"Very strange Jerry. That picture looks a tad odd. I think we need to found out who this Lily is that the professor received a letter from. That may just be the best lead we have here. Let's head out. No tellin when them cops are going to show up." Stella puts her gun away and taps her hat down to make sure it won't fall off and calls out to everyone.
"Hey folks, Jerry found somethin and I think it is about time we make like the wind and head out before we get any surprise visits from people or cops." Stella starts to head to the front door to leave.
"Very strange Jerry. That picture looks a tad odd. I think we need to found out who this Lily is that the professor received a letter from. That may just be the best lead we have here. Let's head out. No tellin when them cops are going to show up."
Jerry nods at Stella's suggestion, "I agree - on all three counts."
Stella puts her gun away and taps her hat down to make sure it won't fall off and calls out to everyone.
"Hey folks, Jerry found somethin and I think it is about time we make like the wind and head out before we get any surprise visits from people or cops." Stella starts to head to the front door to leave.
As Stella moves towards the door, Jerry says to her: "I tell you what old stick, that drawing looks dashed like a map, don't y'know. Hopefully this Lily woman will be able to tell us more."
** spoiler omitted **
Once they clear the area of the apartment and take a look around to make sure no one is there Stella will make a comment to Jerry.
Spot Check:
Listen Check:
"I'll tell you what Jerry, this is sure more of an adventure than I set out for I just hope we are not biting off more than we can chew." She then winks at Jerry, tips her hat to him as she reaches into her pocket and pulls out enough chew that she knows she can bite off without it being more than she can chew.
'Lily?!'
I am sure my father has spoken of a Lily. she didn't use to look after me as a child, did she?....
Once they clear the area of the apartment and take a look around to make sure no one is there Stella will make a comment to Jerry.
Spot Check: 1d100
Listen Check: 1d100"I'll tell you what Jerry, this is sure more of an adventure than I set out for I just hope we are not biting off more than we can chew." She then winks at Jerry, tips her hat to him as she reaches into her pocket and pulls out enough chew that she knows she can bite off without it being more than she can chew.
Jerry smiles and then says quietly to Stella: "Well, let's hope not, although this whole business is getting - as Alice said - curiouser and curiouser! The problem in my experience is that one never quite knows when one is in the process of biting off more than one can chew until it's too late."
He then winks back at Stella and turns to Miss Myrni as she says something about Lily.
'Lily?!'
"Yes, Lily. Why Miss Myrni, do you know someone by that name?"
" Well, where should we go now Jerry? I am thinking your place is probably the best idea so we can see what each of us has come up with."
Looking outside it is dark and the rain comes down heavily. No-one is waiting outside and there are no nearby house-lights on, in the distance splattered by rain is a lamp-post.
In the dark street an occasional vehicle passes by.
" Well, where should we go now Jerry? I am thinking your place is probably the best idea so we can see what each of us has come up with."
"What an excellent idea Stella. I could do with a reviving gin and tonic right about now! Edward, Miss Myrni? Would a detour to my town house for some food and drink, and a discussion on the current state of play be acceptable?"
"Good idea. Let's see if we can get a cab there. It is pouring down outside"
A beautiful black cab glides to a halt in front of you as you hale it. The water flows off it in rivulets whilst the sky unleashes it's wintery burden. The driver a friendly chap with a heavy local accent takes you back to Jerry's building with little fuss.
Michael the butler greets you as the taxi pulls up before Jerry's house. The smartly dressed man shows you inside and takes the gentlemans over-coats and outer garments of the ladies, before showing you all to the drawing room. "That was a quick soiree, sir. Do you or your guests require anything? A brandy, Scotch or wine?"
"After tonight's events Michael, I reckon I will have all three and at the same time." Stella lets out with a heavy sigh as she plops down in a red plush armed chair.
The butlers eye's would bulge if he was not so in control. "As you wish Milady." He moves to a nearby decanter and pours three drinks to place down beside the thirsty Texan. "The food not to your liking Miss?" his asks in a refined concerned tone.
Michael the butler greets you as the taxi pulls up before Jerry's house. The smartly dressed man shows you inside and takes the gentlemans over-coats and outer garments of the ladies, before showing you all to the drawing room. "That was a quick soiree, sir. Do you or your guests require anything? A brandy, Scotch or wine?"
