“Very well, William.”
An awkward silence descended until Simeon realised that the conversation was at an end. He gave young Edward a ruffle of the hair. Then he started his journey back to the hall. He walked slowly, placing his hands within his pockets. He felt the medallion that was found at Hartshill Castle touch against his skin. He plucked the metal disc from his pocket and turned the strange object in his fingers. It seemed too small for a medallion and what appeared to be some kind of coat of arms, which was partially concealed by dirt and soot. He climbed the steps to Cloveney. The door opened before he had the chance to knock on its timbers.
“Thank you, Tomkins. How is the shoulder?” Simeon placed the medallion back in his pocket.
“It is healing, Sir Harkness. I just wish…” His eyes dropped to the floor, as though he was ashamed.
“You did all that was in your power, Tomkins. You have no reason to feel guilt. How are our guests?”
“A number of them seem to be awaiting your presence in your office.”
“Good, carry on,” Simeon replied, and then continued his journey. He knew that the men in the office wanted leadership. As he opened the door to his office and walked in, he wondered how he would tell these men that the investigation was at an end. Would they understand William’s decision, not to hunt down the man that had killed Emily? He strode over to the desk without speaking; he was thankful that one of those present had shown the foresight to pour him a drink. Picking up the glass, he first took in the aroma of the whiskey, he closed his eyes and downed the drink in one go. He slowly allowed his hand to fall away and placed the glass back on his desk. “Gentlemen, I have to inform you that William has expressed the wish that we cease all investigations into the Ripper.”
“What!” Abberline called out. “Surely, it is the grief.”
“He may change his mind in the coming days,” Naismith added.
Simeon held up a hand to prevent further comment.
“My son makes the wrong decision for all the right reasons. He wishes only to protect those he loves from further danger. Nonetheless, that love has blinded him to the fact that we cannot leave a man like the Ripper to continue to walk among men. He may be disfigured, he may well have lost his followers, but as sure as day follows night, he will not be happy to go quietly into retirement. He will take his time to heal his wounds and ensure that his pursuers have lost interest. Then, he will return.”
“But what about William?” Gossup asked.
“William will remain oblivious to our actions. We will hunt down the Ripper - and please let us refer to him by his proper name. No murderous bastard should be known as a professor. We will find this Ripper, and we will kill him. Are we all agreed?” There was no voice of descent in the room, all signalled their agreement. “Excellent, we should join our other guests. Isaac, may I have a word alone.”
Simeon waited as all but Naismith filtered out of the room. He picked up a bottle and refilled both his and Naismith’s glass.
“Isaac, I wanted to ask if you would like Cloveney Hall for your wedding. We have a small chapel, but I realise that Rebecca is Jewish, and in truth, I am not too certain how the whole thing works.”
“Both Rebecca and I are somewhat lapsed in our observance of faith. I can think of no better place to celebrate our love. Thank you, Sir Simeon.”
“There was one other matter.” He pulled the medallion from his jacket pocket. “What do you make of this? If you remember it was found at Hartshill Castle. I had forgotten all about it until today.” He passed the item over the desk. “I thought it was a medallion, but now I’m not so sure.”
Naismith took his time as he studied the item.
“It is not a medallion. I believe it is a jetton.” He dipped his thumb in his whiskey glass and used the liquid to clean one side of the disc.
“What on earth is a jetton?”
“For centuries they were used across Europe as a kind of money substitute. In many places they were used as coinage, but they rarely contained metals of any worth. This one, however, seems to be silver - and French.”
“How do you know?” Simeon asked.
Isaac held up the jetton to display the engraving that had emerged through his cleaning.
“That’s Louis the 15th, so this coin was minted around 1740.” He began to clean the reverse side. “Now that is odd.”
“What is it?”
“A coat of arms, but not belonging to the King of France. Well I never…” Isaac began to chuckle.
“Isaac!”
“Simeon, you are I am sure of my past employment. I dealt in intrigue, secrets, and deceit. Not the most honourable profession but one that becomes all consuming. I not only found the task interesting but also the acts of espionage throughout history. One story I found enthralling. The year was 1745, and Bonnie Prince Charlie was proving to be a thorn in the side of the British, but like all leaders, he needed an endless supply of people to flock to his banner. Winning battles is one way, another is to claim the support of God. To do that you need miracles. Bonnie Prince Charlie visits a place called Linlithgow Palace, famous home to the Stuarts. As he approaches an ornate fountain, the flowing water turns to red wine. So, Bonnie Prince Charlie gets his miracle, and the Jacobite ranks are swelled.”
“That is all very interesting but what has that to do with our medallion – jetton, whatever the blasted thing is?”
“Because the miracle was an illusion. It was an elaborate hoax set in motion months in advance. Linlithgow had men loyal to the Stuarts and therefore, to the prince. They met with the would-be king in secret. They would create a miracle, being loyal to the prince they would accept no payment. However, the prince gave them a gift. A French minted silver jetton that on one side contained the image of Louis the 15th and on the other,” Isaac held up the jetton, “a coat of arms showing a black hound chained to a tree, which just happens to be the coat of arms of Linlithgow.”
