[IC]Chapter 1.2a - The House of Carlyle

[Raiko]

Hotel Scarborough – Scarborough, Westchester County, NY
2:40pm - Wednesday 14th January, 1925

Simply named Scarborough Hotel, the simple two storey wooden building is sufficient to accommodate the occasional visitors to this small rural community, and less important visitors to the many mansions in the hills outside the village.

A bell rings as Dr. Sánchez leads his companions in through the front door and a bored looking, elderly man behind the reception desk glances up from his newspaper crossword. He doesn't speak, but nods as a greeting and taps some ash from his cigarette into an ashtray as the trio of investigators approach.

[Mr. Handy]

"Good day," says Amy, approaching the desk. "Could you please give us directions to Carlyle House?"

[Anatomist]

"And please call up a cab to take us there. I would also love to buy my friends here something simple but hot meal, while we wait, that if you have a kitchen to make us some food and drink" Dr. Sánchez nods to the man "Dr. Nemesio Sánchez, at your service... your name Sir?"

[kabukiman]

"And I am Dr. Anderson, I'm traveling with my good companions"

[Mr. Handy]

"And I'm Amy Lawrence, research assistant," says Amy.

[Raiko]

Scarborough Hotel - Scarborough, Westchester County, NY
2:40pm - Wednesday 14th January, 1925

"Samuel McGarry," the old guy sets aside his crossword and offers a handshake, "But just call me Sam."

Sam steps from behind the reception desk and leads the investigators into a dining area.

"Make yourselves at home doctors, I'll see what's cookin' and get a taxi arranged. Miss Carlyle isn't ill I hope? That family has had enough bad fortune, but two doctors comin' t' visit don't bode well."

[Anatomist]

Scarborough Hotel - Scarborough, Westchester County, NY
2:40pm - Wednesday 14th January, 1925

"Samuel McGarry," the old guy sets aside his crossword and offers a handshake, "But just call me Sam."

Sam steps from behind the reception desk and leads the investigators into a dining area.

"Make yourselves at home doctors, I'll see what's cookin' and get a taxi arranged. Miss Carlyle isn't ill I hope? That family has had enough bad fortune, but two doctors comin' t' visit don't bode well."

"Do you mean the tragic end of her brother or is there other misfortunes to Miss Erica?, pleae tell the cab that we are in a hurry, we must get there as fast as possible" Dr. Sánchez will be polite grab a something fast to consume and wait for the taxi to arrive.

[Raiko]

Sam shrugs, "Well, she lost both her parents in an automobile accident and then her older brother in Africa. So Erica is the last of the Carlyles.

"Dealt with her brother's disappearance all by herself though, and proved to be quite the businesswoman as well by all accounts. Turned the family fortunes around since she returned from Africa "

[Mr. Handy]

"Yes, she's a very formidable woman," says Amy with a smile. "I've been looking forward to meeting her." She keeps her peace about her companions being professors rather than medical doctors. If they wish to correct the record, they can do so themselves.

[kabukiman]

Anderson hesitates for a moment, but then decides to say the true; there was no reason to lie, and it be hurtful to the investigation latter if discovered.

"I'm sorry, you misunderstand me, I'm an archaeologist, not that kind of doctor."- says Anderson.

[Raiko]

"Oh okay, I'm surprised that Miss Carlyle has an interest in archaeology after her brother's mad expedition lead to his death," Sam shakes his head sadly.

"I'll go see about that taxi."

[Raiko]

The taxi arrives in about ten minutes, and drives the investigators out of the village into the snow covered, wooded hills of the Hudson valley.

[Mr. Handy]

Amy admires the beautiful scenery as the taxi drives by it.

[Raiko]

At the Gates – Carlyle House – Westchester County, NY
3:05pm - Wednesday 14th January, 1925

The scenery on the way to Carlyle House is indeed beautiful as the taxicab follows a winding road south though the woods. Snow covers the upper surface of every tree branch, brightly reflecting the rays of sunlight that penetrate into this silent winter wonderland. Other than the taxi, the only movement is the occasional fall of snow from the treetops, as it loses its grip, partially melted by the sunshine.

The driver doesn't speak much during the journey, instead concentrating on driving along the treacherous snow-covered roads. After ten minutes driving, he turns off the road and follows a private track to the front gate of Carlyle House.

An imposing pair of iron gates block the driveway, hung between two huge, stone gateposts which break the twelve-foot iron railings that surround the grounds of Carlyle House. Beyond the gate, the driveway is lined with conifers which obscure any view of the house itself.

A gatekeeper's lodge has been built just inside the grounds; smoke rises gracefully into the sky from its chimney. Two hard-faced men stand inside the gate, watching the taxi approach. Both wear thick wool overcoats and caps to ward off the cold, and both carry double barrelled shotguns cradled under their arms. As the taxi halts outside the gate, the sound of dogs barking can be heard from somewhere within the grounds.

[Mr. Handy]

"Should I do the talking at first?" asks Amy. "I'm good with people, and I look harmless." She knows that she isn't harmless any more, but nobody who doesn't know her would realize that.

[Anatomist]

"Should I do the talking at first?" asks Amy. "I'm good with people, and I look harmless." She knows that she isn't harmless any more, but nobody who doesn't know her would realize that.

Dr. Sánchez nods at Amy

[kabukiman]

"Yes, I think it is a good idea"- says Anderson.

[Mr. Handy]

Amy walks up to the gate, her hands in plain sight (albeit gloved, as the weather is cold). All she holds in them is the folded telegram from Jackson Elias. "Good afternoon, gentlemen," she says with a smile. "I'm Amy Lawrence. My companions and I are good friends of the author Jackson Elias, who is returning to New York tomorrow after a trip to Africa. He sent me this telegram." She shows it to the guards. "We'd like to speak to Miss Carlyle, and perhaps arrange a meeting between her and Mr. Elias. I think she'd be interested in learning what he has discovered."

OOC,Charm roll (67% skill) to make a good impression on the guards: [dice]0[/dice] I hope using the telegram to support my story gets me a bonus die.

[Raiko]

OOC,[ooc]Yes, Amy can have a bonus die.[/ooc]

[Mr. Handy]

Amy's winning smile is not enough, even with the aid of the telegram. She can only hope that the others are smoother talkers.

OOC,Thanks! Charm roll (67% skill) bonus die: [dice]0[/dice]