Reginald and Marion returned from Kent in the countryside after spending a week decompressing from the investigation regarding the Windebanks, Dr Granger and the events of the Java Coffee Company.
Spending time away from the busy streets of London doing them both some good in reassuring one another that they had done the right thing in the end, having seen no reports regarding plague or infection in the newspapers that reached them.
Reginald insisted Marion learn to partake in the activities of gentlemen, horseback riding, quail shooting and walking the grounds. Spending time becoming acclimated to using the “Bulldog” pistol he had acquired from Dr Granger, the firearm doing little to help Marion feel safer from the recurring nightmares he was experiencing, featuring the giant, three eyed being.
Marion’s return to work was somewhat mixed in terms of his status, being impressed with Marion’s research and identification of the “Blue Death”, Dr Spencer promoted Marion within the morgue, however this soon turned into even longer hours, Marion spending more nights in the well loved armchair in the corner of his office than his own home.
Weeks had passed with both Marion and Reginald checking their own eyes in the mirror, searching for any signs of infection regarding the Blue Fungus. As the weeks turned to months, both were relieved as they showed no signs of infection.
Spending longer hours in his office, Reginald decided to start writing his personal memoirs regarding what he described as an adventure on home soil. Doing his best to tell an honest and personal account of the investigation that began with the death of Albert Windebank.
Keeping in constant contact, Marion was soon a permanent plus one for Reginald at social events, the two of them meeting at the minimum once per week. Marion struggling from time to time in the social environment of the military clubs and events, his history with alcohol proving to be his main vice, deciding it best to keep his distance from any location where the flow was constant.
*
October arrived again in London, the drizzling rain almost never ending. Reginald’s train trip with Singh to Dover for the funeral of retired Sergeant Major Herbert Crouch, a fellow soldier who served under Reginald’s command. The few funeral goers were estranged family members, pallbearers and Toby Norton. Toby, known to Reginald from the Military club, a subordinate of Major Gower and employee, now Lord Gower post active service. Reginald and Toby stood together in the rain as the clergyman finished his service, Reginald noticing wreaths of flowers featuring the names of several high ranking officers, including Lord Gower.
Reginald offered his condolences to the sister present of Sergeant Major Crouch before retiring from the rain, followed by Singh and Toby. Locating a small tavern in town, Reginald, Singh and Toby sat in one of the unoccupied booths, Singhs present causing a pause from some patrons.
Reginald conveyed his fondness of Crouch to Toby who seemed to know little of the Sergeant Major, instead speaking of how he had been sent on Lord Gower’s behalf. As Toby continued to mutter loudly as he removed his soaked rain coat, Reginald was surprised to hear of the funeral of retired Corporal Orland Reynolds the previous week, another man from the same company.
Shocked at the news, Reginald addressed Toby directly on the issue, asking as to the cause of death, noting that Crouch’s death was suspicious given a man with such a stout profile possessing strength beyond a civilian was found dead by strangulation. According to the newspaper articles in the local paper regarding the murder, a tall figure was seen outside Crouch’s house on the evening of the murder of the 51 year old Crouch who coached the local rugby team.
Toby patted down his pockets, pulling from his waistcoat a newspaper article regarding the death of Reynolds dated the previous week. The newspaper depicted a man falling from a train platform, being struck by an oncoming train, the incident being deemed misadventure. Reginald was perplexed by the news, neither man had died by undeniable natural causes, thinking to himself if there was something more sinister at work. After several cups of tea, Reginald and Singh took their leave from Toby who was halfway through a shepherd’s pie, Reginald sending Singh to the train station while he made the decision to call at the Dover mortuary for a more detailed report of what happened to Sergeant Major Crouch.
Knocking on the door to the morgue, the clerk who answered was not willing to assist Reginald without direct, written consent from either Lord Gower or the Dover Police. Reginald doing his best to enforce his military authority, the clerk persisted in his refusal without Lord Gower’s approval.
Frustrated, Reginald took his leave of the morgue, instead choosing to return to the train station where Singh was waiting.