"Edward? Miss Myrni? What's your poison? I think I will have a gin & tonic Michael; don't go easy on the gin though...."
Jerry indicates some chairs and tells Edward and Miss Myrni to take a seat.
"As to your first question Michael, the Gala was cut short somewhat when, out of the blue, the Prof intentionally slashed his own throat with a razor and bled to death. It was absolutely awful. We've come back here to discuss what happened. We could also do with some food, if you don't mind knocking together a light repast? Some sandwiches, cake and biscuits should do. After that I'd like you to sit in with us and hear what's gone on. You may have some insight on events."
"Well, I will let you take the lead on things Jerry. I didn't manage to find anything out the ordinary. There were a set of different keys on hooks. Wasn't sure what they all were for but you brits do seem to have a lot of mighty strange keys." Stella takes a long sip of brandy then washes it down with some wine before she moves onto her scotch that she chooses to nurse next.
She looks over at Jerry again and adds, "I can't make heads or tails of this whole situation we have found ourselves in..What do you make of it Jerry?"
"Well, I will let you take the lead on things Jerry. I didn't manage to find anything out the ordinary. There were a set of different keys on hooks. Wasn't sure what they all were for but you brits do seem to have a lot of mighty strange keys." Stella takes a long sip of brandy then washes it down with some wine before she moves onto her scotch that she chooses to nurse next.
She looks over at Jerry again and adds, "I can't make heads or tails of this whole situation we have found ourselves in..What do you make of it Jerry?"
"Hmm. Well to be honest old girl, I'm at a bit of a loss too."
Jerry digs in his jacket pocket and pulls out the envelope, complete with letter and drawing, and the photo of Professor Whitlow with the two other Museum curators. He lays them on the coffee table and then looks at Edward and Miss Myrni.
"I found the envelope, with the accompanying letter and drawing, hidden in the Prof's bedroom. The room was ransacked, but whoever did it missed these items. I accidentally trod on the photo frame while I was investigating. Anyway, have a look and see what you think."
He looks at Stella and says: Stella thinks we should take a trip to see this Ms. Lily Whitefield and I agree. What say you two? Are you with us?"
'I'm in!' Aysha exclaims always eager to be involved in an excursion.
Gazing longingly at the cucumber and cress sandwiches, Aysha wonders if they have time to have a nibble of something before the trek outside to unknown territories....
As your discussions, progress the darkness of midnight engulfs outside. The fog muffles even the rain, as it covers the ground.
"We need a game plan...Hmm...I think we should question the curators and do some research about Sera Alta at the library when the musuem and the library open up tomorrow. Maybe, lady luck will shine on us and we can have more of idea of what the heck is going on before we talk to either Lily or the police. Don't want to go off half cocked." Stella finishes her glass of wine then sips some more of brandy while she idly waits for people to reply.
'Yes I would like to accompany you, Stella, to the British Museum if you will be so kind. I have worked closely with Merriweather and O'Donnell on a number of occasions on our various research projects. I hope we can trust them to open up to us if they have any information for us. The Sera Alta has many intricacies which many an archaeologist has been trying to fathom. I just hope we are not too late. My fear is that someone, something or some group is already using the wisdom enclosed to their own evil ends!' Aysha decides to finish another triangular- shaped sandwich and sweet cupcake before going to bed
Stella finishes her drinks. "Well, I'm beat. I am going to hit the hay and see you all tomorrow morning. Why don't we all meet up at the British Musuem at 9am?" She looks at everyone else to see what they say as stands up from her chair and gathers herself after finishing her drinks.
The morning arrives a wet and cold. A light rain and heavy clouds make the day seem dull and lifeless despite the bustle outside.
Stella & Jerry
Michael has arranged a perfect spread, an immaculately laid out dining table along with an array crispy iron newspapers for your perusal. "There's a telegram for the both of you." he states in his calm crisp demeanour.
Aysha
Coming down stairs to the breakfast table, your father is there he has obviously heard the news by the sad look on his face. "He was a good man Vernon, I cannot believe he would..." he says grimly. "Sorry to make you go through that, 'Sha." He says using a pet-name that you thought he had forgotten.
