CHAPTER 29

Fortunately for the Detectives one of the perks of working for INTERPOL is getting an escorted chauffeur or access to a police vehicle. It was the latter of the two for the Detectives, and their driving kept poor Chang on his toes at times forgetting to get on the opposite side of the road. People were shouting at them as Thomson still needed to be reminded where he was.

"Are you mad!? Get on your side of the road you buffoon!" someone shouted as they were going down the road.

They finally arrived back at the pub on the outskirts of the east side of town. Some windows had been broken out and there was evidence of scorching in the doorway. The workers were temporarily boarding up some of the windows and cleaning up the the rest of the debris the firs left behind. The owner was trying to get the repairs quickly so she could open the pub back up soon. They parked a short distance away taking note of anyone who was at the scene. They saw an officer and differently dressed man in a business suit taking notes and examining things on the outside.

"That's Detective Mullens, he should have some answers for us" Thompson declared.

"Too right you are!" Thomson agreed. "Come along Mr. Chang, this could be educational" Thomson said proudly. Chang shook his head and followed silently observing.

"Detectives Thompson and Thomson, good day," the short stocky dark haired man greeted tipping his hat.

"Detective Mullens," the Detectives replied both tipping their hats back.

"So how can I help you this fine day?" He asked examining the front of the building.

"We come to see if Scotland Yard has any clue as to if this was arson or accident" Thomson got right to the point.

"Indeed…pay attention now Mr. Chang…" Thompson answered then whispered to Chang standing next to him.

"It was definitely arson, we've already spoken to the owner and it seems that a Mr. Allan Thompson is a person of interest. Luckily a fire trucks happened to be passing by when the fire was discovered" he said at length as they walked closer to the restricted area. A few neighbors in the area were watching from a distance.

"Mr. Chong-Chen was correct" Mr. Thomson gave Chang a surprised look.

"What do you mean? Who is he?" Detective Mullens gave Chang a scrutinizing look.

"He is an agent from INTERPOL sent to assist us in our investigation of the four murders" Thomson explained.

"You gents have been assigned to that case too eh? Good luck with that one…" The stocky man rubbed his forehead.

"What's wrong with that case?" Chang asked curiously.

"We discovered two more bodies further out in the bay… it hasn't been announced publicly for now because we have no way of identifying who they are" Detective Mullens said grimly.

"Yikes!" Thomson frowned.

"Any possible motive?" Thompson asked.

"None whatsoever… may or may not be tied with the four we found on the other side of the docks…without any possible identification we have no way of establishing anything." Detective Mullens explained. Chang looked at the building noticing they had different points where the fire did more damage, especially on the side of the building.

"You're more than welcome to look around Detectives, but I've already inspected inside and outside. You can inspect the outside if you like, I have pictures developing down at the lab of the inside." he finished.

"Who told you the name Allan Thompson?" Thomson asked.

"The lady who owns the pub…apparently they had a disagreement a few days ago…must have been a lover's quarrel. That's all we've been able to get out of her," Detective Mullens answered thoroughly. Chang knew she was hiding something and this had to be it, or was it? Hopefully this would be more of an argument in favor of pursuing the ship.

"That's not what she told us yesterday" Thompson looked confused.

"Typical of a woman to leave out details…" Detective Mullens sighed.

"What did she say the argument was about?" Chang spoke up.

"She only said it was because she wanted to end their relationship and he wasn't so willing… these kinds of domestic cases happen all the time. Nevertheless Allan Thompson is wanted for questioning" Detective Mullens replied.

"Should we go and examine the photos?" Thomson said rhetorically.

"Or should we try to find Allan Thompson" Thompson finished.

Both of the Detectives stood there in thought for a moment while Chang knew the obvious answer.

"I think we should have a little talk with Mr. Allan Thompson" Thomson looked up.

"Indeed!" Thompson agreed.

"…but where did he go?" Thomson scratched his head.

"Either he's still around or he left" Thompson deduced.

"I'll give you gents a hint, eye witnesses say they saw him about 1:30 AM last night out and about" Detective Mullens said finishing his examination.

"What time did the Sea Serpent leave port?" Chang asked.

"According to the registry, it was about 3:00 AM" Thomson remembered.

"He has to be on that ship" Chang suggested.

"Well I guess it could make sense" Thompson nodded still not convinced.

"Well the mate does have a criminal record and he is listed as the captain of that ship…" Thomson mentioned.

"I think we should meet them in Glasgow" Chang suggested again.

"Well Mr. Chong-Chen you may be on to something there" Thomson seemed convinced.

"But what about the photos? We may miss something," Thompson objected.