*
Discussing the funeral as the two sat, Reginald drinking his regular whisky, Marion drinking his tea. Marion was concerned at the news as Reginald passed him the funeral notice and newspaper article. Reginald also recounted the death of the private who was killed by a train. Marion queried as to why Reginald was concerned about the two, seemingly unrelated deaths of former military personnel.
Looking for any kind of connection regarding the two, Marion offered Reginald some support, advising he could request a copy of the coroner’s report to inspect. Reginald breathed a sigh of relief at Marion’s suggestion, moving the conversation towards what the two were planning to do in future. Reginald continued his playful banter regarding Marion’s marital status and that Susan Windebank was still available to him. Several whisky’s into the conversation, Reginald began referring Marion towards Jenny, the maid from the Norris Hotel, Susan Windebank and even the older lady running the women’s refuge in the dock district.
As the night grew old, Marion took his leave of Reginald, returning to his home for a brief night's sleep before being required at work by 6am.
*
The coroner’s report from Dover was surprisingly empty, the only notes made by the coroner stating that whoever the attacker was, possessed inhuman strength. The report showing that bones had been crushed, shattered and broken, leaving bruising both pre and post mortem revealing fingerprints.
Marion called Reginald from the phone in the morgue, passing the information on as best he could without causing Reginald any panic.
Hanging up the phone, Marion took the report to Dr Spencer, asking if he had ever seen injuries that reflect the same damage. Dr Spencer reviewed the report, his only memories of similar injuries coming from instances where men have been crushed between pylons and timber logs.
Reginald hung up his phone from Marion, immediately dialling the number of the Dover police station, being put in touch with Inspector Walters who advised that the investigation was ongoing, reviewing witness statements from the neighbours.
Reginald’s frustration grew at the lack of news, requesting he be contacted as any developments unfolded.
Hanging up the phone harshly, Reginald returned to his study, doing his best to clear his mind as he looked at the pages of memoirs on his desk and where he was up to.
Marion continued to socialise with Reginald on a regular basis at the Army and Navy Club, as the guest of Reginald, he was restricted to the public dining area, as he was not a military man, he was not permitted to enter the members area.
The two conversed casually as Lord Gower recognised Reginald far easier than any man present without rank. Reginald spoke of his attendance to the Funeral of Sergeant Major Crouch, some moments passing before Gower recalled the faint memory of the man.
Reginald continued regarding the circumstances of the death, Gower listening and doing his best to understand Reginald’s concern. Advising that the medical report described the assailant as inhumanly strong, the crushing and compounding of bones, Reginald querying if Gower had seen or heard of anyone who could possibly possess such strength.
Gower shook his head, speaking of no one matching the description given or in possession of such brute force. Reginald continued regarding the train death of Private Reynolds, Gower dismissing the death as possibly drunken behaviour ending in death.
Reginald shifted the conversation in the direction of Colonel Hollingsworth, asking if Gower had seen him recently. Gower shook his head, advising he had not seen Hollingsworth in over a week, his absence being noticed in military circles. Pushing for information on Hollingsworth, Reginald enquired about the lodgings of Hollingsworth, Gower vaguely remembering the address being located in Hampstead.
As he spoke to words of the location, Gower’s memory was jogged into the conversations he had been having with his wife, telling Reginald that the two of them had to arrange dinner for their wives to discuss the upcoming charity events that were marked for returning soldiers and servicemen. Gower extended an invitation to Reginald to attend his home the following evening to address their calendars for when they can arrange their wives to meet for lunch. Gower taking his leave from Reginald and returning to his entourage, Reginald nodded and returned to finish his meal, Marion’s plate already empty. Marion enquired as to the conversation with Gower, being informed that they would attend his residence the following evening. Finishing their meals, making their way to the exit, Reginald gave a nod to the somewhat ancient gentleman who seemed to be permanently fixed to the same chair every time he entered the club. Barney Albright, one of the best marksmen of his time, now known as the drunk old soul full of war stories that may or may not have happened. Marion and Reginald parted ways for the evening, both returning to their homes to rest.
