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Feb-25-2009 03:59


Leopold Parr walked as fast as he possibly could in and around Victoria Station. The young officer had anticipated the arrival of his younger sister with great trepidation. He finally saw her waiting for him in a mauve overcoat and a large purple hat through the window of one of the station’s waiting rooms.

When Miss Violet Parr got up and walked out of the waiting room, Leopold’s walk turned into a sprint as he finally reached Violet and hugged her tightly in a collision of joy.

Violet pushed hard against his force not to fall on her back. She kissed him on the cheek and whispered. “Really Leopold, this show of affection can do with some self-restraint!”

“Two years in France…” Leopold replied, “…haven’t changed you a bit!”

“I know better than to let the French freely mold me to their pleasing!” Violet Parr huffed in a mock of indignation. Then she turned her gaze to a young girl standing next to her looking curiously and cautiously at Leopold. “…but I am afraid I can’t say the same about young Isabella.”

Leopold looked at his young niece in utter astonishment: Isabella was a pretty little thing with curiously mixed features. At such a young age, her skin looked like a yellowish tanned shade of ivory. She had long light brown hair, hazel eyes and a serious look of disapproval on her face.

Mar-6-2009 14:51

The information she came upon is terrifying, but unfortunately not very detailed. Our sources told us that a certain group with an intense criminal activity has received a contract to kidnap one of Miss Parr’s daughters. We believe her name is Isabella. Apparently, one of the many activities of this group is to sell children to certain customers, people who cannot produce their own and have the resources to afford purchasing one in this manner. Not only that, but the group is acting based on specific orders, taking children that are previously analyzed, portrayed and have their bio presented to their clients as possible options.

We do not know any names or other details in regard of this group, but only that they have had their center of activity in New York and that the leaders seem to be a man and woman.

The last piece of information our sources had managed to acquire is that Miss Violet Parr is due to arrive to London by the time this letter will reach you.

In the light of what I have revealed, Mrs. Georges and I would like to ask of you one last favor: to reach and warn her daughter about this situation…if possible, also to ensure or at least contribute to her safety, until the moment you will consider that the sum enclosed in this envelope will end its coverage.

There is also one more mention Mrs. Georges had asked me to make, in regard of her husband, Mr. Georges. As you know, several years ago he disappeared and has not been seen since. Mr. Georges apparently tried to murder Mrs. Georges’ daughter once in the past out of the simple reason of jealousy. Later on, there was another incident in Miss Parr’s life, a blast on a train she was on, that Mrs. Georges also believes to have been her husband’s work.

Mar-6-2009 14:52

Although up to this point we have no information whether Mr. Georges is still alive or not and also nothing points that what I have described above could be his doing, we ask you to be aware of this possibility and inform the proper authorities of any information you might come across in regard of him.

At last, in order to prove the veracity of this letter’s provenience, I have attached you the item you will find in this parcel. Also, I have included a picture of Violet Parr.

We thank you in advance for your service and wish you all the best.

Regards,
Douglas Watson

P.S. You may also attempt to inform the husband of Miss Violet Parr, yet we do not believe it to be a priority, as Mr. Clift Garret has been described to us as an adventurer with a taste in women and high profile cases, thus only reliable as long as his sentimental interests and hunger for fame are concerned.’

“Damn!” mumble Bane, pushing his hat to the back and rubbing his forehead. “Now this really gives me a headache. Let’s see if I got everything right: a criminal group led by a man and a woman wants to kidnap Isabella, to sell her to some rich folks. The dead guy on the train was sent by Violet’s mother to warn her. He was killed and his body disfigured so nobody would know who he is and thus they cut off the possibility of linking him to Mrs. Georges, the only person who might have spread light above what is going to happen. Instead they planted some evidence and a different identity to point towards Frank Georges as being suspect for his death. Georges is disappeared…maybe even already dead, so the police are set looking for a ghost while the real criminals get away with it. Smart…I need a drink.”

Mar-6-2009 14:53

Joey opened the bottle he had brought with him and took a long gulp out of it, then wiped his mouth with his sleeve. He started grumbling again as he sat down. “Hmmm…I have to warn Miss Parr about this. She needs to lay low. Damn! With her taste in clothes, the woman is a freaking walking beacon! Well…at least she should be aware.” Upon searching around the cabin, Bane found a pencil and wrote something fast on the back of the letter:

‘Miss Parr,

By the will of fortune this letter had fallen into my hands and now I am delivering it to you. It appears your daughter Isabella is in danger. I cannot tell you more than it is written here, but only that the people who are intending to harm her are already in London. Please take all the necessary measures to ensure your and your daughter’s safety.

Joseph Bane’

Joey put the letter inside the envelope and decided to head for Violet’s agency headquarters…’Easier to find fast, rather than her house’…he figured.

