Part 5: Interview of a madman and poor Jenny without her machete; PHEW!

[last minute cancellations by Tony, Denny, and Brian put the weight on Jenny and Oliver. Who couldn’t roll worth a damn!]

Wednesday, 7 November, 1928: Last night was a long night after explaining to the bobbies why Jenny felt she had to defend herself and kill Peter Morrison. Jenny feeling more remorse at having lost her machete (“It was Billy Black’s”) than the fact she had killed…again. Morning couldn’t come soon enough, with a letter delivered from Mr. Grahame Roby authorizing his PI Vincent Tuck to show his files detailing his 1925 research of Alexander’s activities and contacts. But that will have to wait as Oliver calls Dr. Highsmith to announce his coming visit to check on Alex. “Remember, no meds as I want to see him as he’d be released.” But Oliver fails to convince the doctor [failed Persuade 92; failed Push 96]. Dr. H insisting on half-meds. Oliver dejected as he and Jen board the 10:20am train for their trip to St. Agnes asylum. The long 5-hour trip…enough time for Oliver to try enlisting other passengers to support his position on no meds. A long medical summary to his trapped audience, “If you’d but show up at the asylum to support my position. Yes, yes. The steps of St. Agnes asylum.” The passengers saying anything to get the madman out of their face. Them not able to get off the train fast enough when it pulls into the Weobley station near 4pm.

A taxi ride to the Red Lion Pub to secure rooms before heading out to the asylum. But instead, they find Dr. Charles Highsmith and nurse Price waiting in the pub, “I thought it best to talk here first before your visit with patient W.” Oliver surprised, “Had I known you’d be here, I would have told my backers to join us to express their support of no meds.” Oliver doesn’t notice a few of those train passengers stepping into the pub only to quickly turn and exit once they hear and see Oliver, “Oh hell no! That man is insane and should be locked up himself. There’s gotta be other lodging.”

Obviously stressed, Charles offers, “The 2^nd nurse killing just days ago has everyone on edge. I’ve learned you’re a serial-killer profiler for Scotland Yard; I was hoping to get your take on what has been happening.” The details: nurse Frederick Long killed 4 days ago in the kitchen in the middle of the night. The butcher knife recovered. Blood everywhere. Two blood types identified (O and A). Nurse Price confirming there were two blood types identified at nurse Yates’ murder within Lucius’ cell. But Yates was killed in a padded cell with a barred window and locked door. Long was killed in the kitchen with easy access. “Long’s truncheon was still hanging from his belt; he must have known his assailant and thus caught by surprise. The doors were locked which has the police and myself wondering if these could be an inside job. Thus, we’ve ordered the nurses to pair up on shifts.” Oliver and Jen ask more questions without answers.

Part 4 - Alexander’s book and associates

[Denny and Angela could not attend; thus, the absence of Bartholomew and Evie.]

Sunday, 4 November, 1928: As John reads about the stabbing death of Dr. Trollope, Oliver gasps at the description of the attacker, reported by a newspaper boy who witnessed it all, “A tall man, in a long dark coat.” Oliver turns to Jen to remind her, “That sounds like the same man who told us to leave after the murder.” The others at the table stunned, “What murder?!”

Jen talking thru her mouthful of food (as if it was no big deal), “It wasn’t murder; more self-defense as he stabbed me first.” Oliver choking on his food as he tries to explain, “We only went to interview Mr. Talbot Estes; you know, the producer of that Carcosa play. Next thing I know, Jen drops a book, Estes is on his hands-n-knees to pick it up, he screams about Jen taking something, Jen screams in pain, then her machete flashes and Estes has a new grin from ear to ear. And that’s when the man in all black appears at the back door and commands us to leave. I’m sure the same tall man that confronted me at the bar the other night. So, hell yes we ran. And this morning I read how Mr. Estes’ house burnt down last night.”

A lot of discussion before they decide to get Mr. Grahame Roby’s version of his brother’s involvement in the family double-homicide. Oliver drives all to Mr. Roby’s estate surrounded by a tall, spiked metal fence with buzzer speaker at the gate. John steps forward, “We’d like to speak to Mr. Roby about his brother. Tomorrow? No, it’s important we see him now. Appointment?” Jenny tries to bluff their way in. Oliver offers, “This is about the pending release of his brother Alexander.” The magic words that unlock the gate. An elder maid, Ms. Vetch, leads them to the parlor. Soon a gentleman in suit and bowtie appears, “You have 10 minutes before my next appointment. Now what’s this about my brother? So, you’re the expert psychologist; tell me, do you plan to release him? So, you haven’t made a decision yet; let me offer advice.”

Part 3 - What Murder?!

Wednesday, 31 October, 1928: Nothing else to see or learn in Lucius’ cell, they back out of the room. [Group Luck roll: 00] Coming face-to-face with nurse Price!

Oliver rambles before coming up with an excuse, “I…I found the cell unlocked and felt it prudent to check it out.” Nurse Price not believing, “How dare you! I must tell Dr. Highsmith.” John stepping in to save face [Persuade/Intimidate success], “Yes. Do call the doctor and explain how this patient gains access to pencils to pass along to Alex. How he possibly stole your keys to unlock his cell. How a man in a straight-jacket could perform these feats. Or was it oversight by a nurse leaving the cell unlocked?” Now Price rambling, “No. No…no need to get the doctor involved. I’ll speak with nurse Evans who performed the last rounds. No need to mention this incident.” Oliver adding conclusion, “I think it best for us to search Lucius…just in case.” So, they entered the cell, guarded the patient after removing the jacket, and failed to find anything.

Nurse Price looking quite embarrassed and tense as the group meets with Dr. Highsmith. Oliver giving his assessment, “I haven’t made a final conclusion but my initial impression is Mr. Roby is not ready to leave. I’d suggest you wean him off meds before I return for another evaluation. In the meantime, I’d like to speak with Dr. Trollope. You’ve already arranged a meeting with him on the 2^nd? At his own office in London’s Whitechapel district? Thank you.”

It’s been a long day and thus another night in Weobley at the Red Lion Pub. After midnight when a scream down the hall erupts; all rushing to Evie’s room where she sits on the edge of her bed sweating profusely and quite disturbed. John knocking and entering to the smell of rancid fruit yet none visible. “I was walking down a busy street, fumbling with my house key, when it suddenly changed to a small, grotesque, human-like figure. A fetish. Suddenly the streets are gone, the city gone. It’s a flat land with the smell of water in the air, mixed with the sweet smell of rancid fruit. 9 pagan-like stones surround me. Then the people around me blink out of existence; I’m alone. Then suddenly being lifted up for inspection like a child eyeing an insect. An insignificant speck.” Oliver was the last to enter the room and could not smell anything, “I told you not to eat those pickled eggs at the bar. No wonder you dream of that smell. Your belching the source of what John smelled upon entering.”