TURN THREE

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As the clock chimes the hour of six you gather in the Professor's drawing room to finalise the plan for the night that lies ahead. As the sun begins to set the shadows in the room lengthen and the doorman enters the room to turn up the gaslights.

Tyler Kensington-Caine was Utterly Magnificent in Top Hat and Tails. His Shirt, Opera Scarf, Spats and Gloves were Whiter than Angels. His Lapel Flower and Cummerbund were as Red as Satan Himself. He carried two pieces of Luggage displaying Labels from The Four Corners of The Globe, and He set them down with His Stick and Hat to Cordially Greet the Assembled Party.

Shortly after you have all been shown into the room, Professor Hodgeson joins you, bringing with him what appears to be a doctor's black bag. "Well, gentlemen, shall we begin? I have here a few items that may prove necessary as the night unfolds." He sets the bag down on the desk and then moves over to the sideboard. "However, perhaps a small libation would not go amiss", his hand moves to the decanter. "May I offer anyone a small sherry?" The professor distributes sherry glasses and then raises his glass in a toast. "Gentlemen, to deliverance from evil" he throws the sherry down his throat and sets the glass down on the sideboard.

"To Deliverance From Evil," repeated Caine. He brought the Glass down to his lips and Drank.

"I'm going to war...on a sherry ?" mutters Jim Buchanan, but drink is drink, so he knocks it back as if it was water. "Professor.....who else went along with you to that village ? Did you take along family, a friend, a servant, perhaps ?"

"I took no-one with me, Sir. ", he states, firmly, but there is something in his eyes that suggests that he is not telling all.

Caine brought an elegant Hand to his Frowning Lip.

Jim eyes the Professor a while before asking, "Did you bring anybody back with you...or anything ? I think, as men about to risk their lives on your say-so, you owe us the whole truth, Professor." He watches the Professor carefully, looking at the man's eyes.

Caine moved his Hand from his Mouth so that it could calmly say: "Good Professor. Why don't you tell us Everything? I Imagine it would only be a Relief." Caine's Beautiful Voice was both Reassuring and Encouraging.

"Oh God," groans the Professor, "May He forgive me. I took no-one with me, but I hired an assistant when I arrived in Rumania. He met with an......accident before I went to the village. Not a day goes by that I do not curse myself for not protecting him...." His eyes fill with tears and it is a while before he can continue. "You might as well hear the whole of it," he shouts, "He was bitten by a werewolf and there was nothing I could do to help him......I fear that it was he who I encountered in the village and who has now followed me here. Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord......." He slumps into a chair as the colour fades from his face.

Caine Ignored the Werewolf Tale and Focussed on The Greater Truth. "My Word," His Voice said softly. "Are You saying that You Know the Identity of The Limehouse Killer? Pray, What is His Name and How might His Appearance best be Described?"

"If it is he who has followed me, the his name was Andrei Shalko, a most promising student of European Folklore. When I last saw…..when he was….before the attack he stood at approximately six foot with dark brown hair and a full beard. His eyes were a most unusual shade of green…." He stops and then says, in a most emphatic and urgent turn," You must tell no-one else this description. If the unwary were to try and take him they would stand no chance against him!" "Now, how shall we proceed with our endeavours tonight?" he asks, looking from one person to another.

Running a finger round the rim of the glass, Arran watches it in silence for a moment as if he sees something in the pale liquid that totally encompasses his attention. Then he looks up, first at the Professor and then to Caine. "At the risk of being controversial," he notes, "we are all aware that this killer is a human 28 days a month, right? Is there any way we can capture rather than kill it?" His eyes then meet Caine's, drawn by the gear the man has brought along with him, "We going for the bait idea, right, er, gentlemen?" he asks.

Caine Noticed and Appreciated the American's Most Commendable Usage of the word "Gentlemen", but was Quite Careful not to Let On. "In the Interest of Avoiding Further Controversy, especially when, With Heaven's Help, the Murderous Blackguard of Limehouse shall Soon stand Revealed to All, Let us Agree to Say the Killer is Human At Least 28 Days a Month. In Anticipation of His Impending Capture, I have seen fit to Include sets of Heavy Hand Cuffs in This Evening's Equipment. As for The Stratagem of Bait, Mr. Lewis, Are You ready to Begin?" Caine opened the Cases, revealing Theatrical Make-up and Ladies Garments of the Kind a Prostitute might Select.

