C3: Last Will and Testament
The following day Susan and Jackson were awoken by the sound of hammering of PC Wainwright on the front door. The pair groaned, both were toasty warm in their bed. Smirking Jackson ran his hand over Susan's shoulder as they heard PC Wainwright's boots on the stairs.
"The Captain is indisposed," Susan shouted through the bedroom door.
"The Inspector wants 'im down at Leman Street," PC Wainwright replied.
"He is indisposed. Now go or I'll have you thrown out, "
A muttered reply was barely heard through the door accompanied by the sound of boots going down the stairs. In bed Jackson looked at Susan.
"Now that is a something I never thought I'd see, normally you want me gone," Jackson said kissing her.
"Today I want you all to myself," Susan replied softly.
"I'm always here darling."
"Please stay with me today."
"Susan is something going on you're not telling me?"
"I….I'm. I'm scared of what the future will bring."
"That ain't the full story. I'll let it go for now but we ain't finished," Jackson said looking at his wife.
Under his gaze Susan felt her insides squirm. Looking at him she snuggled closer while trying to keep her composure. Susan had forgotten just how insightful her husband could be. Secrets cannot be kept for ever. Soon it would be time to reveal the one she carried. _
At Leman Street PC Wainwright was stood facing Inspector Reid and Sergeant Drake. Neither were happy at the news that had been brought to them about the American.
"Madam Susan insisted he is unwell," PC Wainwrights said shifting uncomfortably.
"Unwell? Hungover more like," Drake scoffed.
"Jackson can wait," Reid replied heading out the door. "Drake take a short walked to Flight's place, see's what's keeping him away. Don't be more than an hour. Inspector Abberline has sent word saying he wants to meet us at ten thirty."
"Yes Inspector," Sergeant Drake replied. _
Hailing a cab Inspector Reid travelled to the City. Passing through black gates the cab crossed onto Corporation land. Jumping out of the cab Reid stood outside a smart building. The sign about the door read Cowdery and Partners. Walking into the legal practice Reid was led into the office of Alan Cowdery. At a desk sat two gentlemen. One was in his late fifties, his neat brown hair was streaked with silver, and he had hazel eyes and was dressed in a crisp suit of navy blue. A cane topped with a gold tiger's head with ruby eyes was leant next to his chair. Beside him sat Alan Cowdery1 a man with grey hair, cool blue eyes, clean shaven and wearing a pinstripe suit.
"Good morning Mr Cowdery," Inspector Reid said, shaking the lawyer's hand.
"Good morning Inspector Reid, allow me to introduce Mr Grosvenor," Mr Cowdery said politely.
"A pleasure to meet you Sir," Inspector Reid said, shaking Mr Grosvenor's hand.
"A pleasure Inspector Reid," Mr Grosvenor replied in a rich accent.
Under the gaze of Inspector Reid the will of Silas Duggan was read. All his property, businesses, company shares and all his money was left to Mr Grosvenor. Mr Grosvenor was a rich, highly respected and well known investment banker at Bering's. He was extremely well connected so it was surprising he was involved with a man such as Duggan.
"I have known Mr Duggan for well over twenty years. We are business partners and friends," Mr Grosvenor said in a relaxed tone full of sincerity.
"I am surprised that you are the beneficiary," Reid said.
"I agree Inspector it is unusual. Last year Silas fell seriously ill. Once Silas had recovered Mr Cowdery advised him to make a will to safeguard his investments. I was deeply moved Silas choose me to inherit. I never seriously considered the possibility of inheriting his estate. I assumed Silas would marry his mistress," Mr Grosvenor replied smoothly.
"I can confirm that fact Inspector. The will was purely a safeguard," Mr Cowdery said calmly.
Under the eyes Inspector Reid all the relevant paperwork was signed to allow the smooth and swift transition of assets. To Reid's surprise information about the properties and business was given to him.
"A man in my position has a reputation to protect. I trust you will handle this affair with discretion," Mr Grosvenor said smoothly.
