by David Waine
*
Detective Chief Superintendent Ronald Abberline entered the press room at Bow Road the following morning for his daily news briefing, flanked by the redoubtable Sergeant Matthews and WDC Rutter. He scanned the assembled band of journalists automatically for Pit Bull Sally. There she was, right at the front, as usual, with her microphone held under his nose. For once her mouth was closed, but that familiar ruthlessly determined look still marched all over her face.
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen,” he began. “Just to update you on developments, we have now established beyond all reasonable doubt that the person responsible for the death of Roberta Henderson is the same person who killed Mary Anne Nichols. Furthermore, in confirmation of rumours that have been spreading, it is our belief that this person is attempting to reconstruct the crimes of the Whitechapel Murderer, alias Jack the Ripper, of 1888. That being the case, we assume that he intends to kill three more times. The original Ripper’s final three victims were called Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes and Mary Jane Kelly. I am now speaking directly to anyone who bears any of those names. It is also apparent that the current Ripper is fully prepared to use maiden names. As a further precaution, I would advise you that he may also see nicknames and aliases as relevant. Elizabeth Stride was known as 'Long Liz', Catherine Eddowes commonly called herself ‘Kate Kelly' and the final victim was known as 'Marie Jeanette Kelly' from time to time. Anyone who possesses one of those names or aliases should contact the police without delay. Although the original Ripper’s victims were all prostitutes, he may not see this as a critical point. Neither of our victims, to date, was, or ever had been, engaged in prostitution or any other form of illicit activity. Finally, both received warnings of a sort, although it is very doubtful that either would have understood the message. Mary Anne Nichols received a letter containing only the number one. Roberta Henderson’s letter contained only the number two. If you have received such a communication, or a three, four or five, please contact your local police station without delay so that protection can be arranged for you.”
Abberline marched back into his office with a spring in his step and an unfamiliar lightness in his heart, for the press conference had gone better than expected. Pit Bull Sally had not uttered a word. Even when all those around her were clamouring for his attention, she had simply stood there, microphone held defiantly beneath his chin, but her mouth uncharacteristically closed.
“Let’s see how that goes,” he said breezily as Matthews and Rutter followed him in.
“I noticed you didn’t say whether the notes were spelt out or in figures,” pointed out Matthews.
“Certainly not,” replied his chief. “May help to cut out a few hoaxers.”