"What's there to see Thompson?" Thomson retorted.

They walked back over to the car as Chang listened to the two Detectives trying to rationalize the decisions. Ten minutes later they finally decided to go with Chang's logic as they got in the car and started it.

"So how are we going to go?" Thompson asked.

"We could drive there" Thomson suggested.

"Oh but that would take forever" Thompson complained.

"About how long would it take?" Thomson asked opening up a glove compartment pulling out a map.

"I'm telling you, that's an all day trip" Thompson countered.

"Then what do you suggest?" Thomson folded his arms.

"Maybe we should take a plane" Thompson pointed his finger.

Chang did see the logic in talking to the bar owner again but neither of the Detectives suggested doing that. Chang did wonder if there was more to the story than just what Detective Mullens had mentioned. Even if there was Chang's focus was finding the Sea Serpent and accomplishing his mission, and then after that he would do whatever INTERPOL asked him to do. Chang looked up and both Detectives were still arguing about their mode of transportation. Chang buried his face in his hands thinking that the Sea Serpent may reach and leave Glasgow before they can even get there. When the Detectives finally agreed on a decision, they decided they were hungry. Another debate about where to eat ensued.

XXXXXXXX

Benton spent the entire Thursday recovering from his drinking binge. That night he was hoping Lucille and the kids would come home but they didn't. He tried to clean up the house a little and get some rest for long day fishing off the Ipswich harbor tomorrow. He found a couple shots left of gin in a bottle and decided to drink them to help him sleep. He felt bad mentally and physically even though he had hardly done anything but clean up the house.

As soon as he lied down it felt as if it was time to get up. He heard someone walking around the room and lifted his head to see Lucille opening drawers and packing clothes. He sat up a bit confused. Drawers were taken out of the dresser and were set on the floor empty.

"I see you're finally awake…" Lucille said somberly.

"What do you mean? I got to go to work" Benton answered hoarsely with it being so early.

"You were supposed to work yesterday dear…" Lucille shook her head.

"I work today" Benton corrected sitting up. "What's wrong with you?" he noticed Lucille's uncharacteristic attitude.

"I just can't deal with it anymore Benton, your bigotry and lies, the kids need a better father who can set a better example" she said absently finishing her packing.

Benton rubbed his eyes getting out of bed as if he had just been hit by a wall of bricks.

"What are you talking about? I don't drink in front of the kids, you and I agreed to that and I've kept my word" Benton said a bit more forcefully.

"It's not enough anymore…I'm tired of your half- truths and your dodgy past. My parents aren't even sure they know who you really are" she said coldly.

"What more do you want me to do!?" Benton began raising his voice a little. "I'm trying, I can't help my past!? What do you want from me!?" he replied in frustration.

"Nothing… it's over" Lucille remained calm as she picked up her things and walked out of the room.

"Lucille! You're acting crazy! You can't just walk out on me! We're married!" Benton said frantically.

Lucille stopped and turned around putting down her things and pulled off her wedding band. "I release you from your duties…give it to someone else" she said callously handing him the ring.

Lucille opened the front door as there was a car and three men loading the trunk with Matthew and Heidi's belongings. They were the same three men who attacked him in Ipswich. One man was playing with Heidi while the other was trying to get Matthew into the back seat.

"Hey! Get your hands off my children!" Benton ran up to one shoving him away from Heidi.

"Benton what are you doing!?" Lucille shouted at him.

"They're MY kids! Where are you going with these low lives with MY children!?" Benton demanded.

"I told you, the kids need a better father who can set a better example, something that YOU'RE not doing" Lucille emphasized.

"I love you Lucille! Please stop this!" Benton pleaded.

"It's too late…" she turned away from him.

"I won't let you take the kids away from me!" Benton said grabbing a two by four waving it menacingly at the men as he grabbed Heidi's hand pulling her away.

"Come back inside Matthew!" Benton instructed, but to his dismay Matthew would not listen and Heidi was trying to pry her hand free from his.

"Don't you kids love me?!" Benton shouted in disbelief.

"No daddy, we want to be with mum!" Heidi said struggling away.

"You're a no good loser!" one of the men taunted as Lucille got in the car with the kids.

"Sorry Benton, but you just aren't fit to do anything…" Lucille said hauntingly as the car drove away with the three men laughing at him.

Benton dropped the two by four and fell to his knees.

"Lucille! LUCILLE! Don't leave me me PLEASE!" he screamed about in tears. He watched as the car disappeared and the house now looked empty. He walked back inside to see there was no furniture or anything. There were only a couple chairs and many cobwebs.