"Bait idea ?" asks Jim. Once it's explained, he shakes his head. "Men and women smell different from each other....if I can tell the difference between a man's smell and a woman's smell, I imagine a werewolf can. It's as clever as us, don't forget. I considered using a blood trap, such as for a lion, but it would know better that to fall for it."

Trying not to look too grateful at apparently escaping from the dressing up section of the plan, Arran looks to Jim. "Sounds like you know what you're talking about, but is there any reason that he wouldn't attack a lone man out in the area at night? Not that I especially want to play at being a target, but time is a major factor here. I'm sure none of us want another young woman to die tonight and at present, we have no idea of how to determine where the werewolf will strike. Perhaps we could stage a small street fight, or something similar and leave the wounded 'victim' as bait?" His expression was completely sincere as he met Jim's gaze directly and held it, "I would trust you, sir, to cover me and I am certain between us all we could get a hit."

"I don't know what motivates this monster." says Jim Buchanan, "But it seems that the chosen victims are female. While your typical predator will go for wounded prey, I think this one may enjoy killing....some people are that way." he says the last almost...sadly. "So a blood bait trap, I don't think, has much chance of success. We could, however, try to employ a young woman in this plan, in a similar circumstance as the young lad here suggests. I don't think it's fair, or decent to do, but I can't think of anything else."

"I think we should break up into teams of two or three and try to find a likely spot where the creature might show up." O'Shaunessy says, while pointing out likely spots on the map. "The only other thing I can think of is perhaps roving patrols. The idea of hiring a girl to act as a stalking horse seems somehow....disturbing. I think I agree with Mr. Buchanan on that point."

"Quite," said Caine. "To Exploit some Poor Wretched Girl in Such a Fashion is the very sort of Act our Vile Prey might Commit. Pray, Let us Not Mention It again.As to our Bait Strategy, at the Risk of Rendering Mr. Lewis' apparent Relief Somewhat Premature, What if, as Preposterous as It may Seem to Some, The Murderer is Not a Werewolf at all, but Merely Some Deranged Madman Masquerading as One? I Realize How Unlikely Such a Scenario Might be, But Kindly Humour Me, won't you? Would not, Mr. Buchanan, Perfume and Scent in the Copious Dosages commonly Employed by Street Harlots, Mask a Man's Odor even to Your Keen and Perceptive Nose? Hmm?"

"I agree", says Garibaldi. "A brisk bath and lots of womanly perfume, and uhm, lots of gin spilled, or somewhat. Even stains of food, vittles, anything. Mud stained clothes. Rain? Is it raining outside? Me and perhaps Mr. Lewis can do this. We walk separated. The rest can split up into two groups and follow one or the other of us. Better chances. What about it? Better than just walking around for something to happen. We can still walk around, but with a better chance of finding this bad-mouthed killer, or wolf-in-man's-clothes, or bedlam appreciator, or whatever. Do we agree or not?". He looks at Arran for a reply, then says comfortingly: "That if you still want to do it. If you had more sense than guts, you'll back out. All that guts is useful for is get you killed quick. Me, I don't care no more. I made my peace with God. God knows me. But before you answer, make sure to note that there are many other risks. Getting mauled or butchered, sure. But also the fact that if a real girl gets killed and the constables round everybody up, they'll catch two idiots dressed suspiciously for the occasion, if you know what I mean. Sense, young man, sense," touching his nose and letting out a supressed nervous laugh, "is what I lack, most unfortunately."

Jim Buchanan shrugs. "My nose isn't as keen as a wolf's nose." he says. "But I can't speak for the werewolf. I'd say it's up to the two of you, if you want to take your chances, play-acting victims.....but when it comes close enough, it will smell the fear on you, and that's a stink no man or wolf could miss." He grins, but the humor fails to reach his eyes. "I bet a wolf could tell what soap you used to bathe with, what brand of gin you spilled on yerself, and where the mud you rolled in, came from. And the gunpowder in the bullets....and possibly the silver. It's as smart as any of us....a trap will have to be very cleverly done."

