by T. A. Uner
Majors took the sabers and inspected them. “I don’t see why not. Is there anything else Jack?”
He handed Majors the snuff bottle. “This was given to me by a friend. It’s garlic essence. Is there any way you can turn this into a weapon for me?”
“I don’t see why not. Maybe I can create a sort of mechanism where the contents can be delivered into the air, like a spray.”
“How soon can I have these?”
Majors thought it over for a few moments. “Within forty-eight hours, I would say.”
Jack thought that was reasonable enough time to get prepared for his ordeal. “Very well then, I’ll see you soon.” After Majors had left Mercedes came up into the attic where Jack was looking through his other trunks to see if he could find anything useful to use against his vampire enemy.
“Jack? What’s going on?” she asked, looking frightened.
He paused with his task. “Just work love.”
“I’m worried Jack, what are you planning to do?”
“I’m going after Robert; I have to find him.”
Mercedes took his hand and he saw the tears welling up in her brown eyes. “Jack, this is a police matter, maybe you shouldn’t get involved.”
“Nonsense.” He resumed his work.
“Jack, I don’t want you to do this; you could get killed.”
She was right. But what other options did he have? He couldn’t stand by idly while his brother was still missing. “He’s my family, Mercedes.”
“So am I,” she pleaded. “And there is one more thing you need to know. I’m pregnant with our first child.”
He looked up at her and they embraced. “A baby?” He had no idea she was carrying his child. It was a bittersweet feeling, knowing that he would become a father. And as much as he wanted to live to see the birth of his son or daughter he would never be able to rest until he knew what had happened to Robert. “I don’t know what to say, Mercedes. Of course I am overjoyed, but I cannot sit around and wait for Robert to turn up.”
She lowered her head. As if she understood that he would not change his mind. “I just don’t want my baby to grow up without a father.” He kissed her on both cheeks, then embraced her again, hoping he would live to witness the child’s birth.
{2}
Almost two weeks passed since Jack had learned he was to become a father. Despite his efforts he had made little headway in finding the vampire woman or Robert. As much as he hated to admit it, the possibility of finding Robert alive was becoming slim. Majors had kept his promise, and had delivered his sabers with new silver blades in addition to the garlic spray. Jack was itching for the opportunity to use both these weapons against the Vampire. He had also started a vigorous exercise regiment to get in shape and had asked for a leave of absence from his medical residency. It was reluctantly granted.
London was soon faced with another dilemma. In addition to the two Whitechapel murders, an alarming number of London citizens had also disappeared. Men, women and children from all walks of life simply vanished. The reports were alarming, and now Scotland Yard was faced with yet another crisis.
Every night he was on the streets of London. Armed with sabers and garlic spray. Seamus had also loaned him his revolver with the silver bullets. During his nightly sojourns, he wore a top hat and covered his mouth with a thick scarf to conceal his identity. It made him look suspicious but he did not see any other way around it. If he wanted to continue his clandestine operations, this was the way to do it.
His activity was also taking a toll on Mercedes. She had grown distant, and Jack could not blame her. He knew she felt as if he had chosen Robert over her and the baby. He found himself thinking more about the child with each passing day.
When September 27th arrived London’s Central News Agency received a letter titled “Dear Boss” signed by someone called “Jack the Ripper.”
Jack felt as if a boulder had fallen on him. The killer was now calling himself Jack. He didn’t know if it was pure coincidence, or if someone was trying to frame him. He guessed the later, he must be getting closer to finding his vampire nemesis. Was this her way of fighting back?
Then, on September 29th he was scouring the streets at night near the area where the first two murders had transpired. His suspicious dress attracted the attention of a Police Constable. Jack was lucky to have outrun him, otherwise it would’ve been difficult explaining himself, armed and dressed as he was. September 30th arrived. That night two more women were murdered. Both within an hour of one another. The first, Elizabeth Stride, another prostitute, was found by a jewelry dealer named Louis Diemschutz in Dutfield’s yard. The second woman, Catherine Eddowes, was found by Police Constable Edward Watkins in Mitre Square.
Now Jack found himself in an even more precarious position. Would he continue his nocturnal forays, and risk detection again? Or possibly capture? With the killer identified as ‘Jack’ he would no doubt be a prime suspect in the murder investigation. He cursed his luck.
Mercedes had already left London and returned to her family in Spain. How could he blame her? He hadn’t been a good husband to her since he had started his missions, leaving her alone, now he suffered what she must have while he was out searching for Robert and the mysterious Vampire woman who had twice tried to kill him.
There was a knock at the door. Jack wasn’t expecting anyone; he got up to see who is was.
When he opened the door Swanson was standing in his doorway. Behind him were two Police Constables.
{3}
“Good morning Dr. Mansfield,” Donald Swanson said.
Jack felt a mite of apprehension but did not let it show. “Detective Swanson, what brings you here?”
“Just to ask a few questions, may I come in?”
The last thing Jack wanted was to have these three men inside his home. He hadn’t even had time to tuck away his sabers and clandestine attire which he wore during his twilight treks. Swanson noticed his hesitation. “Please, Doctor, it will only take a few minutes.”
