Preys and Predators Part 1 Chapter 13

 

13           The relationship between doctor and patient.

 

Doctor Jekyll removed the protective shield he wore when mixing the chemicals. He was at his work table, trying out the experiments on Vlad Tepes’s blood. Blood experiments were still an unknown area of medicine, although blood transfusion was claimed to had been discovered in 1667, Doctor Blundell had invented an instrument that allow for the transfusion of blood with the presumption that human bloods could be mixed. but blood typing was still unknown not until much later in 1900 by Karl Landsteiner.

As a fact, the eighteenth hundreds era, the popularity of bloodletting was reaching an all-time high. The physician would perform the procedure by making an incision into the arteries or veins. In some cases, to “improve” their technique, they used a device called a fleam, which was a wooden stick that drove a blade into the vein.

(https://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/article/a-brief-history-of-phlebotomy/#:~:text=By%20the%201800s%20the%20popularity,a%20blade%20into%20the%20vein)

“Doctor, would this works?” Vlad was lying on the cloth cot when the doctor has offered to replace his blood with another. It was assumed that if bloodletting; the removal of the blood that was in practice for generations was to cure many ailments.

“I am not sure. I am experimenting with that now.” Doctor Jekyll looked to the man on the cot. “I am using a new method but blood transfusion was done earlier in the sixteenth century by Physician Richard Lower …...”

“That was between dogs if I am not mistaken.” Count Vlad Tepes interjected.

“Noted, but in 1795, American Physician Philip Syng Physick claimed to have performed the first human blood transfusion but unpublished. It was known by many of Doctor James Blundell in 1818 for haemorrhage, and not only once but several patients.”

“And infection was unforeseen.” Count Vlad cut in. “I…. “

“Knowing that, Doctor Joseph Lister in some years back uses antiseptic to prevent that. He revolutionised the craft of surgery.” Doctor Jekyll in turn cut in. “Your knowledge is vast, Count.”

“But I am not a physician or surgeon. I am more of a ……. Murderer as claimed by many.” Count Vlad Tepes sighed. “When all I wanted to do was save my land and people from the invaders then.”

“We all have out noble aims misread by others.” Doctor Jekyll smiled. “Or rather they will say it was our ‘super-ego’ that drove us to …… should I say, madness.”

“I am aware of that. That was the reason I sought you out.” Count Vlad Tepes adjusted his body weight on the cot. “I have explained my infliction to you over my correspondences. I am also said to be a vampire but the real facts where I do not drink their blood, but yes, I hold immortality or rather I am still alive after so many generations, which is why I am here.”

“And you heal fast.” Doctor Jekyll held the vial with his left fingers.

“Unfortunately, or otherwise, that also made me a monster.”   Count Vlad smiled. “I sought solitary to being …….”

“We are all monsters in some form, Count. That monster may appear in our personality or…... ego.” Doctor Jekyll smiled. He held his view for in his works with the Government, he had done experiments; wild experiments claimed by the others of his works, but he felt it was to widen the frontier of medicine, although some of his work result could create monsters. He had infused in genes of animals to create the super warrior. It was an undisclosed works and was also his obsession to test the theory he held that the homo sapiens could be much better in strength or speed. He believed Nephilim exists.

“I cannot see any deformities’ in your blood.” Doctor Jekyll held up the vial to the electric light. “Blood properties are a work of studies of some experts but we have no real advancements there.”

“Whose blood am I getting now?” Count Vlad asked. He looked to the curtain screen that was between him and his donor. He was not shown his donor during the transfusion.

“Oh, that is unimportant.” Doctor Jekyll said. The doctor has arranged a man of younger age; a convict due to be hung to be exact and with the generous number of coins to the wardens, the other was strung upside down on the other side. He was sedated and at that moment medically dead. The blood was transfuse using the ‘surgical pump’ which was experimental then.

“We agreed, Count. You will not question my methods while I will not of your intentions.” Doctor Jekyll reminded the other. “We are pioneering new trails of medicine.”

Count Vlad then resumed his rest. He had offered himself to the experiment when the read of the Doctor’s experiments with blood and chemicals. He had suffered the ailment of his for far too long. He wanted to be rid of it.

Only Rosa will understand.

Count Vlad Tepes existed in the fourteenth century, and was the ruler of the land. He was made the ruler of Wallachia not once but thrice when he was dethroned by his enemies. He was famed not for his thrones, but the rumours that he conjured supernatural acts through the consumption of blood. It was the works of his enemies, when his action to impale his enemies on stakes and with the blood accumulated at the bottom end of the stake. It was an action to put fear into the enemy that was fivefold his numbers but the accusation made him into a monster.

Blood drinker.

Count Dracula.

 

 

 

Preys and Predators Part 1 Chapter 12

 

12           An interlude to gruesome acts

 

Mary Reid did not possess the qualities of the feline, but she loves to stretch her body when she is awake. More so, when she had a good sleep. She got out of the bedding and stretched her arms up and raised her feet on her toes. She then bends over her body forward to reach her toes. It was called calisthenics. It was a friendly nudge at her posterior then; the hardness of it was obvious. She spread her legs to accommodate the feel, where she was not disappointed by it. She felt the hands reached from the back towards her flat chest, tweaking where it matters.

