C4 For the love of a woman?
The following day the trio gathered bright and early at Leman Street. Reading through lists of property owned by Duggan, they were trying to work out where Duggan was keeping Rajni. Duggan was a man who liked quality so clearly it would be in one of classier properties. After a while a pale Drake threw down his list.
"Any chance Long Susan has seen her?" Drake coughed.
"I can't see a Duggan keeping her at a brothel after the trouble he went through to get her," Jackson replied in a voice full of scorn.
"It does seem unlikely. Duggan would want to keep the girl in place only he can have access to. However it may be wise to speak to Long Susan, she may have insight some of these addresses," Reid said, ignoring the look of displeasure on Jackson's face.
"I'd better come along, Susan isn't going to be happy with you turning up," Jackson replied.
At that moment Sargent Artherton walked into the room looking flustered.
"Inspector there has been another murder. The gentleman is a known associate of Mr Duggan. The body was found this morning," Artherton said.
"Thank you Sargent. Jackson once we have visited your wife return here. Find out what you can quickly," Reid replied, donning his coat.
Leaving the station the trio walked through the bustling streets taking in the sights and sounds of the morning. Every so often Drake shuddered and coughed. The crisp cold air nipped at their noses and ears making all three grateful for their gloves and scarves.
After a brisk walk they arrived at Tenter Street. On the front step was a dark brown tom. Seeing them the cat arched himself around Jackson's ankles purring deeply. Jackson fished his door key from a jacket pocket, the door unlocking with a well-oiled click.
Together men and cat slipped into the house. In the early morning it was quiet giving the house a sense of peace. The cat mewed again causing Jackson to laugh as the cat wound himself around Drake's ankles.
"Didn't think you were the type to keep pets," Drake said stroking the cat.
"He turned up half-starved one morning on the doorstep. Started mewing around Susan's ankles. Somehow got himself into her good graces. Since he's been here we've not had a problem with vermin."
As the trio stood in the hall an African girl appeared along with a pretty brunette who had blue eyes. It was early the majority of girls were still sleeping off their late nights. Seeing the trio looks of displeasure crossed their faces.
"Ashanti and Sapphire. Is Susan awake?" Jackson asked.
"I don't think so Captain," Sapphire replied, her blue eyes twinkling in the light.
"I'll go wake her, you girls go about your business."
Turning away Jackson took the stairs two at a time, all too aware Susan wasn't going to be happy about being woken to Reid and Drake in her house. Taking a deep breath he gingerly opened their bedroom door. The sight that great him stopped him in his tracks. Curled up cat like under the thick duvet Susan was fast asleep. Jackson smiled. Walking over he sat on the edge of the bed, gently kissing her cheek.
"Susan, Susan wake up darling."
Slowly Susan opened her eyes. Blinking in the semi darkness as she became aware of her surroundings. Looking up to see Jackson she smiled while snuggling closer to him.
"Matthew what has you up so early?" Susan asked sleepily.
"I'm sorry to wake you darlin'. Reid and Drake need your help with our current case," Jackson replied, stroking her hair.
"It could not have waited until a more sensible hour?" Susan groaned.
"I'm sorry darlin' but Reid wanted to see you early. If I'd have tried to stop him he might just have shot me."
"I am much temped to shoot him," Susan replied pushing back the covers.
"Feel free to give him hell for this," Jackson replied watching Susan slip on a silk dressing gown. "I'm guessing making him feel uncomfortable is part of that?"
"Well it seemed to work quite well last time. I need to show Reid I am not at his command, the fact I am your wife or not."
"I'm not complaining on that score," Jackson replied slyly kissing her.
Together the pair made their way down the carpeted stairs of the house. Reaching the bottom step Susan smiled at how uncomfortable Reid seemed as he caught site of her. Shaking his head Drake glared at Jackson.
"Miss Hart thank you for coming down," Reid said slightly abashed.
