiling, then back at David. "You go up there, I'd be less than useless in a physical confrontation. I'll stay down here."

At sight of the gun, and hearing more noises from behind the door to which Mark is creeping, Meredith blanches and quickly drops into a crouch taking little nervous steps into the previously examined room, Guns, he thinks, Nobody said anything about guns he shudders and cowers behind the wall.

OOC: The room is the one to the rear of the building, the opposite end to the one Mark is at

"You'll be safer if you're up there with the rest of us," whispers David. "Just stay behind us and you'll be fine. You shouldn't stay down here alone. Follow me." He heads up the stairs and stands at the top.

Sarah smiles, but makes a face when David turns his back. Fine, if the man wants his way. She quickly checks the fireplace for a poker, grabs it if there is one, and follows him upstairs. She keeps several steps behind him, only going far enough up to see into the floor above.

Joseph takes position opposite to Meredith and observes Mark's doing. He will jump after him if any medical aid will be needed.

OOC,If I have everyone's position right, then Mark shall enter the room crouching low



A flash of lightning illuminates the scene before Mark who immediately fires his gun. A loud cry sounding more like a howl is quickly joined by a loud crash of thunder. This is followed a split second later by another gunshot. Mark emits a scream of pain as he staggers out of the room clutching at his shoulder, drops his handgun and staggers with the small of his back against the handrail. Another shot rings out and Mark jerks before he careers over the handrail to the floor below, screaming all the way down until he hits the floor with a sickening thud.

He lies on the floor below, face up with blood seeping from his head his legs twitching spasmodically.

The figure of a tall slim woman appears in the doorway of the room, looks around and seeing that she is outnumbered, leaps down the lightwell to the floor below. As she lands, she screams out in agony and her handgun goes flying off towards the bottom of the stairs. Her agonising screams increase as she clutches her right leg. Looking pale and drawn she slowly raises herself to her feet and hobbles towards the door, leaving a trail of blood, both hers and Marks behind her.

She draws herself to her full height, looks back at you all and suddenly cries out, clutching her forehead, before falling to floor. She twitches as though suffering a brain seizure. After a few seconds of obviously agonizing pain, the poor woman dies.

OOC,I think we'll have some SAN rolls please

David remains calm, turning back to head down the stairs. "We need to get out of here, out the back!" he hisses. "The cops will have heard that and be on their way."

OOC,Invisible Castle is down, so I used Dark and Moody's dice roller. I got a 7 on my Sanity roll.

Sarah gawks at the body, then runs down the stairs, goes into the side room, tosses the fire poker back into the fireplace and grabs a handful of books from the ground (as many as she can carry). She then exits the room and intends to follow the others lead.

Meredith stands eyes wide, mouth open in a soundless scream.

Joseph remains calm despite the mutual murder he just seen. His first instinct is to help Mark but he knows that being caught here is bad...very bad. He decides to follow the others.

OOC,Meredith takes a hit of 1d2 San if he passes an idea roll - otherwise he is oblivious of what happened. Everyone else must have seen some horrific things in their past.
As Sarah said she was just poking her head above the first floor and was going to run across the hallway, it seems logical that she would be the first down the stairs.

As you descend the stairs you can see a light on in the house next door coupled with flashlights bobbing on the street outside. As you near the bottom of the stairs you are can hear next doors dogs barking and Mr. Inman's voice calling something indistinct out before you are all stopped in your tracks by a loud hammering on the door followed by sharp light shining through the window illuming the hallway, with Sarah halfway across the hall and everyone else on the stairs;

"Open up it's the police ... I know you're in there - we got the place surrounded."

Sarah is halfway across the hallway and the voice calls out;

"I can see you in there Missie, Better open the door as I say - and I can see your friends on the stairs too." (I rolled a 9 on his spot hidden - sorry)

The light plays across the floor and you hear him say something through the door;

Mark's legs still twitch spasmodically and as his breath becomes more laboured you can see blood start to seep from his mouth. a gurgling sound comes from the prone man.

"What do we do?", hisses a slightly shocked Meredith, "We can't leave the poor boy like that. Somebody do something"

"Help him, quickly," David hisses to Joseph as he hurries down the stairs. "I think we'd better let the cops in. Our story is that we were on our way to Martin's house; I'm his friend, after all. We were outside when we heard noises within, so we went inside and this happened."

Sarah digs her nails into her hands until tears run down her face, then walks up to the door. "Oh thank goodness you're here, officer. Something terrible has happened!" She starts to unlock the door from the inside.

OOC,As Royya is away on vacation I am NPC'ing [b]Joseph [/b]until he takes back over again

[/color]

Awakened from the awful events that just unfolded before his eyes Joseph gives his head a shake to clear the awful images from his mind before he reminds himself that he has seen worse things. He rushes down the stairs, past those who are unconsciously blocking his way and makes his way to examine Mark.

He sees that the first shot took him in the shoulder whilst the second seemed to have ... it must have hit in about the same place because he could not see another obvious gunshot wound. Checking the body for breaks, which he assumes there must be some after the fall of ... looking up he reckons the fall was about twelve to fifteen feet, Hmmm coupled with the gunshots, it seems Mark is lucky (lucky?) to be alive this long. He applies his healing skills on his unfortunate companion and manages to make him a little more comfortable, at least enough to slow the bleeding.

OOC,With IC still down it seem that Dark and Gloomy is the way forward - but feel free to use whatever method you prefer - Medicine roll @ Fri Apr 12 2013 12:51:34 and his Healing roll @ Fri Apr 12 2013 12:56:07 GMT+0100

[/color]

Examining his body he decides it would not be in Mark's best interests if he were to be put into the recovery position, so he will have to be monitored closely until he can be handed over to the appropriate physicians.