“Uh-huh! You are a wonder to wake for.” Mary heard the compliments from the lover indulging inside her. She did not bother to reply but leaned back to enjoy the morning sun which had then provided her the alternative warmth. She felt his urgency in the act and was not to be left behind. She humped her body back at him and felt her own urgings set to explode.

“Yes!” Mary knew her needs were met.

The bodies detangled and the lady scoot off to the personal bucket. She heaved a sigh of relief on emptying her bladder and then emerged from there with the bath towel wrapped at her chest. Her lover laid on the bedding spreadeagled and heaving in deep breaths.

“Seriously, why do men feel like when they have unloaded, and lay on the bedding as if they done a long run?” Mary stood there looking.

“Well. We do. It is a culmination of hard works there. It felt like a high climb up the mountain side and then plunged down the ravine.”

“Ravine? I think it was my abyss was more like it, enveloped in darkness and despite the oncoming currents, your boys swam hard.” Mary replied. “I am taking a bath now to clean myself. I do not want to hold your scent when I am on the street. The canines might mistake me for their one of their own.”

“Mary, darling. Be nice. I was good.” Her lover called out when she stood under the torrents of water from the hand pumped shower there (Thanks to Mr. Feetham, a stove maker from Ludgate Hill in London. These early modern-day showers were powered by a hand pump and used less water than baths. And thank goodness for the stoves too).

“I knew you were but be a lad to rub my back. It is numbed from being pushed down on the bedding.” Mary called out. “My hands are busy.”

The request was swiftly attended and then the co-joining of the bodies was once more done.

Much later, on the rumpled bed sheets, the lovers were in-between their conjugal needs, decided to speak on trivial matters.

“Jon, are you leaving again?” Mary asked while her rights fingers tried to straighten the strands of hair on the other’s chest.

“Yes, I am. Challenger and myself are off to Tanzania. An expedition is mounted there to explore the inner parts of the land, where giant apes are heard of but unseen.” The lover named Jon replied. “Challenger’s injury is on the recovery and by the time we arrived there, he shall be fit to walk.”

“But you just arrived.” Mary protested.

“Darling, I have been here for one week ….no, it was two weeks. I had to see my mother and her sister …...” 

“Your aunt, Dorothy, you mean the ape.” Mary reminded him.

“Yes, and thankfully I did not come from between her legs. She is a …... bore and prude.”

“She is a spinster and not boring at all. I met her and was told you had come back, when you did not find me…… earlier.” Mary pulled a strand out.

“Ouch! How could I miss that? Oh, yes, I was afraid of Professor Moriarty’s niece. I hear he will cook me over the open fire if I ever jilt his niece.”

“And he will.” Mary reached down and grabbed his balls.

“Ouch! Be gentle. God made us gentler there.” Jon called out. “There are a number of delicate plumbing works there.”

“I can tell, when it needed to be released the valve there.” Mary smiled. “But do take care when you are in …… where is that again?”

“Tanzania. And it is safer there than here. Or even on your homestead. There they do not leave the victims in the alley. The predators would have consumed the carcass within the hour.” Ron interjected in. “I am worried for you to be here when the city is swarmed by these gruesome murders. Why Are you here anyway?”

“Well, at my homestead, we cleared off the blood suckers and the furry predators. So, I decided to come over to find more …...”

“Mary Reid, if I have not known you more, I would day you are here for a holiday but the fact I had known you deeper, you are here to hunt the murderers in your mind are blood suckers.”

“Jon Roxton, you are an animal to assume that I travel over a month just to come and suck off those killers.” Mary forced her hand hard on his groin. “I have better sucks here.”

Not disclosed to Jon was Mary was there to trace the whereabouts of one named Vlad Tepes. She was to seek him at the valley but then she knew he had left his castle.  The intelligence reports came in with his sightings at the city and confirmed by her uncle. It was no sucker punch but to end the vampire’s saga, the source must be eliminated.

 

 

 

 

 

Preys and Predators Part 1 Chapter 11

 

11            A coincidence

 

The conversation at Holmes’ living area became more cordial when Mrs Hudson brought the tray of scones and pot of tea. The four sat down to the interlude of refreshment, and it was then Professor Challenger raised a pertinent name.

“Holmes, I meant Sherlock.” Professor Challenger bashfully smiled. “Sherlock, since we are on the case of the murders. The peculiar act of it was the savagery of the attack; the organs removed.”

“I had seen some acts of these but never in the same context. Some tribes do take the organs of the dead but it was more ritualistic or at times, mutilate the dead so that if they are reborn, they would not be complete.”

“I was told some take the heads, and have it shrunk it to wear as trophies.” Mycroft interjected.

“Yes, those are head hunters but I have not met them as yet.” Professor Challenger then return to his tale. “Savagery exists in the wild, as a form of action to intimidate the enemies from attacking them. Just like the head hunters, the trophies are like a totem of strength.”

“In which, the murders here, the trophies are the organs. They are collected to show their prize, but the crucial point was the act of the killing. The victims are sliced opened and left there. That to me is another form of trophy display.” Professor explained. “But the act is still savage.”

