The Inspection of a Curator
DISCLAIMER: All rights belong to Deborah Harkness. Just borrowing the characters for an alternate universe fan fiction story.
SUMMARY: A 1940's Police Inspector gets caught up in the world of rare books when a valuable manuscript is stolen and a murder occurs. Together, with a book curator, this Detective will face obstacles as they traverse the secret world of asylum's, wealth and mystery as well as their blossoming romance.
CREDIT: A huge thank you to Shawna and Lady Lazarus DeClermont! I wouldn't be the author I am without your editing help, suggestions and ideas!
Chapter FIFTEEEN: "The Finale"
By: Goode Girl
~TIOAC~
Dr. Marcus Whitmore and his team had descended on 'La Pierre' Asylum and Gallowglass was able to relieve himself of his duties.
While still being discreet, he stopped in to see Fernando and ensure that Juliette was doing okay. After being assured that she was well looked after and protected, Fernando gave him a good meal and a change of clothes before he headed to the precinct to check in with Hamish.
Matthew and Diana had confirmed the tunnel system and how it connected. They left a copy of the prints with Sarah and Emily who then gave a copy to Fernando. Hamish confirmed that Gallowglass had seen them and knew the routes from various locations.
They were trying to figure out what his next move would be.
"Why don't I just go to the Cathedral and act like a patron?" He offered. "Gerbert could be watching and he thinks he can trust me and might make himself known." He added.
"Why the Cathedral?" Hamish posed.
"Seems a reasonable place to start. Especially after Juliette's comments about his fondness for it."
"True. That's a promising lead." Hamish agreed. "But I want you to have some added protection." He added.
Hamish unlocked the bottom drawer of his desk and handed Gallowglass a secondary weapon. A small revolver. He knew Gallowglass was already armed, but if for some reason he is disarmed, he wants him to have back up.
Gallowglass ascended Ludgate Hill as he approached St. Paul's Cathedral. It really was a sight to behold and he stopped to take in the opulence that stood before him.
The Cathedral had been through a lot. Most recently, it survived the Blitz in 1940 and 1941. There could be no denying the grace and splendour of the high arches and gold trim of the balconies. There were other people present, admiring the structure as well as taking time to pray.
Gallowglass knew he couldn't just head to the crypt, that would be telling. Instead, he meandered through the open space in awe and wonder before slowly arriving near the crypt entrance where he continued to look at the stunning architecture in appreciation.
Out of the corner of his eye, he felt like he was being watched but didn't want to draw attention to his possible onlooker or make it known that he was aware of them. The interloper casually got closer before speaking.
"It's truly a remarkable wonder, is it not?" The young man commented.
"Aye, it really is." Gallowglass agreed.
The two men did not look at one another, as it was clear the young man didn't want to be obvious about their conversing.
"You know D'Aurillac from Pierre, yes?" The mystery man queried. Although Gallowglass recognized him from somewhere.
"I do." He confirmed.
"Why did you come here today?" The man asked.
"I recall seeing a photo of the Cathedral in Knox's office at the asylum. Thought it might be a good place to hide out." He replied.
"I guess the question is, friend or foe?"
"He's no enemy of mine." Gallowglass stated assuredly. "I thought I could find him, help in some way." Gallowglass added.
~TIOAC~
Matthew and Diana had all the evidence they needed. They had confirmed that the tunnels under the Cathedral did in fact connect to the same system below 'La Pierre', and the DeClermont manor home.
With a third reproduced copy made by Diana, they returned to the precinct to present them to Hamish and the team he was assembling. They joined him in the large conference room where said team was getting geared up.
"Good, you're here." Hamish greeted. "I've had word from Mr. Sorely." He started, using Gallowglass' cover name. "He was able to confirm that Gerbert is in fact at St. Paul's. He saw him himself. From a distance, mind you. But he will be meeting with him in private in about an hour." He finalized.
"Why an hour?" Diana questioned.
"Someone approached him in the Cathedral and set it up." He answered. "You should also know, that before I called in the team, I dismissed Fuchs for the next two days." Hamish announced. "Citing that things were slow and we had no leads on Gerbert." He added.
"How'd he take that?" Matthew questioned.
"I let him think that as soon as we got a lead, he'd be called in to help the team apprehend him." Hamish smiled proudly. He also informed them of Baldwin's informant and how he'd followed Fuchs.
"Clever," Diana replied as she lay the copied print on the table.
After reviewing the schematics, it was clear they would need four teams. Two to enter from the tunnel system through the entrance at 'La Pierre', and two from ground level at the Cathedral.
Hamish made sure to let Matthew and Diana know that Gallowglass was already there trying to lure Gerbert into the open, or at the very least be brought to him as a confidant. He also informed Matthew and Diana of a fifth team at another location. That team would be headed by Hamish.
