Reginald paces the London streets in the early morning thinking of what Toby had told him. His regiment, the men he had fought beside and shared years of his life with, massacred a village and temple based solely on potentially one officer's rogue order.
Marion was startled awake at the sound of Reginald calling his name, rising from his chair slowly, his head pounding. Marion’s anger at Reginald was visible in his face, sarcastically thanking Reginald for all of his help in the recent weeks. Reginald was not interested in playing whatever game Marion was trying to start, immediately demanding he get dressed and that he needed to come with Reginald to eat properly and discuss what he had discovered.
Offering a poor argument as to why he did not want to listen to anything Reginald had to say, Reginald took Marion by the shoulder, his voice low cutting through the aches in his head. Reginald needed Marion, a man of science and medicine, regardless of current employment status, Reginald pushed hard against Marions ego. Finally agreeing to leave his home, Marion began to lay out his clothes for the day, taking far less formal attire than he would normally wear to work, from his wardrobe and laying it on the bed.
Reginald advised Marion he would see him at the Army and Navy Club when he was ready, leaving Marion’s home and hailing a cab.
*
Reginald entered the Army and Navy Club earlier than he had ever been previously, looking around inside the foyer for any sign of Toby Norton. Circling the space for some time, finally spotting Toby loitering around the dining room, Reginald breathed a sigh of relief in knowing Toby had not fallen victim to the strange attacker. Heading towards the members lounge, Reginald ordered a large breakfast of meat, bread and eggs, drinking strong coffee as he waited for Marion to arrive.
*
It had been a long time since Marion had touched a drop of alcohol since the early days of study. The drink seemed to be the only thing keeping him going to the point where it consumed his life. Mixed with the occasional opioid after witnessing his initial years of autopsy training and assessment, it didn’t take long for Marion to be forced to choose between his medical career and a life in the gutter.
The memories of his younger years flowing through his head as he scrubbed himself down with the hot water in the bowl he had boiled. Scrubbing every inch of himself to remove the smell of Gin and perspiration.
Satisfied with his hygiene, Marion dressed himself in somewhat informal attire, buttoning up his shirt as footsteps approached from the staircase.
Picking up his jacket off the arm of his chair, he looked towards the bookshelf as the footsteps drew nearer, wondering if he needed to dash for the hollowed out medical journal on the second shelf containing the pistol that once belonged to Dr Granger.
Marion explained that he was not at the scene of the crime, Craddock pressing Marion on the point that the flow of information between Reginald and himself was freely given, therefore he should know what was said. Craddock was not interested in any way as to Marion’s explanation regarding the current terms of the relationship and lack of communication, as the event predated the breakdown and suspension.
After some shuffling of thoughts and under the threat of being written in yet another police report as obstructing police business, Marion spoke the words Abadan, real, alive. Craddock wrote the words in his book, asking what the word meant, expecting Marion to answer. Marion did his best to explain that he had no knowledge of what it meant, not familiar to any language he had read in medical journals.
Craddock realised it was time to withdraw, seeing that Marion was at the brink of exhaustion and frustration, beyond that of a guilty party, thanking Marion for his time and heading back down the stairs.
*
Reginald could not resist the urge to partake in the constant story telling of his compatriots as he waited for Marion, Toby coming to his side and informing him of a visitor. Reginald was relieved, thinking that Marion had finally arrived to aid in his investigation. Reginald walked confidently to the visitor’s room towards the front of the Army and Navy Club, his walk slowing at the realisation that Inspector Craddock was sitting at a table, drink in hand.
Offering Reginald a seat across from where he was sitting, Craddock summoned one of the staff, placing his order for lunch, suggesting Reginald do the same. Immediately taking to his notebook, Craddock spoke of how he had just come from Dr Collins residence and needed confirmation of what Major Gower had said with his final breaths.
Reginald leaned over the table, making sure no others within the vicinity could overhear the conversation, whispering Abadan to Inspector Craddock. Noting down the name, Craddock responded to Reginalds enquiries regarding any movement in the investigation. Craddock explained that Reginald was clearly involved as a member of the Regiment that is under attack.
Craddock went on to explain that Reginald was not to involve himself in the investigation further, much to Reginald’s frustration. Informing Craddock that he could be of service in terms of opening doors and speaking to those that may not want to speak to the ‘Yard’. Craddock again stated that Reginald was not to be involved, yet was obligated to report any information directly to Craddock otherwise could be charged with obstruction. Moving the conversation forward, Craddock inquired as to the last time Reginald had seen Colonel Hollingsworth, having visited his estate the previous day and been turned away as the Colonel was unavailable. Reginald again recalled the last time he witnessed the Colonel, wondering if the Colonel would be more willing to be available to a fellow soldier rather than an Inspector of Scotland Yard.