Sarah meanwhile has managed to get the door open and with a tear streaked face she surveys the officer. With the door open, you can hear sirens getting closer. The officer's first action is to shine the light straight into Sarah's eyes, blinding her, he then takes in the rest of the room. "Sweet Jesus!" he intones, the colour draining from his features.

Closing the door to prevent anyone getting out he asks "What in the name of God happened here somebody better start talking right now - you - he addresses Joseph roughly, "Get away from that man."

He quickly surveys the scene in more detail and realising that the woman is dead and that Joseph is in fact trying to help adds in a slightly gentler voice, but only slightly ... "I take it you are medically trained then ... do what you can then back away please until our own doctor gets here."

His eyes, whilst watching Joseph work on Mark, take in all your faces.

"Officer, I'm Professor David Johnson," says David. "I'm a friend of Professor Martin Sorrell, whose house this is. My colleagues and I were on our way here when we heard noise inside the house. We went inside to investigate and found out that someone else was already in here." He indicates the dead woman. "I couldn't see what happened from where I stood when the shooting started, but I think she shot him." He points at Mark. "He fell over the rail upstairs. Then she tried to flee and jumped over the rail herself. She dropped her gun there." He points out where it landed. "She was hurt and tried to limp away, but she had some kind of seizure and collapsed."

Without looking at the officer, Joseph whilst he continues to work at treating Mark's many injuries;

"From her pallor and lack of respiration, I can tell she is as dead as dead can be, though personally I would like to know the cause. But for now, whilst this man still lives he is getting my fullest attention as my profession demands until I can deliver him to other suitable professionals."

At that point, a yapping accompanied by a nasal voice from outside calls out

"What's going on in there I have called the police - they are on their way."

The officer rolls his eyes and opens the door a crack saying to the "neighbourly" Mr Inman, who tries to open the door further until he sees the officer holding it only so far open.

"Let me in - I dema ..." the officer speaks over him, cutting him off rather abruptly.

"Ah! Mr Inman, where would we be without vigilant neighbours such as your good self. As you can see I am already on the scene but am glad you have called for help. Could I trouble you to call in once more and say that Officer Gorman is here and requests a couple of ambulances as well as a 'Mother's Heart.' And once you have done this I need you to stay indoors to keep an eye on the back of the house for me if you would be so kind."

When Inman nods his assent, the Officer closes the door once more.

"That should keep him out the way for a short while at least." he mutters, as he turns to face you all, his spoken thoughts loud enough that you can all hear them. Addressing you all he says;

"Obviously you will all be taken to the station where you will be questioned further. I hardly need to tell you that the fact that this man has been shot ..." he points towards Mark and then, continuing, indicating the strange woman "... and this woman lies apparently dead makes this a serious affair beyond a patrolman. I have arranged some transport for you to be taken downtown, where Lieutenant O'Grady will be wanting to speak with you I have no doubt. I'd like to know what sort of noise would cause you to investigate the house? Are you the group that Mr Sorrrell's neighbour reported to me earlier I wonder? Let's start with your names first though, I have yours Professor David Johnson, and you sir" indicating the kneeling form working away on Mark as he continues to scribble in his notebook.

"I am Joseph Huckleberry a student of Medicine and the man who's life I am trying to save is a friend, a Mark Davison, who because of some poor choices in the past may be known to your department." with that he returns to stabilizing Mark

"There was a sudden shout and a loud thump from upstairs," says David. "I'm surprised you didn't hear it yourself, but it did come right after that thunderclap, so I guess you missed it."

Deciding that silence was probably the way to deal with this, Meredith simply nods in agreement with David's explanation. Awaiting the interest of the police officer.

"Now it doesn't do to get all uppity in your situation." The officer intones solemnly looking down at his notebook before adding. "Professor David Johnson"

"Well missy, who might you be?" then he says turning to Sarah.

"S...Sarah Hawkins, sir. I am a student at the Women's University. I was hoping to get some books that were in the late professor's possession, before his unfortunate demise. They were for my dissertation. I never expected anything like this!" She rubs tears from her eyes and looks glumly at the floor.

"Hmm, Come down ff the stairs now and give me your names as we get down to the floor if you please." The sounds of sirens are getting closer and closer with each passing second.

Now that Mark is stabilized, Joseph asks the patrol man to check the dead woman. If he allows it, Joseph is intrigued by the cause of death of the woman.

OOC,Thanks for NPCing Joseph.

The officer confirms that he cannot find any pulse in her neck. As he stands, the sound of the sirens stop outside the house as wheels screech when sounds of shouting come through the door. The officer opens the door and he struggles to keep everyone back from entering the hallway. Once he restores some sort of order, he ushers you all down the west side of the hallway, away from the bodies, in single file where you are 'greeted' by a burly officer who escorts you singly to the mother's heart. Once you are all sat in the paddy-wagon it takes you off to your time at the police station. Officer Gorman and another young officer both ride in the back with you all and you are all led into the prison and put into a holding cell.

Officer Gorman approaches you all and says;

"Sorry about the accommodation folks, I know it may not be up to your usual standard but Lt. O'Grady told me to tell you personally that he is not coming in to interview you tonight. Must need a whole lot of beauty sleep is all I can think of." he adds with a wry grin. "He ordered the night shift to take care of you and said that he'll see you in the morning - so you may as well get what rest you can until he arrives. I got to go and type up my report for him now so take my advice and just tell him the truth and you'll be on your way all the sooner."

OOC,[color=#FF4000]Thus draws the end of the prologue. I am going to be tied up until thursday, maybe friday so will probably not be able to post again till then. At that point I shall unleash O'Grady on you all (he's a pussy-cat really - would I lie to you?)[/color]