He passes across the newspaper and a telegram. "Came for you earlier. If you need some time to yourself I understand."
Newspaper
Looking over the newspaper, the first Edition of 'The Times' & 'The Daily Mail' both carry the story of Vernon Whitlows death. A clear suicide, the paper reports everything even his last words - although there is a sorrowful cynicism at the 'over-worked' professor. They tell of his recent work with the gala and that he worked under Head Curator Merriweather on the Roman research for the statuary exhibit. Mr Merriweather expresses "his extreme condolences and sadness to witness the end to a truly promising career." It says that his funereal will be held on the morning of the 20th of December . {to avoid any Christmas break}
Let you know if anything happens. [stop]
Won't be able to meet you this morning. [stop]
Edward[stop]
"Well, I'll be. That is a very peculiar telegram we have received from Mr. Edward. I hope he is alright. Whatcha think of it cus?" She says as she nibbles away at a bit of toast. She then adds...
"I'll betcha he has stumbled across somethin but I hope he plays his cards right. There is somethin mighty strange happenin and I'll bet there are a lot of people involved. We best be getting over to the museum mighty quick considering the story in the paper." She drinks the rest of her coffee and finishes her toast and starts to get up from the table.
"I think we best meet Miss Aysha and then start our questions with the head curator Merriweather since they were workin together." She heads towards the door to grab her hat and jacket. She makes sure that her revolver is packed tightly away within her jacket. She pats her gun in thought...don't fail me now old trusty....this is turning out to be a lot more of an adventure then I had ever planned.
"Well, I'll be. That is a very peculiar telegram we have received from Mr. Edward. I hope he is alright. Whatcha think of it cus?" She says as she nibbles away at a bit of toast. She then adds...
"I'll betcha he has stumbled across somethin but I hope he plays his cards right. There is somethin mighty strange happenin and I'll bet there are a lot of people involved. We best be getting over to the museum mighty quick considering the story in the paper." She drinks the rest of her coffee and finishes her toast and starts to get up from the table.
"I think we best meet Miss Aysha and then start our questions with the head curator Merriweather since they were workin together." She heads towards the door to grab her hat and jacket. She makes sure that her revolver is packed tightly away within her jacket. She pats her gun in thought...don't fail me now old trusty....this is turning out to be a lot more of an adventure then I had ever planned.
Jerry turns to Stella. "Edward is a very shrewd investigator, so he's unlikely to have gone off on some wild goose chase; and don't worry, I'm sure that he'll be as careful as a mouse at a cat convention."
Jerry listens as Stella carries on talking and then says: "Yes, we should get to the Museum as soon as we can. I think we should also have a quick chinwag with Miss Myrni before we meet with Mr Merriweather, just to work out how we 'interview' him and who's going to play what role - if you get my meaning."
Jerry turns to Michael. "Michael old chap. Can you bring the car round to the front, please? Miss Stella and I will be leaving shortly. And make sure you bring your Mauser - and my Webley too. After last night I think we need to be prepared!"
Michael fusses over 'Miss Stella' making sure to brush her jacket free from lint. "Make sure you get some lunch, Miss and you too Jerry, I know how you are." He shakes his head solemnly.
"Sure will Michael!" Stella calls out as she steps outside into the rain waiting to get into the car. Can't wait to get a head start on this mystery. Sure beats hog-tieing men I might have to marry back home. She then giggles to herself and then rubs her hands together before entering the car.
The car drives smoothly, if slowly through the wet streets of London as it arrives before the column-facade of the Museum. Michael making sure the duo is safe on the drive.
The arrive at an officious suited man at a desk, "How may I help you?" he asks nasally.
The car drives smoothly, if slowly through the wet streets of London as it arrives before the column-facade of the Museum. Michael making sure the duo is safe on the drive.
The arrive at an officious suited man at a desk, "How may I help you?" he asks nasally.
Jerry reaches into his jacket pocket and with a flourish presents the man with his calling card. "Gerald McNaughton. We're here to see Head Curator Merriweather, if he can spare a few minutes to talk with us."
He gives the man a very solemn look and continues, "it is very important...."
"Oh, well if it is important." He says snootilly before leaving his post and making his way through a pair of doors, leading to the basement level. (At least according to a nearby sign). The 'Authorized Personel' sign is prominent and the man made sure to subtly brush his hand against it opening the door.