Hamish and Matthew, both made it very clear to Diana that she was to stay at the precinct for her protection. She'd called her aunts and they would join her as they waited for the teams to carry out their plans.
~TIOAC~
An hour later, Gallowglass had followed the mystery man into the crypt and through a secret passage. When they stopped, they were in what appeared to be an underground bunker that had basic amenities. A small kitchen area, a closed off section for a bathroom and sleeping quarters as well as a small seating area.
"William." Gerbert greeted. "What brings you here?" He questioned.
"I was hoping to help in some way, sir." He replied.
"What have you heard?" Gerbert pressed, offering him the seat opposite.
"Well, they got this young doctor taking over the Asylum." He began. "He brought in this team and now I'm not needed." He added, faking being saddened by his loss of job.
The young man returned with another man behind him.
"You need to leave!" The other man announced, not seeming to notice Gallowglass.
"Why?" Gerbert asked in alarm.
"Well, your little friend here," the second man stated, pointing to the younger man, ", doesn't seem to realize that he's being played."
"What are you talking about?" Gerbert pressed angrily.
"The little shite was relieved of duties for two days. Told there was no leads on your whereabouts." He relayed. "I think they know you're in league with Gerbert!" He added in annoyance looking to the young man.
"Mr. Fuchs, would you care to explain how you came to be so available?" Gerbert pressed.
That name resonated with Gallowglass and he realized it was Constable Benjamin Fuchs.
"I have access to the files and I swear no word of your whereabouts or possible whereabouts has come into that precinct! Not on my watch!" He replied in annoyance.
"Well, your watch was ended! For the next two days!" the older man snapped.
"Max, calm down. How do you know this?" Gerbert queried.
"I contacted Domenico. He told me." Rudolph answered.
Gallowglass just stood back, realizing the players that stood before him. Rudolph Maximillian was obsessed with obtaining the manuscript. When he realized that there could be three arrests made today, he needed to try to control the route they took.
"We need to get you out of here. If you've been released from duty, they have to know something, or at the very least suspect you of something. They don't want you to have access!" Gallowglass chimed in. "I know that this tunnel system connects to other buildings, and one to a particular house that wouldn't be watched." He stated.
"Who's this arse?" Rudolph insulted.
"I know where to go." Gallowglass interjected.
"He can be trusted. He worked with Knox and I at the asylum." Gerbert stated with authority.
"Well, your other little helper has taken off." Rudolph sneered. "He was captured early this morning in your dead employee's flat." He added with irritation.
"You mean Kit?" Gallowglass interjected. "I worked with him." He added for clarity.
"Who's flat was he found in?" Gerbert questioned.
"Matthieu Beny." Rudolph relayed.
"He's the missing bloke, right? Christ, what an idiot, that place was probably being watched!" Gallowglass admonished.
"Mr. Marlowe was not the brightest, but he was loyal." Gerbert clarified. "Nothing can be done for him now. So, which way?" He finalized.
"Right, let's go then." Gallowglass urged, leading them out of the secret bunker. "Do you have a service weapon on you?" Gallowglass questioned Fuchs. Although, his real reason for asking was to be aware of whether or not he'd have to disarm him.
"No. I should have brought one though." The young man replied.
"No matter, keep close and stay to the right. No talking, sounds echo down here." He stated plainly, retrieving his pistol and holding it at the ready.
"What's that for?" Rudolph questioned nervously, pointing to his weapon.
"You never know who could popup down here." He stated plainly.
What the trio didn't realize is that Gallowglass and Hamish had set up a meeting point if he was able to get to Gerbert. Under the guise that he was protecting him, Gerbert would walk right into the trap.
The only unknown to Hamish was that two other cohorts would be with him.
~TIOAC~
Hamish gave his directives, but the team he was heading which included Matthew, would descend on the meeting point he'd agreed on with Gallowglass.
"Do they know what's going on?" Matthew questioned. "I don't want them to get hurt." Matthew added as the vehicle they were in approached their destination.
"Yes, I've informed them and they are taking refuge with Fernando." Hamish confirmed.
"I don't know how this is going to work, Philippe closed off all the access points." Matthew stated.
"He removed the one leading to the kitchen where the wine cellar is located. Gallowglass is aware." Hamish confirmed.
They parked down the street and the team hid outside of the DeClermont manor home, disguised in the shrubbery and armed. There was no guarantee that Gallowglass would be able to get them to this access point, but he was good at his job. He had been able to fool them thus far.
The team lay in wait. Hamish was hopeful that Gallowglass would succeed.