After a brief discussion regarding the size of Colonel Hollingsworth’s estate and the current state of military pensions, Craddock concluded that funds were available to the Colonel that were beyond that of a retired officer. Reginald came to the same conclusion, only deciding to not inform Craddock of what he had been told regarding the selling of relics and items from the Continent. Reginald made a request of Craddock, asking that if he was able to generate any information regarding Colonel Hollingsworth, that Craddock assist Dr Collins in returning to his work. Craddock mumbled to himself on the topic, speaking of how Dr Collins caused his own problems rather than Craddock having any part in his punishment. Finally agreeing to put in a positive opinion based on the information gathered, Reginald rose from his chair and took his leave of Craddock, taking a seat in the reading room, continuing to wait for Marion to arrive.
As time seemed to slow to Reginald as he waited impatiently, Craddock appeared again at the doorway to the reading room. Reginald rose from his chair as if to challenge the very presence of the inspector who had his nose in his notebook. Craddock spoke without looking at Reginald, instead reading the name Dr Sangster from his book, a name he had been given when questioning other patrons of the club.
Reginald recalled the doctor, he was part of the medical staff who performed battlefield surgery on his leg, a small man of stout stature, but a well learned doctor. Reginald could not remember much about Dr Sangster, as a surgeon he monitored Reginald’s recovery but little conversation ever occurred.
Craddock queried Sangster as a resident of London and having a connection to the Regiment in question. Reginald was unable to answer regarding Sangster as well as a brief mention from Craddock of an academic who was attached to the regiment. Reginald asked if he should follow up and call on Dr Sangster if he was a resident, Craddick’s quick reply that there was no need as a doctor had just arrived at the Club, pointing to Marion who had just entered the foyer.
Craddock departed the club promptly, Reginald shaking his head as he placed his hand on Marions shoulder, advising a walk was in order. Reginald took the time to apologise to Marion regarding his part in Marion’s suspension from work. Marion, unable to shake his disappointment, was merely distracted by what Reginald continued to say, informing him of the events that had taken place and the information he had come across regarding the small detachment from the regiment and what they had done.
Taking a seat at the first park bench they could find, Reginald went into as much detail as he could recall regarding the description of the massacre that took place, along with the confirmed members of the detachment, namely, Colonel Hollingsworth and Toby Norton. Marion was oblivious to the inner workings of the military, asking about the rank of Colonel and how important it was in terms of stature. Reginald, shocked at the ignorance of Marion and the lack of military knowledge, raised his voice as he came to the realisation that he would have to explain the entire military hierarchy to a civilian.
After a lengthy discussion regarding the actions of the military massacre, Marion began to count off in his head the names of the deceased at the hands of the overly strong villain and those that Reginald knew of that remained. Continuing his recount of the information, Reginald spoke of Hollingsworth’s recovery of the artefacts and corpse, suggesting that this “mummy” for lack of a better description was the culprit.
Marion, being a man of science, scoffed at the notion however his insight into the damage done to the military men who had been murdered, leaving wriggle room in his brain for the illogical to become logical.
Changing the topic of the conversation towards something they could actively pursue, Marion enquired as to Dr Sangster, a doctor he was not familiar with. Reginald would search for any form of military records that might lead to the whereabouts of Dr Sangster, while Marion would consult the medical registry at the Library to see if he was a practising physician in England.
*
Marion waited patiently in the lobby of Somerset House, the home for records and registries of medical practitioners, births, deaths, marriages and all. Once permitted into the archives, Marion spent just over an hour pouring through current London physicians before finally coming across Dr Elliott Sangster based in Harley St, London. Reviewing the information, being a returned military doctor, Marion copied down the address of the medical practice before packing away the documents he had strewn across the floor.
Marion arrived back at the Army and Navy club at seven o’clock as agreed, Reginald already inside. Marion and Reginald both gave each other the address that they had discovered at the same time. Both were surprised that they had both found the same place, Dr Sangster, a General Practitioner in the north of London. Agreeing to visit the doctor at his home address as it was now too late to call at his medical practice.
