Play@YSDC

Maxwell's Sanitarium- London, England
9:00 PM - Tuesday, September 10, 1940

Anna and the orderly returned to the sanitarium, without Catherine Exeter. This would only serve to increase Eugene's worry.

Seeing Anna arrive without her quarry, Eugene slumps.

"She got away didn't she?" he grumbles, glaring at the orderlies. "What did I tell you...?"

He sighs - the time for recriminations long past.

"Let's hope she doesn't catch up with her accomplices."

'From what Phyllis told me, Major Steadman might have already met a sticky end' says Anna. 'I had better tell them Mrs Exeter has escaped.'

“It’s a shame such a brave man should snuff it, but when I gave him the chance to stop this madness, he didn’t...” Eugene scowls. “Did Mrs. C. say what happened to his missus? Did they get hold of the jewel?”

Anna answers Eugene, 'We only talked briefly, the Major shot Rev Pennyfeather and he had to be operated on. The beast carried the Major away, Phyllis frightened it off with her hurricane lantern but she says it had its tail wrapped around her waist! She wanted to know whether you two thought it might put her at risk from the creature like you. They didn't say what happened to the jewel or Mrs Steadman.'

Anna goes back upstairs to ring the hospital to see if she can talk to Phyllis. She takes a lantern with her.

A woman answered the phone. After Anna said who she was and to whom she wanted to speak, the call was put on hold. A minute later, Phyllis picked up the phone and spoke: “Hello, Dr. Jerkins? This is Phyllis Cruckshank speaking.”

'Hello Mrs Cruckshank, I've some bad news. Catherine Exeter has escaped.' She pauses to let the news sink in. 'She escaped into the sewers, I managed to catch her but then she slipped through our fingers again. Currently I am safe in the sanatorium with Eugene and Angus. How is the Reverend?'

“The Reverend is well, thank goodness,” replied Phyllis. “He’s tired and needs lots of rest but the doctor patched him up. Can you believe: his bible in his breast pocket saved him. So that means both Mrs. Exeter and the bat are both loose in London. Do you think she can control it if she finds it? At least they are opposite ends of London, I suppose.” Phyllis stifled a yawn. “We’ve still got a long night to go. You must keep those lanterns burning, Doctor Jerkins.”

'I don't know if she can control it, didn't she need that gem, whatever happened to that, did you find it?' says Anna. 'I am glad Reverend Pennyfeather is well, saved by the grace of the Lord!'

“We had a spot of bother about the gem,” replied Phyllis dolefully. “A young scamp pickpocketed it from the Major and ran off with it. It could be anywhere now. Other than waiting until tomorrow and offering a reward, I can’t see how we can possibly get it back. And with Catherine Exeter missing too we’re rather back at square one.”

'If she doesn't have the gem I'd say that's good news for us. Although, I think that means the bat-thing is out of control' says Anna. 'I'm not sure there's anything more we can do tonight but keep those lights burning.'

“You too,” said Phyllis. “Good luck dear. Send our best to Eugene and Angus.” She hung up the phone.

OOC,Is there anything else you want to do tonight?

The rest of the night passed uneventfully, and everyone who was asleep at around 6:00 AM was awakened when the all clear sounded.

After waking with a start at the sound of the all-clear, Eugene rubs his eyes. Was he dead or alive?

Satisfying himself that he’s still very much alive, he looks over to Angus.

“Morning mate, looks like we’re still in one piece.”

"Aye," said Angus, rubbing his eyes. "I cannae wait to see the sun again."

"You can say that again!" replies Eugene, looking around for Anna. "I wouldn't say no to a good breakfast either."