"There had best be a good reason for this Inspector. I do not appreciate being awoken to the police in my house at such an early hour."
"Unpleasant memories?" Drake quipped coughing.
"There were times when they called at my Father's house in the small hours of the morning," Susan replied.
"What might that have been for?" Drake asked with surprise.
"The numerous misdeeds of my Uncle Jasper that regularly ended with him in a cell."
"We need your help with finding a girl, this girl," Reid said, showing Susan the picture.
"I have not seen the girl. If you seek her than I pity the fate that brought her to such an end."
"Has Silas Duggan ever asked you to take a girl or asked advice about what clothing or jewellery would please a girl?"
"Duggan is not a men who would willingly take advice. However there have been times over the past year when he has asked such questions."
"By chance would any of the girls be acquainted with her," Reid asked as Ashanti walked in from the kitchen.
The girl stopped as she caught sight of the picture in Reid's hand. A look of clear recognition appeared in her eyes. Without a word she took the picture from Reid's hand. For a moment she studied it closely.
"The girl you seek goes by the name Indira (Hindi meaning beauty). She lives with Silas Duggan," the girl said coolly.
"Ashanti never once have you spoken of being acquainted with Duggan," Susan replied.
"Miss Susan that bastard is the reason I became a whore. My mother owed him a debt. When he had bled her of all she had it was still not enough," Ashanti snapped.
"I can understand," Susan said in a softer tone.
"You know this girl?" Reid asked.
"Duggan still demanded payment for his debt. He took me and my sister as housemaids. My little sister. Sweet and innocent. The perfect little maid. Indira protected my little sister. Told Duggan my sister could help them be respectable if treated well. Duggan was persuaded so ensuring my sister was well treated. I was older. There was no protection for me from his men or his beatings," Ashanti hissed walking around Reid.
"Does Duggan know you are here?" Reid asked.
"No. He would not care. To him I was nothing. It would give me great pleasure to see Silas Duggan locked up."
"Are you certain this girl lives with Duggan?"
"Certain. He calls her his Easter Flower. He must feel something for her, all his men had to call her Mrs Duggan. One time a man made a pass at her. She refused and the man threatened to rape her, all in front of Duggan. Duggan had the man taken outside and castrated, saying anyone who made a pass at her would face the same or worse," Ashanti said, her voice full of ice.
"Thank you Ashanti, I am sorry for what Duggan did to you," Reid said softly. "Jackson go back to Leman Street, we need to know how that man died. Drake with me, we go to visit Indira."
"As you say Reid. Susan none of this will get back to you. We've got a mountain of files we could have got this from," Jackson said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Be careful….please," Susan whispered.
A while later Drake and Reid walked into a smart address in a nice area of Whitechapel. Knocking at the door they were greeted by Ashanti's sister. Politely she led them through to the drawing room. A few moments later Indira walked in holding a young baby.
"Mrs Duggan, I am Inspector Reid and this is Sargent Drake."
"A pleasure to make your acquaintances. Inspector how might I be of assistance?" Mrs Duggan replied.
"We are aware of your relationship with Mr Duggan. We know about your past in the circus. Have your brothers been in contact recently?" Reid asked.
"I have not seem them since leaving the circus."
"We know the circumstances in which you came to live with Mr Duggan. If Duggan is holding you against your will we can help. We know Indira is the name Duggan gave you. Rajni is your true name," Reid began.
"Inspector any stories my brothers have told you are false. I am happy with my life," Indira snapped, cuddling the baby close.
"Your brother is wanted in connection to murder. Should Vritra come here we need to be told. You are Duggan's mistress, I imagine your brothers were unhappy with that."
"My brothers held onto ideas that cannot exist in this world. Silas Duggan has provided everything I ever wanted. The past cannot be undone. I make the best of the circumstances in which I find myself."
"I am grateful for your time Indira. You have a beautiful child," Reid said as he and Drake walked to the front door.
