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Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2017 4:55 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Diane immediately notices something. She gets up and races after the butter. "Come back!" she calls. "It was self-defense, we're all your witnesses! It will look bad if you flee!"
OOC,Spot Hidden roll (60% skill) looking at [b]Hanson[/b]: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2017 1:04 pm
by Rooter
With a last feeble expulsion of breath, John Bidwell departs this mortal coil.

James Powell and Diane Siddons:
Spoiler:
For a moment, as you leaned over the dying man, you had the eerie sensation that you were looking not into John Bidwell's eyes but those of the butler Hanson...
The stairs lead directly down to the foyer and the door of Bidwell's house, which stands ajar. Giving chase to the fleeing butler, Professor Powell and Miss Siddons descend in time only to witness Hanson vanishing into the thick pea-souper fog which shrouds the streets of London, his limbs moving with an oddly stiff gait. Swallowed up in the fog it is impossible to determine which direction he may have taken thenceforth.

Evidently overcome by events, Reverend Somerhayes is tended to by Miss Poole and shortly feels able to stand.

Just then one of Bidwell's charwomen, no doubt drawn by the commotion, enters the library and, beholding her employer lying dead upon the floor, screams.

It is not long before several police constables arrive.

Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2017 1:09 pm
by Rooter
Presently you find yourself seated in the downstairs parlor of Bidwell's house, facing two Scotland Yard detectives. Inspector Martin Cleveland is in his late forties, gruff and belligerent, while Detective Sergeant John Craig is a more amiable chap in his late thirties. Inspector Cleveland does most of the talking.

"Now then, we understand from questioning the servants that you sirs and ladies were the only guests present when an unfortunate occurrence befell the late Mr. Bidwell. What was your relationship with the deceased and where were you at the time of his death?"

Everyone:
Spoiler:
OOC:   Should you opt to respond to the detectives' questions you may make a roll as appropriate e.g. Persuade, Fast Talk or Law. Absolom Peredue Somerhayes, James Powell, Cecil Copeland and Gordon McKerry you have a +10% bonus due to being of a higher Social Class than the policemen.  

Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2017 7:41 pm
by Victoria Silverwolf
Gordon sees no reason not to speak the simple truth.

"I had never met Mister Bidwell before receiving the invitation to this gathering. I had heard of the gentleman, of course; his reputation traveled as far as my own native land. We heard a disturbance from behind the door, saw Mister Bidwell struggling violently with his manservant, and witnessed his death. It seemed like a simple case of self-defense at first. I was aware that Mister Bidwell had been confined some time in the past for a nervous disorder, but I had no idea he would suffer such a terrible relapse and attack his servant. I cannot explain why the butler ran off, but clearly a manhunt is in order. I trust you don't imagine any of us were involved in this tragic situation other than as unfortunate witnesses, Inspector."
Spoiler:
Persuade = 35%[dice]0[/dice]
It is never easy to read a policeman's thoughts, but Gordon believes that he is not under suspicion.

Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2017 8:06 pm
by Pastiche
James.png
"I can confirm that, Inspector," James added. "This is as clear a case of self-defence if I ever saw one. Surely you're not suspecting one of us? If so, we should all be in on it, and most of us never met before tonight." He pauses a bit to collect his thoughs and adds: "I also agree it would be best to try and find the butler as soon as possible, as he's obviously very distressed about what happened and needs some attention."
Spoiler:
OOC:   Persuade 31%: [dice]0[/dice]  

Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2017 2:58 am
by HoneyDog
Ann Veronica adds her thoughts.

“Yes Inspector. We are all here at the invitation of Mr. Bidwell, there’s certainly no conspiracy here. Poor Mr. Bidwell must have been suffering from a nervous disorder which caused the attack; the butler was defending himself. It was all a dreadful accident and most distressing for everyone involved.”