Simeon reached over and took the jetton.
“This is not the kind of item to be discarded or given away.” He knew that this item had worth not only to its previous owner but to the investigation. “Isaac, when we combined the list from Finch and Drummonds there was mention of a fishing vessel, do you remember?”
“Yes, but it was reported sunk.”
“And the Professor, as we knew him then, was reported decapitated in a London Park.”
“What was the fishing vessel called?” Simeon asked, but he was well aware of its name.
“The Bonnie Prince,” Isaac put his head in his hands as he realised the importance of the fishing vessel. “So, what is our next move?”
“If I wanted to avoid a man who has influence and resources then I would choose a place off the regular routes. I would also like somewhere that I knew – if by any chance my hunters come calling, I would know the lay of the land. I would have the advantage. I have not been a betting man for many years, Isaac, but I would wager that The Bonnie Prince is moored in waters close to Linlithgow and the Ripper is aboard. It is tempting to visit the place with all haste. However, I recommend we proceed with caution. I have no wish to alert the Ripper or William. In the morning, I want you and the men to return to London as planned. I will leave you the task of sharing our news with them. I will send word to you of when we will make our move. I am going to need an excuse to leave Cloveney Hall.”
“Surely your business endeavours?”
“William knows that I would not leave for mere business matters. No, I think I will need to enlist the services of our good doctor. Would you ask her to visit me?”
“Of course,” Naismith replied, his interest clearly pricked.
Chapter 34
Within two days the guests of Cloveney Hall had returned to their homes in London. At least all but one, Dr Fitzgerald had remained behind. She spent her time with Simeon. The pair of them had enjoyed fishing, hunting, and long walks within the Cloveney grounds. On the third day, William came down for breakfast ear
ly to find his father alone in the dining room.
“Has our guest not risen, yet?” William gave a smile as he spoke.
“I believe she will be some time. We were talking into the early hours,” Simeon replied casually.
“You are spending quite a considerable time with Dr Fitzgerald.”
“Anne is charming company.” Simeon refused to meet William’s eye.
“Oh! Anne is it?”
Simeon finally raised his head and looked at William.
“She is a good friend.”
“Father, you are allowed to find women attractive. You do find her attractive?”
“We just talk and have similar interests.” Simeon blushed.
“But you do find her attractive?”
“Yes, but it is not the right time. Not with – well you know.”
“Trust me – the here and now is the right time. How many years did I lose with my Emily? Do not waste a chance at happiness, Father.”
“It just doesn’t seem right.”
“My sadness will not increase because you have found joy.”
“Are you sure? Because Anne needs to return to Scotland for a few days and I would like to accompany her.”
“Of course, I don’t mind.” William rose from his chair. “I must get Edward dressed. He likes to go and see the ponies. If you have time why don’t you bring Anne down to us. We could have a picnic in the meadow.”
“I will and William, thank you.”
***
The ruse seemed to have worked. Seven days later, Simeon and Anne boarded a steamer. They journeyed below deck and were told that the rest of the men were already aboard. The captain of the vessel escorted them to their quarters. Upon opening the door to reveal a room containing a double bed, Simeon flushed.
“Captain Cartwright, my communication directed you to ensure that Dr Fitzgerald would require a room to herself.”
“Apologies, Sir Harkness, but we simply do not have the room.”
“Nonsense, Dr Fitzgerald can have this room, and I will share with you.”
“I am already billeted with the men, sir.”
“Simeon, I am sure that we can contain our animal urges for such a short journey.” Anne stroked his cheek and then strolled into the room. She playfully tested the springs on the bed. “Oh, this will be just fine. Simeon, come here and test the bed.”
“Erm – yes. Well… that will be all Captain.” Simeon entered the room and closed the door. He looked at Anne. “You have a mischievous streak.”
“Simeon, may I ask a question?”
“Of course,” he replied, as he opened the catch to his suitcase.
“When are you going to kiss me?”
“No need to keep up the act. William is not present.”
“Simeon, I know that your tenderness towards me is no act. Stop fiddling with that case and come sit next to me.”
“Anne,” he said as he sat next to her, “we have a task to complete and…” His words were cut short as Anne locked her lips against his, and before he knew what was happening, he was returning her kiss. Then suddenly, Simeon broke free and rose from the bed. “That was very enjoyable, Anne. There is nothing I would enjoy more than to remain here, but for the sake of my family, my mind must stay on the task ahead. Forgive me.” He gave a weak smile, and then reluctantly walked from the room.
The steamer cast off and began its journey up the coast. Simeon explained to the men that he feared that the Ripper could have recruited men to work as lookouts. For this reason, he had come up with a plan to evade unwanted eyes. Rather than arriving at a single destination, the steamer would dock at various points along the Scottish coast. At each docking, a pair of them would disembark and make their way to Linlithgow by land. Each couple would have a credible backstory to explain their presence and their eventual arrival at Linlithgow would be staggered, and so, unlikely to attract attention. It was decided that Simeon and Anne would travel to the small village of Blackness that served as Linlithgow’s dock. Once there, they would continue their ruse as lovers. Each pair would take up lodgings in differing parts of Linlithgow and the surrounding area. Initially, they would do no more than observe. With Tomkins’s detailed description of the Ripper, it would not be difficult to recognise the man.
