The Reaper's Kiss

by Robert Southworth

  “You were my friend,” blurted William.

  “I am still your friend. I have done all in my power to keep you alive.”

  “You were supposed to be dead. I grieved for you.” William grasped the wine glass too hard. It smashed apart in his hand. Blood and wine mixed. It stained the white cloth that lay on the table.

  “I was left no alternative but to leave that life behind. The tramp-like professor that spent his days in the park had outlived his usefulness. It was a simple matter to find an old man to create the illusion.”

  “Kill him, did you? Just another body like Gaetan, Obadiah, Tom. No more than pieces of meat.”

  “Gaetan’s death was not on my orders. As for Obadiah and Tom, they died so you may live. The followers of Cronos wanted blood. I had to offer them your men to calm their bloodlust.”

  “And Mary Kelly? In what way did you protect me by murdering a woman that only brought beauty to the world?” William felt his temper beginning to rise.

  “I did not kill Mary Kelly or give the order.”

  “Liar! You sent me the pendant.”

  “What advantage would I gain from murdering Mary Kelly. Besides, she was making you happy on your return to these shores. I admit that I sent you the pendant, but I played no part in the murder.”

  “Then who did?” William demanded an answer.

  “Who was the one person that would benefit from her death?” Alpha asked.

  “My father? No, my father is many things, but he would not slaughter an innocent woman. Obadiah had the opportunity, but he would not go against my father’s wishes.”

  “Which leaves,” Alpha could not avoid smiling.

  “Emily… you expect me to believe that Emily is a cold-blooded murderer?”

  “Cold blooded, no. The murder was all about passion.”

  William could not bring himself to talk. The thought that the woman he loved could have slaughtered Mary Kelly hit him like a Billy club.

  “You should not judge her too harshly. She never went to Mary Kelly’s home with murder in mind. Crossed words turned to violence, and the butchery was simply an act of theatre to point the police in my direction.”

  William shook his head. “How would Emily have known about Mary, and how did you come to be in possession of the pendant?”

  “Have you not understood, William? Emily was a follower of Cronos. She was all alone in London. Her husband a vile abuser and her family dead and buried. You were not there, William. The only man that she ever loved had run away like a child. She was abandoned and sought safety with Cronos and me.”

  “Emily would never…”

  “Oh, do not misunderstand. She knew nothing about our activities. Cronos had welcomed her into our warm embrace only a matter of weeks before the fates brought you back to London. The night Mary Kelly died she came to me. Covered in blood and distraught at her actions. I took the pendant from her and reassured her that her sins would never come to light. My people cleaned her up and saw that she returned home safely. In the coming days and weeks, you would become involved in the attempt to bring me to justice, and your romance with Emily would re-ignite. Emily and I have met only once since that night. We agreed that she would never reveal my identity, and I would not instruct the authorities of her part in Mary Kelly’s death. I should have removed the threat she posed, but I thought that she might bring calm to your chaotic soul.” Alpha picked up his wine glass and was clearly studying William for a reaction.

  William did not know what to think. He knew that Alpha was a grotesque pied piper that could make people dance to his tune. He also knew that Emily was the gentlest of creatures, but she had proved that when someone threatened William, she was capable of taking a life. He was reminded of the time when Bessie had threatened his life. An enraged Emily threw the former maid through one of Cloveney Hall’s windows. Bessie was smashed apart on the hall’s courtyard. Emily had seemed genuinely upset at the girl’s death. He could not help wondering if it had all been an act? I want to return to my quarters.” The fury and fight had died in him.

  Chapter 26

  Camped on a small ridge overlooking the entrance to Hartshill Castle, Jack and John were beginning to lose patience. It had been two days and it wasn’t an ideal position. The building was far too big for two men to scout and most of the surrounding area was woodland, which made it difficult to ensure the inhabitants did not come and go without being seen. Having avoided the main roads on their approach, they were confident their presence was unknown to those within.

  “I think we are wasting our time. We could wait here a month and still not see anything of any worth,” Jack announced.

  “Well, we can’t go and kick in the bloody door. I don’t mind bashing a few heads, but I draw the line at nuns,” John replied.

  “I doubt it would be so quiet if the Cronos followers were inside.”

  “We could go back to Slaughter Yard,” John suggested.

  Jack could tell by the light of the fire that John was not excited by the prospect of standing guard at Slaughter again.

  “Perhaps we could see if there was another way inside. Have a look around if all seems normal, we slip out and return to the city.”

  “And if we get caught by the nuns, we can just claim to be looking for shelter,” John replied with more enthusiasm.

  “That’s settled it then. Erm - when do nuns retire for the night?”

  “I have no idea?” John shrugged as he spoke.

  “We would be wise to wait a few hours.”

  ***

  A small balcony looked over the inner courtyard of the castle. A hooded figure gripped the rail and gave a wicked grin. Two men without hoods stood to his rear and awaited orders.

  “Our visitors have decided to make an appearance?” The man at the rail asked.

  “Yes, they are scouting the perimeter. I believe they intend to enter undetected. Should I inform, Alpha.” A figure to his rear replied.