"Silas is proud of her, he calls her his Little Flower," Indira replied before the door closed.
Leaving the house Drake and Reid walked in silence back the station. The way Rajni/ Indira had acted had given them much to think about. To both it appeared the girl described to them had undergone a dramatic transformation. Yet their assumptions had been based on a description that may not have fully expressed her full character. The pasts of Singh, Vritra and Rajni were shrouded in mystery. . It seemed within the trio were traits that allowed them to survive and adapt to whatever circumstances they found themselves. _
Arriving back at Leman Street Drake and Reid were greeted by an inspector from Chelsea walking out. Walking next to him in torn suit, smelling strongly of drink and sporting several injuries was a teenage boy. The boy was looking sheepish, half terrified and somewhat green. The inspector's face was filled with thunder.
"Inspector Garnet," Reid said, tipping his hat. "Can I be of assistance?"
"Inspector Reid. My thanks, however your Sargent Artherton and Captain Jackson have provided that."
"Nothing serious has brought you here I hope?"
"Collecting my errand son. You can imagine my shock when my wife and I learned he had been arrested," Inspector Garnet replied crossly.
Shaking their heads Reid and Drake walked inside where they found Sargent Arthertone busy at the front desk. Seeing them Arthertone saluted them with his pen before returning to booking in a prisoner.
Pushing open the door of the dead room Drake and Reid stopped, Reid turning a shade of green and putting a handkerchief to his mouth. Blood, organs and guts were flowing over the slab while unnamed substances bubbled in test tubes. Jackson was quite literally up to his elbows in blood, his hands arms inside what appeared to be the ribcage.
"Alright Reid Sargent?" Jackson asked nonchalantly.
"Quite thank you Jackson. We just passed Inspector Garnet, he said you were of help to him, what help did you provide?"
"Gave his son a sharp shock," Jackson replied grinning slyly. "Made the lad look at this corpse. Then described how various types of murder are committed. The lad was sick and nearly passed out."
"You did a bloody good job! Lad looked awful," Drake croaked. "Mind you this mess is enough to make anyone sick."
"Surely not a hardened solider like you Drake. Well I'm pretty sure poison killed him," Jackson said as he started to sew up the corpse.
"Poison!" Drake asked in surprise.
"Snake venom. He was tortured. The other wounds were not enough to kill him. The venom type acts fast. The person knew what they were doing."
"Vritra would know about snake venom," Drake replied.
"No ordinary criminal would take the risk. Even a poisoner would think twice. I've got a feelin' this might be a trial run," Jackson said.
"We are missing something. Duggan, the circus and no sign of Vritra. Someone has to hold information." Reid said pacing the room.
"Inspector what if those men of Duggan's let slip about Rajni/ Indira having a baby? That could have made Singh or Vritra snap. Singh is killed by The Blacksmith. Vritra murders Halfpenny and The Blacksmith then let's loose the lions to make it like an accident," Drake said.
"A good theory Sargent. Someone is hiding Vritra. Someone is pulling the strings. Someone with reason to want Duggan dead," Reid replied pacing the room.
"That could be anyone," Jackson muttered.
"To bloody right. We could be chasing the wrong person for weeks," Drake said.
"We need to visit the circus again. Someone must have known about Rajni or at least overheard a conversation," Reid said.
"Inspector folk came and go all the time, bit of a long shot," Drake said coughing violently.
"But luck might be on our side. The show will be starting soon, come gentlemen," Reid said in tone that broke no argument.
Exchanging a look Drake and Jackson realized they were in for another late night. Donning coats and hats the trio shivered as they stepped out into a cold night pouring with rain. Turning up their collars all three muttered about the appalling English weather.
Arriving at the circus they found it busy despite the weather. Walking in, they found the show in full flow yet plenty of performers around. Flipping open notebooks Drake and Reid enquired about Vritra's actions since arriving in London; had he been secretive, received any letters, had been absent or returning home at unusual times or meeting with people who seemed odd? The performers were very willing to help yet seemed to have very little information. Vritra and Glitter were private people by nature and seemed skilled at deception.
