C6: Roger Drake
While Susan was at Mr Grosvenor's house, Sergeant Drake, Inspector Reid, Captain Jackson and Inspector Reid stood in the smart City offices of Drake Eastern. They were in Roger Drake's private office. The office oozed luxury, there were comfortable red leather chairs and a desk in a deep brown wood of the finest quality. A globe sat on the desk and a large map of Asia was pinned to wall behind. A large window that overlooked the street flooded the room with light. On the walls were shelves stacked with files and ledgers.
Behind the smart desk sat Roger Drake, a slim man with blue eyes and red hair. The smart green pin striped suit he wore was of the finest fabric. On his lapel was the symbol of a red drake over an anchor.
"Well Bennet here we are. I am a business owner and you a police sergeant, few people would have believed the Drake boys could come so far," Roger said in a sophisticated upper class tone.
"We've both seen places we only dreamed of going," Sergeant Drake replied uneasily.
Sitting in a patch of sunlight Sergeant Bennet Drake was looking deathly pale, his eyes heavily ringed with deep black shadows, his suit slightly crumbled, his hair dishevelled and his face revealing the anxiety he felt.
"Mr Drake what is your knowledge of Silas Duggan?" Inspector Reid interjected forcefully.
"A business man who had been trying to make inroads into the City. I refused his propositions. He was not of the class to join us here," Roger said, a trace of disgust in his voice.
"We know of your illegal businesses. Duggan was a rival or perhaps you were allies until Duggan outlived his usefulness," Inspector Ressler said sharply.
"What a fanciful imagination to have Inspector Ressler. You are free to draw whatever conclusions you wish," Roger replied in a condescending manner.
"I have evidence that proves you have blocked Duggan's attempts to buy property and business on Corporation land," Inspector Ressler stated.
"I considered it my duty to inform my friends and associates as to the true nature of Mr Duggan. Involvement with Duggan could have led them to being investigated by yourselves."
"How noble of you to consider the reputations of others. Duggan's men have been killed by men in your employment," Inspector Ressler replied.
"Inspector you seem to be under the illusion that I am a criminal. I cannot answer for the actions of my employees. Someone could have personal reasons to kill his men."
"Your whereabouts the night Mr Duggan was murdered?" Reid interjected, oblivious to muttered protest of Inspector Ressler.
"That night I was hosting a party for distinguished guests which included the head of Bering's and the head of Barclay's banks. I am sure they would be able to attest to my whereabouts," Roger said, a touch of satisfaction in his voice.
Inspector Ressler clenched his fists tightly and shot an infuriated look at Reid. He was all too aware of the party Roger had hosted. Glowing reports had appeared in the society pages the following day along with choice pictures. Those present would attest to Roger's presence and high moral character. It Roger had provided an alibi that was impossible to doubt as many of the attendees were of the highest standing in society.
"Our thanks for your time Mr Drake," Ressler said, reluctantly ending the interview.
Without another word the four policemen got out of their chairs, stiffly shaking Roger's hand. For a moment the Drake brothers clasped hands, looking at Roger, Bennet tried to see criminality within. For all the accusations he heard levelled at Roger, Bennet wanted desperately to believe his little brother innocent of the crimes.
Sitting comfortably in his chair Roger was watching the four men with the air of a debonair fox. His sharp eyes were fixed calculatingly on the two inspectors and a sly, knowing smile was playing across his face.
"Inspector Reid a rumour has been whispered. A poisoner saved from the noose by the man who caught him. Rumour is that Silas Duggan died from poison."
"Do you have any proof?" Inspector Reid asked sharply, stopping at the door.
"None, save only whispers in the shadows. Look to the marbled halls of golden men who have access to unlimited funds. Look to men who are well versed in the criminal world. It is a wonder what could be achieved if two such men joined forces."
"For a man who is not involved in criminal activities you have a grasp of how such things are conducted. Good day Mr Drake," Inspector Reid said.
"When drink flows at night it is a wonder what rich men and their guests let slip," Roger replied with an enigmatic smile.
Arriving back at Inspector Ressler's station house the quartet sat in Inspector Ressler's office discussing what had passed. Roger Drake had both the motive and knowledge of the criminal underworld to engineer Duggan's murder. Or he knew who had killed Duggan and was trying to steer the police in the right direction. For gold men with unlimited funds was clearly meant to mean a banker. In either case that alone did not account for the presence of policemen from Limehouse. The whole encounter had been strange, unsettling and raised more questions.
For the first time Sergeant Drake understood the conflict and unease that Jackson felt whenever they had to ask Long Susan questions. In his chair Bennet Drake was looking gaunt, cold and terribly ill. He looked utterly drained from the morning's work. His usual fire replaced by exhaustion and a hundred conflicting emotions.
Catching the emptiness in his eyes Jackson handed him a small flask. Nodding Drake took it without question. Taking a drink he gasped as fire surged through his body. The colour returning to his cheeks and a half smile appearing on his face. Handing the flask back to Jackson, Drake forced his mind to focus on the matter at hand and to take his emotions out of the equation.
"We need to inform Chief Inspector Abberline and Commissioner Monro of what passed with Roger. It is time we left, our thanks Inspector Ressler," Reid said, shaking Ressler's hand.
"My thanks also, this morning has been enlightening," Ressler said as Reid, Drake and Jackson left the station house.
Under a snow filled sky Inspector Reid, Sergeant Drake and Captain Jackson crossed into Whitechapel. The snow was falling softly all around them adding a strange calmness to the city. Here and there were patches of ice. The cold nipping at their faces sending shivers down their spines. As they walked the bustling streets of Whitechapel Sergeant Drake was unusually quiet, his face was haggard and his hands were stuffed into his pockets.