~TIOAC~
They could hear a sound far off in the tunnel and Gallowglass stopped their slow march to listen more intently. He knew it wasn't Hamish or any of the police squads. They knew not to descend down here, not at this point.
"Get down!" Gallowglass whispered as the men crouched down against the wall.
The footsteps got louder and faster, as though someone was jogging, but not running fast. As the unknown person got closer, Gallowglass stood and aimed his pistol.
"STOP!" He called.
The man fumbled his steps, almost tripping.
"What are you doing down here?" Gallowglass pressured; his pistol aimed.
"Hubbard?" Gerbert called, recognizing the older man.
"Gerbert, I was looking for you!" He replied, being cautious of Gallowglass and his firearm. "Do you know they have taken over the asylum!?" He called in alarm. "Some young doctor!" He added.
"Well of course they have, we're wanted men." He rationalized. "It's not our asylum anymore." He replied.
Andrew shook his head in annoyance, "Who are you?" Hubbard challenged turning to Gallowglass.
"I'm William Sorely. I'm trying to get Gerbert to safety. So, either fall in line or get out." He dared.
"Andrew, just get behind Rudolph. He knows what he's doing." Gerbert offered, gesturing behind him at Rudolph and at Fuchs ahead of him.
Gallowglass continued to lead them on their route and had to remind them to remain quiet. When he knew they were not able to see his face, he couldn't stop the broad smile that overtook his visage. Not only would he be bringing them Gerbert, but Rudolph, Hubbard and Fuchs as well.
~TIOAC~
"Diana! Sit down honey." Emily called. She had been pacing in anxiousness.
"I can't help it. I'm worried, okay." She retorted, running her hands through her hair. "What if Matthew gets hurt, or worse!" She cried.
"They are professionals. They know what they are doing." Sarah reasoned. "He's a smart man." She added, running a comforting hand along her forearm when she was within reach.
"I know, but I worry regardless. The things they did to me at that asylum…" She trailed off, shaking her head at the memory.
Emily looked on sadly, knowing Diana had started remembering more of what went on during her ordeal. "We need to keep busy somehow." Emily offered. "I have an idea." She added.
They proceeded to call a local diner nearby and ordered a large number of sandwiches, drinks and desserts. They knew after their mission; everyone would be tired and hungry. Plus, it simply gave them something to do and organize in the large conference room while time seemed to go by slowly.
An hour later, a truck pulled up outside the precinct where Sarah stood in wait. She directed the delivery person and their helpers from the diner to the conference room where they delivered all the food.
Once unpacked from the bags and boxes, they lay the sandwiches out on tables according to what was in them: ham, roast beef, and chicken. Then did the same with drinks: Coke, 7-Up, Root Beer.
"Okay, now what?" Diana posed; her anxious pacing had returned.
"Why don't you give Fernando a call, check in?" Emily suggested.
Diana agreed, and headed to Hamish's office to make the call.
"She cares for him." Sarah stated. "A lot." She added as Emily took the empty seat beside her.
"I know. Dare I say love is blooming?" Emily smiled.
"They don't know each other well enough yet for that, but it could become real love." Sarah replied.
"She's different with him." Emily noted.
"She's an equal with him, not below him." Sarah responded.
"I just want to see her happy and settled and I think Matthew will be that for her." Emily smiled. "You've seen the way he looks at her." She added.
"I can't deny that." Sarah agreed. "I just hope they're okay. I didn't want to worry her, but I'm a little worried too." Sarah admitted.
"I think we all are, honey. But we can't do anything but wait." She stated, resting her head on Sarah's shoulder.
~TIOAC~
Time was getting away from them. It was going on 2:20PM and it was difficult to not feel impatient.
"What are you going to do when this case wraps up?" Hamish questioned Matthew as they stayed low in the bush outside the back garden. It was near the back entrance, closest to the kitchen.
"What do you mean?" He replied in confusion.
"With Diana, of course." Hamish stated like it was obvious.
"Honestly," He paused for a moment. "I can see a future with her. In a way I never did with Blanca, so I don't want to go too fast, but," He trailed off.
"Not too slow either." Hamish offered.
"Exactly." Matthew confirmed. "I owe her a real date too, and I mean a real date, not some late dinner because we're working late on the case." Matthew explained.
"She's good for you, you know. You smile a lot more." Hamish teased.
"I know. I like that she makes me smile." He agreed, grinning widely at the thought of her.
Hamish saw one of the men on his squad signal from across the yard that there was movement coming from the kitchen.
"Hold on, Montclair spots something." Hamish stated, as they lowered their heads to get a better view inside the kitchen window.