  “No, there is no need to wake him. Where is Faraday?”

  “He retired early.”

  “Good. Go tell the men to surround the courtyard but remain out of sight. Do it with haste because I also want you to gag William Harkness and bring him to me.” The figure could not keep the joy from his voice. He thought to himself. If Alpha would not let him kill Harkness, then he would find other ways to cause him pain.

  It wasn’t long before he could hear footsteps down in the courtyard. He stepped from the shadows so those below could see him. He raised a hand and suddenly, torches burst into flame around the perimeter of the courtyard. The forms of Jack and John were bathed in light.

  “Bugger!” A voice emanated from below.

  “Bugger indeed. It seems that you are a little outnumbered and outflanked. I suppose I am wasting my time asking you to surrender?”

  “I was going to ask you the same,” came the reply.

  “Jack… Jack Moore, isn’t it? Famous pugilist, close friend of William Harkness. It seems a shame to waste your talents. And your comrade is?”

  “John Branford,” John announced.

  “No… never heard of you.”

  “Arrogant bastard,” John cursed.

  “It has been said. Well gentleman, when our esteemed guest arrives, we shall begin.”

  “Begin what?” Jack asked.

  “Your murder, of course.”

  ***

  William woke to a man ordering him to get up. The owner of the voice had obviously tired of the lack of response, he grasped at William’s hair and pulled. The action stopped as a boot shot out from the bed and caught the man in the groin. William jumped and threw his hands into the air as a second man moved forward. “Forgive me. It’s a dangerous game waking a man in such a manner. The sleeper, even a prisoner, can forget when roused.”

  “Leave it! We haven’t the time,” said the first man as he regained his feet. He took in a deep breath and cupped his genitalia as if the act of holding them would take away the pain. “Gag
him and let’s go.”

  William was man-handled through the various corridors of the castle. At one point he considered making a break for freedom. His patience at his treatment was close to running out. It would better to choose the time of his death than await a blade in the night. A door opened and he felt the cold night air on his face. Forced through the doorway, he recognised the form of Coldridge.

  “Ah! Our guest has arrived. Remove the gag.”

  The cloth was ripped without ceremony from William’s mouth.

  “What do you want, Coldridge?” Announcing the hooded figure’s identity to all within earshot was a small victory, but one that still gave William satisfaction.

  Coldridge raised his hands and pulled at the hood. “I am not one for remaining in the shadows. Besides, we have more guests, and I would like you to look into the eyes of the man responsible. Come to the rail, William. I have arranged for you to see your friends. Am I not a most considerate host?” Coldridge waved his hands towards the rail.

  William tentatively moved forward. The vision of Jack and John in the centre of the courtyard caused William to feel sick inside. He decided that it was better to die with his friends. However, as the thought of jumping the rail entered his mind, a pistol barrel was pressed against his head.

  “Imagine yourself in the Colosseum. Can you feel the tension, will the gallant heroes survive? Shall we find out William?” Coldridge laughed.

  William watched as the figures around the courtyard moved inward. Each of them drew a blade, signalling their intent.

  “Don’t do this, Coldridge. It’s me that you hate. Take my life,” William pleaded.”

  Coldridge leaned forward and whispered into William’s ear.

  “You humiliated me, Harkness. You stole my wife and then used your father to take my wealth. You want me to show mercy? I will kill your friends, your father and Emily. I will take all that you love, and then you will die by hand. No, Harkness, there will be no mercy.”

  “Jack run!” William screamed.

  Coldridge roared with laughter.

  “I promise you, Coldridge. I am going to kill you. I will tear you apart.” William fell silent as he observed Jack take a pistol from his jacket. It was one of William’s pepperboxes and as he watched, the four barrels raged with fire. Three of Coldridge’s men were down. Two of them lay unmoving, but the third screamed as he held his hands to a face that had been torn apart. It served only to slow the remainder of the attackers. John caught the arm of one man, and the crack of a limb sounded around the courtyard. Suddenly, William started to hope that all was not lost. Two more attackers went down, plucked from their feet by Jack’s powerful blows. Then William drew in a sharp breath; he watched as a blade took John in the back. The big man swung around and smashed the jaw of his assailant, but John had received a fatal blow. John stumbled, and then another attacker darted forward and drove a blade deep into his ribs. John fell to his knees and then disappeared beneath an onslaught of enemies.

  Jack was cut and bleeding, but his speed had prevented his enemies from pinning him down. However, William’s heart stopped as the men that had killed John now streamed toward Jack. The pugilist sent a vicious blow and caught a man in the throat, sending him crashing to the floor. William caught his friend’s eyes and he mouthed the words that he was sorry, just as three men took Jack down. Blades were raised and thrust downwards, but still Jack was able to kill one last enemy.

  Silence descended, and Coldridge’s men dragged themselves upright. William stared at Jack’s lifeless body; ripped from the world in the same way as his brother. He felt burning rage and turned to face Coldridge. The barrel of the pistol now pointed at his forehead.

  “Do it! If you don’t - I swear to God, that you will be dead within days.”

