Preys and Predators 1 of Part 2

 

2              The Murder

 

The late evenings at that part of the city were not spared by the thick fogs that reduced visibility, but at late evening, the streets were not without their patrons. They wheezed past each other to reach their destination, be it their abode to call it the day or the drinking establishments to quench their thirst, and groped at the maids who served the drinks. It may be their fun then, and if the need extends to the reality of it, if they could afford it. It will be the alleys where they are called the ladies’ corner for the release of their frustrations. There will be willing lady participants there, for to them it was getting the extra coin to feed the family or to pay later for a warm cot to sleep on. For the male patrons, the procedure was simple and quick, with drinks spurring the desire, and soon after, the patron who had dislodged the desire took the final walk to secure their own sleep while the lady waited for the next paying patron.

That evening was no different from the others; though news of murders had been whispered among the ladies, with most praying silently that it would not be any of them who would be the next victim. As mentioned above, the need for the coins outweighs the concern of being murdered. After all, it was not like a massacre but an isolated occurrence when it does.

And murders were common.

“I am aware there were concerns about the murder cases of recent weeks, but these are isolated occurrences; it was, but we will take precaution with more cobber to the patrols.” An assurance of the precinct leaders to the city.

“Sergeant, there are already a dozen in the last weeks.” The reporter of a popular journal had raised this during the briefing attended by the city’s concerned members. “We can read the crime rates are still as high with thieving and burglaries, but murders of these ladies...”

No one gets overly worried about the death of their father’s or brother’s than that of their mother’s or sister’s; it will streak across the printed papers like a storm.

“As mentioned, we will take the needed precautions. The dwellers of the city are also advised to stay off the streets to avoid any untoward incidents.” The statement of the sergeant was not taken as cautionary advice but as an insult then.

“Sergeant, I work till the later part of the evening. Are you telling me I shall go back earlier? Who will feed my family then?” The lady who sells the flowers to the kind gentlemen that strolls the streets in the evening bellowed. “My man, James Freddie; he is your pal too, is a bum at home and not even a good hump for my bum too.”

“We will do our best there, Francine.” The Sergeant regretted having to be the spokesman then. The other senior officers are all in attendance at the police ball, or the country side, for their team-building exercise. Even the local precinct’s inspector had called in unwell.

“Between 1857 and 1890 there were rarely more than four hundred homicides reported to the police each year; we will discount the unreported ones, and during the recent year the average was below that number.”

“The Ripper will tear your report here, Sergeant.”

“Jack the Ripper’s murders were not a common crime, and society was not as violent as it is often reported.” The Sergeant hit back at the prints. “Speculations like these spurs more acts.”

“Sergeant, can you please describe the murders? Just for us to correctly report it.” The pesky reporter was like a hound on the hunt for the fox. That question was soon echoed by the others there.

“Was it ghastly?” Another echoed sounding his ego there. He needed the details to sell the prints.

“Yes, we are investigating the murders, and... all of them are ghastly.” The Sergeant regretted his conjecture there. “Please allow... Oh, heck! Yes, the murders resembled the works of savagery unseen before. However, we will do our...”

“I was told that the victims were removed of their organs, and some were violated sexually.” The last words drew gasps from the gentler attendees. “Are we facing another Ripper here?”

The reputation of the Ripper was still fresh in the minds of the city dwellers, and without any clue to the murderer, the cases remained unclosed.

“I can assure you that there is no recurrence of the Ripper here.” The sergeant took the bold stand to deny that accusation. “Nor was there any...”

“Another serial killer then looking to make the mark here perhaps?” Pesky reporters are imaginative.

“I was told that the victims were mauled too.” Another pesky reporter was doing his best to be knowledgeable.

“Nothing of that was ever reported.” The sergeant jousted with the reporter. “I ……”

“Are we looking for a lion perhaps? Or the hounds of Baskerville?” The other pesky reporter conjecture drew laughter. “Perhaps you need Sherlock Holmes here. I had a thought that perhaps he might be of assistance.”

“Thank you for the thought, Mr....” The sergeant was not a fan of the detective. Nosy was his perception of Holmes, taking the credit from the hard-working coppers, though he seldom claimed the conclusion of the solved cases were his. “I am sure the detective was informed...”

“Is Mr. Holmes on the case? Or are your coppers doing it?”

“Obviously, and regardless, we are investigating the murders to see if there are any connections, and if thus concluded, we will advise the papers on the matter. Thank you all for attending, and have a nicer evening.” The sergeant chose to end the briefing. It was then he was approached by a constable who whispered at his left ear. He was not saying anything, and from the frenzy there, with the reporters rushing out.