“Decapitation is savage.” Doctor Watson cut in. “At the Frontier, savagery may come in the form of torture or leaving a dying man to be staked alive in the hot sun.”

“There are many forms of savagery. Removing the pinkie finger is equally savage.” Professor Challenger smiled.

“Or making one a eunuch is as bad.” Mycroft tried to get into the flow of the discussion.

“Mycroft, that was a choice for them to get into the palace in the Far East.” Doctor Watson snapped at the other.

“As I was indicating the acts of savagery comes from the acts, and how does these acts can be performed. A normal person may not be able to do it unless in anger or in some, a necessity.” Professor Challenger shifted the matter.

“Your flow of the mind then, Professor?” Holmes cut in.

“Recently, I was to witness the influence of some medicine …… pardon my reference, Doctor. The …... so named doctors there used the potion from the flower to create the strength in the warriors, that they became …... intoxicated.” Professor Challenger tried to find the correct term to use.

“Are you saying extreme show of strength? I have seen it in some when they are in a trance or at times, in a wild state of emotions.” Doctor Watson added his view. “It is the result of the medication.”

“It may be so, but have you seen their physical form increase in size?” Professor Challenger held out his right fingers. “They grew double their shapes. That was noticeable.”

Mycroft looked to his groin and with wild imagination it grew.

“I saw them personally. The warrior of a timid built became twice his build. The unique part of it was his emotions were …….”

“Scrambled? That is the drug induced state, but to grow has never been recorded.” Doctor Watson explained medically.

“Exactly! I was bewildered by the act. I then took some sample of the flowers with me.” Professor Challenger smiled. “It was unethical but curiosity overcome me.”

“Do you have it here?” Holmes asked.

“Not any more. I am not a chemist so I handed it over to a good friend, Doctor Henry Jekyll three months ago.” Professor Challenger looked at the Doctor. “He was to test it.”

“Henry Jekyll? I knew him. He was my junior in the faculty where we learned Chemistry. He is a genius but his experiments were radical. Once he tried to induce the apes’ codes into the chimpanzee to make them bigger but he was reprimanded for being foolish.” Holmes recalled the younger chemist.

“I knew him too.” Mycroft recalled the eccentric chemist who was later recruited by the Intelligence to make some experimental projects. The government was desperate to find new works to rival some of the other minds like Nikola Tesla or George Westinghouse; both are inventors in the realm of electricity. The works of Jules Verne had gotten the imagination of many to find new discoveries.

“Well, by name.” Mycroft shot himself in the toes there. He could not disclose the works of Doctor Jekyll without getting him locked away at the sanatorium or the Tower of London.

“Jekyll?” Holmes was intrigued. He recalled seeing Doctor Jekyll there at the murder scene. It was more than a coincidence.

“What did you do?” Holmes asked.

“I gave him the flowers to test. He was curious on the effect of the mind and body when incorporated with enhanced chemicals.” Doctor Challenger smiled. “He was fixated on it. He also believed that Nephilim exists and they were created.”

“Most interesting.” Holmes frowned over his facial expression. “And did Doctor Jekyll mentioned anything on the flower’s experiment?”

“No, we have not met since then. I was away and when I returned, he had not seen me.”

“And it was three months since we met.” Professor Challenger smiled. “I returned with Jon Roxton. We met at the ship returning here. He was on another expedition there.”

It was about three months period when the murders had taken place.

“Jon is in the city this week; meeting someone he had not seen for some time. It was a lady. Her name is Mary Reid from the other continent.” Professor Challenger smiled. “He is a ladies’ man, and a hunter. Both skills he is good.”

“Mycroft, I was to tell you to get Jon to replace me, but he may not be available. He is due to sail with me next week. We just met this this morning. He is just here to warm his toes with the lady.” The Professor smiled.

“Sherlock, do you know Professor Moriarty? He used to teach at your university. He is a professor of Maths. He is Mary Reid’s uncle.” Holmes heard from the Professor with interest. The coincidence became more intertwined.

‘Mary Reid? I heard of the name but I cannot place the face.” Doctor Watson cut in.

“She is a renowned ……. Or rather a bounty hunter for the vampires and werewolves, by reputation.” Holmes said to Watson.

 

 

 

 

Preys and Predators Part 1 Chapter 10

 

10           Holmes’ Home

 

Holmes was seated at the window, looking out at the passing coaches, but his mind was on the murders. It baffled him that he had no conclusive clues, and then the appearance of the notable characters.

“Why would a chemist and another, a lady be present there?” Holmes voiced out in his thoughts.

“Pardon me, Holmes. Were you asking a question or mumbling to yourself?” Watson who was present there seated across the room, with his feet keeping warm in the carpet shoes, and was reading the papers with the headlines highlighting his words. Holmes did not reply to his question.

“Bloody prints are mis-quoting me there.” Doctor Watson was agitated by the printed words. “I did not say MEDICINE MURDER. Where did those reporters make their lines?”

Holmes had leaned forth on his seat, and looked at the Doctor.

“When have you ever bothered by the prints? We get it constantly with the misprints of the facts.”