Suddenly he heard a beeping outside the house. He ran quickly to see two cars with unknown occupants beeping continuously. Instantly he was awake with a sweaty brow, but the beeping was real. Benton peaked out the window and realized it was one of his co-workers waking him up as usual to go to work. Benton took a deep breath in relief realizing it was all just a bad dream. He opened the front door and shouted to his co-worker.

"Just another minute!" he waved.

"Hurry up or we're going to be late again!" the man shouted back from his truck.

Benton rushed around throwing his fishing clothes on, pulled his hair back, and started locking up the house looking at the clock before he left as it was 4:30 AM. Once Benton got in the car they were off to Ipswich Harbor.

XXXXXXXXXX

Tintin led Snowy and Cocoa out to the garage where his motorbike was. The garage was placed behind the right side of the manor. It was newly built almost as long as he and Haddock had been lovers. Haddock had a two door garage with a small loft. The loft was added on for storage and a small makeshift lab for the Professor. One car was the one Nestor used to run errands or chauffeur them around, and the other was for their own personal discretion. Haddock mainly drove that one while Tintin preferred to drive his motorbike. Haddock had always told Tintin he was going to hurt himself one day on that contraption if he wasn't careful.

Tintin loved how riding the motorbike through the countryside gave him an adrenaline rush, especially in the summer when it was hot. Late November into winter he would still ride the motorbike even when Haddock would ask him not to. Only when it was really cold would Tintin listen. Haddock hoped as Tintin became older his tastes would change. The garage also had numerous tools which Calculus and sometimes Haddock used.

Tintin remembered the last time the car needed serviced Haddock made the last repairs to the brakes and changed the oil. Tintin did the previous oil change on it and would do minor repairs if it needed it as well. In the summer Haddock enjoyed tinkering with cars and other mechanical devices. Haddock claimed one day he was going to build his own boat. Tintin was impressed be such a claim as Haddock had started it a month ago but hadn't followed through with it. The professor would sometimes come up with all kinds of new ideas constantly giving them lectures and sometimes demonstrations which Tintin always found interesting or amusing depending upon the success. Haddock wasn't so easily captivated by these lectures. Nestor always stayed busy with many activities during the day whether cooking, cleaning, or supervising other workers such as the Bolt grandchildren. It was life at Marlinspike Hall.

"Come on Snowy, you too Cocoa!" Tintin said helping Cocoa in the basket strapped tightly on the back. Cocoa whined a little unsure of the safety of the basket.

"My master would never put us in danger. Just stay inside, you'll be fine" Snowy assured Cocoa.

Tintin put up the kickstand and rolled the bike out of the garage. It was a partly cloudy day with a gentle breeze. Tintin had on his long trench coat and put on his helmet, gloves, and goggles. He got on his bike gave it a nice kick start and it instantly came to life with a healthy roar.

Cocoa curled back up further in the basket.

"Don't be so scared, this is fun!" Snowy tried to get Cocoa to loosen up.

"I like being on the ground" Cocoa said nervously.

The bike took off towards the gate jolting both Snowy and Cocoa into the basket. Tintin got off his bike and entered the three digit number on the inside rotary that opened the gate and with a click it unlocked. Tintin locked the gate back behind him and got back on his bike when he heard sudden barking in the distance.

"What's this?" Snowy wondered poking his head out.

Two huge Doberman Pincers were coming from nowhere at Tintin.

"Crumbs! It's them again!" Tintin exclaimed trying to kick start his bike unsuccessfully.

"Oh no!" Tintin began to sweat not having his gun on him.

"Tintin is in danger!" Snowy said watching as the Doberman Pincers began to close the distance between them. Cocoa poked her head out too.

"We're no match for them Snowy!" Cocoa shrieked.

"I don't care, as long as I breathe no one will touch my master without dealing with me first" Snowy said bravely. Cocoa was amazed with Snowy's devotion but also realized this could be trouble for all of them.

"Great snakes! Come on start!" Tintin gave it a couple more kick starts as the Doberman Pincers closed in the distance. Just as they were about to leap at Tintin with their fangs barred, Snowy and Cocoa both poked their heads out quickly barking as loudly as they could at the Dobermans. This turned their attention away for a split second giving Tintin just enough time to get the motorbike started with one last desperate kick start.

Tintin gave the bike a sudden surge of fuel which sent them rocketing down the road as Snowy and Cocoa were jolted back in the basket. The Dobermans quickly ran in pursuit only a few yards behind until Tintin could accelerate enough to widen the gap until he was able to out run them. A couple minutes later Tintin glanced back and there were no signs of the mysterious Dobermans.