The museum is busy for a week-day, maybe there are people tempted after reading the nights gruesome activities. Or just the new Anglo-Romanic exhibition?
Stella looks around for Aysha while Jerry talks to the man at the desk. She aught to be here. She thinks to herself.
Jerry watches the man disappear through the door and then looks at Stella. "Any sign of Miss Myrni? I'm sure that you said 9 o'clock...."
He scans the busy foyer hoping to see Miss Myrni. "By Jove Stella, it's jolly busy in here today. I hope all these people haven't been drawn here as a result of what happened last night."
"I agree Jerry. Let's head on in. We might as well get going. I am sure Miss Myrni will catch up to us eventually." Stella takes once last look into the crowd and starts to head further in."I'm going to leave the questions up to you Jerry. I am a bit baffled as to what to make of anything."
Suddenly Aysha catches the time on her dad's pocket watch.
'9'o clock?!'
'Oh no father I have to go!'
'But Sha....'
its too late- after snatching another currant teacake Aysha runs out of the house trying to catch a cab.
my new friends will think i am not to be trusted if I arrive late! My father has lost a dear friend and it is disrespectful to leave him while he is in distress but more lives and cultural history may be at stake here
Running frantically through the doors of the museum remember to smile sweetly at Billy on reception! Aysha passes through the entrance hall with only a 'But Miss Myrni...!' from Bill on security
'Miss Mahoney, Mr Mcnaughton! They both turn round to see Aysha bright red in the face, arms flailing as she tries to catch them up.
Aysha rambles by way of apology 'Well i had woken up with plenty of time, was having breakfast when my aggrieved father arrived, he always arrives at the most inopportune moments. Then he is upset about the professor, and who would blame him, sometimes I blame myself..... she finally slows down to ask a meaningful question 'Anyway well I say, what do you think of Edward... He is on a private errand? do you think?'
"I agree Jerry. Let's head on in. We might as well get going. I am sure Miss Myrni will catch up to us eventually." Stella takes once last look into the crowd and starts to head further in."I'm going to leave the questions up to you Jerry. I am a bit baffled as to what to make of anything."
Jerry walks with Stella towards the double doors that the officious man disappeared through and says:
"I'm not sure what to make of events since last night either. Let's see what Merriweather has to say; maybe he has some insight into the Prof's 'suicide'? I'd like to speak to Curator O'Donnell as well: there's something about him that doesn't sit well with me and I think he may know more."
Suddenly Aysha catches the time on her dad's pocket watch.
'9'o clock?!'
'Oh no father I have to go!'
'But Sha....'
its too late- after snatching another currant teacake Aysha runs out of the house trying to catch a cab.
my new friends will think i am not to be trusted if I arrive late! My father has lost a dear friend and it is disrespectful to leave him while he is in distress but more lives and cultural history may be at stake here
Running frantically through the doors of the museum remember to smile sweetly at Billy on reception! Aysha passes through the entrance hall with only a 'But Miss Myrni...!' from Bill on security
'Miss Mahoney, Mr Mcnaughton! They both turn round to see Aysha bright red in the face, arms flailing as she tries to catch them up.
Aysha rambles by way of apology 'Well i had woken up with plenty of time, was having breakfast when my aggrieved father arrived, he always arrives at the most inopportune moments. Then he is upset about the professor, and who would blame him, sometimes I blame myself..... she finally slows down to ask a meaningful question 'Anyway well I say, what do you think of Edward... He is on a private errand? do you think?'
"Ah, Miss Myrni, glad you could make it. And please don't trouble yourself about the time - we've only just arrived ourselves. Why don't you walk with us? We were just heading down to see Head Curator Merriweather."
He stops for a moment and, looking at her seriously says, "And you mustn't blame yourself for what happened to the Prof. There was nothing you - or any of us - could have done. Don't worry about Edward either. He will be following up some lead no doubt and I'm sure we'll hear from him in due course."
"Well, you are a sight for sore eyes Miss Myrni. Glad you could meet us. Yeah, let's all walk together then. Hopefully we can make some headway on this whole situation." Stella picks up her pace to keep up with Jerry.