The Hansom cab pulled up just short of the doctor’s address, Reginald instructing the driver to stop shy of the mark so that it appeared that himself and Marion had arrived on foot. Knocking on the door, it was answered by a short woman, slight surprise on her face. Reginald explained that he was a former soldier, here to enquire on Dr Sangster and to thank him for his service as one of the physicians who aided in his recovery for the wound to his leg. The woman allowed Marion and Reginald to enter the town house, Dr Sangster visible in the main living room, sitting in a modest wingback armchair, deep in thought. Reginald greeted the doctor as a friend, expecting the Doctor to respond in kind, Sangster, a short man with dark, curly hair and short beard, his time back in London allowing him to add some girth to his stomach instead of the desert battlefields he had been stationed at.
Sangster rose from his chair, asking Reginald and Marion as to why they were calling at his home. Reginald could see no familiarity in Dr Sangster’s eyes, changing his approach and directly addressing the doctor as to Colonel Hollingsworth’s behaviour both abroad and back home.
Reginald’s questions were direct regarding the massacre, raids and death of servicemen in England, Lord Gower and Colonel Hollingsworth, Dr Sangster however was like an immovable object. Standing face to face with Reginald, Sangster informed Marion and Reginald that he had nothing to do with any massacre, his involvement in the army was nothing more than traumatic for him, his opinions on officers and soldiers damning in nature. Sangster continued for several minutes regarding what being a medical practitioner on the battlefield had done to his health and family, his opinion of Hollingsworth coming to the fore, noting he was a ruthless man, Reginald’s face changing from stern to sympathetic, his ability to retort in any way was stunted.
Left with no words, Reginald took a step back from Sangster who had been slowly moving forward with every wave of his arms as he explained his involvement in the army. Marion interjected, excusing the two and withdrawing towards the front door. Sangster’s wife, who had initially allowed them entry, still standing in the foyer, opened the front door as Reginald slowly paced backwards in that direction.
The withdrawal from the living room seemed to calm Sangster’s mood, Marion explaining that they did not mean offence in their intrusion and questioning. Sangster giving Marion a look of anger, yet was somewhat pained, his history at war changing him as a man and medical practitioner.
Reginald was at a loss for words, standing at the base of the steps of Dr Sangster’s residence. Marion was shocked at the silence from Reginald, he instead insisted that the two of them continue their plan to call upon Colonel Hollingsworth in the morning, their trip to Hampstead requiring their full attention.
Parting ways for the evening, Marion returned to his home, Reginald doing the same, shaking his head as he strolled towards the nearby park.
*
Marion sat quietly on the train, his medical bag at his side, hidden within, the revolver he had obtained from Dr Granger, the bulldog design of it making it easily concealable against his medical supplies. Reginald was also concealing his revolver under his coat, the words of Dr Sangster ringing in his ears, Colonel Hollingsworth being a brutal man in nature. Singh also sat quietly, his traditional blad tucked into his waistband, completely out of sight. The train arrived on time at Hampstead, the short trip allowing the three men little time to plan any form of topics for discussion. Never having seen Kandahar house, Reginald was nervous at the possibility of encountering anything dangerous, knowing only that it was an estate, staff, outbuildings and gardens most likely all over the property.
Hailing a carriage, the three men felt the road turn from cobblestone around the train station to smooth ground. Passing by estates of vast acreage, Reginald finally began to speak, although not engaging in conversation with Marion or Singh, instead verbalising the timing on the train trip, the carriage ride, and doing his best to work out the distance covered by the modes of transportation if he had to plan any form of escape. The carriage entered through a set of large, iron gates, the walls of the estate standing seven tall, the arrangement of stone and mortar forming a solid barrier from the road. The carriage followed the long driveway, heading towards a circular fountain in front of a large house. Reginald looked from left to right, scanning the grounds within the walls, a gardener working on several hedges on the left, stables and servants quarters to the right.
Exiting the carriage in front of the house, several long steps leading to 10 foot high, double oak doors. Standing at the entrance, a tall, strong looking butler stood silently waiting for the uninvited guests to approach. Marion walked cautiously behind Reginald, Singh remaining with the carriage at the base of the steps. The butler welcomed the strangers, yet enquired as to why they were at the premises. Reginald explaining the need to meet with Colonel Hollingsworth, the butler took the cards of both men before allowing them into the waiting area of the foyer. As Marion and Reginald took a seat on a well maintained, long lounge under a large painting of a blurred yet beautiful landscape.
As the two waited, the sounds of the house filled the air, the main staircase leading to the living quarters, the sound of a child causing all sorts of havoc, a nanny calling to him and clearly chasing him. Colonel Hollingsworth was not a young man, however his wife was substantially younger than himself, his child barely able to run from the nanny’s grasp. Both Marion and Reginald rose from their seats at the noise, both pacing around the foyer, Marion breaking off at the sight of a large room that appeared to have its walls completely covered in paintings.