“Hello there, Sir. Would you mind answering us a couple of questions?” The voice outside the cabin startled Bane. He came out to find two men standing on the small pier, right near his boat…

Mar-7-2009 00:45


**Meanwhile**

Clift has exited the cafe and went to Hyde Park. He decided to Makensie and Violet some time to catch up with their children, whilst he had some time to clear his own head.

He lay down on the lush green grass of the park thinking of the day's event. A near fight with Violet, not even a single hug or a kiss from either of his two daughters. A very confusing conversation with Isabella and a repetitive exchange of the words 'Horrid' and 'No, Nice' between him and Victoria, who spoke to him from behind her mother's clothes.

Clift was exhausted, although he wasn't a very responsible father, he felt the mental exertions of being a father all the same. He hoped that this wouldn't be the last of his many ferocious days as the Romeo of the NY's detective scene, but knowing that he had at least a gray hair or two, it possibly could be.

As his thoughts took him over, he drifted into a light sleep.


**Two Hours Later**

Clift had woken up after half an hour's nap and started walking the streets of London. He was very curious to notice Leopold Parr walking with two gentlemen he had met earlier on the ship from NY: Gregory and Joseph. Leopold was in uniform, even more curious.

It seemed that the three were involved in some official police work. Clift casually walked to them greeting them as he got closer. "Well, well... if it isn't my brother-in-law showing my two new friends around London."

Leopold Parr turned in surprise. "Why, Clift, how are you my good man? It has been a while? You must know that Violet is in town."

Clift rolled his eyes and did not comment.

Leopold left it at that.

He turned to introduce the other two gentlemen but Clift stopped him. "Don'tcha bother yourself Leopold. I met Mr. Zeo yesterday and he introduced to Gregory overhere. I see you are back from the docks area. Official business I take it?"

Joseph Zeo smiled at Clift's eagerness. "I am afraid we cannot comment much on that Clift."

Mar-7-2009 00:51


"Understood," Clift nodded. "Hey, howabout drinks? I really needs a boys night out. I've had it with women and kids for one day. Apparently you can't understand women, and kids won't give you a chance to understand them if you don't get the mother."

Leopold pulled into Clift's ears and whispered. "Her children are a handfull, Clift. Go easy on yourself."

Joseph's mind went once again to Lisette. It seemed even when he was in the midst of his work, he still was pulled right back to her and their days together.

Gregory noticed the change on his friend's facial expressions so he slapped his back to snap him out of it and said. "Gee, I think we're gonna accept that invitation Clift. Where do you propose we go?"

"How about the comedy store? Drinks, food and laughter?" Clift asked.

"Sounds great." Gregory answered.

"How about we meet you there in the evening Clift?" Leopold spoke. "We need to stop by the Yard first."

"Sure thing." Clift smiled.

The four men soon parted ways, and Clift made his to Doyle Estates.

Mar-7-2009 06:32

*a little earlier before the group of four had gathered - docks area*

Joey posed a slight mocking smile upon noticing the two uniforms standing beside his ferry. ‘I bet they could stuff a full load of lunch up in those helmets…hehehe’

He came off the boat and onto the small pier, studying their appearance. ‘Strange pair of Bobbies, these two…’

A short one was standing somehow in the front. He was a bit past middle age, had a clean face, a nose strongly aiming to pierce his upper lip and a pair of small mean eyes. The bottom of his annoying mug was fully covered by the largest smile ever, showing a straight row of teeth in a…wide variety of colors. His whole figure left Bane the impression of someone who’s just planning a nasty trick on him.

The other one was large man, way past the limits of obesity. Chinless, his whole face was covered by a pair of hairy eyebrows and one of the largest and thickest mustaches ever. He stood a bit behind the small one, holding his police cane in both hands, hitting its head regularly in on one of his palms. He didn’t seem to be in a good mood.

“What’s the trouble, officers?” asked Bane continuing to smile. Not only he found the couple in front of him funny, but he also didn’t have much respect for the police and even less for street cops.

“My name is officer Bristow” started the small one, then tilted his head to the other one…”and this here is officer Briggs. We’re just running a routine check, Mr…?”

“Bristow and Briggs, huh?” repeated Bane mockingly. “What are you checking for?”

“Of-fi-cers…Bristow and Brigs, Sir!” the man corrected him. “We will need you to identify yourself, if it is not too much trouble.”

“Joseph Bane. Now…’of-fi-cers’, is there something in particular that I could do for you? I’m kinda in a hurry over here.” Joey could see the large man squeezing his lips, a sign he was already starting to lose his temper about his attitude.

Mar-7-2009 06:33

“American, Mr. Bane?” continued the short one. “We have a lot of Americans here lately…also a higher wave of crime coming along with them over the ocean, I might add.”

“Is there a question mark in what you just said, of-fi-cer?”

The large man was already growling in fury. Bane could see the air mixed with saliva coming out through his mustache. The small one smiled ahead though.

“We’re just trying to have a record of all…new people who arrive in our city. May I ask what your purpose is for being in London, Mr. Bane?”

“Tourism.”

“Strange accommodation for a tourist, I would say. This is not really the best area in the city.”

