C4 A matter of law and honour
The following day Captain Jackson arrived at the police station to the sound of shouting. Raising an eyebrow he walked over to the front desk where Sergeants Arthertone and Drake stood with a pained expressions on their faces. Before Jackson could speak Inspector's Garnet from Chelsea and Sydney Ressler of The City stormed up the steps from the cells looking furious. Trailing behind both of them were two lads of about seventeen. Both lads were looking sick and terrified, their once fine suits stained and torn. A strong whiff drink and optimum emitting from both. One had a black eye, bruising to his neck and deep cuts to his left hand. The second bore two black eyes, a busted lip. The pair had every appearance of being involved in a fight.
Catching sight of Captain Jackson a sinister smile appeared on Inspector Ressler's face. Inspector Garnet on the other had grabbed the lad with the black eye by the shirt collar and marched him out the door without as much as a word.
"Good morning Captain Jackson. If I might trouble you for a moment?" Ressler asked, his voice full of molten anger.
"Morning Inspector, how can I be of assistance?" Jackson asked, leaning casually against the desk.
"My son requires a lesson. Would it be possible for you to demonstrate how a police surgeon performs an autopsies?" Ressler asked through gritted teeth.
"Well I'm not sure Inspector, we have anyone who needs slicing?" Jackson asked, turning to Sergeant's Arthertone and Drake.
"As a matter of fact we do Captain. A couple of men were found dead this morning, rather nasty do. Inspector Reid wants their particulars quick sharp," Sergeant Arthertone replied calmly.
"Excellent!" Jackson replied rubbing his hands. "This way if you please."
Whistling he walked into the laboratory with Inspector Ressler and his son walking behind him. Two corpses were laid on the tables. Both men mid-fifties, well built with grey hair. It was clear they had suffered rather violent deaths judging by the numerous injuries to their torsos and throats.
Calmly Jackson removed his coat, rolled up his sleeves, donning an apron and set about gathering his equipment. Laying the equipment down on the table he picked up a rather deadly looking scalpel. With a practiced hand Jackson slicked open the chest. As he reached the throat these was a sudden sound of vomiting followed seconds later by a thud. Young Ressler was lying unconscious on the floor. Winking at Inspector Ressler, Jackson walked over to the sink. Turning on the tap he allowed some cold water to run into a glass. With a wicked grin on his face, Jackson threw the water over the unconscious boy.
"Oohhh," the boy groaned.
"Now then sport lets have you up," Jackson said, hauling the lad to his feet.
Staggering to his feet the lad turned a nasty shade of green as he caught sight of the corpse. For a second he looked between his father and the door. His insides were churning violently and the room seemed stuffy. His pounding head was not helping and the room kept slipping out of focus.
"I er," the boy stammered.
"Consider this a lesson Sydney," Inspector Ressler snapped,
Then his eyes landed on the dead men, the colour drained from his face as he looked at their faces. A feeling of ice washing over him Ressler felt his insides squirm. His day had suddenly taken a nasty turn.
"That man, the second one in the green waistcoat," Ressler said, walking to the man. "I am certain he worked for Drake Eastern."
"Hell Fire! Sergeant Drake isn't going to be pleased with one of his brother's employees turning up dead!" Jackson exclaimed.
"I will check missing person's reports and send word. As for the first with the black jacket, I know for a fact he works for Obsidian Estates."
Together the three men walked out of the door. At the front desk stood Inspector Reid and Sergeant Drake listening as Sergeant Arthertone updated them on the night's events. Seeing the trio the pair raised an eyebrow. Shaking his head Inspector Ressler glared at his son. Without a word he turned on his heel, heading out the door with his son trailing behind him.
"Sydney Ressler Junior is becoming a regular," Reid said sipping his coffee.
"He was one of the bunch we picked up for fighting on the streets. Inspector Garnet's boy was also involved," Sergeant Arthertone chipped in, showing Inspector Reid the arrest book.
"Well Don and I saw them in a pub last night. Last I remember was seeing them singing and dancing on the bar with pints in their hands!" Drake exclaimed, chuckling at the memory.
"Couldn't carry a tune mind. There'll be hell to pay once those lads get home. By my reckoning that's the sixth times we've had the pleasure of arresting Inspector Garnet's boy," Arthertone chuckled.
"Well it's a good thing I didn't tell Garnet and Ressler that both boys are regular clients of Susan's girls," Jackson sniggered.
"Gentlemen for the sake of your lives I suggest you keep that to yourselves. To work. The Reverend Beckett must be spoken to. Once that is completed we will be confront the Capshaw brothers," Reid said, his voice business like though his eyes were shining with amusement.