*
Continuing his work at the Morgue, Marion looked over the reports of deaths and their causes, looking for anything similar to the recent deaths of Reynolds and Crouch. Frustrated that no recent murders shared any of the signs of abnormality he had become accustomed to when working with Reginald, Marion closed the cabinet of reports, returning to his office to work so as not to end up too far behind on his regular duties. As evening approached, a thick fog hung in the air of London and surrounds, Reginald striding towards the train station, the short journey taking them north towards Gower’s residential area in Belgrave Square. Exiting the train, Singh, Reginald strode down the dimly lit street, the street lights emitting more of a glow than clear lighting as the fog surrounded them like misty curtains. The building on either side of the two men, all large, brick buildings that were well maintained, all surrounded by tall fences, the ornamental pointed tips instantly recognisable to deter potential intruders.
Turning a corner and finding themselves only a block away from the home of Lord Gower, the two men froze as the sound of an harrowing and ear piercing scream blazed through the air, only to be cut short with a loud thud. Reginald was first to move, striding forward with Singh trailing him. Pointing to a side street as the source of the scream, Reginald stood at its entryway, a look of horror and shock on his face.
Reginald came to Lord Gower’s side as he sent Singh away to locate the police and seek their aid. Through the blood and pain, Gower did his best to speak, Reginald supporting the weight of his head as his earthly time was almost up. “Abadan, Abadan, it's real, alive.”
Gower’s body shivered for a moment before his muscles relaxed, his head falling loose in the hands of Reginald, his final exhale expelling blood and the faint sound of gurgling in his chest.
Stepping back from Major Gower’s body, his hands covered in blood, Reginald turned to the sight of two police constables, blowing their whistles entering the alley, Singh pointing and directing them.
The shocking sight caught the police off guard as they immediately began demanding answers to questions in shaky yet violent tones. Reginald met the oncoming verbal assault with a stout retort, giving every piece of information known to him about who they were, why they were here and what they had heard and witnessed.
One constable departed the alley, blowing his whistle for more attention, calling to any other police in the area to converge. As more and more police arrived on the scene, Reginald and Singh were not permitted to leave the scene, the blood on Reginald’s hands still visible in the lamp light, even after expending both of their handkerchiefs in an attempt to remove it.
The sound of a Hansom Cab approached the alley, pulling up short at the police line, exiting the cab, a tall man moved to the closest police officer who in turn pointed at Reginald and Singh. The man strode towards Reginald, passing by the body of Gower that was currently being removed from the fence by five police constables.
Addressing the two and introducing himself as Inspector Craddock of Scotland Yard, his harsh tone commanding attention, quite the opposite of the previous inspector Jones who spoke with a somewhat quiet demeanour.
Craddock dismissed the two after collecting the information of Reginald who asked Craddock if he was acquainted with Inspector Jones. Craddock frowned and made mention that there were many inspectors named Jones, turning on his heel and moving towards the body of Major Gower. Reginald and Singh departed the alley, hailing a Hansom Cab and heading back towards the city.
Once home, Reginald immediately dialled the number of the London Morgue, to his relief, the phone was answered by Marion who was still busily completing his reports for the day. Reginald could barely contain himself, recounting the events of the train trip, the death of Lord Gower and the Inspector who had questioned him. Marion was shocked at the news, Lord Gower was a prominent figure within the community and his death would cause much attention from the police and newspapers alike. Reginald continued, repeating the final words of Lord Gower, “Abadan, its real, alive”.
Reginald continued his theory that all of the murders of the military personnel were related, recalling the way in which Lord Gower had been killed, the distance from the nearest rooftop to the fence, too far for a man to jump, he would have to be thrown.
Ending the call, Marion began to prepare the Morgue for an incoming body, ordering the two remaining clerks to make space while he picked up the phone once more, advising Dr Spencer of the recent murder of a Lord and that he should be the attending physician.
*
Dr Spencer entered the Morgue first, followed shortly after by the body of Lord Gower, accompanied by several police and Inspector Craddock. Marion had prepared the closest table for the body to be examined on, directing the police to lay the body on the table, Dr Spencer began to cut away what remained of the Lord’s clothing.