It was then Mrs Hudson knocked on the door. She stepped in without waiting for the invite. She was dressed in her yellow gingham dress with the white apron. She had flours on her apron but knew her task well was to attend to the guests arriving there. She had with her a bouquet of roses.

“Holmes, your brother is here.” Mrs Hudson beamed her smile. She was ever pleased with the flowers that Mycroft brought over each time he comes. Holmes knew her brother was a person with his peculiar habits; meticulous and repetitious. He found his wanting to bring flowers to Mrs Hudson as one of his peculiarities.

“Do let him….” Mycroft did not wait for the invite and walked in from behind Mrs Hudson. One of his other peculiarities there, assuming that he was always welcomed.

“Privy is to your right down the back stairs.” Doctor Watson voiced out. Mycroft walked straight towards it without a greeting.

“How did you know?” Mrs. Hudson asked.

“He had curry today. There was the stain on his shirt. The ingredients of the curry leave a yellowish stain there.” Holmes explained. “And I wondered why he eats that. His digestion system does not take well to it.”

“Holmes, in my medical profession ……” Doctor Watson was to explain when Mrs Hudson interrupted.

“He has a guest, Holmes.” Mrs Hudson stepped aside to admit the other. The man who stepped in was bearded with the walking cane.

“Professor Challenger. I am glad to meet you.” Holmes got up from the seat to take the other man’s hand. “Your adventures are well discussed in the Adventurer’s Club.”

“An exaggeration there. Those pimpernel fools are good talking from the armchairs, than to climb the mountains or leaping off the ravines.” Professor Challenger shook Holmes’ hand, and was offered a seat next to Watson. Both men there exchanged greetings.

“I say old chap, your sweet bites are potent.” Mycroft appeared from the privy. “By the way, Doctor. Your book Canon of Medicine is in there by the basin. I never thought of you reading in there.”

(Canon Medicinae is an encyclopaedia of medicine in five books compiled by Muslim Persian physician-philosopher Avicenna. Circa 1025.)

“You found it. Holmes borrowed it some time back.” Doctor Watson glared at the other for having to leave it there.

“It was good reading when I was there. Surely, I needed some other focus while I was idling there.” Holmes defended his privy ritual and then shifted the focus onto the guest.

“And why are you limping, Professor?”

“I had a bad fall during my return from the jungles. It was to retrieve my shoe and ended up with a twisted ankle.” Professor Challenger smiled.

“Unfortunately for me, I was to get the Professor to assist me.” Mycroft cut in. “I had wanted him to assist me in hunting the killers of the recent murders.”

“Interesting …... Professor Challenger is a hunter; big game hunter to be precise. Why would …...” Doctor Watson was amused on the invite.

“I am aware, and the recent murders could be the works of a wild animal. That is where ……” Mycroft cut in.

“Absurdity! None of the victims were not mauled but slaughter to some extent I may concur.” The Doctor defended his view. “You cannot ……”

“Inconclusive remarks, Doctor. I was asked by Mycroft when he met me at the Diogenes Club.” Professor Challenger looked to the doctor. “We had curry there. Delicious dish.”

“He lives there.” Doctor Watson affirmed the abode. “Professor, do you know that common culprits in curry allergies include spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and fenugreek. Mycroft may have that allergy.”

“I am not aware but I knew of some individuals may also react to other ingredients such as garlic, onion, or chili peppers. Jon Rexton disliked them.” The Professor smiled. “One’s man meat is another man’s poison.”

“Where did you meet Mycroft?” Holmes cut in to move the subject matter. “You mentioned the club?”

“Well, I do patronise there. And we met and spoke. However, I told him I was unable to assist for my injury will not permit to travel fast or far.” Professor Challenger smiled. “Thereafter, he suggested me to see you.”

“For a cure.” Professor Challenger smiled. Doctor Watson was partially impressed that his medical expertise was recommended and then felt that his own injury that caused his limp may be the reason more.

“Yes, I am injured.” Doctor Watson glared at Mycroft. He was upset at the other. “Well, I was at my left leg when I was wounded at the Battle of Maiwand in July 1880 by a jezail bullet, while under treatment, I suffered enteric fever and was sent back to England on the troopship.”

The good doctor extended his words with a tone of sarcasm at Mycroft.

“And that makes me qualified to explain your injury from a personal view.” Doctor Watson looked at the Professor.

“Most gracious, Doctor Watson but I only twisted my ankle. I will be fine and soon travel to the jungle for another excursion. I am to meet the pygmies and the giant apes there. I am going with Jon Roxton. We travelled extensively together.”

“Wonderful! Jon is a good friend of mine too. Have not met him for some time. Would you be bringing Mycroft then? He may need to increase his ego there.” Doctor Watson smiled. “Or have it squash by the apes to serve as curry.”

“Most primates eat meat but rarely, if at all, but meat sometimes provides substantial immediate energy and protein gains.” Professor Challenger smiled at Doctor Watson. “Their diets are mostly plants based.”

“Well, try curry infused. They might have more meat then.” The snide remark was targeted towards Mycroft. “They could leave you a trail to track them.”

