Chapter 8: Toward a Final Reckoning

[andyw666]

OOC,Simpson's! Excellent choice.

Harry has already ordered some warming food while he waits, traditional roast beef being a house specialty, and is idly toying with pieces on a chess board.

Once the others are settled, he'll raise the obvious question.

"Well, lady and gentlemen, what do we suppose? Do we think this coffin thing should be shipped to Egypt or the Sudan? Or destroyed? Do we think using it as bait is a good idea? Or will Faez have some better ideas?"

"By the way, let me advise against looking inside it, it is hideous."

He shows the others the telegram confirming Faez works at the museum in Cairo, and is in London on assignment for it.

[Mr. Handy]

"I'd lean towards letting Faez have the bloody thing, now that we've seen his bona fides," says Reg. "Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean he can be trusted, but it is a point in his favour. Those of you who have met him, what's your impression of the man?"

[Rooter]

Dr. Francis Preston

"He certainly seems willing to help. I have to say I am beginning to agree that a bonfire may be the best way to end this. But what would Mr. Faez and the Colonel have to say about that? And the killers will still be at large unless we can expose them."

[andyw666]

Harry finishes his meal with a fine, Simpson's supplied cigar.

"My brief dealing with Faez was inconclusive. I suppose we should wait to hear what he says."

"As for the coffin... We could use it as bait first, hopefully catch these blaggards, then decide how to dispose of it, perhaps? One way or another, I don't think the colonel will be pleased. Anyone who has formed an attachment to something so vile is no longer playing with a full deck, if you take my meaning."

[Mr. Handy]

"Yes, that's a thought," says Reg. "We might as well hear what Faez has to say first, and then decide. He seems to know a lot about the subject and may have some ideas."

[andyw666]

OOC:   If we're good, unless anyone has something else they want to raise, Harry will head home to prepare.

[HoneyDog]

OOC,Would everyone like to head to the Colonel's? As per Preston's conversation with Faez, you could telegram him to meet you there. Or do you want to try and meet him before?

[Mr. Handy]

OOC,I'm ready to go to the Colonel's. I think we can just telegram [b]Faez[/b] to meet us there.

[Rooter]

Spoiler:

Agreed.

[andyw666]

Yup,Sounds good to me.

[andyw666]

In contemplative humour, Harry parts company with his friends and takes a hansom back to his London townhouse.

Harry has an afternoon nap but ensures his valet wakes him at 3pm. Much like his days on campaign, he bathes and shaves again. Then he dresses in a good traveling suit, with his old University college tie for luck, his coat, scarf and gloves. Finally, he puts his service revolver in one pocket, his little Bulldog Puppy revolver in the other, and a box of 455 rounds in another. Collecting his bowler and sword cane, Harry heads off to catch a hansom to Kandahar House.

[HelplessBystander]

Helena agrees with the plan at hand as well.