“Bloody ending to the break I was to ask for.” His Janice had to tell her mother; he was not coming then. It will be a yearlong of muted silence then.

 

The Loyal Lieutenants Act Six Scene One Sub Scene Two

 

Act Six

Scene One

Sub-Scene Two

Mark Antony caution

 

The famed Sazerac Coffee House was founded in New Orleans in 1850 and soon became known as the home of “America’s First Cocktail,” the Sazerac. Using rye whiskey (in place of French brandy), a dash of Peychaud’s Bitters, and Herbsaint, what eventually became the official cocktail of New Orleans was created. This straight rye has a mellow spice and dry sweetness that dance on the tongue, giving pure delight.

“It was also my mom’s favourite." Brutus took Mark to a posh coffeeshop overlooking the busy street of Rome. “Much as that was my drink I sipped with her then, I had blended in Bloody Mary. You cannot make a vodka cocktail if you do not have vodka. And you cannot make a Bloody Mary without a ready-to-serve source of tomato juice. With this new cocktail, production had reached five million cases.” Brutus roared out in laughter. (https://lettersandliquor.com/33-BLOODY-MARY-1920s).

Mark, seated there facing the door, was trying his coffee. He missed it much, for when he was with the Sicilian, the boys there were more onto Amaro Averna; the drink had a mouth-coating and bittersweet taste, carrying hints of orange and licorice, balanced with notes of myrtle, juniper berries, rosemary, and sage.

“It stimulates the senses, instantly transporting you to the island and making Averna not just an amaro but an authentic Sicilian experience.” The boy who served the drink daily to Mark told him then. “Cin cin!”

Mark obliged the host, although Amaros was designed to be enjoyed with dinner and as a digestivo, or an after-dinner drink. It can be drunk neat, though it is most often served over ice. Adding a splash of soda and an orange wedge is common as well; blood orange seems to be the best match. (https://www.amaroaverna.com/).

Brutus was onto his fourth serving then, and then he blurted out his woes.

“I think Julius Caesar is a nit. He fought with Crassus and Pompey. Yes, he won by the skin of his buttock. Crassus was more influential but a poor fighter. When Caesar went down, Pompey was cornered.” Brutus smiled. “I was there and was with... Julius, for I knew the winning factors and promptly defeated Pompey.”

“Brutus, do you...” Mark came along, for he was told that Brutus had some news on Moses, but it turned out to be more of an ego-bashing session.

“Do you know I negotiated Pompey’s terms? I had him spared and exiled to the ports.” Brutus smiled. “We are Romans and ought to behave like one. Julius was reluctant but conceded, for he knew that he could not challenge all of Rome.”

“Brutus, these are all old tales. I am...” Mark wanted to end the session.

“No, Mark. These are not old tales, but recurring tales. I wanted to tell you that the trio at the mansion is planning to revolt against Caesar.”

“They are his lieutenants,” Mark reminded Brutus.

“No, they are Roman’s lieutenants, but they seem... or appear to side with Julius Caesar, but everyone in Rome looks for an opportunity to be the boss.”

“Brutus, you told me that you have news on Moses.”

“Yes, Moses. Good man, but he died for his own greed. Do you know he was in Egypt, where Caesar now travels? I did ask myself what he was doing there, but before I could know, he was killed.” Brutus chuckled at the thought. “Was he acting alone or had a boss above him? Someone powerful. Like... Caesar. I meant well. Caesar may have had some plans, and Moses was his lieutenant.”

“I …… Was Moses in Egypt?” Mark feigned ignorance.

“I was told, and then, with Moses dead, Caesar travels there. Truly a coincidence.” Brutus took his drink, and part of the shade of red liquor spilled down his chin to the white toga.

“Oops! I got my blood spilled.”

“Brutus, what else do you know?” Mark pressed on.

“Lieutenant Antony. I …… That is all I know. I think we will part ways now. I will leave you, my vehicle. I have another one outside.”

“Oh, hello, mother.” Brutus greeted his mother, who had just arrived. “Do you know Mark Antony?”

“I do not think we met. I am Lady...”

“Lady Servilia. I heard of you. I am Mark Antony, husband of Lady Fulvia.”

“My mother teaches Caesar Latin lessons. He had been learning from her since his teens.” Brutus smiled. “Do you want to learn, Mark?”