Preys and Predators Part 1 Chapter 9

 

9              Licence to act

 

The hall was at the end of corridor and it was detested by many who had to march that corridor. There are no doors along the corridor, except for a few painted pictures that one will shun from looking at. The re-production of Dante’s version of Hell was one of it. It was a ghostly reminder to those who were to be committed there, and next to it was the image of the four horsemen which was depicted in the good BOOK as the sign of apocalypse. The third painting was of the deep abyss that resembled more of the spiral steps to the dark recess below. The carpet along the corridor was woven Persian but the patterns were circles; intertwined ones of differing measurements.

The servants called it the corridor of despair.

Unofficially it was named Famous Five; the selected members of the Government to be present there.

But to some, it was the gateway to the solution.

“I said, Prime Minister, its work of a few serial killers out to prove their kills.” The Prime Minister who was Uno Numero in the listing, seated there on the high-back chair looked towards the one who chose to explain the issue. There were five of them that day, seated around the round table that was supposedly to be the original table from Camelot but only five chairs were found, and five it was needed for then new Round Table Knights to declare themselves saviour of the realm.

“No. 1,” the other addressed the Prime Minister by the assigned ranking. “The Queen expressed her concern on the matter. The murders are holding too many publicities and …...” The aide to the monarchy represents the interest of the royalty. He was Number 4.

“How many murders reported?” No. 1 asked to one responsible for handling such cases. “No.5 please advise.”

“About …...” No.4 is the Chief of Intelligence and held no ministerial; position. He was to reply when he was interrupted by No. 4 who was the aide to the Queen.

“I am sure you have the specific numbers.” No.1 looked to No.5.

“Thirteen confirmed and three more similar but disputable ……”

“Let us stick to sixteen then.” No. 4 lambasted.

“Another scandal perhaps? I am sure the Queen …...” The one who spoke wore the uniform of the military command with the rank of Admiral. He is No. 2 there. “The previous Ripper makes a return perhaps? How many did he killed?”

“The five were Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes, and Mary Jane Kelly.”

“Spare me their names, No.5. Five compared to ……. Sixteen here. Most appalling then.” The Admiral who is the second in the ranking said. “We must not let this be a scandal.”

“Not our first scandal, and certainly not that embarrassing than that of the military.” No. 4 hit back. “May I remind the Admiral that the Queen hold the discretion to suppress the reports.”

“Suppressed? The whole city is aflame by the murders. I am sure the Queen has other matters to concern on. And I am No. 2 here.”

“Admiral, you served by the authority of the Queen.”

“Spare me your threats, No. 4 or ……. His Lordship. I am above it all. I command the men just as well even without the pips on my sleeves.” The Admiral was without doubt the most decorated officer in the military.

“I trust you do the command but I held her majesty’s trust.” No. 4 who held the rank of :Lord was at loggerheads with the other. “The Queen says stop the embarrassment. The last case with the Ripper had …... ripped the family apart.”

“Gentlemen, if I may intrude. As I was implying the murders may be the works of ……...” The earlier person who was No. 5 tried to interject in.

“Then do your bloody role, Chief of Intelligence.” The aide to the Queen roared out. “No.5.”

“Exactly my words.” The Admiral added there.

“Do your task, Chief. We are …. relying on you.” The directive by the Prime Minister was directed at the Chief. “Controlled the prints from cresting the news above the Ripper’s. We have enough scandals to contend with.”

“Whatever happens will be for the worse, and therefore it is in our interest that as little should happen as possible." The Prime Minister quoted his line on most matters. “I take it that you understand.”

(Extract from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Gascoyne-Cecil,_3rd_Marquess_of_Salisbury)

“I will do my best, Lords.” The Chief nodded. The meeting was to be adjourned when the Prime Minister realised that the Exchequer had not attended.

“Where is No.3? Lord Dennis must attend.” The Prime Minister asked.

“I do not know. Maybe he did not get invite.” The Chief was snide in his remarks. “Or having tea with the Queen while we meet.”

“No. 5, I find your statement unacceptable. If he was, I would be informed.” The aide to the Queen defended his position.

“Then he was not invited then.” The Chief smiled. He had a personal dislike of the Exchequer, constantly making cuts on his allocations.

“Check with his Department and tell the aide there to get him to come for the meets. His absence is a shame on his name.”

“He may retort if was it we needed funds?” The Admiral sarcasm was there for the Exchequer had that question as part of his normal replies. Even as No.2, he was not given carte blanche on the requests.

“I have no need of his funds for now. We have victories over the Boers and most of Africa without heavy losses and costs. He should appreciate the wealth of those colonies that will fill the nations coffer there.”  The Prime Minister voiced out his achievements.

“I am sure he does, but…...” The aide to the Queen stood by the Exchequer.

“Bloody well, just remind him of his duty.” The Prime Minister stormed off.

Soon, the Chief overseeing the intelligence left the hall and walked along the corridor with his eyes on the painting.

“At the least, they are more of a relief to meet those in the Hall.” The Chief reached the end of the corridor, and exited to the huge hall with the multi levels presented there connected by the huge stairways. At the ground level, the hall was guarded at the main entrance and the start of the staircase.

The Chief’s level was at the basement where there were entries and exits that the staff could take unnoticed by the guards at the hall. The Chief housed a complement of hundred staff, with one third are armed beneath their jackets or coats. He walked to the far end and arrived at his assigned chamber.