"I wonder where they came from? Are those the same dogs that attacked me last week?" Tintin thought. He continued to fly through the countryside until he began to reach the outskirts of town in Brussels. It felt like it had been awhile since he had ventured into town and went to the market so he decided he would take a ride in and see if there was anything that would interest him. He parked his bike where he always parked it when coming into the market. Snowy and Cocoa jumped out of the basket relieved that their two pursuers were nowhere near.

"Good boy Snowy! Good girl Cocoa! If you two wouldn't have delayed those two beasts we may have been in a much more dangerous situation" Tintin praised them.

"You can count on us Tintin!" Snowy barked.

"If Snowy says so then so do I!" Cocoa echoed.

"Stay close and let's have a quick look around" Tintin said eagerly as he led them through the market.

There were book stands, wood craftsmen, the usual produce sellers, and people just selling junk. Tintin noticed someone he had not seen in a long time. It was the same man whom he had bought the model of the Unicorn from so many years ago.

"Why Tintin? Is that you?" the tall old man with the grey mustache and glasses stood up from his stool.

"Yes, how are you? I haven't seen you in quite some time either" Tintin shook hands with him.

"Been doing a bit better now, I traveled to southern France for a few years on the farm to recover my waning health" he explained.

"So that's what I haven't seen you" Tintin nodded.

"So have you been off on any adventures lately lad?" the old man asked enthusiastically.

"Not really, just got back from England and getting ready to return tomorrow" Tintin replied glancing at his set up full of different odd items.

"What are you going back over there for?" he asked curiously.

"Official business…" was all Tintin would say as he continued to browse until he saw small display of a scene of a village during the holidays with three buildings which included a general store, a bakery, and sweet shop with snow on the roofs and the ground. There were little figures that represented children running around while a traffic cop seemed to be watching them as they played. Tintin noticed a lone child figure leaning against a stone in the corner.

"This is nice, where did you get this?" Tintin asked.

"I made it myself actually. When I returned for the holidays this past year I spent some time putting this together.

"I really like it, how much for it?" Tintin smiled again.

"Make me an offer, it has more sentimental value than anything" the man mentioned.

"Ok, how about seventy-five Francs?" Tintin smiled.

"That sounds better than I could have asked, it's yours" he said taking it and wrapping safely in some newspaper.

"Hopefully this thing won't get me in trouble like the Unicorn model did" Tintin laughed.

"I knew I should have asked more for that ship. I read all of your exploits about that one. You even helped ole Captain Haddock claim his family estate" he said impressed.

"I had no idea it was going to turn out to be some crazy chase like this with the Bird Brothers on my tail" Tintin laughed.

"They're still locked up aren't they?" the man asked cautiously.

"As far as I know they are… they should be there for awhile" Tintin chuckled.

"Good, glad to know we got good people like you and Thompson and Thomson looking out for the rest of us" he said putting the item in a small paper sack.

"Well thank you so much, I will have to come visit you again soon" Tintin smiled.

"Certainly Tintin, it's always a pleasure" he smiled sitting back on his stool.

"Come on Snowy, Cocoa, time to go visit a special friend" he said as they made their way down an old familiar lane. Snowy recognized the old way and ran ahead leading Cocoa behind him. When Tintin arrived it was twenty-six Labrador Road. Tintin gently began knocking at the door. All was silent behind the door until a few shuffles and unlatchings could be heard and one last chain was removed and the door creaked open.

An older woman with an old pair of glasses and her dark hair up in its usual style answered the door. She wore a knee length skirt and a long mint green sweater. She squinted in the bright light outside for a minute then they opened widely when she realized who was standing in front of her.

"Tintin!" she said throwing the door open giving him a hug.

"Mrs. Finch! How have you been?" Tintin returned her hug.

"Come in, I have some nice hot cocoa for us" she beamed.

Cocoa cocked her head with a slight grunt. "She wasn't talking about you Cocoa…just a drink. Mrs. Finch I want you to meet my newest family member Cocoa" Tintin introduced.

"She's pretty, when did you get her?" Mrs. Finch replied as they walked inside her apartment.

"When I was over in England this week" Tintin said taking a seat on one of Mrs. Finch's fine upholstered antique chairs.

Mrs. Finch disappeared into her kitchen and returned with a small tray with their mugs of hot cocoa.

"What were you doing in England?" she asked curiously handing Tintin his hot cocoa.

"More mystery and intrigue…" Tintin said savoring a sip of Mrs. Finches famed hot cocoa. "Wow! I forgot just how good your cocoa was Mrs. Finch" Tintin licked his lips of the little bit of marshmallow cream.

"Yea I still make it the same way… but tell me of this mystery and intrigue" Mrs. Finch replied with interest.