Dr Spencer dictated his notes for Marion to write down, stating that this was not an act of suicide, but more an act of murder by an unknown assailant who, from the bruising, threw Lord Gower from an unknown location onto the fence.
Removing his apron, Dr Spencer turned to Marion, ordering him to finalise the report immediately and assign it to Scotland Yard for investigation. Inspector Craddock stepped forward, his notebook in hand, asking the question of Dr Spencer, who’s frustration with the simple nature of the questioning he ignored, stating that everything he wanted would be present in the report. Dr Spencer walked away towards the basin near his office, washing his hands and face, removing his surgical clothing before entering his office where a clerk had prepared a cup of tea.
Craddock turned to Marion, repeating his question about anything that may be out of the ordinary. Marion could think of nothing other than the strength required to commit such a brutal act. Craddock eyed Marion carefully before thanking him for his time, taking his leave of the Morgue.
Marion dialled the number of Reginald’s home on the telephone, Reginald immediately answering. Marion informed him of the bruising, possibly the same murderer of Crouch as the bruising and damage to bone was unmistakably similar. Arranging to meet the following day, Marion ended the call, covering the body of Lord Gower and wheeling his body to the refrigerator for temporary storage.
*
The next day started early, Marion entered the Morgue, his intention of copying the report from the autopsy of Lord Gower was simple enough to complete. Nothing had changed within the walls of the Morgue, everything exactly where Marion had left it. The morning newspaper stating the outrage at the murder of a prominent Lord, however the details were minimal regarding the incident, Inspector Craddock keeping a lid on anything related to the death of Lord Gower.
Marion thought to himself where he would have to go to investigate and research the name that Reginald had spoken to him, Abadan, an alien term to him.
Reginald rose from his bed in the late morning, making his way after breakfast to the Army and Navy Club, his inquisitive mind lodging a query and request for reports regarding Lord Gower’s movements in the Army.
Returning home, Reginald was handed a large envelope from Singh, the copy of the coroner’s report sent by Marion. Reviewing the document, Reginald immediately picked up the phone and dialled the Morgue.
Hanging up the phone, Marion compiled the reports from Dover and the Morgue, everything he had on the current murders, placing them in his bag and leaving the Morgue towards Scotland Yard.
As Marion entered the building, he was immediately met by the desk clerk, enquiring as to his business at the Yard. Marion requested the direction to the office of Inspector Craddock, the clerk somewhat dubious, directed him to the second floor towards the back of the building. Thanking the clerk for his time, Marion made his way up the stairs and towards the rear, scanning the doors for any plaques with the name ‘Craddock’ on them. Finally reaching a modest office along the western wall, Marion knocked politely, Inspector Craddock permitting him entrance.
The two sat across the desk from each other, Marion passing the Coroner’s report of Lord Gower to Craddock. Looking through furrowed brows at the file and flicking through the notes, Craddock was interrupted by Marion who put forward a second file, the Dover examination of Sergeant Major Crouch. Marion explained the similarities in the cases, his polite tones showing his genuine and honest concern regarding the culprit. Craddock spoke in a manner that reminded Marion of Reginald, a military discipline and commanding presence. Asking how Marion came across the Dover report, the mention of Reginald being an acquaintance and the inquiry made on his behalf, Craddock smiled and raised his hand to silence Marion.
Craddock went on to explain the seriousness of what he had done, requesting a report linked to an ongoing murder investigation, at the request of a retired Army Captain. As Marion explained the nature of how he and Reginald had first become acquaintances, going back through the first incident in Hyde Park Police Station, Craddock again cut Marion short, pulling another file from his desk drawer. Craddock made it clear that he was aware of a Dr Collins and Retired Captain Lockhart, the report he was reading, written by Inspector Jones. Craddock went on to read that Inspector Jones found their attempts at assisting to be no more than interference.
Marion paused, the sweat starting to form on his brow. Craddock stood and leaned over his desk, speaking calmly, he demanded Marion to remain outside any form of involvement in the case at hand.
