Chapter 5b: Paice (Reg)

[HoneyDog]

Reg goes back to Charing Cross Road to visit Paice’s bookshop. He finds the former officer behind his desk, at work on his accounts.

“Hello Sergeant-Major” he says cheerily. “Come to make a purchase, eh? Need a recommendation?” He waves his hand at the bookshelves.

[Mr. Handy]

"Good morning," says Reg. "I'm afraid I come bearing bad news. From your expression I take it you haven't yet read the newspaper. You might wish to sit down first."

[HoneyDog]

“Why?” asks Paice anxiously. “Whatever is the matter?”

[Mr. Handy]

"We met Major Gower at the Army and Navy Club yesterday evening," says Reg. "Within minutes of his departure, he was most cruelly murdered...most likely by the same blighter that murdered Crouch."

[HoneyDog]

Paice recoils in horror. “What? Murdered? This is unbelievable!” He sits down heavily, looking dazed.

[Mr. Handy]

"Quite," says Reg, lowering his head. "He was found impaled on a high fence. Whoever killed him had to be very tall and strong, just like Crouch's killer, just to have been able to place him there. The Major's last word was 'Abadan.' Do you have any idea what it means?"

[HoneyDog]

Looking dazed, Paice shakes his head. He seems lost for words.

[Mr. Handy]

"I wanted first of all to warn you of the danger you may be in," says Reg. "That's three members of the Buffs gone in a week, and it cannot be a coincidence. Do you have any idea of anyone who may bear a grudge against the Buffs?"

[HoneyDog]

“Perhaps you’re right” replies Paice, with a far-off look in his eyes. “But I honestly don’t know who or what would be targeting us. I mean, we were just ordinary soldiers, doing our duty. I don’t know what could have brought this on”. He seems genuinely mystified.

[Mr. Handy]

"My friends and I tried to call on Colonel Hollingsworth yesterday," says Reg, "but he wasn't receiving visitors. My former captain is going to try to meet with him again this afternoon at three to warn him and see if he may have any ideas. Perhaps it would help if you could put in a word with the Colonel."

[HoneyDog]

Paice nods. ”I’ll try Sergeant-Major, but he can be a stubborn one. I’ll get a message to him later today. Meanwhile, I’ll be on my guard.”

[Mr. Handy]

"Thank you, sir," says Reg, shaking his hand firmly. "Good day, and take care."

[HoneyDog]

”Thanks Sergeant-Major. Your concern is much appreciated. I’ll see you again, in better circumstances I hope.”

OOC,What would you like to do now?

[Mr. Handy]

OOC,What time is it now?

[HoneyDog]

OOC,Let's say almost midday.

[Mr. Handy]

Reg goes to Scotland Yard to see if Inspector Craddock is available and find out if there any new developments in the investigation.

[HoneyDog]

OOC,Roll Luck.

[Mr. Handy]

Reg is not in luck.

OOC,Luck roll (55% stat) at Scotland Yard: [dice]0[/dice]

[HoneyDog]

Unfortunately, Craddock is out, and it is not known when he will be back.