"There have been attempts on my life from some mysterious cult" Tintin said darkly.

"Oh my goodness!" Mrs. Finch said putting her mug down as she sat on the opposite chair of the small table where they sat their mugs.

"What else has happened? I'm almost afraid to ask Tintin" Mrs. Finch asked with much concern.

"I found out I have a brother…" Tintin said quietly.

"I see…" Mrs. Finch said in an unexpected tone.

"I ran into him just by chance in Ipswich" Tintin continued.

"Who's pursuing you Tintin?" Mrs. Finch asked quietly.

"A cult known as The All-Seeing-Eye" he replied taking another sip of his cocoa.

"Oh dear…" Mrs. Finch looked as if she saw a ghost. Snowy and Cocoa lied at Tintin's feet.

"What's wrong Mrs. Finch?" Tintin asked curiously.

"Was your brother a twin?" She asked already knowing.

"Why yes, but how do you know?" Tintin asked with even more intrigue.

"I knew this day would come…" she paused sitting up. "I was told when I adopted you that you had a twin brother, but for yours and his safety, I was told to not mention anything about him to you" Mrs. Finch explained.

"Who told you that?" Tintin asked in disbelief.

"The orphanage had a letter of requests as part of the conditions of adoption. That was one of the conditions. I wanted to tell you Tintin, but it would have only hindered you. Look at what you've become!" Mrs. Finch said proudly.

"Yes, and I have you to thank for it Mrs. Finch, I do owe a lot to you" Tintin agreed.

"You don't owe me anything, just take care of yourself and continue being successful" she nodded.

"Who wrote the letters?" Tintin asked ravenously hungering for the information.

"Now Tintin, no good will come of you getting mixed up in a situation that will only lead you to more hurt and anguish son" Mrs. Finch warned.

"Please Mrs. Finch, I fear my life…and possibly my brothers may depend on it" Tintin pleaded.

Mrs. Finch was nervous as her mug was shaking as she went to pick it up and take a sip.

"Mrs. Finch, you haven't had any visitors have you?" Tintin looked at her noting her fidgeting.

"Tintin, sometimes in life somethings are just best left in the past. You've been hurt more than any child should have been…but yes… about a couple of weeks ago they came looking for you in your apartment" Mrs. Finch said grimly as it seemed difficult for her to talk about.

"What did they do to you Mrs. Finch?" Tintin looked at her unsettled.

"There were four of them, when they found and broke into your now empty apartment. I heard noise and called the police. I should have stayed in my apartment but as the landlord here I have to make it my business. I saw a tattoo I saw on one of their palms that I haven't seen in more than a decade" Mrs. Finch paused adjusting her glasses.

"You mean you've seen that tattoo before?" Tintin was surprised.

"Why yes, when I was informed of my husband's death a man who I met up with about my husband's belongings in the army had a pyramid inside a circle with an eye in the middle. I saw the tattoo on his arm and when I began to really notice it he pulled his sleeves down" she remembered.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Finch, I didn't mean to make you remember all of that" Tintin said regretfully.

"They searched my apartment frantically looking for a keepsake…but they didn't find it" Mrs. Finch smiled a little.

"What keepsake?" Tintin began feeling a bit emotional.

"The keepsake of items the orphanage found you with when you suddenly appeared at their doorstep one snowy night with your brother" Mrs. Finch replied.

"So Thompson and Thomson knew about all of this all this time about what happened?" Tintin took a deep breath

"Yes, they personally with a couple other agents from INTERPOL whisked me away. They asked me a lot about your past. I told them 'leave the poor thing alone', that you've suffered enough" Mrs. Finch took a handkerchief out.

"What all did they ask you?" Tintin pressed her.

"From the time I adopted you and everything I was told or knew about you, they wouldn't tell me why they wanted to know so much" Mrs. Finch stopped drying a tear.

"I took you in and raised you the best way I knew how. My husband and I couldn't have children so we wanted to give back to the world. I only wanted to make you strong after losing my husband. You helped me be strong Tintin" Mrs. Finch took off her glasses drying more tears.

"I hold nothing against you Mrs. Finch, it's because of you that I have become so successful today" Tintin said giving her an assuring hug.

"Mrs. Finch, I need to know who wrote those requests" Tintin repeated his question.

"You may not like the answer you hear Tintin" Mrs. Finch warned.

"I have to know…no matter how painful it may be" Tintin nodded.

"It was… your mother and father…" Mrs. Finch sighed.

Tintin stopped cold as if an ice dagger had pierced right through his heart. The world stopped for that moment frozen in an icy nexus of anguish.