"Naturally. Mr Duggan created an appearance of respectability. I believe Mr Duggan used his connection with yourself and respectable society to avoid suspicion," Inspector Reid replied.
Shaking hands with Mr Cowdery and Mr Grosvenor, Inspector Reid left the legal practice carrying the files he had been given. On the carriage ride back to Whitechapel, Inspector Reid read through the files. The files only confirmed information that was already known. There was no indication as to the identity of the person Duggan had met at The Drunken Monk. _
As the clock struck quarter to ten Inspector Reid walked into the police station on Leman Street. At the front desk Sergeant Drake stood talking to Sergeant Artherton.
"No trace of Flight at his place," Drake said, a trace of concern in his voice.
"I will send a PC Wainwright to investigate. Has Jackson appeared?" Inspector Reid asked looking towards the Dead Room.
"Afraid not," Sergeant Artherton answered from the front desk.
"DAMN! Abberline said in his message all of us are to be at the meeting," Reid snapped angrily.
"I'll get Jackson. I'll drag him from bed myself if needs be," Drake replied.
Pulling on his coat Sergeant Drake walked out of the station, letting the door bang behind him. _
Briskly Drake walked through the busy streets. Arriving at Tenter Street he slipped into the house. Inside Drake found Susan and Jackson's curled up on the parlour sofa.
"You Leman Street now," Drake barked.
"Relax Drake," Jackson said casually.
"You should have been there earlier," Drake snapped, glaring at the American.
"I've been needed here," Jackson replied getting up.
"Come on or do I 'ave to drag you?" Drake said flexing his fists.
"Keep your hat on I'm coming," Jackson said donning his coat.
"Come home safely," Susan replied standing up.
"I'll will darlin'," Jackson said kissing her.
Leaving the house Jackson stopped on the front step. Once again that feeling of fordoing had chilled his bones. Deep down he knew Susan was hiding something. In stony silence the Sergeant Drake and Captain Jackson walked to Leman Street.
Arriving at Leman Street Drake and Jackson found Commissioner James Monro and Chief Inspector Fred Abberline stood at the front desk with Reid. Jackson and Drake stopped in their tracks. Seeing the pair enter the trio beckoned them to follow. Silently the five walked into Reid's office. Pulling up chairs they sat down. Neither Abblerline nor Monro were looking happy.
"I have seen all the evidence connected to the murder of Silas Duggan. I know about Inspector Reid's meeting with Mr Cowdery and Mr Grosvenor. I am aware you suspect Inspector Shine in involved in the murder of Silas Duggan. I know about Shine's part in the circumstances that resulted in the death of Maurice Linklater," Monro began in an authoritative voice.
"This morning I ordered Chief Inspector Abberline to investigate Inspector Shine on charges of corruption and the murder."
For a moment no one said a word. Commissioner Monro's decision had serious implications. Climbing to his feet Chief Inspector Abberline spoke.
"Yesterday four of Duggan's men were killed by policemen in Limehouse. On Corporation land six of Duggan's men were killed by men wearing the symbol of a red drake over an anchor."
"Inspector Reid have you found any evidence as to who Duggan met the night he was murdered?" Monro asked.
"Nothing," Reid replied, a note of regret in his voice.
"Then we must use what little we have. I have seen all your evidence. It is my conclusion that Inspector Shine is involved along with a second man. The evidence indicates man is an associate on Corporation land," Monro replied.
"How then do we proceed?" Reid asked.
"A join investigation involving myself, Chief Inspector Abberline, yourselves and Inspector Ressler. No word of this must leave this room. If Shine is corrupt I want him caught," Monro said, his voice like ice.
"Agreed," Reid nodded.
"Of course Commissioner," Drake said firmly.
"Let's go trap a rat," Jackson said.
"I am glad we understand one another. Not a word to family either," Abberline injected.
"I have arranged for us to meet Inspector Ressler. My carriage is waiting outside," Monroe said.
Climbing to their feet then five men donned hats, coats and gloves. Leaving shop they climbed into the waiting cab that would take them to the City.
1 Alan Cowdery is borrowed from the BBC drama Silk