"We have seen him talking to all sorts of people but mostly in the day or after shows. We get people here during the day for talks on the animals and chance to meet them," one of the cat keepers said.
"Vritra knew how to avoid detection," Reid said thoughtfully. "Thank you for the help."
"Glitter would know more," Jupiter said, arriving moments after the show ended.
Side by side Reid and Jupiter walked to Glitter and Vritra's caravan with Drake and Jackson a step behind. Knocking on the door Jupiter waited a few moments, a look of concern appearing when no answer came. Slipping a key from his pocket Jupiter opened the door. Stepping into the four found no sign of Glitter or Sparkle. Concern surged through them. Searching the caravan they found it empty of clothing and personal possessions. The bed was made, food was stored and the day's paper laid in the table. All life was in order yet the owners were missing. Tearing the caravan apart they found nothing giving the slightest indication as to the whereabouts of Glitter and Sparkle.
Stepping outside Jupiter called the other circus performers together, everyone utterly shocked at the disappearances. Out of the stunned silence answers bubbled to the surface under the gentle pressure of Reid. Glitter was not the type to act on impulse. She was no longer in the show but had important backstage duties.
"Glitter is not the kind to take risks," Jupiter said, concern clear in his voice.
"So she'd have only left with people she trusted?" Drake asked.
"Glitter came from a broken home full of sorrow. She loves the circus, she and Vritra were our fairy tale. I wish there was more we could say to help you. We did not see her after the show started. You must excuse me," Jupiter replied leaving.
"This was planned to make sure no one saw Glitter leaving. Something must have happened after she talked to us," Jackson said, rubbing his hands to keep warm.
"I agree. The girl seemed to have a good head on her shoulders, Vritra has to be involved somehow," Drake said coughing violently.
"Someone was watching her. Someone with the means to employ men who had the knowledge to move undetected. The same person who is sheltering Vritra has a hand in this work," Reid said broodingly.
"Vritra must have been here," Drake rasped. "It's hard to believe no one saw her leave. Someone must have seen something even if all the circus people were busy."
"Well she ain't here. We could be chasing shadows for hours. It's dark and wet, few people are going to be out," Jackson muttered, pulling his coat tighter.
"I agree, trying to find her on a night like this is nigh on impossible," Drake croaked.
"We are wet and frozen to the bone. The only place we should be going is home," Jackson said, looking at Reid.
"Can't argue with that Jackson. Any chance we can call it a night Inspector? Most folk are going to be home in bed at this time. Mrs Drake won't be happy I'm out in this," Drake said, his face looking decidedly pale.
"Not to mention Susan will have your guts for the girl's garters Reid," Jackson said mischievously.
Looking between his Sargent and Captain, Reid realized he was beaten. Drake wasn't looking at all happy despite his bets efforts to hide the fact. Not to mention he was very pale and had been coughing violently all day. Jackson made no such effort to disguise his displeasure, the American looked frozen and soaked. In truth it had been a long day. The shoulder wound Reid carried had been causing him considerable pain all evening. The battle was done for the day.
"Home gentlemen," Reid said, a trace of reluctance in his voice.
Slowly with groans the trio left the circus. Hailing a cab they climbed inside gratefully. All were silent as the cab rattled through the wet streets. One by one the trio were seen off at their door or as close to it as the cab could get.
Walking through the door of Tenter Street Jackson felt himself instantly relax as warmth seeped into his aching bones. Water dripped onto the carpet from his clothes. It was quitter than usual, clients choosing to stay away or pay extra to stay the night. Just as he was about to head upstairs Susan appeared on the staircase. For a moment she looked him up and down before a look of displeasure appeared on her face.
"Ought to skin Reid for keeping you out in that weather. I want you out of those clothes," Susan said kissing him lightly.