“Darling, I am sure he has learned his lessons from Lady Fulvia. She is better at Latin than me.” Lady Servilia smiled. “Esne paratus, deliciae? Nolo esse nuper meis Samba choreas. Are you ready, darling? I do not want to be late for my Samba dances.” “Mother, please do not talk in Latin. I am not...” Brutus sighed. “Yes, darling. We must go now.” Lady Servilia smiled. Brutus then left with his mother while Mark sat there nursing his unfinished coffee. Enobarbus walked in and sat on the seat left by Brutus.

“Boss, how was...”

“Brutus knew Moses was in Egypt. Why tell me now?” Mark looked at the Enobarbus.

“I would not know, but I heard news that Cicero met Moses. They were together at church.”

“So, Cicero goes to church. That is nothing new.” Mark shrugged off the information.

“Cicero is a Jew."

 

The Loyal Lieutenants Act Six Scene One Sub Scene One

 

Act Six

Scene One

Sub-Scene One

Without Caesar.

 

Agrippa sat at the round table in the library, facing the other two, who were seated across him but with two seats in between them. Rivalry had surfaced soon after Caeser left on the train. They waved Caesar off, and then the three lieutenants arrived at the mansion in separate vehicles.

“The first order of the new Triumvirate...” Agrippa called to arrange the meeting.

“Whoever said you were the leader? Caesar did not name any of us.” Menas was the vocal one.

“He did say we manage, and if in disagreement, we can get Mark Antony to intervene.” Agrippa looked at Menas. “Do you want me to call Mark Antony now?”

The other two remained silent.

“The first order of the new Triumvirate is the ongoing investigation of Moses’s death. We have no reports or updates. I was told by my boys that Enobarbus did report to Mark. They brought the agent to the arena to... ”

“The Arena is sacred to us.” Lepidus cut in. “How …… Who dares to defy it?”

“It will seem that Mark Antony made the call. Agent Ness was asked to collaborate on Moses’s case. I am not sure of Enobarbus now. He killed his wife and lover. You all knew that.” Agrippa looked at the seat where Caesar would sit. “Enobarbus is...”

“The other guy screwed his wife. I would do the same.” Lepidus said.

“Me too.” Menas also sided with Lepidus.

“We all will do that, but to protect ourselves and Rome, we may have someone else do it. Our days of killing are over. We are lieutenants, and for that, we can get one of the boys to do it.” Agrippa strengthens their roles.

“Maybe Enobarbus was deranged from the shootout he encountered with Mark Antony?” Menas was direct. “It happened.”

“No, Enobarbus was fine. He just could not take the scene of Jeane cheating on him.” Agrippa told them. “I met him and was not to tell him what I knew. The man that was with Jeane is one from Egypt.”

“You knew and did not tell.” Menas took offense.

“Yes, long before. I have my boys check on all the lieutenants on their” Agrippa looked at Menas.

“So, you spied on us.” Menas was again on the offense.

“Yes, but I did not tell Caesar all of that.” Agrippa looked at Menas. “I knew it; I kept quiet, and I act on it when I need to.”

“Are there any things you have on me? Lepidus? Or even Mark Antony?” Menas looked at Agrippa. “That you will not share with us.”

“I have none of the two of you. If I had, would I tell you now of my so-name spies?” Agrippa looked at Menas with a stern look. “Or would you be seated with me now?”

Menas remained silent and then moved to the drink cupboard for a drink. He then spoke.

“Why are you telling us now?”

“For Rome.” Agrippa replied. “For Rome. If Caesar is killed, who do you think will take over Rome? We are his trusted lieutenants. We will be the... new Triumvirate.”

“That’s treason, Agrippa.” Lepidus voiced out. “We could be...”

“I am not planning any takeover. I am merely referring to succession. The Consul under Caesar has been ineffectual in power or any influence on Caesar.” Agrippa looked at Lepidus. “We cannot afford another civil war in Rome. We will be destroyed internally or vanquished by the other gangs.”

“You speak with... good logic. I will follow up with you when the need arises.” Menas took sides. “Lepidus, are you with us?”

Lepidus nodded slowly but did not utter a word. There was a knock on the library door. Jeeves stepped in. He looked at Agrippa.

“Sir.” Jeeves calls the Lieutenants by that greeting. “Mark Antony was here. You told me to tell you.”

“Yes. Bring him over. He will need to tell us about Mr. Ness.” Agrippa tod Jeeves.

“Not possible, sir. He left soon after he came in. He was in a hurry.” Jeeves looked at Agrippa. “I did say he was in.”