~TIOAC~
Gallowglass knew the exact route to take thanks to the blueprints Matthew and Diana had given to Sarah and Emily. They in turn had left them with Fernando. He was able to study them earlier that morning when he'd stopped by, and could pick out a clear route from either the Asylum or the Cathedral. He didn't know for certain which location Gerbert could have been at.
"Are we almost there?" Rudolph whispered.
"Yes, it's just up ahead." Gallowglass confirmed, pointing to the ladder that led up to a panel above.
"Where are we?" Hubbard interjected.
"The DeClermont Manor home." Gallowglass stated. "They're away, so no one is home." He confirmed before they could interject with expletives or arguments.
"I recognize this, it leads to the kitchens, right?" Fuchs queried. Gallowglass was interested in how Fuchs knew that.
"Not quite," Gallowglass stated. "It leads to the wine cellar below the kitchens." He established.
"How did you find out the route to take?" Gerbert asked.
"When they kidnapped that woman from the asylum, you and Knox gave me permission to search the tunnels, so I took the opportunity to study where each tunnel led, looking for clues." He explained. "I don't think they even know about this cellar entrance, because all of the other ones leading into the manor have been sealed off. Except this one." Gallowglass smiled. He was lying of course, but they didn't know that.
"We can go undetected." Gerbert interjected.
"Precisely." Gallowglass replied.
They moved closer to the ladder and Gallowglass reminded them to stay quiet. "The DeClermont's may not be home but that doesn't mean they don't have servants lurking about." He stated.
Gallowglass ascended the ladder and very slowly pushed the panel up to get a look at what might be about. He knew what to expect but it needed to appear to Gerbert and his cohorts that he was on their side.
His eye moved to the door of the cellar that led to the kitchen and it was wide open. Through the window, he could make out a shape in the bush and knew that if he could see them, then Gerbert and the others could too. He pushed himself up into the cellar before turning back to the panel.
"Stay here a minute." Gallowglass urged. "The cellar door to the kitchen is open, I want to take a quick look around and close it before we all start climbing in here." He explained.
"Good idea." Gerbert replied. "We want to know what we're heading into." He added.
Gallowglass closed the panel to the passage so none of them could see him. He moved soundlessly to the kitchen window and waved at the figure to get his attention. Then signalled for him to get lower. Suddenly Matthew was at the back door. Gallowglass rushed over.
In a quiet whisper he relayed, "I've got Gerbert, Hubbard, Rudolph and Fuchs with me. You have to 'arrest' me as well. Make it look convincing." He stated. "And don't forget, I'm 'William Sorely'," He smiled at Matthew teasingly.
Matthew nodded silently, for apprehension Gerbert and the others would overhear his reply. ", tell your man in the bushes to get lower. I can see them." He added. Matthew nodded once more and signalled to the team to ready themselves at the back door. He held up four fingers, as a sign of how many were to be arrested. Matthew would 'arrest' Gallowglass himself. Gallowglass waited until Matthew was out of sight, closed the back door, but didn't lock it, and rushed back to the cellar.
Opening the panel door, he looked down at the four men. "It's clear. I just had to be sure." He stated, reaching down a hand to help each climb up from the ladder. Once inside the cellar, they quietly closed the panel once more.
~TIOAC~
Fernando greeted Diana with gusto and confirmed that everyone was safe.
"They are planning to make the arrest soon." Diana relayed.
"I know. The DeClermont's are here, better to be safe." Fernando stated.
"Why are they there?" Diana asked perplexed.
Fernando relayed the call from Hamish, explaining the access panel in the DeClermont's cellar that Gallowglass was going to lead them to. Diana wasn't aware of that part of the plan, but was hopeful that no one would get hurt.
"He knows what he's doing, don't you worry." Fernando stated. Diana could hear the smile and confidence in his voice about Gallowglass and his strengths.
"I'm sure you're right." She replied.
"DIANA!" She heard as Sarah rushed into Hamish's office.
"What's wrong?" She asked in concern.
"Sirens! They've made the arrest, I'm sure of it!" Sarah replied.
Diana rushed out a pleasant 'goodbye', before ending the call and following Sarah out into the precinct.
The blare of the sirens got louder until the shrillness of them seemed to echo around them. Then they came to a sudden halt and two of the teams jogged in, making room for the parade. Diana, Sarah and Emily watched as Rudolph Maximillian, Andrew Hubbard, Benjamin Fuchs, Gallowglass, and Gerbert D'Aurillac, were brought in one after the other. Their hands were cuffed behind their backs and each were being led to a different detainment room.
Suddenly, Gerbert stopped when he saw Diana. "Think you're so smart, don't you?" He asked rhetorically. A sinister smile on his face.
Diana didn't let him unnerve her. She sauntered closer, "Your day of judgement, is coming." She stated with authority as the officer pulled him along.
~TIOAC~