"Bennet go home. No one here will think less of you," Inspector Reid said gently.
"Thank you Inspector," Sergeant Drake replied despondently.
Turning on his heal Bennet headed off through the snowing into the maze of streets. Watching him go Inspector Reid and Captain Jackson exchanged a worried look. Both were praying Bennet did not do something rash. There was nothing like family to cause common sense to go out the window.
"Jackson we need to speak to your wife. Then we must speak to Abberline and Monroe at Scotland Yard," Reid said grimly.
"Whatever you say Reid," Jackson replied, looking somewhat uneasy.
Walking through the bustling streets of Whitechapel Reid and Jackson soon arrived at Tenter Street. Entering the house they found Long Susan standing by the stairs talking to Sapphire. The latter was in a revealing blue outfit that highlighted her blue eyes and her brown/blonde hair was flowing freely. Susan was in a stunning green dress that hugged her figure and set off her eyes. Seeing them enter Sapphire seemed to eye up Reid as a cat would a juicy mouse. A look of displeasure instantly appearing Susan's face as she caught sight of Reid.
"I require an interview Madam," Reid said, unbuttoning his coat.
"This way," Susan replied frostily, leading them into the parlour.
Inside the room Susan stood beside the fireplace. She wasn't looking at all happy yet at the same time there was a vulnerability that Reid had never seen. Ignoring Reid, Jackson placed his arms protectively around his wife. Susan relaxed at his touch, leaning against him yet her eyes were fixed on Reid.
"Madam two nights ago were a Mr Keaton and Mr Osbert Junior in this house?" Reid asked, flipping open his notebook.
"They were Inspector Reid. Both men paid for the night," Susan replied coolly.
"Did they leave at all?"
"Not to my knowledge. I can call the girls who they were with," Susan replied.
"Please do," Reid replied.
Walking to the door Susan called out the names of Charity and Sapphire. A few minutes later both girls appeared. Seeing them Sapphire smiled in a feline manner. The light causing the blonde streaks in her light brown hair to glitter like rivers of gold. Charity stood looking scared and was twiddling a simple silver ring nervously as past experiences had taught her to avoid the police.
"Two nights ago did Mr Osbert and Mr Keaton spend the night with you?" Reid asked.
"Yes Inspector Reid," Charity replied, her fear evident in her voice.
"Yes," Sapphire replied, walking towards Reid in a seductive manner.
"What time did they leave?" Reid asked formally.
"Seven the following morning," Charity said, shifting nervously from foot to foot.
"Ten the following morning, once we had both recovered," Sapphire smiled wickedly, running her hands over Reid's shoulders.
"My thanks ladies, you are free to go," Reid replied, trying to retain his composure.
"Good day Inspector," Charity said rushing out the door.
"A pleasure as always Inspector Reid," Sapphire said, lightly kissing Reid on the cheek as she walked out the door.
By the fireplace Susan and Jackson stood chuckling, Reid was blushing and shuffling uncomfortably. Sapphire regularly flirted with him but this was the first time she had kissed him. Sapphire was beautiful, intelligent with an alluring streak that even Reid could not fail to notice.
"That girl is a wicked one Reid, you'd best be careful," Jackson chuckled.
"Brazen too," Reid replied pulling at his tie.
"Sapphire is a favourite of lawyers. She likes her men to be smart, you're just her type," Jackson said mischievously.
"Inspector might I enquire as to why you are interrogating my girls?" Susan asked, smirking wickedly.
"I simply need to know the whereabouts of two men. My thanks Madam, rest assured you are not under any suspicion," Reid said in a kindly tone.
"Susan don't worry, we just needed to confirm a couple of alibies. I'll be home early tonight," Jackson said hugging her tightly.
"Make sure you are," Susan whispered, her eyes softening with relief.
Leaving the house Jackson looked back at his wife. Her behaviour had him extremely worried. For her to show even a hint of weakness in front of Reid told him something was wrong. Closing the door Jackson reluctantly joined Reid on the street with a deep feeling of unease in his bones.
Together the two men hailed a cab and ordered the driver to take them to Scotland Yard. They now had to inform Commissioner Monro and Chief Inspector Abberline what passed. Time was crucial, for if indeed Shine was involved he had to be kept in the dark. If it was a man from The City then extreme care had to be taken. No half guess, no relating Duggan's murder to old cases unless there was clear evidence of a connection. So far all the evidence led to Inspector Shine, Roger Drake, Mr Osbert Junior and Mr Keaton Junior. _
While Reid and Jackson were talking to Long Susan, Bennet Drake was walking through his front door. In the kitchen Bella sat at the small table mending a pair of trousers that had considerable rips to the knees. To one side sat a jacket and coat both bearing rips to the sleeves. Seeing him Bella jumped to her feet, her face filling with concern as she took in his haggard appearance.
"Bennet what has happened to you?"
"I had to interview Roger in relation to criminal activities," Bennet began, telling her what had passed.
Years of guilt, pain and anger came pouring from Bennet. He blamed himself for how his little brother had turned out. For not protecting him or being there all those years ago. Bennet had been the second oldest in his family. After he gone into the army he had rarely seen or wrote to his family.
In the months since Roger had been in London Bennet had seen him often. Bennet had felt pride at the seemingly legitimate company Roger had built from scratch. Bella and Bennet had been to Roger's house in The City numerous times. Roger had taken Bennet into The City for a memorable night out where there had been much fun, laughter, fine food and fine drink that had resulted in Bennet having a killing hangover the following morning. The news of Roger's criminal activities had pulled the rug from under Bennet's feet.
"Bennet you are not to blame for how Roger has decided to live his life. You did not enter a life of crime, Roger choose his life," Belle whispered hugging her husband tightly.