“Good day, Mycroft. We got the task now. Investigate the murders and removed the threat.”

“It could be Royalty, Chief.” Mycroft was careful with his words.

“Bloody well, clean it up well.” The Chief had enough of it.

“Double zero, Chief.” It was Mycroft’s code of confirmation to act.

“Can I proceed on the task now?” Mycroft did not wait for the reply and was out of the chamber. He did hear the Chief reminding him to bring the toothbrush. It was their code word to clean up or do whatever needed.

Or was it licence to terminate.

“Hold on, Mycroft. How is our guest, Count Dracula here in the city?”

“Dry as a whistle, as the reports came in. He is not seen leaving the house.” Mycroft reported. “But I am curious why is staying with Doctor Jekyll?”

“Is that not your task, Mycroft? Or would you like replace me and have you asked the question?”

“No, Chief. I will do my task.”

 

Preys and Predators Part 1 Chapter 8

 

8              Rosa.

 

Rosa Quasi stood on the balcony of the doctor’s unit, situated three levels above the street level. She could make out the rows of houses with the smoking chimneys there, despite the foggy cover there. She had stayed there for over a month and already missed home. The valley was sacred to the ones who knew of it, but there will always be the curious and adventurous ones who will intrude. And the mercenaries. The count was not without his adversaries; with his fame came more trouble.

Other than that, life in the valley was slower-moving, and most days she spent training her fighting skills or hunting besides the kitchen activities. It was the norm there for the young generations to fend for themselves. A day in the castle was not only about the cleaning and cooking but also knowing the hidden doors to the tunnels, which was one of the designs of the castle in case of an attack inside. Rosa also used her time to navigate her way there and the close fighting skills. Her trainers are her family members who were trained by their parents in the art of savate, French kickboxing, and canne d'arme, short stick fighting. Due to her agility, she developed the acrobatic skills in jumps and rope grappling.

“Do you miss your home?” Rosa turned to look and saw it was the doctor. “And it was another lovely dinner. I must take you to try the offerings here as a gesture of thanks. There are some good restaurants who serves nice dishes.”

“Thank you for the offer, but I will decline. My service here is to the Count, and I am fine by that.” The lady smiled. She saw the dejected expression on the host and decided to ask him her own queries.

“How about a walk at the nearby park?” The doctor offered. “It will be a short walk.”

“The Count?” Rosa asked.

“I already told him, and he is okay with it.” Doctor Jekyll lied about it. The Count was in his room, and most times, he remained there till late morning. Or when the doctor calls him for the tests they were doing.

Rosa agreed to the walk and grabbed her shawl. She was dressed in the white off-shoulder blouse and flare skirt with the wooden sandals. She had hair that was long to her shoulders, pinned by the scarf at the top. They took the walk across the street and then into the adjacent park. It was a late evening; the park was empty of any walking patrons. They walked beside each other, but a decent distance was kept between them. The park was lined with bushes of flowers, and there were rows of trees there, with the occasional bench for the tired legs.

“What do you do, Doctor Jekyll?” Rosa asked. “I saw the bottles and the tubes, but I am curious.”

“I …… I do research work for the government. I conduct research in the field of chemistry. On some occasions, I do other personal works for friends or for myself.”

“Can you share with me your own works?” Rosa asked again. “I am just curious.”

“Well, I... I could tell you, but you must not disclose it to anyone.” Doctor Jekyll looked at the lady who nodded. “I am developing a love potion to attract young lovers.”

“You are making fun of me.” Rosa smiled.  “Perhaps you did for your …... lover?”

“Lover? I have none. I am mor focus on my works here. I have little time to socialise and more to it, the ladies I met found me ……. Uncouth to their likings.”

“You are not married? I was just curious. How could...”

“No, I am not, and without any chance I may tell you. I am a recluse and …….”

Two burly men stepped out into their path. They wore workmen's attire, but they held the nasty expressions that meant trouble for the couple. They had their sleeves rolled up their arms and smelled of cheap whiskey.

“Here is a gweiadur (girl in Welsh).” The one on the left voiced out. “Would you be mine?”

“She is ciwt (cut in Welsh).” The other remarked to his pal. “Say, old chap. You would not mind if we spoke to her.”

“How dare you...” Doctor Jekyll rushed at the two men, but he was not a fighter. He was grabbed by the one on the left by the arms and tossed to the side.

“Stay there, you anneallus (stupid in Welsh).” The one who tossed the doctor spoke out. “Be like a bampa (grandfather in Welsh) for the next hour. We want to talk to your girl.”

Rosa went into action with the run towards the man who tossed the doctor. She leapt and delivered the ‘fouette’ (the front kick) at the man’s chin. The toes of her right feet strengthen from days of practice impacted on the chin to throw the man backwards. She dropped onto the man with the knee thrust at the chest. When she landed on her feet, she did a low round kick at the second man at the back of the knees. The man went down onto his haunches, and Rosa landed the left punch into the side of the man’s head. The man on impact reeled sideways and slumped to the ground.

