Thursday, November 7, 2024

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.

 

No comments:

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, bu...