Late October 1891, the London weather never seemed to release the clouds from the sky, the constant damp consuming the city in what felt like an everlasting evening chill.
Marion sat at the main table in the office, pouring over his knowledge of Freemasons, knowing that the exclusive group was relatively anonymous, many of the people sitting around the table at Bidwell’s home most likely members.
Reginald paced near the fireplace, still frustrated with the lack of respect he received when being thrown out of Bidwell’s house.
Reginald announced his intentions to contact Inspector Craddock, Marion in turn expressing that he would wait for Godfrey to arrive, both men agreeing that they would need to visit the asylum where Bidwell was housed, the same place where Colonel Hollingsworth currently resides.
Godfrey took a chair next to Marion in the sitting area of the office, staggering and swaying slightly, his head on fire with a terrible headache. Marion conversing with him that they needed to look into the Mason society within London, Bidwell having been a member. Godfrey gave his reassurance that he would look into the motion however he was too unwell to continue in the evening, Marion and Godfrey arrange a dinner reservation for the following day.
Reginald wrapped on the door of Inspector Craddock’s office, the door itself opening as Detective Constable Craig pulled it open.
Striding into the room, Cradock’s greeting was cut off by Reginald impressing the name of Detective Sergeant Mulverhill and how he had shut down their search of Bidwell’s home. Craddock laughed at Reginald, making it clear that if another Detective Sergeant was investigating the scene, it was of no business of Reginald to know.
Craddock eventually requested that Craig look into Mulverhill, his credentials and to see if in fact he was a genuine Officer.
Reginald conveyed all information regarding the investigation that Marion and himself had discovered within Bidwell’s house, including the Masonic Ring currently in Marion’s possession.
After a lengthy conversation based on Reginald’s best attempt to communicate in any form of clarity, much to Craddock’s frustration, Craddock’s notebook now contained pages of mixed information following no particular timeline, filled with quotes of a Cube, Masons, and what he had written down as two idiots being escorted from a crime scene.
Excusing himself, Reginald rose and departed Scotland Yard, his face red with frustration as he had failed to find the words to describe his discoveries, the only idea in his head giving him solace being that this would make for a good chapter in his memoirs.
Recalling the conversation in his mind, two instances stood out in Craddock’s reactions, When Reginald mentioned Bidwell being a Mason, the reaction was not to follow up with any line of questioning. The second being when Mulverhill was identified as being associated with the Yard, again, very little questioning to follow, Reginald continued to walk to the street, pondering these reactions.
Taking a stiff drink, Reginald agreed to meet Marion at the train station in the morning before taking his leave and heading back to his home.
*
The long ride to Mercy Hill through the morning rain was slow, Singh continued to receive his unusual glances as looks from passengers while Reginald and Marion discussed how Bidwell may have escaped the facility and as to who may still be present who knew of him that may be worth talking to.
Reginald reluctantly suggested that Marion take the lead when asking the staff for any information, being a medical man he would understand the language better than himself.
The large red brick building came into view on the tallest hill as the train pulled into the station. A short carriage ride to the main entrance saw Reginald and Singh exit first followed by Marion who was doing his best to keep dry.
Marion reciting names in his head as he exited the carriage, Dr John Campbell was the name he had to remember, the lead physician at the facility.
Entering the main doors, the three were met by a well-dressed nurse, her apron clean and ironed flat, she ushered them to the main waiting area as Marion expressed his desire to speak to Dr Campbell.
Looking around within the common area of the facility as they waited, Reginald and Marion were both able to determine that this was not an asylum accessible by the common man, instead the well-presented building was primarily used by those of higher standing as to keep their illnesses discreet and away from the public eye.
After several minutes, a nurse took Reginald and Marion down a corridor towards a large wooden door with the plaque of Dr Campbell. Singh remained in the foyer, keeping an eye on the comings and goings of staff and patients.
Entering the office, Dr Campbell had the look of a man who was not expecting visitors and was confused as to why an unknown doctor was asking for him.
Campbell retorted at the request for records, reminding Marion that they will need to be requested by a court. Marion immediately returning the request with the severity of the situation, keeping the records quiet and not tarnishing the reputation of the facility through being uncooperative when requested in order to keep the circumstances of the patients confidential.
Standing and walking around the office, Campbell considered the demand, expressing that he was not able to release the records, however was happy to allow the two men access to them, allowing them to take notes while Campbell himself began recounting the stay of Bidwell at the facility.
Bidwell’s extended stay was recalled with much detail by Dr Campbell, admitted in 1888, arriving heavily sedated in the care of Sir William Withey Gull, physician to her Majesty the queen.