Mark Antony was getting back to the vehicle. He had planned to see Agrippa but was told that the other was in a discussion with Menas and Lepidus. He was to still go in and meet Brutus.

“Mark Antony, how much of a coincidence to meet you here? Can we have a cup of coffee? We can do it at my convenience. I prefer not to be shot at.”

 

 

 

The Loyal Lieutenants Act Zero Scene Six

 

Act Zero

Scene Six

 

Ptolemy met with his lieutenants: Mr. Mardian, the commander of his boys; Tariq Jabel, the leader of the assassins, which includes the ladies who do all the killings; and Alexas, the matron of the chambermaids. They met on the barge sailing on the Nile.

“What happened at the café?” The pharaoh was upset at the failed attempt on Mark Antony.

“It was all planned. The driver was to take him there, and the ladies would be at the table. Somehow, he saw the act and took down the ladies.” Tariq reported. “The driver died too.”

“And we failed the task. How am I to tell the Consulate member that we fumbled there?” The pharaoh looked at Tariq.

“They are one of the best pairs. They had...”

“Failed. All their previous achievements are no good when they failed one time.” The Prophet reminded Tariq. “Mr. Mardian did better. He got the agent killed, and the other……….. what his name is…… Moses. That is one Moses who will not part the sea there and escape Egypt.”

“Boys, we are to please Rome, and the Romans ruled Rome, so we will do them good tasks. They will consolidate our ranks here, and when we are powerful like Rome, we will take on them in return. Till then, we act as the humble friendly Egypt.”

“Today, Julius Caesar is coming to Egypt. He will be here with us for a month, but I intend to have him stay longer. We will treat him as a... Pharoah deserved to be.”

“Pharoah, I got news that Enobarbus’s wife was killed along with our boy, Alik Basu.” Mr. Mardian reported.

“Alik Basu? He is the so-named stud but has always claimed to be a surgeon. You must be happy he was sent there, or he will be fucking the harem here.” Pharoah smiled. “I never liked him. He wants to taunt us with his manhood.”

“He got shot there, Pharoah.” Mr. Mardian smiled. “Above his balls.”

Mr. Mardian is an eunuch who lost his testicles when he was castrated by the pirates. He, however, retained his prick, which he made use of. He wondered what they called a man without a prick—fucked up perhaps.

“Does Enobarbus know of his task?” Pharoah asked.

“I am unsure, but he could be shot because he was having an affair with the wife.”

“Damn him to hell. He was to get a line on Enobarbus and not fuck the wife.” The pharaoh was upset. “Cicero called me then. He was upset, too. We were to get news on how to blackmail Enobarbus.”

“Moses dead, Isaac dead, and now even Alik, who have we left at Rome?” The pharaoh asked.

“We have one more.” Mr. Mardian replied.

“Keep that one covered. We will use that one soon.” The Pharoah smiled. “Now onto Caesar.”

It was then that his sister, Cleop, walked in. She was younger than the Pharoah and obviously shared the same qualities as her whore mother, who seduced Ptolemy II, who was twice her age. The daughter of the whore was a beauty, with nicely shaped curves and a bubbly, rounded chest, but it was her nose that stood out well. Like a set of beautiful pout lips, Cleop's unique beauty was her well-sculpted nose, which was straighter with a smaller, slightly upturned tip and a small chin.

“Marius,” Cleop addressed her half-brother with his name in a shrill tone; that was her wrathful tone when upset. “Who …...”

“Dismiss all of you.” The Pharoah looked at the lieutenants and then faced his fierce and feisty half-sister.

“I was having a discussion with...” Ptolemy III looked towards Cleop.

“I want to know who this Caesar is and why I was... " Cleop, when upset, held an aura of mysticism about her beauty.

“Cleop, I was to tell you, but you were...” Cleop was away down south to get her tan skin toned.

“I am here now.” Cleop glared at Ptolemy III.

“For one, do not call me Marius. I am Ptolemy III, or Pharoah, if you wish to address me. I invited Julius Caesar from Rome to visit us. We need the Romans strength to aid us.”

“Are we that weak?” Cleop asked.

“We are not, but the others are onto us soon. We have been paying the Sicilians, but they are too far away to assist if we ever get invaded. We got the Texans on our borders. The Porto Ricos are making overtures.” Ptolemy III told Cleop. "I was approached by Rome, or more specifically, the Romans, and with them on our side, we could do without the Sicilians. Or any others.”

“How will we win over the Romans?” Cleop asked.