***
Simeon and Anne did not set foot on solid ground until nearly two days later. By the time they arrived at Blackness dock, the sun had already disappeared from the sky. It was prudent to remain aboard the steamer until the morning. Simeon slept in the dining area and allowed Anne the room to herself, but on land, he would have to sleep in the same room. He could not help feeling apprehensive over the situation. Simeon had not shared his bed with a woman since his wife had died. If he was honest with himself, he had not felt the twangs of passion for many years. Anne had stirred long-dormant feelings within his soul, and he wasn’t sure that he liked it.
The concern over sleeping arrangements held his tongue captive on the walk from the steamer to their lodgings. It took Anne whispering in his ear to bring him back to the task in hand.
“We are supposed to be lovers, Simeon. You look like you’re visiting a graveyard.”
“Yes, of course,” he whispered back. He placed his arm around Anne’s waist and even managed an energetic public kiss. The display seemed to be ignored by the population of Blackness, with nobody taking any overly keen interest in new arrivals. It was hardly surprising Simeon thought. Linlithgow was the ancestral home of Scottish royalty. Visitors had flocked to this area for years, and many would have passed through the small village of Blackness.
***
Two days passed and Simeon had received no positive news from any of his men. He had arranged a carriage to take him and Anne to Linlithgow Palace. This was partly due to him needing to talk to his men face to face, and partly because the sexual tension within his lodgings were becoming unbearable. Anne had invited him to share the bed on more than one occasion, but he had remained resolute and settled for an uncomfortable chair. However, he felt his determination was beginning to wane.
As the carriage jolted a stop outside the ruins of Linlithgow Palace, Simeon spied Naismith talking with Gossup. He stepped down from the transport and held out his hand to aid Anne’s disembarkation. Gossup gave Simeon the very slightest of nods and then steered Naismith along the path, which led around the exterior of the Palace. Simeon waited a few minutes, and then, he and Anne followed the same route. After about one hundred paces Gossup and Naismith came to a stop and pretended to be transfixed by the countryside to the east of the Palace. Simeon passed them but stopped within a couple of paces of their position.
“If he dwells in Linlithgow, then he never leaves his lodgings or knows that we are here, and is in hiding,” Gossup said, continuing to point into the distance.
“Blackness is too small to hide a man for long,” Simeon replied. “Where are the others?”
“Stay this path. You will come across them,”
Simeon and Anne moved away and continued around the Palace’s perimeter. It was not long until Tallow and Bakari came into view. They told Simeon that they too had searched the surrounding countryside of Linlithgow, calling at farms under false pretence. There had been no sign of the Ripper. Simeon received the same story from Abberline and Benjamin, who had concentrated their search on watching the boats around Blackness docks. Determining that the Ripper may have changed the name of his craft, they’d had little choice but to observe all of the vessels of similar type to The Bonnie Prince. Abberline was relaying their lack of success when Simeon raised his hand and pointed towards the north side of the Palace.
“What the hell is that?”
Naismith, having been within earshot, now approached. “It’s the Linlithgow Loch, sir.”
“Has anyone bothered to investigate its waters?” Simeon asked.
“Would it be big enough for a fishing vessel?” Abberline suggested.
“One with a shallow hull, definitely,” Sim
eon replied. He reached into his jacket and pulled out his eyeglass. He surveyed the coastline of the Loch. He could see nothing of interest, but then the glass came to rest on a small island at the far side of the loch. Suddenly, the sun glinted on an object. Simeon focussed trying to decipher the shapes in the distance. “There’s a boat moored on the far side of the largest of the two islands.”
“Shall I go and take a look?” Gossup asked.
“I’m tired of all this skulking around like some petty thief. We will all go. Anne, you had best return to Blackness.”
“Oh, that’s a good idea. Leave the safety of half a dozen armed men and sit alone in a room,” she replied.
“I see your point. There is no time like the present, shall we go?"
Chapter 35
The far side of the loch was at least a mile away. The group followed the coastline where possible. At the same time, they ensured that they could not be observed from the deck of the Bonnie Prince. The journey was not without difficulty, Anne’s dress suffered at the hands of the terrain. Simeon however, was impressed with her determination.
Finally, they reached the part of the coastline that offered an unrestricted view of the northern side of the island. There sitting proudly in the water was a vessel. Simeon looked at the bow, and there in bold letters the name The Bonnie Prince.
“Look at the stern,” Gossup suggested, “a small rowing boat.”
“That means that he must be aboard. Goss, take this,” he handed the former soldier a handful of notes. “I saw two men in a small boat, fishing. Give them what it takes for their craft. We shall remain here out of sight.”
As Gossup set off back up the coastline, Simeon and the rest retreated to a more secluded spot. As they checked their weapons Simeon stopped and stared at Anne.
“I think it would be prudent if you were…”
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