When admitted Bidwell exhibited signs of total insanity, acting like a savage beast, growling at doctors and residents. For month he did not speak, instead producing a strange clicking sound. April 1889, Bidwell fell into a deep coma, discovered by the nurses, yet awake again after only 24 hours. Displaying no signs of the former insanity, Bidwell had returned to his usual state, calm, polite yet confused as to where he was and for how long he had been a resident of the Asylum.
Remaining perfectly well behaving and showing no further signs of insanity, Bidwell’s only mention of any alarming topic was to do with an extra terrestrial world, speaking at length about a distant place coupled with when he would be able to leave the institution.
Released at the end of 1889, Campbell remained puzzled at how the rapid change of Bidwell’s condition occurred during his coma.
Campbell’s opinion of Bidwell was that of a man who was clever, driven, obsessive and cunning in the world of business. Reginald and Marion both read segments of the records, focussing on recorded statements to do with Bidwell’s distrust and almost hatred of women, showing clear signs of distain for the female staff. Reginald questioning Bidwell’s sexual orientation, however Dr Campbell was quick to dismiss the notion. Reginald also enquired regarding personal effects, if there was any recollection of a cube at all on his person. Again Dr Campbell dismissed the matter, explaining Bidwell had been admitted with very little by way of possessions.
Marion enquired as to the room Bidwell had stayed in, Dr Campbell explaining the room had been recently re-occupied, Reginald and Marion were happy to walk the corridors until the room could be inspected briefly.
Hearing noises from the corridor, Reginald and Marion spied a strange patient looking into the room. The patient whispering and announcing himself as Ben, he pleaded for cigarettes. Marion approached the man, handing him a small cigarette pouch from his bag, much to the patient’s delight. Reginald asked if he had known Bidwell, Ben nodding and chuckling to himself, describing Bidwell as dangerous and mad, biting staff and patients, "clicking" at them instead of talking.
Marion probed for information regarding the change in Bidwell, Ben offering little more than a possible beating being the cause. Ben went on to explain the conversations he had had with Bidwell, how he had planned to escape and get back to wherever he wanted to go. Reginald probed as to where Bidwell wanted to go, however Ben did not know. Asking about the cube, Reginald pushed harder on Ben to remember. Ben shook his head, explaining he had heard Bidwell say that he had killed an Aboriginal for the cube, yet he did not have it with him when he was admitted, yet was desperately seeking it.
Marion and Reginald thanked Ben for the information, promising him more cigarettes on their next visit if Ben would keep his ear to the ground regarding information about Bidwell. Handing Ben four matches for his cigarettes, Marion nodded politely as he and Reginald began to walk further down the corridor to where Dr Campbell was talking to an orderly.
Moving down to the wing they were familiar with, Reginald and Marion came across Colonel Hollingsworth who was now able to speak. His memory vague and absent in parts, remembering Reginald and Marion, yet unable to place them anywhere but in his home for some unknown reason. Reginald began to speak of Mrs Hollingsworth and his son, yet no memory was being triggered. Marion watched closely as Hollingsworth expressions on marginally changing at the mention of names, yet were blank for many of those closest to him.
After spending some time speaking of past experiences in the army, Hollingsworth’s memory was similar, only latching on to some of what was being mentioned. At the sight of Hollingsworth getting tired, Marion and Reginald took their leave, departing the Asylum, both enjoying a breath of fresh air, even through the light rain.
*
Reginald and Marin stood from their booth as Godfrey joined them, carrying a handful of leather bound books under his arm. Godfrey immediately ordered from the drinks menu, taking a seat and opening the first book. Asking what information the two knew regarding Free Masons, Marion and Reginald gave the same answer as most of the population would, a secret society shrouded in mystery.
Godfrey began his history lesson, pointing out the origins of the Masons trailing back to the Temple of Solomon and the first Master Mason Hirram Abeefe, the man who built the temple of Solomon. Murdered by three men, the three ruffians, as they were known in Masonic tradition, the three Juwes. The order was formed to guard their secrets of building and architecture from the common man. Guilds of masons were formed to protect the secrets of the artistic buildings they were responsible for making, churches and temples etc.
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Building in size and power, towards the end of the 18th Century, many masonic influences began to impact world leaders, the exclusivity of the guilds allowing only upper class entrants, many political views were being shaped by members of the lodges around the world.
Placing Bidwell’s masonic ring in front of Godfrey, asking as to its significance, Godfrey explained that it would be used as a way of introducing oneself abroad, much like the secret handshakes and such.