In a Remarkable Show of Personal Restraint and Courtesy, Tyler Kensington-Caine decided against Pointing Out yet again How Very Unlikely a Possibility it was that Their Target was, in fact, a shaggy and lupine Lycanthropic Monster straight out of Backwards and Superstitious Folklore.

Gathering the thoughts that had been mixing round in his head while they all spoke, throwing their ideas back and forth, Arran smiled wryly to the gathering in general. "There are so many ways that this could go wrong," he decided, "but I think we have to try. I agreed to this at the start and I haven't changed my mind since then. This beast needs to be caught," he looked resigned then, as he considered all they didn't know. It was unlikely tonight was his time to go, there were other parties interested in his soul, but if he did die, at least that worry would be over. Little to lose but closure. "I don't think it will matter whether the target is male or female as long as they're out in a lonely part of town at an ungodly hour and look defenceless, but I take Jim Buchanan's point about the intelligence of this thing. I will certainly take the risks involved to gain a chance at capturing this thing, killing it if necessary. It might smell a trap, but then it probably has a lot more confidence than we are giving it credit for too. After all if it's been here this long it knows people are after it, it might even know the Professor if it's the same one from overseas, right? If that's the case it must expect trouble every full moon. What if we stage a fight between us, a heated discussion perhaps between two or three which results in one person, say myself then, walking off alone and unarmed as far as the beast knows. Perhaps I make a point of handing my gun and silver bullets to one of you before leaving as if either disillusioned or to make my own 'solo' kill. It might not be able to resist the temptation of removing one of its 'hunters'. I'm sure with Jim here you could double back on our tracks and be there in force to capture it. It'll take all of us no doubt. Either that, or I suppose we try the dressing up plan," he glanced over at Caine who seemed very keen on pursing that option, as to be fair did Sandow, "but anything must be better than walking around randomly hoping to find it."

"He's right !" says Jim, snapping his fingers. "It may not be able to resist going after someone it KNEW was after it. Oh....I ought to mention. We're not the only folks out there with silver bullets, according to the gunsmith. There's a policeman out there too, and at least 2 or three other people. The coincidence is remarkable....but we may not be the only people hunting this creature."

Caine said: "We would, I believe, Be Doing Our Cause a Grave Disservice by Ignoring the Glaring Fact that Women, and more precisely Women of Ill Repute, have been Selected, by this Malicious Fiend, for His Victims in Every Single Case." His gaze then returned to the Professor. "Do you have trusted company for this evening sir, or will you come with us? It may not be safe for you to venture out considering."

"I must have an end to this....I will accompany you." The Professor seems determined on his course of action.

"By the by, professor I was wondering who might have sponsored your expedition to the continent?" queries O'Shaunessy.

The Professor looks a little surprised at that but answers fairly swiftly, "I was aproached by the Society for Mythological Research, based in Salisbury. They wanted someone to investigate the possibility of lycanthropic activity on the continent. I believe my discoveries surpassed their expectations…..they want nothing more to do with me." He looks grim for a second or two, but recovers and waves his hand around the room, "They even refused to publish my work and made sure that no-one else would do so either."

Caine looked Upon the Professor with Gentle Sadness and, perhaps, Pity.

"Is your work any different from what you told us already?" says Garibaldi. "Can we please see? Is that what you keep hidden away in the bookcase? I saw something of a journal when you got the book out that showed us two lot, looked like one, sure of anything. Please disregard my imbecility, I am a very rude person to ask you about it. Too rude and unmannered. Bad man, yes. But we are helping you - we believe, we all, for the exception of the few, believe. Trust us as we trust you, my friend."

"The journal is an account of my travels in Europe.....no-one will read it until I am gone from this world." states the Professor "As to my work, it is all connected with my travels.."