To spurn Swanson would only elicit further suspicion, and there was nothing preventing them to return later with more men. He opened the door wider to admit the trio of men. “Of course, please come in.”
He offered them tea and they politely declined. With the token pleasantries out of the way Jack prepared himself for Swanson’s interrogation.
“Doctor I would like to talk to you about something.”
“Have you found Robert?” Jack asked, knowing quite well they hadn’t.
“Unfortunately not, but that is not why I’m here.” The two constables broke away from Swanson. Jack eyed them suspiciously as they looked around his living room, meticulously inspecting the cocktail and end tables like they were suspects. “I wanted to talk to you about your nightly activities.”
So. He did know about it. Swanson was definitely a shrewd detective. But how did he find out? He decided to play the honesty game for as long as he could.
“Why yes, I do go out from time to time for my brisk walks. Does my nightly exercise present some sort of problem?”
Swanson’s grey eyes studied him for a moment. “Not if they don’t interfere with police business, Doctor.”
“I don’t understand Detective Swanson.”
Swanson nodded to his two officers who disappeared from the living room. One went into the kitchen, the other headed upstairs. “What is the meaning of this? Am I to assume you have a proper search warrant for scouring my home?”
“If a search warrant will put you at ease, doctor, I’m sure I can obtain one.”
Jack knew Swanson was aware his search of the premises was illegal. But how could he prove it? Besides, Swanson was right. He could always return with an official search warrant, but then Jack would become a prime murder suspect; he might even be arrested.
Swanson took out a small note pad and looked it over. “You were spotted leaving your house the night of September 30th. What were you doing outside your home, doctor?”
The constable that had gone upstairs returned. He was carrying Jack’s two sabers. “Found these upstairs in his bedroom, boss.”
Swanson’s brows tightened when he saw the two weapons. “Do these belong to you, Doctor?”
“Yes.”
“Might I ask what you are doing in possession of such weapons?”
“I served in the Boer war in 1880.”
Swanson meticulously scribbled notes down on his pad. Jack did not like where this investigation was going. Regardless, he kept calm. The other police constable emerged from the kitchen a few moments later. He padded up to Swanson’s side like a guard dog. “Nothing in the kitchen, sir.” “That’s fine, I have enough for now.” Swanson turned back towards Jack. “Doctor, are you aware that it looks a bit odd to be taking walks late at night carrying weapons of this sort? Especially in unsafe areas where murders have been committed?”
Was Swanson trying to entrap him with that accusation? He and the two PCs eyed him like hungry tigers, ready to pounce. Perhaps Swanson did have some sort of surveillance in place, and Jack had been unlucky (or careless) enough to fall prey to it. He decided to play it safe. “You’re quite correct, Detective. I have been in possession of my two sabers when I have ventured out at night.”
“May I ask why?”
Jack leaned back and stretched his legs out. “Why it’s like you said, Detective, those areas I’ve been spotted in are quite unsafe, and as I value my life I felt I would be best served carrying proper protection in the event someone was to threaten me.”
For a moment Swanson was silent. Jack did his best to conceal his mirth, he had beaten Swanson at his own game of questioning, using facts provided by Swanson himself to corroborate his actions. Swanson stood up and the two police constables fell in behind him. “Dr. Mansfield, I bid you good day. But this will be your only warning: stay out of this case, failure to do so will result in your arrest.”
After Swanson and his men had left Jack started making plans for his next foray, but first, he needed to visit Seamus.
{4}
Ambrogio had had enough of Vampiress. He decided today would be the day he made his move. Then Baron Verchase would be short a daughter, and he would be rid of one major problem. The incident at the warehouse had been the last straw. She had allowed an English detective to discover their production facility and uncover their operations. What would’ve happened if he had gotten away and alerted Scotland Yard? Then their incursion into this time period would’ve been jeopardized. But Ambrogio’s patience had paid off; he had built a solid case against Vampiress. Now was the time to act.
He summoned four Hollow Men into his office. “The time has come to apprehend Vampiress. You all have your instructions.” The lead Hollow Man named Krill nodded. “What if she resists?”
Ambrogio repressed a smile. “Then leave nothing to chance; kill her. And make sure you set fire to the warehouse; make it look like an accident. It’s already attracted attention once. We’ll just have to set up in another location. This will cost us time and resources, but, we’ll be rid of its incriminating evidence and Vampiress’ incompetence. Contact me when you’ve completed your mission.”
Krill nodded and gathered three more Hollow Men before leaving Ambrogio’s office. After they left Ambrogio took out his tablet and began composing a report to Sect Command.
{5}
When Robert awoke from his coma, he wished he hadn’t.
Around him were other prisoners. Like him they were strapped in harnesses suspended by thick cords. Transparent tubes, attached to their limbs, fed into a strange device that resembled an immense water tank. He tried moving but found himself tightly snared, like a fly caught in a spider’s web.
