Play@YSDC

Next day of research at the Bibliotheque Nationale.

OOC:   Other topics of reasearch other than Count Fenalik?

Research on Captain Melon reveals nothing of interest. After the Fenalik affair he served the navy for a few years and then retired, with no other apparent contact with the mystery of the Simulacrum. Also with regard to the latter, the library has already offered yesterday everything it could reveal about that. Nothing else comes up.
Research fails to reveal the location of the Count's villa. However, the investigators uncover the probable reason. Remi discovers that some books and documents about the city of Poissy, dating back or treating the time when Fenalik lived in this place, mysteriously disappeared two months ago. After questioning the library staff, no one can explain how this could have happened. No one in the records has ever asked to consult or borrow this material in recent times. Remi remembers a strange thing happened about two months ago that could be related to the missing documents. That night he was alone in the library, he thought he saw a strange shadow stealthily moving among the bookshelves. He had the impression of seeing the shadow of a man in a raincoat and hat. Remi saw him only for a moment. He thought he had hallucinated due to fatigue and did not bother to investigate too much.

All information uncovered about Count Fenalik´s fate leads to his disappearance within the walls of the Charenton asylum. It seems that the count never got out of there. Reports from the doctors of that time say he eventually died and, having no close relatives or friends in Paris, he was buried in an anonymous mass grave. Remi remembers a recent strange fact that involved a doctor at the Charenton Asylum. The asylum indeed at Charenton still exists. It is located in the East End of Paris, close to a park named the Bois de Vincennes. It still protect the sane from the insane, and vice versa. It is perhaps most-famous to late 20th century theater-goers as the final homes of Jean Paul Marat and Comte Donatien Alphonse François de Sade.

The search through the newspapers, turns up an obituary of the asylum’s director, and dedications from friends and colleagues. The article is just two months old. Apparently, the former director dies due to an accident that occurred inside the Charenton Asylum.

We mourn the loss of our esteemed director, Dr. Etienne Delplace, a man of the highest professional standards and a true pioneer in the field of neurology. His loss by tragic accident occurred within our renowned institution comes as a great blow. We at the hospital extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family, hoping that they may overcome their grief in time. Dr. Delplace will be missed by the Charenton community, Paris at large, the glorious nation of France, and civilized men everywhere.
Dr. François Leroux, Acting Director.

"We should pay a visit to Charenton and see what we can find out," says Felicity. "People are always saying I should go to an insane asylum. Now's my chance!"

"Spendid idea, Miss Heyward. Perhaps a visit to Charenton will shed a little light on the subject."

Archie continued, "While I am not a mental health specialist, perhaps the fact that I am a medical professional might allow them to either be more candid with me, or at least be more willing to let us see Fenalik's records."

"Excellent idea," says Felicity. "And if that isn't enough, my pretty face should open some doors. Or other parts of me."

'Ah, Monsieur Vangeim, that is quite the coincidence, a mysterious thief stealing documents about Poissy a few months before we come along to investigate the place.'

He slaps the man on the back. 'Don't worry, I'm sure he's long gone.'

Reading the obituary he raises an eyebrow wryly, 'I wonder what happened to the poor fellow, another coincidence it seems. I think a visit to the asylum is in order.'

At Felicity's comments he flushes red, 'Um, eh, I'm sure the doctor's credentials will suffice.'

OOC:   Hah, I think the guy was Captain Malon - I was just being a clumsy Brit in calling him Melon. Incidentally, did anyone spend the point of Library Use or shall I?

“Hmm, this tragic accident certainly bears looking into. I can’t believe it’s a coincidence- not when we keep finding accidents on our trail.” Mutters Clarence.