Ch.15d Baton Rouge

[Philulhu]

There was nothing in the records that Ivy or William could see that contradicted what Gotlieb had told them.

“If that’s all, may I go now? I’m sure my wife would like to know where I’ve got to.”

[jp1885]

"I see no reason why not," replies Ivy, looking to the others for confirmation, almost as an afterthought.

[Mr. Handy]

"Yes, I have no further questions at this time," says William.

[Bullfrog]

"I wonder what he'd even want that land for- there's not much you can do with property that risks flooding every time a raincloud looks at it funny." Lawrence comments. "Not much of a place for 'business ventures'. Nyatanga probably just wanted a place where people were scarce."

Could Lawrence use his Natural History skill to determine what Nyatanga would want from Johnson Bayou?

[Philulhu]

Make your roll and let’s see how successful you are.

[Bullfrog]

Natural History 51%: 1d100

Lawrence isn't from around these parts. He hasn't a damn clue.

[Philulhu]

Gotlieb frowned at Lawrence. “I didn’t say he had bought land there,” he said, with ill-disguised impatience. “Its probably fishing or one of the new oilfields.”

[jp1885]

"Well indeed - quite so," says Ivy. "Might there be something in the municipal records about that particular piece of land? Naturally we will be compelled to visit the place, but of we can be forewarned as to the environment we will find ourselves in, then perhaps we will be forearmed."

[Mr. Handy]

"Yes, we'll want to identify and talk to the former owners, if it has indeed changed hands, or the current owners if not," says William.

[Silver Priest]

"I would assume he's likely up to his old tricks," Alex suggests, "And is trying to build his cult back up in this isolated area. I would suggest we take a trip there rather than spending time trying to interview the locals; that's a surefire way to tip him off if Nyatanga has established control over the area already."

[Philulhu]

“As fascinating as this is, my dinner is getting cold, so I’m going to ask you to leave now,” said Gotlieb. “I’m sure the records clerks will love to see at a far more civilised hour in the morning.”

He nodded at Sheriff DuPont who took the hint and ushered them from the office, leaving the lawyer to lock up and head home.

”I think we’re done here. What do you plan to do next?” asked the Sheriff as he watched Gotlieb walking away.

[Mr. Handy]

"Alex is right, we need to head out there before Nyatanga gets wind that we're on his trail," says William. "Surprise is our best advantage."

[jp1885]

Ivy nods.

“Very well, let us make haste.”

[Philulhu]

”You’ve remembered that the only way out there is by boat,” said the Sheriff. ”Not sure how easy it’ll be to get there tonight.”

[Mr. Handy]

"Do you have a boat available?" asks William. "If not, we'll need to rent one, and if we can't do it tonight, we'll have to do it first thing in the morning. I'd rather we did it tonight, though. If we go when it's daylight, anyone could see us coming."

[Philulhu]

The Sheriff glanced at his wristwatch. ”I could point you in the direction of a couple of bars where you’ll find someone who can run you out there. Take my advice and travel in the morning, though. This time of night you’re unlikely to find any sober, if I’m honest.”

[Silver Priest]

"Could we perhaps hire someone and pay them enough to ensure they were sober tomorrow night?" Alex asks. "That lets us get there at night, if that is an issue. Assuming it is not too dangerous."

[Philulhu]

”Pay them tonight and I can guarantee they won’t be sober anytime tomorrow,” replied the Sheriff dryly.

”Look, I can’t stop you going but I’ve made my position clear,” he said. ”Despite prohibition, there’s plenty of places where a thirsty sailor can find a drop, and the police didn’t go…”

He paused. ”We don’t have the resources to be everywhere at once,” he said with a frown.

”Anyway, Joe Sisk runs a speakeasy down by the docks. It’s rough but you should find the sailors you need there.”

[Mr. Handy]

"Thank you, Sheriff," says William. "Will you be accompanying us to Johnson Island?"

[Philulhu]

”Bayou, not Island,” corrected the Sheriff. ”It’s connected to the mainland, but it’s remote and there’s no road there.”

”I can’t come with you. I don’t have enough men to spare to leave the place, but don’t overreach yourselves. If you find this Nyatanga fellow, come back for reinforcements. Don’t feel you have to do this on your own.”