Entering the room, Marion was greeted by a well assembled sitting room, grande piano to the side, comfortable furniture and side tables for sipping brandy and tea depending on company. Marion slowly made his way around the room, inspecting the paintings that hung on the wall. Images of landscapes and wisps of what seemed to be the interiors of naturally formed structures. Marion became curious at the signatures of the artist, all paintings were marked by the same author, “Ramona Barnes”, several others signed in the same hand, “Ramona Hollingsworth”.
Startled at the entrance of the tall butler named Fordyce, Marion and Reginald were given the news that Colonel Hollingsworth was not available to see them. Reginald pressed the issue, only to be given the same answer time and time again. Marion interjected as the two large men gave each other harsh looks. Marion asking Fordyce to pass on the message that the two of them were the last men to see Lord Gower alive.
Reginald moved towards the front door, calling to Fordyce that they will be staying local until summoned by Colonel Hollingsworth. Entering the foyer, Reginald could hear the voices from upstairs becoming louder, the nanny calling to the child “Michael”. As Marion entered the foyer from the entertaining area close behind Reginald, both stopped suddenly as a door across the open space opened, revealing a young woman, books in hand, startled at the strange men in the foyer.
Calling Fordyce, the woman was offended that she had not been informed of visitors. Introducing herself as Mrs Holingsworth, she ushered both Marion and Reginald back into the room they had just been standing in, demanding Fordyce arrange beverages. As the two men and Ramona sat across from one another, Marion started the conversation by commenting on how impressive the art was. Blushing modestly, Ramona thanked him for the compliment as Reginald turned the conversation abruptly towards his time serving under Colonel Hollingsworth. Ramona smiled politely and nodded as Reginald described the current similarities between himself and the Colonel, both injured and retired from active service.
Pushing the conversation to more recent times, Reginald went on to explain the tragedies that had struck the living members of the regiment both Reginald and Colonel Hollingsworth served in. Fordyce entered the drawing room carrying a tray of tea, the decorative pot catching everyone's attention. Thanking him for the tea, Marion intentionally mis-spoke Fordyce’s name, to which he was instantly corrected by the butler, a stern look on his face. Reginald watched from the corner of his eye as he continued the conversation regarding the absence of the Colonel from the public eye. Gauging that Fordyce showed all the signs of a former military man, certainly from his size and stature, he would require some serious work to conquer.
Both Marion and Reginald were picking up the tension in the room, most of it coming from Ramona herself when talking about her husband Nicolas. Explaining that she was worried regarding his health. Behaving strangely and differently to his normal demeanour. Marion took over from Reginald in asking questions, his softer approach proving useful when extracting information.
Ramona spoke of the origins of the change in attitude, three weeks prior, a visitor from abroad, an Egyptian academic called on the Colonel. After a long discussion, Hollingsworth became enraged, Ramona witnessing him use his horse whip on the foreigner. Ramona moved to the side table by the piano, pulling a card from the pile, Mounir Faez. The Card showing hand written notes where an address would be, Egyptologist, Sommerset Hotel, The Strand”.
Still talking as she handed Reginald the card, she explained that at the same time, the Colonel had a serious falling out with a good friend, who worked at the British Museum, a man by the name of Geoffrey Jordan, an expert in Egyptian history and hieroglyphics. Reginald moved the conversation forward, asking about recent visitors to the house calling on the Colonel. Ramona knew nothing of such visitors, instead calling Fordyce back into the room who, when questioned, explained that the Inspector had called on the Colonel the previous day.
Reginald continued to push Ramona for further information, however Fordyce standing in the room seemed to dry up the well of information. Passing the card that Ramona had given him to Marion, giving him a nod, Reginald drew the conversation to a close, advising that they were ready to aid the Colonel and his family in any way possible. Ramona handed Reginald her card, her phone number written on the back.
*
The train trip back to London had Marion and Reginald speculating wildly about the Colonel’s character, surroundings, wealth and status. Both men agreed that the estate they had just been inside was simply unobtainable on a Colonel’s pension. Withdrawing from the public eye due to a falling out with academic types, both stumped as to why that would cause such a change in character. Reginald speculating about the similarities between the well spoken Dr Granger they had met who later tried to kill them and the potential for the same events from the far deadlier Colonel Hollingsworth and no doubt his loyal butler.