Craddock advised he would be contacting Dr Spencer, advising that Marion take a short leave of absence in order to put distance between himself and any involvement. Craddock then pulled his own notebook from his pocket, beginning to ask Marion questions regarding his whereabouts on certain dates spanning the previous three weeks. Marion, not wishing to conceal anything, gave his whereabouts and names of clerks and associates who could verify his words.
Satisfied with Marion’s information, Craddock waved his hand dismissively, excusing Marion from his office. Marion rose to his feet, his hands shaking, gave a nod and quickly exited the office, making his way back to work.
*
A knock at the door broke Reginalds concentration as he stared out from his breakfast room window, his Webley revolver in his lap. Singh entered, explaining two police constables were at the front door, requesting he accompany them to Scotland Yard as the Inspector requested his presence.
Reginald retorted sternly, explaining that he was on his way to meet Lod Gower to discuss their wives and social gatherings.
Craddock pursued the line of questioning, wanting to know the details of any fellow servicemen that he associated with through the Army and Navy Club. Reginald rattled off several names of retired regimental officers and soldiers, including the names of Reynolds, Crouch, Hollingworth and Gower. Focussing on the mention of Reynolds, Reginald could not help but convey his belief that the train death was not an accident.
Craddock then pushed Reginald for reasons as to why he had come to that conclusion. Reginald again pushed back at the inspector, justifying his theory with past experiences assisting in investigations with Inspector Jones.
Craddock laughed at the insinuation, pulling the report from his drawer, stating that Reginald was able to be charged with interfering in police business and obstruction. Warning Reginald that he was not to get involved in the current investigation, informing Reginald that Jones was not as stern as other inspectors within Scotland Yard, however any interference with this case would see Reginald inside a cell.
Craddock shifted his focus to Colonel Hollingsworth, demanding to know when the last time Reginald and Hollingworth had seen each other. Reginald informing the Inspector that it had been some weeks since crossing paths.
Craddock dismissed Reginald from his office, advising him to be careful with how he was to proceed. Bumping into the constable who had fetched a scotch for the retired Captain, Reginald snatched it from him, gulping it down before passing the glass back to the constable as he continued towards the exit.
*
Reginald burst through the door of the Morgue, calling to Marion in anger. Marion appeared from his office, wiping his hands on his apron and walked briskly towards Lockhart. Reginald's anger and frustration was at boiling point, the Inspector having gotten deep enough under his skin to cause stress. Reginald recalled seeing a stack of files of the Inspector’s desk, one file for every serviceman who had passed away recently. Reginald feared that he was possibly being set up as a classic patsy for the string of murders, Marion however refuted the notion, explaining that Reginald needed to remain calm, most importantly, put distance between himself and the Inspector’s investigation.
Marion returned to his work having calmed Reginald’s nerves, going over the files again of Lord Gower and alike. Reginald left the Morgue, stopping briefly at the closest pub for another stiff drink before continuing home, electing not to catch a cab, but the walk would help settle his mind more adequately.
Dr Spencer entered the morgue in the mid afternoon, making a straight path to Marion, engaging him in conversation. Dr Spencer had a harsh look on his face, advising Marion to leave the premises. Marion asked as to why he was being dismissed for the day, Spencer replying that he had received a telephone call from Craddock at Scotland Yard. Dr Spencer then ran through the list of accusations made by Craddock, Requesting files from other mortuaries, involving himself in police matters, everything would have to be added to his file. Dr Spencer conveyed his disappointment having recently promoted Marion only to have to suspend him from work for an undisclosed amount of time without pay. Marion removed his apron, took his belongings from his office and walked out the front door of the morgue, his mind consumed with anger at how Reginald has cost him his job, his ability to rise in status and company.
Losing his sense of direction in his anger, Marion had originally planned to head home, instead looking up to find himself at the entrance to the Library. Walking into the lobby, Marion began searching for any reference possible to the mystery that plagued him, Abadan.
Reginald returned home to find another package had been delivered to his residence, this time from the Army and Navy club, copies of Regimental Reports he had requested in order to find Hollingsworth and who else may have been in the Regiment he belonged to that may be retired and living in the area. Scanning the reports, he found them to be nothing more than short statements of campaigns, little more than propaganda, not containing any lists of servicemen.