“Well…I’m a tourist with a poor cash flow lately. Now…is there anything else you’d like to inquire, of-fi-cer? I’m still in a hurry, you know…”

“I see. And may I ask where are you headed in such a hurry, Mr. Bane?”

“I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”

At that point the large policeman cracked. He took a step ahead towards Bane, spitting through his teeth. “Lem’me han’le d’is sma’tass!”

“HOLD IT RIGHT THERE, OFFICER!” a strong yet calm voice came from somewhere behind the cops. The large man stopped in his tracks, turned around and upon leaning his eyes on the man who had spoken, he saluted, raising his cane to his cap. The small one also saluted and stepped aside to allow the new man to come forward. He was a tall young man, with somehow thin face features, wearing also a police suit, showing the rank of inspector. No cap on his head. He seemed to be accompanied by two civilians. One of them, also tall and thin, came forward besides the inspector.

Mar-7-2009 06:34

“What the hell is this?” started Bane half mockingly, half annoyed. “Police prom or something?”

“I noticed there was a little…altercation on its way to begin between you and these two representatives of the law, Mr…”

“Bane. Yeah…these two hounds of yours were just about to ‘enforce’ some inquiring down my throat. I haven’t done anything, so please remove your watch dogs and be out of my way.”

The man eyed the two cops who were now silent and then continued in a calm and elegant manner. “I do apologize, Mr. Bane, if our methods have provoked you any distress. I notice by your accent that you are an American citizen. We are indeed running routine checks on all new guests in our city, in order to ensure…their safety. Allow me to introduce myself. I am inspector Pa…”

“Who the hell cares what your name is?” replied Joey somehow exhausted and anxious to be on his way to deliver the letter. “Now…I see that I’m not gonna be able to see about my business without finishing with you first, so ask your questions.”

“As you wish, Mr. Bane…” the man concluded. “Let’s begin then. This will not take too much of your seemingly precious time, I ensure you.”

“I’m listening.” At this, the second civilian, who had remained in the back, took out a pencil and notebook and got ready to take notes. The inspector then started his questioning.

“When did you arrive into town, more precisely?”

“Yesterday night.”

“By…train?”

“Yes.”

“From?”

“I don’t know…some small town with a long name.” Bane tried to avoid being placed anywhere near the murder, just in case.

“Maidenhead…maybe?” the inspector tried to refresh his memory.

“Maybe…I have a bad memory about names, you see.”

“Your purpose here in London?”

“Sightseeing and admiring your fog. I’m a tourist.”

“I see. How long will you be staying with us?”

“Don’t know. Don’t seem to be too welcome here.”

Mar-7-2009 06:35

“Do you intend to…maintain your current accommodation, Mr. Bane?”

“I guess. The price is good here.”

“I think that will be all, Mr. Bane. By the way…what happened to your face?” asked the inspector noticing the cuts and bruises from the accident.

“Cut myself shaving…” replied Bane, then added only for himself…”hmmm…not a very inspired answer…”

“I see shaving can be quite dangerous to you, Mr. Bane. Maybe you should refrain from this activity in the future” the inspector mocked him with a slight smile. Bane didn’t answer, but just gazed him annoyed.

Just as the inspector was about to make his exit, he noticed the newspaper thrown away somewhere on the floor. He stopped and decided to continue.

“I see you are aware of the murder that happened last night at…the train station. You did say you came here by train, didn’t you?”

“Ya.”

“Did you notice anything suspicious at the time of your arrival?”

“No. Funny ey? That kind of murder would’ve made a lot of noise. They say no one heard anything. Those meat hooks can inflict quite a lot of pain on a man.”

At this both the inspector’s and the civilian’s next to him faces glanced. They eyed each other, yet in an instant they both recomposed their faces back to normal.

“Indeed, Mr. Bane. Very curious” the inspector concluded. “Now, I believe we have taken far too much of your time with our questions. I thank you for your understanding and I apologize again for any distress our actions might have caused you. Good day to you, Mr. Bane!”

“Yeah, yeah…” mumbled Bane, making himself room to pass through the group and leaving in a hurry. ‘Strange acting’…he thought…’like I said something wrong. Hmmm…’

Just before turning a corner that would’ve put him out of the cops’ sight, he took one more look behind. He noticed the inspector talking to the two Bobbies with his eyes pointed at him. He didn’t bother with it though, as he figured he should hurry in order to catch anyone at ‘The Sirens’.

Mar-7-2009 06:36

…

Bane reached Violet’s agency headquarters in about half an hour and gave a kid a few coins to deliver the letter inside. Before handing it to him, Joey wrote three more words on the envelope: ‘Highly important. Open.’

He then left back aiming his ferry, in order to prepare for the late night job. All the way up to the docks he couldn’t help himself feeling like someone is watching him.

“Well…I guess a couple of shots will put my mind at ease…” mumbled him, grabbing the bottle of whiskey and taking a seat into an armchair on the deck, watching the sunset.