“Well, I was thinking of...”

“To make me a whore to be pimp to Caesar? You must be mad. I am Lady Cleop of Egypt.”

“Exactly my thoughts. You will consolidate our strength.”

“Fuck …… Forget that ever happening. My mother had Ptolemy II, but not... Cleop was upset. “You are...”

“To protect Egypt, we all sacrificed our...”

“Fuck off, Ptolemy.” Cleop stormed off.

 

 

 

 

The Loyal Lieutenants Act Five Scene One Sub Scene Two

 

Act Five

Scene One

Sub-Scene Two 

The discussion.

 

Mark watched the vehicle holding the Treasury agent leave the building. He sat there and looked at the empty space. He had been there before, when he was part of the trio that beat the Visigoth member. It was the earlier days of the Romans. He was with two others, Davis, and Matthew, armed with truncheons and daggers. The Visigoths were unarmed and had their feet bound by the heavy chain. It was an unfair fight, or they would not have named it the Arena of Death.

The Visigoth was a huge guy, with big biceps on the arms. He was nicknamed “Bear, hence the message was to be returned to the Visigoths, where even bears can be killed.

Unaffected by reputation, the Romans have their own rules.

The bear screamed out in pain when the truncheon hit his left knee, but he retaliated with a solid left hook to the attacker in the face. Mark fell to the sidelines, nursing his bruised jaw. Davis was next to grab the opportunity to slam his truncheon on the bear’s right side of the face. The bear looked over at Davis, and it was then that Matthew sneaked in from the left side to slash the left knees. The bruised knee with the new wound caused the bear to reach down to hold the bleeding, and it was the opportunity sought by Mark to do an overhead blow with a jump. He hit the bear on the back of the neck and turned his body to lay a kick on the staggering giant. The bear fell onto his back, and Davis went in with the deadly blow to the throat while Matthew stabbed the dagger into the wounded left knee.

“Arghh…...” The bear chocked on the blow to the throat, and Mark went in for the kill with the truncheon stabbed into the left eye and impacted on the brain behind it.

The bear was in his dead throes then.

“Romans’ win!” It was Crassus who called for the fight, which roared out. He turned to the winning trio and congratulated them. The bear was sent back to the Visigoths with a message to leave the Romans alone, but they took down three Romans as vengeance and sent back their heads.

The war with the Visigoths lasted two months before a truce was called, but the number of dead listed was over a dozen, with double that number injured. Matthew was one; he lost his right eye.

“I fought here once, Enobarbus.” Mark sighed. “It was bloody, but it was not my call. Crassus then made us do it.”

“The arena is a bad sport, but that was how we did things then.” Enobarbus reminded Mark. “We are the viscous ones.”

“We still are. Tell me of the findings of yours.”

“All the clues lead to one gang: Egypt, but I do not know the motive. Moses and Lucas were friends for their own goals and went there together. Who did they meet? I have no clue. There were some words that Moses was killed by Pompey, but they were unfounded.”

“The ice shoe? That was new.” Mark had his thoughts on the cement shoes.

“The ice factories were nearby, but they did not think that the ice would float upwards, or were bloody and inexperienced.” Enobarbus said. “If we are to know more, we need to check on Egypt.”

“Caesar is leaving for Egypt. He should be at the station now. I cannot go without his permission. And you cannot, for you are to investigate Moses’ death.” Mark looked to the area marked by the arena.

“We could send the agent. He is neutral here.” Enobarbus suggested.

“That was why I brought him here. He may be able to find out more in Egypt, but he needed protection. The boys can be there with him.”

“What of his boss?”

“I cleared with the captain. Mr. Ness is on leave pending an investigation into the shootout at the motel. It caused the Romans a hefty payout to the Coppers’ Fund.”

“What of your wife?” Mark asked.

"Jeane is dead, and that is considered done. I had the clean-up crew wipe the room and...”

“The Independence is having some good prints on the killing.” Mark reminded Enobarbus. “You got to cut that story short. Give them something bigger to bite into.”

“Like ‘Best’ and the latest copper case.” Mark added. “The editor, Peter Marker, is an ex-copper, and he will lean on some findings there. Throw the bait that it was... a gang hit. Maybe the Parthians or... Muddles.”

“Boss, you are walking on thin ice here. If they ever knew, we would be in their sights for a shootout." Enobarbus cautioned the boss.

“I know, but I need them after your wife’s death.” Mark looked at the Enobarbus. “Focus on Moses, and then we go to Egypt together. I hear the weather is fine.”