The officious Porter meets you all upon the stair; "I have informed Professor Merriweather of your arrival. He wishes to meet you in the Faculty Lounge. He says that his temporary office is a mess." the man says as if it is beneath his notice.
He leads you away from the basement where the temporary offices are located especially for the Anglo-Romanic exhibition. To a large suite, with many a comfortable high backed chair and a significant number of bottles of spirits and newspapers.
The porter nods to you and leaves. After a minute or two Head-Curator Adair Merriweather enters with his waxed moustash and his balding palate, he appears well-turned out if not for the dark circles under his eyes. "A terrible thing! A tragedy." He goes over to a small gas stove and puts the kettle on. "Forgive my manners, Miss Myrni." puts his hand out. "Mr McNaughton and your... fiancée?"
"Mr. you must have your eyes crossed or somethin but Jerry here,"Stella points to Jerry with an bemused look at her face, "Is my cousin. Don't you see the resemblance? I know, I know he isn't much to look at but it could be worse." She winks over at Jerry while holding back a chuckle.
Aysha giggles as she remembers that professor Merriweather was not a very perceptive chap when it came to relationships. he is a great academic but needs to pay more attention to making more human social acquaintances. His books have always been his best friends. However I have been wondering if Miss Stella has a beau back in the States...
'Good Morning Professor though I wish we were meeting under a lighter cloud. We are terribly sorry to be meeting you at this time and we hope we are no bother to you. We would like some help understanding what happened to dear Vernon. I imagine you have been pondering this too.'
Jerry winks back at Stella and then gives Professor Merriweather's hand a firm shake and says, "As Miss Myrni has just said, thank you for meeting with us at such short notice Professor; we know that you must have a lot on your plate at the moment."
You know Miss Myrni I believe? He says nodding in Aysha's direction.
He waits for Professor Merriweather's response, but the man seems a little distracted and, seeing that he is having some trouble processing the question, Jerry says:
If you don't mind, we were hoping that you could answer a few questions regarding the terrible tragedy last night?
Looking over at Professor Merriweather and seeing that he is distant Aysha tries to entice interaction with the group in the present, reminding him of their time together with Vernon.
'Thank you Jerry, yes the professor and I go back about 4 years now. We worked on the Spurkin discovery together. Do you remember how intrigued Vernon was to see our progress. He called us his golden spurs and urged us to come back to London with him to share the collection with his colleagues here and gain the recognition we deserved' mumbling now Aysha continues 'But our foolish arrogance and pride took over though, didn't it? and we stayed....'
mumbling now Aysha continues 'But our foolish arrogance and pride took over though, didn't it? and we stayed....'
Jerry looks curiously at Aysha as her voice trails off and, raising his eyebrows, says: "Hmm, very intriguing Miss Myrni. Perhaps you can tell us a little more about this Spurkin discovery?"
'Well, as you know Jerry, Spurkin is the name of the ancient town in Greece that was discovered by the Harvard archaeological team 20 years ago. After centuries of being surrounded and made inaccessible by an ash cloud from the eruption of Mount Yali. However, rumour has it that soon after the discovery, and a few days before the team was set to recover ancient religious and cultural artefacts, the team fell ill with a fatal fever. Nearly all recovered apart from a great friend of Professor Vernon's, who sadly died from a fatal lung disease....'
Aysha's face screwed up as she tried to remember his name.
'What was his name Professor?.... Anyway part of the rumour is that the town is cursed and should never have been tampered with or 'invaded', as some spiritualists have claimed. As a man of great belief in empiricism, Veronon never believed these superstitious folk and was determined to prove them wrong'
Aysha suddenly stops pensively. Mumbling again she continues, 'Obviously when we went over to explore he wanted us to come back here with the objects we had found. We would have proof if we survived and shirked off the rumours of a curse.... but what if Vernon's theory was flawed....'
Jerry listens to Aysha's story, trying desperately to recall any information about the Spurkin expedition and coming up with a total blank.
"If I'd heard it from most anyone else I would have thought it was a tall tale."
"Just out of interest Miss Myrni, did you actually bring any objects back with you in the end?"
Wow, I am as lost as a needle in a haystack. These folks sure are smart. Stella just nods and does a lot of mmmhming.