Leaving Athertone to mind the shop, the trio stepped out into another warm morning. All around them people were going about their daily lives without a care in the world. As they walked Jackson mention what Inspector Ressler has mentioned about of the dead men. Ice slipped down the backs Reid and Drake. The last things either of them wanted was anything connect to the late Silas Duggan, Mr Grosvenor or Drake Eastern.
After a short walked the trio arrived at the Church of Saint George. The building itself was showing its age yet appeared well kept. Besides the church itself was the house where the vicar lived. A small house but in decent repair. The surrounding streets were busy, a vast mixture of homes and business. Squaring their shoulder the trio walked inside, the wooden door squeaking painfully on its hinges.
Inside the church was cool. Rows of wooden pews leading to an alter. The walls a smart shade of white. Sitting on a pew reading a Bible was a bald man in his mid-thirties dressed in black outfit. The suit was faded, there were darns to the knees and the white dog collar was slightly off white. One eye was black and his face was marked by bruising. Both his wrists were covered in bandages and there was a long cut on the right side of his throat.
"Good morning Reverend Beckett," Reid said, his tone calm and friendly.
"Good morning Inspector Reid what a pleasure it is to see yourself again," Reverend Becket said, walking over and shaking his hand.
"Sergeant Drake good day."
"Morning Reverend," Drake smiled.
"Reverend might I introduce Captain Jackson," Reid said.
"A pleasure Captain."
"Likewise Reverend," Jackson replied.
"Have you recovered the items stolen from my parishioners? Reverend Beckett asked inquiringly.
"Unfortunately not. Reverend Beckett we believe you might be able to assist us with our current investigation," Reid replied, scrutinizing the man's appearance.
"Of course Inspector, please take a pew," Reverend Becket replied.
Sitting down the pews the four men looked at one another for moment. Sergeant Drake and Inspector Reid taking out their note books. Next to them Captain Jackson looked over the reverend's injuries, mentally working out the possible ways he could have received them. Reverend Beckett appearing utterly at ease yet in his eyes there was just a hint of suspicion.
"Reverend Beckett firstly the injuries you possess, how did you come by them?" Reid asked.
"You need not concern yourself with them, they are but a trifle from an accident involving a steep set of steps on wash day," Reverend Becket replied hurriedly.
"See that's a mistake Reverend. A man doesn't take those by taking a tumble on the stair. Who attacked you?" Jackson asked.
"Reverend Beckett for your own sake answer the question. We can protect you if needs be," Reid said reassuringly, placing a hand on the vicar's arm.
"The matter….." Reverend Beckett stammered.
"A girl named Viola Tanner was nearly murdered along with her child. Name mean anything to you?" Drake asked his tone gentle yet firm.
The Reverend paled at the mention of the name, his body trembling and his eyes full of fear. Wincing slightly in pain he placed a hand on is ribs. His eyes filling with regret, remorse and despair he hung his head in shame.
"I married Viola Tanner and Godfrey Capshaw, the marriage performed in full accordance with the law, having obtain the licence as required.
"The poof?" Reid asked, his heart racing as the pieces of the mystery slotted neatly into place.
"Please see it in the parish registry, the licence was signed by the magistrate, come."
Slowly standing up Reverend Beckett led Reid, Drake and Jackson through the church into the vestry. There on a table was the parish registry. Flicking through it Reverend Beckett stopped at a page. Stepping forward the three policemen saw the signatures of Godfrey Capshaw and Viola Tanner along with those of the witness.
"Damn!" Drake swore.
"Plain black and white, water tight and legal. Who else has seen this?" Jackson asked studying the vicar closely.
"Four days previously five men came late at night. Mr Godfrey and Oscar Capshaw among them. They asked about Viola and Godfrey…" Reverend Beckett began, his voice full of remorse, shame and guilt.
"What happened Reverend, for the sake of Viola you must tell us," Reid implored.
"I was beaten. Condemn me all you want Inspector but I am not a brave man. I confessed and showed them this," Reverend Beckett said, hanging his head in shame.
"My thanks Reverend Beckett," Reid said shaking the man's hand.
Without a word the trio walked back into the main body of the church. Sitting on the pews they thought over what they had read, trying the piece it all together. The proof Viola and Godfrey's marriage had been revealed but the motive for her attempted murder remained hidden. The past actions of Theodore Swift gave them some insight into family politics but the mystery remained. It was a huge risk the Capshaws had run and unlike Theodore they were well known in the local area.
"We have evidence enough to charge Oscar and Godfrey Capshaw with two accounts of attempted murder," Reid said breaking the heavy silence.
"Might as well throw in assault too, don't think a judge or jury would take to kindly to a vicar being hurt," Drake said grimly.
"We go now to arrest them. Now before they hear that we have come asking questions," Reid said, his voice filled with determination.