"Ah yes I've heard of them. Well perhaps after we taken care of this little problem we can bring them some more proof and they will change their minds." O'Shaunessy says. Looking around the room he states "Well how many groups should we form and who wants to be in each?"

"If We are, as it would seem, in fact, Divided as to what the Best Means to Trap this Base and Villainous Cur are, perhaps it would be in our Best Interest to employ that very Division to Form our Two Groups," Caine speculated. "At the Risk of Speaking for Others, would Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Lewis and Professor O'Shaunessy in One Party, and Mr. Sandow, Professor Hodgeson and Myself in the Other, be perfectly Acceptable to All? In this Way, each Group may Act on Whatever Strategy they Desire, and, perhaps more importantly, Our Results tonight would Not Hinge entirely upon the Success of One Tactic alone. If Victory is met, or Assistance Required, by Either Group, they may Notify and Summon the other, and the Police, with these Whistles," Caine said, producing Them from a pocket and Holding Them Out in his Gloved Hand. There were Six.

"I'd agree to that only if you, Sandow, or Professor Hodgeson have done any hunting. As in real hunting, not shooting grouse in a park." says Jim Buchanan. "O'Shaunessy has hunted tiger, in India. I've hunted.....all manner of animals. I'll take Lewis along, but I'd rather both groups had a man with experience, shooting at a large and dangerous animal."

Arran looked over to Jim, opened his mouth to speak and then closed it again, having decided not to comment.

Sandow steps in. "Ok, scrap the dressing like woman shambles. Sorry, Caine, for so much trouble for nothing at all. The whistle however I like very much. May I please?" "Not at all," and "Of Course," said Caine. Sandow takes a whistle out of Caine's hand and has a quick glance at it, then smiles. "Grazie molto. But for the groups, whats a good combination, eh? Tricky, tricky, not so good. Eh! I think this is good. What about Buchanan, Lewis and me in one group, and Caine, Hodgeson and O'Shaunessy in the other? We agree on this, yes? Buchanan, can you think of a better group, or no? But Professor Hodgeson and Mr. Caine, have you got weapon of some kind? Have you used one times before?"

"Yes and Yes," replied Caine.

"I have my revolver," says the Professor.

Looking around at his companions O'Shaunessy says "I have no objections to the groupings as stated."

"Jim Buchanan's right," Arran spoke up, "as long as each group can realistically defend itself, that't the best we can do. I don't really like the idea of dividing up, but if everyone else is agreed to that I won't argue the point further," he smiled, continuing, "I'm sure Mr Buchanan," he didn't take the step of using first names alone yet, unsure how that would go down in this company, "and I can stage a convincing argument given our country's history, as long as we don't take it seriously obviously and providing only the werewolf gets shot," he added with a wry grin. Just to be clear. "Any idea where to start, or shall we just go down to Limehouse and assume it'll find us?" his gaze lit on Professor Hodgeson then, "It might just home in on you Professor, if you're along, we should cover for that eventuality too, I think and ensure your protection as best we can. Perhaps it's best in the circumstances if you choose your group and we go from there?" he offered, finger again tracing the rim of the still full sherry glass.

"I cannot, in good conscience, choose a group of people to be near me when the creature comes to end me," says the Professor, "I will go with whatever you gentlemen decide is the best course of action. Maybe I should act as your bait?"

Caine said: "A Few Questions, Please, If I may? If We are, as it appears, now Decided Upon One Strategy, What would be Gained by Dividing Our Forces?" "We cover more territory than one bulky, armed, noticeable force of men." says Jim Buchanan. "Has Anyone, save Myself, a Working Familiarity with Limehouse? It is rather Abundant in Little Nooks and Crannies, and can be quite Disorienting to the Uninitiated."

"I live near there." says Jim Buchanan.

"How often shall the Sham Argument be Performed? If we only Play it Out Once, and The Murderer is Nowhere Near at the time, what then?"

"We wait for next full moon." says Jim.

"I think not Mr. Buchanan, as the Professor has supplied us with the name of a suspect I think if we fail in our endeavors this evening we begin searching for this Andrei Shalko. I for one would feel much better doing something rather then just sitting and waiting for the fiend to strike again." states O'Shaunessy.