As the food arrived at the table, Marion quickly slipped the ring back into his pocket, the three men taking up cutlery and keeping their voices low. Godfrey went back to the topic of King Solomon and his assassins. A mention in previous years newspapers regarding the three assassins, “The Juwes are the men that will not be blamed for nothing”, a sentence found on a wall in the Ripper case in 1888. Causing a stir that someone with knowledge of the Masonic order was Jack the Ripper, placing knowledge of such a fact on the wall for all to see.
Godfrey explained that there was a rumour that the files on the Ripper were going to be closed, having not struck for over three years.
Marion agreeing yet full of theories regarding who the Ripper could have been or still is.
Moving the conversation forward, Godfrey asked as to what Reginald and Marion’s interest in the masons was, Marion explaining that it was an avenue of investigation into finding if there was more than just a single perpetrator into Bidwell’s death.
Reginald, keeping true to his form of pulling random quotations from the air, he enquired about the word Yekub, the place Bidwell had written about. Godfrey’s expression turned serious, speaking of how it was a name given to a distant planet, purely theoretical in his mind, yet quite possibly a planet that has had some influence over individuals as Bidwell described the place and claimed the cube was a relic of the civilisation linking the planets.
Reginald asked if Godfrey had any knowledge of the goal Bidwell was seeking at the gathering in the library after his party, pressing upon Godfrey if this was an attempt to return to the location through the ceremony.
Godfrey changed the subject, asking if the two had been sleeping soundly, as his own sleep had been interrupted by visions since the gathering at Bidwell’s home. Expressing that he had informed the police of his visions yet not been taken seriously, Marion asked what the visions were about.
Godfrey only broached the topic as the two had brought forward the notion of Masons and alike. Describing his vision of a great mass of faceless men, a word similar to Duncan or Dugan sticking in his mind. Without thinking, Marion invited Godfrey back to their office to stay the night in one of the spare rooms, Marion overcome with the feeling that Godfrey was becoming a target of whoever had murdered Bidwell.
Godfrey agreed to spending the evening at the office of Lockhart and Collins, Marion expressing his interest in examining him in the morning if some form of vision was to be had during the night.
*
Godfrey made himself comfortable in the second spare room of the office Marion now resided in, Reginald also agreeing to stay the evening in case of any malcontents that may be around.
Reginald residing in the office, helping himself to the brandy bottle by the fire, Marion retiring to his room, Godfrey doing the same, the cold evening air not penetrating the warmth of the building.
*
Disappointed at the news, Marion prepared himself for the day, heading to the Morgue and making contact with Seamus in his usual way. Arranging for Godfrey to be watched in case of any action that may be taken against him, Seamus was curious as to what Marion was expecting to happen, yet agreed to place one of his watchful street urchins on Godfrey.
Returning to the office, Marion saw that Godfrey had gone, Reginald having arranged a Cab for him to get home, Reginald still sipping an unfinished Brandy he remembered he had left on the side table by his armchair.
Discussing what their next step should be, Marion was keen to return to Inspector Craddock, Reginald however was sure that the Inspector was purely amused by their efforts and input, instead suggesting they return to Bidwell’s home for further investigation.
Deciding to return to the home of Bidwell in the evening, Reginald took the chance to sleep, making himself comfortable in the room he had become accustomed to sleeping in when remaining at the office for the evening. Marion moving to the table in the office area, re-reading the journals of Bidwell and the books Godfrey had left with him regarding Masonic history.
As Big Ben chimed eight o’clock in the evening, Marion and Reginald stepped into a Hansom Cab on their way to John Bidwell’s residence. Arriving in the dark of evening, both men moved carefully around the property, spotting a police constable standing guard at the front and rear doors. After circling the property several times, both decided to withdraw from their intended investigation for the evening, moving back to the street before hailing another Cab for their escape. Reginald showing clear signs of fatigue, he pleaded with Marion to drop the issue for the evening, allowing them both a night of rest. Eventually agreeing, Marion dropped Reginald off at his front door step and returning to the office recalling the names of those present at Bidwell’s gathering. Annie Bessant of the Theosophical society, Florence Farr and Dr William Wynn Wescott of the Golden Dawn Society, Robert James Lees and Godfrey Williamson both psychics, John Bidwell, the host, Dr Peter Begg, Paul Donner, Sir Willian Knight, Dr Stephen Matthers and Warren Puckridge. Marion recalled the names several times before the Cab to a stop, by 10 o’clock, both men were lost to sleep.