*
Marion and Reginald entered the bustling front doors of the Somerset Hotel, electing to track down Mounir Faez before retiring for the day. Reginald asked the man at the front desk to call on Mr Faez, explaining the nature of the call. Marion moved away from the desk towards the dining area that was currently serving afternoon tea, catching Reginald’s attention and motioning for Mr Faez to be sent to join them at a table. The Clerk summoned a young bellhop who briskly moved up the stairs to collect the guest. Reginald and Marion sat at an empty table, choosing a location as far from possible eavesdropping ears. Watching the stairs, both Marion and Reginald rose from their seats as a short, dark skinned man with an impressive moustache, wearing a Fez was led to them by the bellhop.
Faez was a well spoken and cheerful fellow, his mannerisms betrayed his excitement at meeting new people. Sitting at the table, Reginald ordered an array of foods and beverages before turning to Faez and settling the conversation. Asking Faez what his business was with Colonel Hollingsworth, explaining they had been to see the Colonel and heard about the unfortunate incident that had befallen him.
Faez was not shy in explaining himself, announcing himself as a Scholar working for the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, venturing to London at the behest of the curating body of the museum to catalogue artefacts that were known to be kept in the country, both museum pieces and private collections. He explained he was made aware of Colonel Hollingsworth’s collection through studying records and eyewitness accounts. Explaining that he called at the Colonels home, choosing to omit many of the details of the encounter, Faez began to sniff and sneeze in an attempt to lighten the mood, blaming his affliction in the climate. Reginald did not let go of the point at hand, pressing hard for information regarding how Faez had come to know what was in the possession of Colonel Hollingsworth and how he may have come to possess such items.
Marion cut Reginald off mid sentence, grabbing his forearm in order to take control of the conversation. Marion leaned forward, asking Faez to do the same, Reginald in turn also leaning in his chair. Marion spoke in a hushed voice, softly enough to not be heard by those around them in the room, he spoke of the knowledge they had regarding Abadan, the massacre and the murders of British Servicemen in strange circumstances. Faez leaned back in his chair, wiping the sweat from his forehead as he allowed his mind to process what Marion had just conveyed.
Turning back to more civilised methods of continuing the conversation, Marion began to ask Faez in a hypothetical capacity, what would be the consequences of committing such a crime against a place of pagan worship. Faez took a large gulp of the whisky that had been placed on the table, taking a deep breath he began to speak of the circumstances of the event Marion had mentioned. Faez told Reginald and Marion of the beliefs of the men killed by the military action in the temple. Worshippers of old gods from ancient times. Explaining he went to Colonel Hollingsworth in an attempt to warn him of the danger of obtaining items belonging to such a fanatical religion, getting horsewhipped and pursued as a result. Faex continued to explain what he had read in the many scrolls, texts and transcripts he had seen relating to the group of worshippers and their gods. Speaking Hypothetically, in answer to the questions raised by Marion as to consequences, Faez took another big drink of whisky. Faez leant forward again, speaking of a priest in the ancient days name “Sektat”, when he died, his body was mummified and protected by a group of fanatical followers. Before he died he prophesied that he would be reborn into a new world, a world that would fall under the power of his gods. His rebirth would only happen when foreigners invaded, taking his body to a distant land, where his vengeance would destroy the country of the invaders, paving the way for his gods.
Marion scoffed momentarily at the concept before remembering his dreams and the events beneath the Java Coffee Company. Faez returned to what factual records had stated, a mummified body was removed from the area by British soldiers along with many other artefacts from the area. Reginald asked as to the number of soldiers who had taken part in the military action of the temple. Guessing in the area of 30 to 40 men, the four men who had been killed that Reginald and Marion were aware of may be the first or possibly some of the last men to be victims of the regiment.
Reginald did not waste time on the civilised response that most men would have taken, advising the Egyptologiest of how preposterous the story was. Having been a part of events that were far too strange for civilised conversation, he asked further questions of Faez, pushing for ways to stop the killing of military men and how to stop the rising of the ancient priest.
Faez could only give one reasonable solution, again stating the hypothetical nature of the conversation, the removal of the conditions of the prophecy. Removal of the body from the land of the invaders, without being on the invaders land, the resurrection could not happen. Flustered with the strange meeting with Marion and Reginald, Faez stood abruptly, taking each man’s card before excusing himself, to return to his books to further investigate the stories and writings of the priest “Sektat” and any reference to such a prophecy.
Before departing, Faez made one statement that lingered in the minds of Marion and Reginald, Egyptian artefacts have little business being anywhere other than Egypt.