Rosa was then to return to the first man with a series of punches at the face, drawing blood before she turned to focus on the second man, who was crouched there, and had the round kick impacted on the left side of his face.

“Rosa ……” The lady stopped her attacks when she heard her name called by the doctor. She rushed over to the doctor, who had regained his steps. He held his walking cane but the fight was over.

“I am fine, Rosa. What did you do?”

“A taste of my frustration from being cooped up.” Rosa replied. The doctor put on a weak smile and then was helped by the lady.

“We must leave. There could be more of his friends.” Doctor Jekyll pulled Rosa by her left hand. It was his first flesh contact on the lady since they met. Their greetings were formal when they meet. Rosa led herself be pulled back to the street. There at the street, they saw no coppers but some rushing passerby. Doctor Jekyll led the lady across the street back to the unit.

At the park, the two burly men sat up, dazed by the attack, then saw a shadow over them.

“Gentlemen, you failed.” The shadowy figure spoke out. “Now you are doomed.” 

"Have mercy, my lord.” The call for mercy was drowned by the savagery of the attack.

 

Preys and Predators Part 1 Chapter 7

 

7              The Doctor

 

Doctor Watson was not used to examining the dead on the alleys or sidewalks, or even in the abode of the victim, but his association with the detective had widened his expertise. He was invited by the inspector there at the scene.

“I know it is unusual for you to attend, but the coroner is unwell, and the...” The inspector had tried to explain his request. He had avoided the briefing with the reporters and was to take an early evening off when the constable caught up with him on the street.

“Inspector, Sir. We have another one nearby.” The constable was huffing from the short tun to catch up with the inspector. The latter looked over the constable’s left shoulder. He saw no constable when he turned in at the corner, and it was a far corner. That was why the constable was huffing away. More to it, he could not make out any other coppers there on the street.

“Where did you see me?” Inspector Lestrade asked. He then looked at his waist watch; it was still within his working hours. Guess Ellen has the cold pillow to hold on for the evening.

“On the other street, and I rushed over.” The constable smiled. “Not my best, Inspector Sir. I have been out of training of late.”

"Age, or was it you just got married?” Inspector Lestrade was deploying the sarcasm tone.

“Young ‘un at home keeping us awake, Inspector Sir.” The constable smiled. They all smiled when talking about their family—the younger ones, though.

“Ok, keep at it. I meant the works... I meant let us see the murder, which I assumed you looked me up.” That was the prelude to the long walk to the alley, and having to see a familiar face among the onlookers, the inspector approached Doctor Watson.

“Inspector Lestrade, I cannot tell much, but she... I assumed we do not know her name... was or could be murdered two or more hours ago.” Doctor Watson had the inspector hold the lantern, which was not bright for the work he was to do. He looked to his watch, which showed ten o’clock then. “Most probably after eight after the rushing traffic.”

“This is not a busy area, Doctor. It is rather off the main streets.” Inspector Lestrade said. He will know as needed a discrete place for their rendezvous.

“Noted on that. As for the body, the organs were removed; crudely, I will concur based on the cuts and the trails of entrails. The doctor noticed the inspector was getting uncomfortable. “Did you have any meals just...”

“No, Doctor. I had seen my share of dead bodies and opened cavities, but this one is horrendous.”

“Yes, they are when we considered our intestines can be three times longer than our height.” Doctor Watson added on. “If it was shorter, we would be doing the potty more often than we peed.”

“Anyway, back to the body; the heart, liver, and kidneys, and even the stomach was removed, but they seem not to be around.” Doctor Watson saw the coppers investigating the alleyway. There were several boxes and trash there. “They may...”

“I doubt so, Doctor. The last victims; we found nothing.”

Doctor Watson crouched down to examine the groin and told the inspector the womb and uterus were removed.

“I doubt there was any violation sexually, but dissection was done.” The doctor moved to the head and then reported an unusual finding.

“She was lobotomized too. I will say by a crude tool by the tears on the nose and near the left eye.”

“Savage!” Inspector Lestrade sighed. “How long before... she died?”

“Quick dead, I believed. I can see the tear at the neck to indicate a bite that was deep and severed the jugular there.”

“Thereafter, no screams.” Inspector Lestrade was most descriptive. “Convenient, and the alley...”

"Dark, which is probably why the organs were...” Doctor Watson was closely examining the cuts. “I can concur it was extracted by force.”

“It could have taken no more than... ten minutes, or if assisted, five minutes.” Doctor Watson added. “Murder for body parts, also known as medicine murder; not to be confused with "medical murder," to excise body parts to use as medicine or for other purposes like witchcraft. Medicine murder is often termed ritual murder or multi murder, although there is evidence to suggest that the degree of ritual involved in the making of medicine is only a small element of the practice overall.”

“Presumably, so but not conclusive. Till now, even to surgeons, the human anatomy was still poorly understood, and fresh cadavers for dissection and anatomical study were sometimes difficult to obtain. Mortuaries remained the most common source, but in some cases, murderers killed their victims and sold them for study and research purposes.”

“Medicine murder is difficult to describe concisely, as it has changed over time, involving an ever-greater variety of perpetrator, victim, method, and motive.”

The good doctor had given the next prints a fantastic write, and if it sells, then it will be published.