"Here Susan?" Jackson asked raising an eyebrow.
"I don't want water all over my carpets,"
"Customers might get…"
"They have seen plenty," Susan replied raising an eyebrow.
A short time later found Jackson happily relaxing in a hot bath with Susan sat primly in a chair.
"You sitting there all lady like ain't follin' me darling."
"Who says I am trying to fool anyone? We are married so…." Susan replied flashing her wedding ring.
"Something has put you in a good mood, not that I'm complainin'."
"Duggan has suspended this month's rent. He said it was essential he appeared the model of respectability in view of the current police investigation," Susan replied as Jackson climbed out of the bath.
"That's a month breathin' space. Reid is onto him. We can get Duggan on something."
"For tonight I don't want to think or worry. Help me forget…" Susan said kissing him deeply.
Donning a pair of pyjamas Jackson looked slyly at Susan. In an instant he had her in his arms. Her look of surprise turned to delight. Without a care at all Jackson carried her out of the room. Laying her head on his shoulder, Susan grinning with delight. Together they went upstairs, not caring at all for the looks from the girls or customers.
Across Whitechapel Drake and Bella were sat eating dinner while chatting about their days. At regular intervals Drake would cough the same dry cough that had been bothering him all day.
"I should be having words with the Inspector about keeping you out in wet weather. It isn't good for you," Bella said.
"Well I wouldn't mind that. The Inspector has been running us ragged and this weather hasn't been making it any easier," Drake said kissing her.
"Bennet you feel warm, to warm for my liking and you are shaking."
"I've not been feeling good all day, that cough has been constant and every part of me aches."
"Bed for you and a nice hot bath," Bella said in a tone that left no room for argument.
"Bella girl that sounds wonderful," Bennet replied softly.
A while later a well-scrubbed Bennet was curled up in bed with the covers pulled tight around him. Bella was laid next to him with one hand stroking his hair. Looking at her Bennet felt himself sink into a deep sleep. Watching her husband Bella smiled softly. Curled up together Bella and Bennet were utterly at peace with the world.
Across town in his home study Inspector Reid was finishing writing some reports. Opening his desk draw for a new pot of ink his figure brushed a photograph. Stopping he picked up the picture. It showed himself, Emily and their daughter on a daytrip to the zoo. Emily was smiling with delight, her head resting his shoulder. Their daughter was stood in front of them, her eyes filled with joy, a wide smile on her face and a stuffed lion in her arms. Unbidden tears came to Reid's eyes. The memory of such happiness mingled with shards of pain. The cold seemed to seep into his bones. A sharp pain surged through his shoulder causing him to groan.
"Emily when did we go so wrong? Please forgive me if you can for what I have done. I cannot undo the past. I wish it were possible to find our daughter or to go back and save her. I am sorry," Edmund whispered into the darkness.
In the darkness of the night the shadows of recent years that resided with Reid's own soul combined. Losing his daughter had nearly broken him and the loss of Emily to madness was near to destroying him. In his heart Reid was near a broken man. The desire to protect his streets, the responsibility he had to protect the people of Whitechapel were some of the few things that kept him from being enveloped by darkness.
The love of a woman could bring both pleasure and murder. In the name of love people would so willingly sacrifice their lives. Love in the form of desire or the deep love of family. Despite having not yet solved the circus case Edmund Reid, Bennet Drake and Homer Jackson were certain that love was the motivating force.
The questions remained. What had passed between Vritra, Singh, Walter Halfpenny and the Blacksmith that had resulted in three deaths and the disappearance of Vritra? Who was helping Vritra avoid detection yet seemed to have the means to arrange the disappearance of Glitter and Sparkle? Most importantly were the murders a random act or were they part of a bigger plot? The circus case had uncovered the web of the large spider, Silas Duggan, yet were others already aware of him? Was a powerful individual manipulating the players of a game where only he made the rules? Only time would reveal….
End