Preys and Predators Part 1 Chapter 43

 

43                Associates and Relations 

 

Colonel Moran rushed to the club just at that moment, Lord Dennis was exiting the place. He was to meet the Colonel two hours ago, but the Colonel was delayed.

“I was delayed, Lord Dennis.” Colonel Moran spoke to the Lord at the steps to the club. “It was an urgent matter.”

“We will discuss in the coach. I am to rush back ……” The Lord corrected his words. “I have another meeting but I can spare you a few minutes.”

Both men climbed into the coach and sat opposite each other. The driver was told to drive round the block.

“Colonel, when will you expect the Doctor?

“Untold yet. He will return when he does.” Colonel Moran looked at the Lord. The other was not a part of the criminal group, but his generous contributions were valued.

“I was advised that the Syndicate was involved in the gunfight here in the city.” Lord Dennis came forth with his words. “The Syndicate is …….”

“Not in any altercation with us. We are worlds apart, in a manner of speech.” Colonel Moran picked his words carefully. “They are in their own territory most times/”

“Noted. The Government will not tolerate an open warfare in the city.” Lord Dennis gave his advice. “Tell your men to back away. Whoever was involved there may not be our concern. The Government have their own plans there.”

“Noted, my Lordship.” The coach came to the stop outside the club. “I must leave now. I am already delayed.”

Lord Dennis waved farewell. Colonel Moran stood there and then another coach pulled up.

“Get in, Colonel.”

It was a familiar voice and not one to ignore. The Colonel got in to meet the occupant.

“I am glad you took care of Mary for me earlier.”

“It is my honour, Doctor. How was it we were not informed of your return?” Colonel Moran smiled at the leader of the criminal group.

Soon, Professor Moriarty had appeared at the discussion to the surprise of all.

“Hello, Holmes.” Professor Moriarty stepped into the library then. “Please do not stand at all. My shooters are nervous and will shoot if any of you stands up.”

“Professor Moriarty.” Holme greeted the newly arrived. He saw the Doctor was dressed in the smart tailored three-pieces suit, and held the fedora hat in his hands. He was a fine dresser with a keen eye on the tailor’s cuts and sewing.

“A formality, Holmes. Call me Moriarty will do. Oh, hello, Mary. I trust you are fine.” Professor Moriarty smiled at his niece. He then looked at Jon Roxton.

“You are missing a button. In my world, that is a missing element in the equation that will distort the result.”

Jon was embarrassed and adjusted his shirt.

“Conclusively, Holmes. We are not to meet but the threat to the city is our concern.” Professor Moriarty looked at Mycroft. “We never really met, Mycroft. That may go into my dossier if there are any.”

“Moriarty……” Holmes moved to the subject.

“I am, Holmes. Even before Mary’s arrival here, I have been given news about the Syndicate to do more than their works. They are in the works to create a super army of warriors, which baffles me. Why would want one need an army when the criminal activities are to be in the dark unless you want to wage war. But against who?” “

“I had my men verified the news. It was true and involved several people including Doctor Jekyll. The visit by the Count was unknown. I am not an expert in the supernatural. Honestly, I detest the reading of the cards; I was foretold to avoid waters. Preposterous, I do not swim at all.”

“I cable my associates at the continent to lure Mary over.” Professor Moriarty smiled at his niece. “I did lure you here but also to offer you a holiday from the Pinkertons. They were on your trail after you gunned down the cattle baron.”

“The baron was a vampire.” Mary cut in. “I kill them undead.”

“Obviously, but he paid well for his protection. Anyway, you are here, and the vampire tale was a ruse …… then anyway. And with the murders, it was an inconvenience.”

“There are no vampires …… here in the city.” Doctor Watson cut in. “I bet you with a pint of my blood/”

“No pound of heart there, Doctor. I will not have yours for any pint unless it is over a bitter ale. Or a Bloody Mary.” Professor Moriarty smiled. “Anyway, I had to be away to let things happen.”

“Colonel Moran, Lord Dennis is not only our donor but also our enemy who works for the Syndicate.” Professor Moriarty looked at the officer. “His Lordship held a high position there, and with his influence, he was able to withhold any information that may deter the Syndicate.”

“So is James Cambier. He is an informant who work his way up the ranks to be your aide, Mycroft.” The other Holmes was given the stare.

“James Cambier edited the dossiers to feed what you need to know.”

“And Holmes, my adversary and challenger You have impeccable associates. I had to avoid twice your informants there to Glasgow and while there. I had to get my double to board the steamer to Kaliningrad, and took my way back here by coach. Most uncomfortable journey.”

“I do not do disguises like you, Holmes but have about ten doubles who are trained to be me.” Professor Moriarty smiled. “Circumstances required by my trade. In mathematics, it is a called deviations or trails, that may result in false or true outcomes or different results, but may be inconclusive.”

“Jon Roxton, you are one of the deviations. You bear no thrust to the end results…… perhaps none for me.” Professor Moriarty smiled. “Now back to the Syndicate, and the unresolved murders.”

“Mary Pleaste works for the Syndicate. Or rather was. She approached my associate to befriend us against the Syndicate. She told us of her friends, and how we can work together. I had my doubts but gave her some allowance on our operations. She set up the safe houses as you knew of one. That one was by my associate, and we had that unit watched day and night. One of the dead so named housekeepers is my people. She died there.” Professor Moriarty looked back at Holmes.

“The murders are the works of some monsters, conclusively said. The same monsters killed Mary Pleaste and friends but did not remove the organs. I had contemplated that new turn of event. Then my conclusion the murders were a warning to the others.”

“I had my men to observe the city at night and saw it, but will not report it. The prints were reservedly told to hold back some news or sensationalise some. It kept the city alive.”

“The monsters that killed Mary Pleaste and friends were trailed to their lair. Much thanks to the Adventurer Club members.” Professor Moriarty smiled at Jon.

“Professor Challenger and you have been a great help to introduce to us some great hunters. They are good trackers.”

“You knew?” Doctor Watson called out. “And yet, you did nothing. All of you here.”

“Yes, Doctor Watson. This is my city.” Professor Moriarty bowed to Holmes. “Our city to be shared. Respectfully. I need to know what is there and if needed correct it/ A removal of an errant person or persons but before I could do that, I need to know the source of the issue.”

“Symptoms are your trails, am I not right, Doctor? It may lead to the cause of the illness.” Professor Moriarty explained. “Every result has their elements that made it.”

“Cut the analogy, Moriarty. Tell us what we must know.” Doctor Watson was upset.

“I know who is involved, and where but how baffles me, and what can we do is the task here.” Professor Moriarty concluded his presentation. “And for your information, Professor Freud is not in the city. He is at home, recuperating from a bad cold. He sends his regards to all.”