  “Stop!” Alpha, entered the courtyard with Faraday following close behind. After taking a moment to glance around the courtyard Alpha turned to Faraday. “If you would escort William back to his quarters, Faraday. I need to speak with Coldridge.” Alpha held his hand up his hand and signalled that Coldridge should join him in the courtyard.”

  ***

  Both men remained quiet as they walked the corridors of the castle. When finally, they reached William’s room, Faraday took a flask from his jacket.

  “Take a drink.” Faraday pushed the flask into William’s hand.

  “I’m going to kill that bastard. I’m going to kill all of the bastards.” He took a long drink from the flask. “I promised his brother.”

  “Brother?” Faraday asked.

  “Jack’s brother was my sergeant in the Afghan. He saved my life, and the last thing he asked me before he died, was to look out for Jack. They died the same way – cut to pieces. I failed them both,” William sobbed.

  “I am going to get you out of here, William. Only you can bring the likes of Alpha and Coldridge to justice.”

  “Don’t call him Alpha. His name is Jack the Ripper and the only justice they will receive is death.” William snarled through his tears.

  “No matter what we call him, retribution will have to wait. You need to be free of this place and soon,” Faraday replied.

  “We will leave tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow? But we haven’t planned,” Faraday protested.

  “You have been making the preparations. I have smelt the coal oil and black powder on your clothing.”

  “Yes, alright I have been. But we still need the opportunity.”

  “The Ripper will ask to see me tomorrow.”

  “How do you know?” Faraday asked.

  “Coldridge acted without orders. The Ripper prides himself on being in control. He knows what his men think. He has been one step ahead of our investigation all the way through. Perhaps, I am starting to know him. He will show Coldridge that there is only one leader of Cronos and then he will attempt to know my mind.”

  “Why should he care?”

  “Because without holding the control he is nothing. Within this building. there may be as many as twenty men. I would wager that each, and every one of them could best the Ripper in a brawl. He holds power because he knows their minds and hearts. When he sees into their soul, he has the intelligence to bend them to his will. He finds a way in. Sometimes its ego, fear, anger or love that places people within his palm.”

  “The need for vengeance?”

  “Yes, but at some point, he has to fail. I refuse to believe that he is all-seeing, god-like creature.” William slowed his breathing and attempted to calm down. “What choice do we have? If we stay here, then we die anyway. George, I once offered you the hand of friendship – I am doing the same again. I need your help.” William held out his hand.

  “My mind was clouded by the Ripper. Panic caught hold of me and I corrupted all that I hold dear. “I will be honoured to help you, William. Though I do not deserve your friendship or forgiveness for that matter.

  William, however, did not lower his hand.

  “My forgiveness or friendship is for me to decide. You were a bloody fool that is a matter for your conscience. If I stay here, I die. If you choose loyalty to the Ripper, I die. In attempting to escape, I may well die. But here and now I am offering you my hand.”

  Faraday shook hands.

  “We will need to ensure that we escape at night. If my preparations falter, then we will be better off with the cover of darkness to escape our pursuers.”

  “Agreed,” William replied.

  ***

  Castle Courtyard

  Alpha watched as Coldridge strode across the courtyard. He knew that Coldridge was useful, but the man’s bloodlust for William was beyond control. Alpha had also noticed that Coldridge had rediscovered his swagger and arrogance. The training that he had undergone had only served to hide Coldridge’s natural traits temporarily. On the contrary, the training seemed to have intensified his more violent tendencies. Unknown to those within the courtyard, including Coldridge, Alpha allowed himself a smile.

  “Gather aroun
d please, gentlemen.” Alpha glanced around. “Those that are able, that is.” Five of their number would never raise themselves from the courtyard surface, and another three would need weeks to recuperate. The announcement showed the cost of Coldridge’s actions. “I want each of you to look at the loss that we have suffered. Good men were torn from this world by one man’s hatred. Take off your robe, Charles Coldridge.” Every pair of eyes in the courtyard looked directly at the man that Alpha had addressed. Coldridge stood perfectly still. “I will only ask you one more time.” As if they had received a silent order each of the men drew their blades. The tell-tale twitch in Coldridge’s jaw showed his concern. The robe dropped to the courtyard surface. “Come closer.” When Coldridge stood no more than one pace away, Alpha commanded him, “On your knees.” Charles Coldridge stiffened, but slowly he lowered himself to the ground. Alpha slapped him across the face. “One blow for your arrogance.” Alpha struck him again. “One blow for placing your selfish actions above the lives of your men.” A third slap cut Coldridge’s lip. “A final blow, so that you remember your place before Cronos. You are to serve his purpose not your own. Have you anything to say?”

  Coldridge remained silent for a moment. However, he eventually dropped his head. “Forgive me, Alpha.”

  “Gentlemen, if you would carry on with your tasks. Coldridge and I will discuss how he can regain his robe.”

  Chapter 27

  Those resident in Cloveney Hall were ignorant of what had taken place on the previous night. Loud groans had awoken the household in the early hours of the morning. Sir Simeon Harkness had been the first to find Emily pacing the landing of the first floor. Simeon had recognised a woman in labour but had been unsuccessful at convincing Emily to return to her bedroom.