How long had he been out? Hours? Days? Weeks? His last memory was confronting the man carrying the cadaver bag and the strange woman that Jack had mentioned. He wondered if his colleagues had dispatched search parties to try and locate him. Even if they eventually found him, it might be too late.
He tried moving his head around but his neck was sore. He did manage to get a closer look at his limbs. The skin on his arms and legs had patches of violet bruises that hadn’t been there before his capture. He did not know what was worse, being strung up helplessly, like a slab of meat, or knowing he had failed in his duty.
Beneath him the strange creatures in black suits loitered around. Some stood guard near doorways, others were hunched over consoles with flashing lights. He thought he heard someone call them ‘computers,’ whatever those were. Despite being indisposed, he still could think. He had to use his experience so he could help the people around him. Robert felt a weight in his trouser pocket, it was his knife. They had stripped him of his jacket, socks, shoes and shirt, but hadn’t bothered checking his trousers. If he could just reach it he might be able to sever the tubes plugged into his arms and legs. The more he looked at them, the more restless he grew. It felt as if they were sucking the life out of him. And maybe they were. He heard the swish of an opening door and saw the strange woman with dark hair below him enter the chamber. She walked with a type of superiority that bordered on haughtiness. Robert thought he read an expression of contempt on her face when she interacted with the strange creatures in dark suits and red shirts.
His stomach felt queasy, and he felt he would vomit, yet he didn’t. How can I when I haven’t eaten? But he couldn’t stay here and wait for death. He had to try escape, even if it cost him his life. If he stayed here, he’d die anyway. He breathed deeply and summoned his remaining stamina.
He tried grasping one of the cords that restrained him. The harness strapped to his chest tightened. No. He had to try another approach. This time he thought through the situation from a different angle. The strange creatures beneath him paid no attention to him or the others. They don’t see us as a threat, he thought. And why should they? We’re their prey. Perhaps he could use their overconfidence against them.
He twisted his head around to get a look around and spotted a landing coiled around the side of the warehouse. If he could swing himself over to the railing he might be able to shake himself free, and with the knife cut through his tube bonds.
Again he channeled his remaining strength into escape. He started jerking around like a lobster caught in a fisherman’s net until he began swinging. Not enough to reach the landing, but enough to get some momentum going. He took a quick look below, those strange blokes in the suits and red glasses were still not paying heed to him or the others.
He tried swinging again. This time he bumped into a woman with yellow saggy skin. Her body gave off an odor that reminded him of rubbing alcohol. This would be his fate if he didn’t escape his predicament. He made another attempt at reaching the railing and managed to get one foot around a pylon. It felt cold against his foot, and he was in danger of sliding free before he twisted his ankle around and hooked it. I’ve got to make this work. The tubes attached to his legs made traction difficult. But with one strong jerk he managed to free his foot from the tube. A current of static electricity shot through his leg before some yellow-pus fluid leaked from the tube.
For a few moments his leg felt numb. He struggled to hold on to the railing with his other leg while he yanked his arms free of the other tubing. More liquid ejected from them, and this time it smelled like wet paint. Robert looked at his arms. They were discolored, a mixture of yellow and violet bruises and welts where the tubes had been attached. He spent a minute recuperating from his ordeal. His limbs were weak, but he was able to walk, perhaps, in time he would regain full strength. For now, his only thought was to find a way out of this warehouse and get help.
He watched for any sign of activity before tiptoeing across the landing, his bare feet upon the cold floor.
Six
Krill did not understand the concept of emotion; being a Hollow Man he had none.
the Section Chief, Ambrogio, was a different matt
er. Krill could tell Chief Ambrogio had no love for the Vampire woman named Vampiress. He made it clear by his manner. To Krill ambition was an alien concept; emotion a weakness. To allow one’s senses to be manipulated could prove costly, especially in his line of work. He had more important things to do.
He turned his thoughts to his current task, the elimination of Vampiress. He had studied her file, she had an impressive kill ratio. According to The Sect database she had never failed a mission. Ambrogio was putting himself in an arduous position by opposing her. But Krill figured the Section Chief knew what he was doing. Either way he had a mission to complete.
Under a shroud of protection, he and his associates traveled undisturbed. Their holographic physical images altered to make them appear as late-19th-century London gentlemen. This way they could travel without revealing their true appearance.
The streets were packed with four-legged beasts hauling carts and carriages. A few crude-looking vehicles propelled by internal combustion plodded alongside them. Krill figured these vehicles had only been invented recently, they certainly struggled to accelerate toward higher speeds.
When they reached the warehouse, they triggered the defense perimeter and within moments they were confronted by one Hollow Man watcher. Unlike Krill and his companions, this Hollow Man was not dressed in the trademark black suit and red shirt worn by elite Hollow Men. Instead it wore a simple white shirt under its black suit and tie, which designated its Watcher status.
“State your purpose here,” said the Watcher, who was also concealed under a holographic image. But Krill’s eyes could see the watcher’s true form. No Hollow Man was obfuscated to another.
“Arrest and detention,” Krill responded.
“There must be a mistake,” the watcher replied. “Or else I would’ve been alerted.”
