Chapter 10: November 1st

[HoneyDog]

Tuesday 1st November, 1881, 9 am

Thrawl St., Spitalfields


The companions meet at the same spot the next day, on a cold and damp November morning. Blessing is already in attendance, shivering in his cheap suit.

The morning does not bring glad tidings however. Late editions of the previous day’s papers carried stories of another murder. This time the victim has already been identified as David Cook 26, whose body was found in Sidney St. He was apparently last seen in the company of a young woman. But this was no ordinary fruit-seller or sailor; Cook was the son of Sir Brian Cook, Lord Rexford – an MP and wealthy landowner. Lord Rexford has offered the sum of 500 pounds for the apprehension of his son’s killer.

Consequently, the streets are even more tense as usual, with groups of young men openly prowling around. The police are more in attendance now too, and reinforcements have been drafted in from other boroughs.

[Mr. Handy]

"We need to find her today," says Alexander. "There must be no more deaths. We couldn't have prevented last night's murder, as she never came home beforehand, but now she must be here - unless there's somewhere else she may have spent the night."

[HoneyDog]

Blessing looks pained at the mention of the murder.

“Perhaps if some of us enter the lodging house, and the rest wait here in case she comes by?” he suggests.

[Raiko]

"I'll take a look inside," says Melody, "who's comin' with me?"

ooc,I've finished f'#*ing work for Christmas & New Year now, so no more absences!

[Snapper]

Crozier:

Crozier appears on time, in the same rather nautical coat and cap as yesterday. "There's no room for regrets here. We chart the best course we can on what we know."

"Melody, I think you and Brown have had the greatest success entering those premises without causing a riot. I am more than happy to let you continue that winning streak. Just shriek if you need us."

[aine]

“And perhaps we should check around the back to watch any rear exits. I’ll stay and watch the front” Isolde is not keen to delve into the jumble of buildings at the back on her own. She is looking a bit under the weather today.

[Mephistophilis]

Harry frowns, 'More luck than anything else but at least we know where we're going, come on Melody'

[HoneyDog]

“I will accompany you” says Blessing to Melody and Harry.

Leaving the others on the street, they enter the familiar jumble of houses, seeking out the lodging house where Crazy Annie could be found.

Familiar sights and sounds greet them, along with the suspicious stares of the residents.

Melody & Harry,Group halved Luck roll.

[Mr. Handy]

"I'll go round the back and watch from there," says Alexander. "Who will go with me?"

[Snapper]

Crozier:

"Happy to, doctor," Crozier says to Campbell. He accompanies the doctor to the rear of the premises, treading carefully.

[HoneyDog]

OOC,You might want to check to see if it's actually possible to gain access.

Alexander and Crozier attempt to make their way to the back of the lodging house. There is a narrow passage, but it is filthy and rubbish strewn, and smells terribly.

“What’re ye doin?” cries a voice. A rough-looking man stands regarding them. “What business d’ye have here, eh?”

OOC,Blessing, Harry & Melody have entered the doss. Crozier and Alexander are outside, being accosted. Isolde and Vic are in the main street and cannot see what's going on.

[aine]

“Do you know anything about, er, prostitutes, Vic?” Asks Isolde slightly distastefully. “I mean; I was wondering if Annie went off on her own accord or would she be working for someone.”
She watches the passers-by.

[Raiko]

Luck roll,Luck 75% / 2 (37%) : 0 :roll:

[HoneyDog]

Vic & Isolde,One of you make a halved Luck roll.

[Philulhu]

Luck,Halved Luck roll - 60%/2 - 0

Vic felt herself blushing. ”Well, I’m aware that some women work as prostitutes and I understand that they might work from a brothel or even in the street, but I don’t know much more than that....” she said to Isolde.

[Mr. Handy]

"We're looking for a criminal suspect," says Alexander, deciding that honesty is the best policy. "Our colleagues are round the front. We're just here to make sure our quarry doesn't slip out the back."

[HoneyDog]

“POLICE!”

The man starts shouting at the top of his voice.

Within the house several of the inhabitants hear the cry, and instantly take off running, the man himself joining them. The call also goes out around the other dosses, and soon there is a stream of people in the narrow lane, looking to escape the area. Our companions are barged around in the fray of panicking and shouting people, trying to stay on their feet and keep hold of their possessions.

OOC,All of you can each make a halved Luck roll. If you succeed, you might see someone familiar in the throng.

[Snapper]

Crozier:

Half Luck 30%,0

OOC:   Good grief.

Crowley looks at Campbell with mild amusement. "Perhaps you might warn me before the next time you do that, Doctor." He keeps an arm tight across his torso to keep his valuables close and safe.

[Mr. Handy]

"I think that's her," whispers Alexander as he sees someone.

OOC,Luck roll (80 / 2 = 40% stat) to see [b]Annie[/b]: 0

[HoneyDog]

Alexander has seen a thin, pale but very pretty young woman in the crowd of people fleeing. She looks very much like the drawing made by Isolde of Blessing’s description.

OOC,The companions are separated right now, but Alexander and Crozier can approach the woman if they hurry.