Throwing the papers in the wastebasket, Reginald walked back outside, heading to the Army and Navy Club in search of answers. As he looked around the Club, he addressed a group of regular patrons, asking as to the whereabouts of Colonel Hollingsworth and for anyone who had seen him recently to step forward.
After speaking with servicemen for the better part of an hour, Reginald knew only the most basic of facts. Colonel Hollingsworth lived in Kandahar House, located on a large estate near Hampstead, no one had seen Hollingsworth for many weeks, the rumours of illness and violent temper circulating as a possible cause for his withdrawal from the public eye. More rumours of how he had met his new, young wife after returning from active service, building Kandahar house, now with a young son, his time now spent living the family life.
Not knowing if there was any point in spending his afternoon at his favourite haunt, Reginald tried to contribute to the conversations of those around him. As his voice was being drowned out by others who chose to dominate the conversation, Reginald let out a slurry of angry attributes in the direction of those speaking over him. The club fell silent at the outburst, Reginald stating his anger at the current lack of military courtesy before straightening his jacket and marching to the exit.
Toby Norton retrieved Reginald’s coat from the coat room, apologetic that Reginald was leaving so soon. Reginald gave Toby a sideways glance, Toby being the only man present at two funerals, sent by Lord Gower to deliver flowers. Reginald spoke the work Abadan to Toby who’s reaction was not one of confusion. Toby shook his head quickly, looking at the floor and continuing to state his ignorance at the topic. Reginald’s eyes widened, grabbing Toby by the collar and forcing him to walk with Reginald towards the door.
Dragging Toby around the corner of the Club, Reginald demanded to know what he knew, releasing his grip and looking Toby in the eye. Reginald lost the anger in his voice, Toby was used to being screamed at, speaking to Toby as a man with dignity, several minutes of denial before allowing Reginald any answers. Toby spoke through quivering lips, he was sworn to secrecy and silence by Colonel Hollingsworth. Toby explained he was a member of a team of men commanded by Hollingsworth, dispatched to a small village in Egypt where fanatical locals were causing trouble. Toby went on to explain that the group of soldiers dispatched left none alive, it was a massacre at the temple, complete and utter darkness in their souls for an hour as they murdered all within the walls.
Hollingsworth made every man take an oath of silence regarding the massacre as many did not conduct themselves in a military way and did not want to tarnish the name of the regiment. Taking relics from the site, Hollingsworth sold off all he could, splitting the funds between the members of the regiment who attended.
Toby spoke of a withered mummy that resided in a wooden sarcophagus, both taken by Hollingsworth. Toby was clearly frightened as he recalled the event, explaining he had been seeing shadows move in the streets and alleys of London as he conducted his daily business. He was growing paranoid with every day that passed.
Reginald demanded Toby leave the city, yet Toby refused, explaining that he was ready for whatever was coming for him. To Toby, Crouch and Reynolds were not prepared, yet he believed he could weather the oncoming storm.
Reginald gave Toby some coins before leaving the alley, hailing a cab and heading to the Morgue. Dr Spencer met Reginald at the front door, conveying that Marion was on leave and would not be at work for some time. Reginald shook his head, cursing the Inspector as he got back in the Hansom Cab.
*
Marion searched for hours regarding the word ‘Abadan’, religious texts, geographical reports, medical journals, anything he could possibly think of. His search proving fruitless, Marion stormed out of the Library as the sun disappeared beyond the horizon. Pushing through his front door, slamming it behind him. Marion paced his living space, walking to a bookcase and pulling a large wooden box from the shelf, placing it on his desk. Opening the box to reveal two bottles of Gin, one half empty, its label stained red with dried blood. Marion stared for a moment at the bottles before pulling the full bottle from the box, opening it and pouring himself a tumbler to the brim.
*
Reginald waited at the door as it creaked open to reveal a drunken Marion. Reginald shook his head, demanding Marion sober up and that he shall return the following day to collect him.
Marion slammed the door, leaving against it as he brought the now well drunk Gin bottle to his lips, mumbling to himself between gulps.