“Especially Bidwell she thinks to herself.
Persuade,Persuade 45: [url=http://orokos.com/roll/530777]Persuade[/url]: [u]1d100[/u] [b]2[/b]

Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2017 4:04 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"Everything they've said is true," says Diane. "It was clearly self-defense. I'm not sure why the butler ran away. Maybe he just panicked. I've never met Mr. Bidwell before tonight, or any of the people in this room, though some of them have seen me perform in the theatre. I was invited because Mr. Bidwell had heard about my performances."
OOC,Fast Talk roll (55% skill) talking to the police: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2017 10:10 am
by Rooter
If the gruff Inspector Cleveland had appeared ready to detain and escort you to the Newcourt Street police station, he seems somewhat mollified by the convincing accounts taken from the majority of those present.

"Self-defence or not, the butler Hanson Bartlet is missing and is suspect in the murder of John Bidwell. We have men searching the city for him and with any luck answers will be forthcoming. For now I would advise you all to remain in the area in case we need to speak to you again."

With that the officers depart.

By this time the hour is past two o'clock. Reverend Somerhayes has already nodded off in his chair.

The mansion's guest bedrooms are prepared for your use and thus what remains of the night is passed.

Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2017 10:13 am
by Rooter
The next morning

You awake in one of the guest bedrooms.

The house is cold and dark, and the scent of tobacco smoke still lingers in the air, a remnant of last night's party. The house also appears to be empty but for the six guests, thrown together by unfortunate happenstance. It would seem Bidwell's charwomen have not been allowed to return, pending further investigation. As a result the residence is still in disorder from the party. Food crumbs, spilled champagne, and cigarette ashes stain the ballroom floor; soiled serving trays and champagne glasses stand in piles in the scullery; cases of empty champagne bottles and trays of stale hors d'oeuvres clutter the kitchen. A constable has been left on guard at the front door.

The layout of the late John Bidwell's house, comprising two floors, may be noted in passing. On the ground floor is the foyer; the parlor; the dining room; the ballroom; the kitchen; the pantry; the butler's room; the scullery; the laundry, and storage for china and linen. On the upper floor is to be found the library; the den; the conservatory; the study; the master bedroom; several guest bedrooms; two water closets, and linen storage.

Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2017 2:01 pm
by HoneyDog
Ann Veronica gets out of bed, rubbing her eyes. The sudden realization that she is in Bidwell’s house brings last night’s events back into focus. She blinks to try and rid the image of the poker plunging into Bidwell’s chest, but it doesn’t disappear.

She dresses and refreshes herself as best she can in the bathroom. Her stomach growling, she heads for the kitchen to see if she can find something to eat. Finding no servants, she takes matters into her own hands and starts preparing food for herself and the others. She finds some kippers which still smell fresh, bacon, milk, bread and butter, and oats for porridge. She also begins brewing tea. The mess will have to wait for someone else to clean up.

“I’ll serve breakfast in the err… séance room” she tells any other guests who turn up.

Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2017 8:46 pm
by Priest
Absolom Peredue Somerhayes

My, my, thinks Absolom as he rises from his bed, Mr Bidwell certainly knows how to entertain, although I rather think things ended somewhat differently to the way he had intended.
He coughs, a dry cough that irritates a sore throat, an effect of last night’s events the memory of which is troubling. Then pulling on his somewhat rumpled attire which he had cast rather than folded, he leaves the strange bedroom circumstances had forced upon him and goes in search of others.

In what he presumes is the kitchens, stangely empty of servants, he notices one of his fellow guests from the previous evening engaged in brewing a pot of tea. The artist woman, he thinks, Ann Veronica.
“Ah, good morning Miss Veronica, I trust you passed a comfortable night, given the circumstances?” He gazes at the steaming tea pot, “I trust there is enough for two?”

Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2017 12:08 am
by HoneyDog
“Of course Reverend. Please help yourself” answers Ann Veronica. “I trust you’re feeling better than last night?”

Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2017 10:53 am
by Priest
Absolom Peredue Somerhayes

“Indeed, thank you” Absolom smiles and raises a hand to his mouth behind which he makes a series of fake coughing noises, “An illness from childhood that lingers still, and surfaces at moments of strain. Yet I daresay Mr Bartlett might suffer worse should he be taken by the constabulary”.
Absolom casts around for a cup and saucer, “Still we must trust to the good Lord that innocence may be proved. Pray tell what did you make of last night’s events?”

Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2017 2:51 pm
by HoneyDog
AV.jpg
Ann Veronica passes the Reverend some milk for his tea. Nibbling a piece of toast, she ponders his question.

“It took me a while to get to sleep, I must admit. Bidwell’s death was a horrible sight, I fear I shan’t forget it. But what a peculiar set of circumstances! I have to say I’m quite intrigued, and I have more questions than I have answers.”

She stops to sip some tea. “For instance, who was the séance trying to contact? What was that strange cube and why did the butler run away with it? I’m tempted to find my own answers, Reverend. I didn’t choose to be involved in this, but here I am.”

Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2017 3:59 pm
by Priest
Absolom Peredue Somerhayes

“Just so dear lady” answers Absolom as he carefully adds milk to his tea swiftly followed by a single spoonful of sugar. As he stirs the tea he ponders the strange turn of events of the previous night. “The séance, if we can call it that, was odd in the least. The bizarre language that Bidwell whispered made it seem more of a pantomime created to inspire awe in the easily fooled”. A gentle cough covers any embarrassment by his choice of words, and he sips the tea his smile obviously indicating the quality of the brew. “Yet was the killing a simple case of self-defence, as others have suggested, or was there something more, something that made Mr Bidwell attack his butler in the first place?” again a sip of tea, followed by a gentle dab of a napkin at the corners of his mouth. “I think we may never know the truth of it until Bartlett, the butler, is apprehended. As for the strange cube, I should very much like to examine that myself”

Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2017 10:21 pm
by Victoria Silverwolf
Gordon sleeps in late, no doubt a result of last night's terrible events. After wandering around in search of the necessary room, he eventually makes himself as presentable as possible and follows his nose to the informal breakfast being served.

"Might I have a bit of oatmeal?" he inquires. Not one of these heavy English breakfasts for him. "And a spot of tea?"

A little while later, feeling more himself, he says "I suppose we should help clean up the place. Anyone seen the morning paper, by the way?"

Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2017 11:43 pm
by HoneyDog
Ann Veronica

"I have a better idea than cleaning up" she says excitedly. "Let's find out what that cube thing is. I doubt that the police are giving it much thought. Maybe there's something in Bidwell's study which will tell us. Quick Reverend, hurry up and finish your tea."

Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2017 5:27 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Diane sleeps late and awakens refreshed. She notes the absence of servants, but she is used to doing without them anyway, so she draws her own bath and dresses herself after bathing. She heads downstairs to the kitchen, following the smell of tea and food. "Good morning," she says as she enters.

Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2017 11:13 am
by Priest
Absolom Peredue Somerhayes

Absolom, amidst sipping his tea, smiles a greeting at the newcomers. He recognises both from last night’s gathering, though he had only actually met the young actress Miss Siddons. He responds to the Canadian gentleman by nodding in the direction of the tea pot, “Help yourself dear boy, Miss Veronica has prepared plenty”.

“I rather think it bad taste to go snooping in the deceased’s study, but I agree with Miss Veronica that we may find something there which will shed light on the behaviour of Mr Bidwell and his reasons for attacking his butler”. Finishing his speech he puts aside the cup and saucer, making his way to the rapidly diminishing pile of buttered toast.

Re: The Eyes of a Stranger

Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2017 1:18 pm
by Rooter
The morning papers are not in evidence; it seems likely that the constable on guard at the front door of the house prevented their delivery.

Searching the Study:
Spoiler:
OOC:   You may make a Spot Hidden roll.