Marion woke with the thought in his mind to contact Inspector Craddock, taking the opportunity as Reginald was not present. Craddock answered the call, laughing at the coincidental timing of the call, inviting both Marion and Reginald to come to Scotland Yard as he had something interesting to show them in the basement.
Marion hung up the phone, immediately dialling Reginald’s home, the familiar voice of Singh answering, recognising the urgency, he instructed Reginald to meet Marion at the main entrance to Scotland Yard.
Arriving before Marion, Reginald was confused before spotting Marion running across the road towards him. The two men entered the Yard and guided to the basement cells where Craddock, Craig and several others were standing outside a cell.
Craddock welcomed the two men with a chuckle, showing Reginald and Marion a badly beaten Chinese youth.
Craddock explained that this was a survivor of an attack conducted the previous night. The Chinese youth and his two friends were planning to rob a man walking through the Limehouse district, the man instead snapping the necks of two of the assailants. The police who picked up the youth believed he was on some form of opium, hauling him in to the local police station where his description of the man through the interpreter provided, resembled Bartlett. Craig wrapped his bruised knuckles, clearly the interrogator, interjecting that Bennet Street Limehouse was the address of the confrontation.
Requesting to come with the police and Inspector as they arranged a police presence to the area, Craddock welcomed the guests, believing the two of them would see the real danger of the East End of London.
Fanning out around the area, the police set up a small perimeter, expecting the local Chinese to create a riot at any moment.
The youth pointed the way to where the attack took place, Reginald and Marion hung back behind Craddock and Craig who were following the Chinese boy. As they walked, Reginald and Marion could see that the boy was lost, his injuries at the hands of his interrogators was clearly effecting his bearings.
Marion and Reginald both paused as they looked at the signs on the street outside the warehouses that littered the streets, Baxters, Huntingtons, Donnegans… Marion and Reginald both froze as they saw the sign for Donnegans. Both thinking of Godfrey’s words of his vision, Dugan or Duncan. Taking Constables Baker and Lawrence following Reginald and Marion as they moved towards the warehouse, Reginald pushed the door open with his cane, the abandoned warehouse full of mouse droppings and wet mud. Footsteps on the ground leading to the back of the warehouse revealed that in the very back corner, two legs laying face down appearing from behind an alcove wall. Constable Lawrence blowing his whistle, Constable Baker returning to the front door of the warehouse also blowing his whistle. Lighting a lantern, Lawrence moved closer to the legs just in time to see Reginald smack on of the legs with his cane, expecting them to spring to life, instead finding only a motionless corpse.
Marion moved closer to see the full body, Bartlett, laying face down in the mud, bruising around his throat.
Reginald and Marion looked around the space, the alcove had been set up like a small office, books and papers littered the walls and floor. Papers nailed to the wall and wooden beams, diagrams of constellations, creations and machinery of a strange nature, the handwriting crude and almost illegible.
Opening several books, Marion could see the stamp of the British Museum, many of the books the property of the institution. A strange book caught Marion’s eye, a large, leather bound book filled with manuscripts in several different handwriting styles, Marion quickly tucking it into his bag.
Shuffling some of the papers and moving some of the crates that the paperwork was nailed to, Reginald accidently knocked two large wooden crates end over end. Marion stood at the sight that Reginald had revealed, an alcove in the wall behind the crates containing a small wooden box. Marion moved to it, opening the lid to reveal the cube Bidwell had been carrying at his party.
Placing the box containing the cube into his bag, Marion pulled Reginald behind him to block the vision of Constable Lawrence as he did so. More whistles and raised voices caught everyone’s attention, Constable Baker yelling for assistance, Chinese voices calling from multiple directions.
Reginald stuffed much of the paperwork that littered the walls in his pockets and coat as he and Marion accompanied Constable Lawrence to where Baker was outside the warehouse. A crowd of Chinese had gathered, several police constables trying to disperse the crowd with little effect.
Constable Baker was standing over a young Chinese woman, keeping the crowd back blowing his whistle. The woman was writhing and convulsing at his feet. Slowly rising to her feet, she began to walk in a drunken fashion towards Reginald and Marion, a look of horror in her eyes. Constable stopped blowing his whistle, looking around suddenly before running as fast as he could into an alley.
The Chinese woman held out her hands towards Reginald and Marion, a man’s voice bellowing out from her mouth “Get her, him, me!”.
Marion demanded to know who the woman was, the man’s voice coming from her identifying herself as Constable Baker. Reginald and Marion both took a step back, their eyes wide with confusion and shock at the woman now standing in front of them.