“Medicine murder!” The headlines screamed across the city.

 

 

 

 

 

Preys and Predators Part 1 Chapter 6

 

6              The Lady

 

The lady stood there behind the men gathered at the start of the alley. They were there to watch the remains of the victim; the few reported by the prints. It was frustrating for the lady to be shoved aside by the new male arrivals.

“Hey, step away. This is not for you to be here.” That was a copper who arrived later and was trying to get into the alley. The lady was to protest but the copper pushed his away in forcing the others also to allow him passage.

“Bloody rude….” The lady cursed out, and was echoed by the man in front of her. He then turned and saw her.

“Bloody times. Go home, lady.” It was the era of discrimination if you wore a petticoat.

The lady ignored him and held hard on her bag. It was her defensive bag with the iron ball inside. She had knocked burly men with a swing to their chins. She was dressed in the elegant dark blue dress with the bodice pulled taut at her chest though there was not much to conceal given her boyish frame.

The lady raised her height by elevating her feet on her toes, and then felt someone watching her. She turned to look and saw the hawkish man staring at her.

“Damned! Another pervert there.” The lady then remarked on the on the butcher’s remark and realised her outburst was not well received.  She then decided to take her leave of the alley. She had a glimpsed of the hawkish man looking at another and ignored it.

“He is probably a reporter or voyeur of some sort.” The lady took to the end of the street where a coach was waiting for her. She gave instruction to the driver before boarding it. An elderly man sat opposite her wearing the fine cut three-piece suit and held a cane across his lap. He had grey hair and the side burns on the cheeks.

“Did you learn anything new?” The man asked.

“No, Doctor. The usual repertoire of idiots and the victim looked as it was given the usual slashes. And of course, the organ removals were there.” The lady replied.

“I want you to follow up on the case. I am due to take the train to Glasgow and from there to bleak winter with the revolutionary of the Tsars.”

“I am surprised at you, Doctor. I will never had taken you to be a revolutionary participant.” The lady smiled.

“You are from a nation of revolutionaries, my dear Mary Reid. Your forefathers revolted against the Empire and won, sadly to conclude.” The doctor smiled. “I am still a member of the Empire here. Cousin John Reid will be proud of you.”

“That was a long time ago, Uncle Moriarty. We just concluded our differences in a civil war over humanity rights.” The lady sighed. “I guess we do not hold the same views over the years. Like myself., I am a Reb, and now here. Unlike Cousin Reid, he is creating his own legend with the partner of his, the native Indian, Tonto.”

“Ever the rebel. Our family ties made us one for the cause. Or without a cause.” The Doctor smiled. “I am pleased to have your presence here. Please assist me in monitoring the situation here while I am away. Murders are aplenty but these are disturbing with the way it was done and more so, it placed my influence at risk. I do not know who could had done these heinous acts.”

“Why me, Uncle Moriarty?” The lady named Mary addressed the other by their personal relationship. “I am not any warrior or hunter.”

“That may true but words have reached me that you have your own worth as a hunter of the undead. While your cousin pursued the renegades, you hunt them who should remain dead. Or alive.”

“I am and was to move to the main continent to get at the Prince of Darkness. He is the forefather of these vampires and werewolves.” Mary Reid told her true cause. “Aunt Agatha and family died from their bites, and it was me who placed the wooden stakes into their heart.”

“Silver bullets do not kill them?” Doctor Moriarity asked.

“They do not but it may maim them or stop them in their tracks unless you get it between their eyes. I much prefer the wooden stake buried in the heart.”

“You are vicious, young lady.” Professor Moriarty smiled. “I guess it ran in the family ties.”

“Not so, Uncle. Dan only wounds them most times, it is Tonto who end their misery.” Mary explained. “Uncle, I saw the man you told me look out for; the detective. He was there and stared at me. Are you sure he is of the right mind? He seems to be …….”

“Studying you? I believed he was. His mid works on logic and deductions. He is a brilliant man, but …...”

“Back home, we would have him lynched or shot.” Mary interjected.

“You met Aunt Dorothy? She is ever vigilant in her work too. She told me Jon Roxton is back in the city. You knew him from the other continent. She gave him your address.”

“I will suck Jon Roxton of his life essence.” Mary said.

“Be civilised here, lady. Now I must get off here for my train. Do take care and love your family; whoever are left.” Professor Moriarty stepped off the coach. He turned towards the driver. “Keep her safe, Colonel. There are not many of us left.”

The driver nodded towards the Professor who then turned to speak to the lady again.

“If Holmes is involved, you could start with him. He might lead you to the murderer and with that you could deal with two issues with a singular conclusion.”

“Is he a vampire, Uncle?”

“He is more than that. He is the devil incarnate.” Professor Moriarty smiled and took his leave. “Talking about vampires, I was advised on the arrival of name Count Dracula here.”

“That one is I am keen on. Where can I find him?” Mary asked.

“Try Holmes. He knew almost every other person in the city.” Professor Moriarity walked to the train.

“Where to, Missy?” The driver asked.

“Back to my hotel, please. I have a friend there to meet.” Mary Reid replied. “It would not be a cold day in Hell when we meet.”