Caine frowned and said quietly: "Hmm, You'll forgive me, no doubt, If I say that I'm Afraid your Last Answer is Somewhat Unsatisfactory. Your Strategy is a Rifle with One Shot to it. All Our Efforts are for Naught if He is not at hand for a Ten-minute Baiting." "If The Killer could not Resist Killing someone Hunting Him, why did He Not Kill a Constable Last Month? If the Killer Desires to Murder the Professor, why did he not do so already? He could have Located Him quite easily Long Before This Night." "His Prey of Choice, it is painfully obvious, is Women. Would you attempt to Trap a Tiger using Tea and Scones as Bait?" The Gentle Tone of Caine's Lovely Voice softened what was being said.

"If I was hunting lion, I'd stake out a baboon." says Jim Buchanan, with brutal honesty. "I'm not proposing to be bait, but if this thing is as smart as us, then it will figure out right quick who's after it. It would make sense to eliminate the opposition; it's what I'd do. The Professor mentioned a servant he brought back, who he thinks may be the creature. Maybe. I don't know. It bears checking into. All I've seen is a single track in plaster-of-paris. It attacks working girls. Well, there's a hell of a lot of targets out there.....I reckon we'll just have to get lucky. Maybe it will come after the Professor; maybe it won't. Maybe it figures we're no threat to it; it may be right. But here's a certain human point of view.....if it's deliberately making kills near the professor's house, then it may be mocking his every effort to get rid of it."

Caine Nodded as Buchanan spoke. "I rather agree, Mr. Buchanan, and it is my dread fear that Killing Innocent Girls is This Evil Bounder's Preferred Form Of Mockery." "If We Divide according to Mr. Sandow's design, would Anyone be Offended if I were to still Attempt the Masquerade Option? So strongly do I feel that the Depraved Mr. Shalko will only Target a Prostitute, that I would gladly endure the Humiliating Consequences of Apprehension by the Police, and More, if It would even ever so slightly Increase Our Chances at Success. I believe this option also Addresses some of the Very Fine Points made by Mr. Buchanan's Informed Opinion, regarding our Wicked Foe's ability to Pierce Disguises: If Our Nefarious Rogue would Only Murder Whores, but would Delight in Killing someone Hunting for Him, as well as Mock the Good and Kind Professor, would not the Perfect Bait be a Hunter, Dressed as a Streetwalker, working in Conjunction with the Professor? From those Insidious Notes, I dare say, it would Appear that Mr. Shalko possesses the very sort of Vicious, Sick, and Black Sense of Humour that This Scenario might appeal to. That said, however, I shall gladly Abide by the collective Decision of my Present Company, and, especially, that of the Two Learned Gentlemen whom I would Accompany in This Evening's Endeavours," Caine said, regarding Professors O'Shaunessy and Hodgeson.

"I will happily stand as bait, gentlemen, none of this would be happening were it not for my……I am solely to blame for all these horrors perpetrated in our fair city." The professor stands looking at you in a helpless way.

"Hogwash and Poppycock," replied Caine. "There is But One Man Responsible for these Hellish Acts, and His Name, by Your Own Account, is Andrei Shalko."

"You are kind, Sir," retorts the Professor in a very tired voice, "but such horrors have I been repsonsible for…..I will accompany you to the streets of Limehouse and walk alone so that the Fiend my take me if he wishes."

"Forget blame," Arran told the Professor simply, "you didn't deliberately let the wolf bite him. And you certainly never forced him to torment you and kill these women," he shrugged, "We'll do what we can, right, er, gentlemen?" It was still difficult to think like that, to substitute the word, but he had promised, "It doesn't bother me if you want to dress up," he told Caine, giving the man a slightly odd look, "it just seems a lot of hassle when the werewolf is likely to be watching for the Professor anyway. I think attacking one of us, someone he sees with the Professor will be enough of a lure for it and I'm fairly sure it will track in easily enough. I really don't think *finding* it will be a major problem, just stopping it," another shrug, "Though, I haven't exactly ever hunted werewolf before," he added.