The Hollows: A Midnight Gunn Novel

by C. L. Monaghan

  Like a worm burrowing through black soil, the light wriggled its way to his core and began to spread. The dark resisted- screamed in defiance but it was losing, Midnight could feel the light’s warmth coursing through him, spreading its soothing balm until the shadows finally relented and let go.

  His victims lay quiescent, the atmosphere baited and soundless for the few moments it took Midnight to take stock of the situation- What have I done? Dashing towards an unconscious Kim, he bent and felt for a pulse- Thank God! Next, he went to Mary, who was in a far worse state. He channelled the light and sent her enough healing to stem the blood flow and quicken her heartbeat. She would live. He knew he needed to leave and now, before anymore of Mary’s henchmen appeared. He hadn’t gotten the information he wanted but that was of little consequence now he knew that something had happened to Arthur. He must find his friend but what would happen when Mary and Kim awoke? They would surely kill the Inspector out of revenge! He couldn’t take the risk and that left him only one option- he would have to addle their minds. Not an option that appealed to his morals but infinitely better than killing them both and it was his only way of keeping Arthur safe- wherever he was.

  He felt great trepidation knowing that the only way he could find out what had happened to Arthur was to call upon the shadows once more. He needed to see into their memories- just like he had with the unconscious Spring-heeled Jack victims. He steadied himself, taking deep regulating breaths. He could not afford to allow those shadows to command him again. He let go of the light and saw the shadows twitch in anticipation. Carefully and slowly he let them in. It was more painful than ever before- they burned and stabbed at his insides desperately wanting the freedom they’d just tasted but he managed to reign them in. Once in control, Midnight laid a hand on Mary’s forehead. Images flooded his mind, snippets of her day-to-day dealings, faces of prominent clients, her sexual exploits and then finally glimpses of Arthur. He saw his friend being rolled up in blankets and dragged down a corridor and Kim hoisting the bundle on his shoulders and throwing him down a dark set of stairs into what looked like a cellar. He focused hard on the blurry memory.

  “Nobody find him lady, we get away before he found.”

  “Tell no one Kim, do you understand? I will send an anonymous letter to Scotland Yard once we are gone. A shame we can’t kill him but I’ve no way of knowing how many of them knew he was coming and I’d rather not have a murder charge on my head. He’ll be awake in a day or two and by then we will be gone when they come for him.”

  “Yes lady, what about other man? You should put him here too, he dangerous, Kim knows.”

  “We need to take him with us as insurance, just in case something happens or someone else comes before we move the operation out. I might keep him…or kill him if he proves to be trouble.”

  “He works for police?”

  “Oh Kim, he’s no more a policeman than you or I! He’s a gentleman which means he has money. He may yet be of use if we could ransom him, who knows.”

  The cellar door slammed and was padlocked and the memory faded. Before he let go, Midnight sent a small ball of his power into the centre of Mary’s mind and left it there to eat away at her memories. She would forget all about him and Arthur and possibly everything else but it was a risk he was prepared to take. He would find Arthur himself, whatever it took. He wouldn’t kill these two but he couldn’t let them go either because they would go straight to Arthur and finish him. No, this was his only option. Perhaps Kim’s memories would give him more clues. He turned to the large motionless hulk behind him and stopped. Something was wrong. Midnight lowered himself to his knees and tentatively reached for Kim. A horrible sinking cold dread filled his gut. He touched Kim’s forehead and immediately recoiled. Kim was dead.

  The rain poured down, soaking him through but he didn’t notice. His coat, shoes and hat had been left behind having neither time nor inclination to search for them. He ran through the streets, barefoot. His trousers saturated and muddy, his open shirt clung to his skin. He ran past cabs carrying passengers, thankful that the weather meant there were few pedestrians. He did not want to be among people, he didn’t deserve to be- he was a murderer. The night cloaked him but he felt more conspicuous than ever. The glow of the streetlamps felt like glaring stage lights casting judgement on his dastardly deed. Home, he needed to get home. He would look for Arthur as soon as he could but he just needed to be inside his own four walls. Midnight continued running until the bricks and mortar became familiar- Piccadilly then Old Bond Street before turning towards Berkeley Square and home. Meriton House, the Gunn residence, stood proud and tall behind a red brick wall and arched Iron gates. He came to a standstill on the pavement outside and looked upon it. The rain still poured and he let it drench him further, wishing to wash away his guilt. He needed to feel cleansed before entering. He couldn’t be near the innocent souls that abided inside.

  Stepping through the gates towards the front door he hoped that Giles and Mrs. Phillips were in bed, he couldn’t face either of them this evening. The creak of the door resonated through the hallway and he cringed. He walked quietly towards the stairs and made it to the third step when a voice rang out behind him, “Sir? Is that you?” Giles held aloft a small oil lamp and Midnight shied away, shielding his eyes from the glow. “Where the blazers have you been? We’ve been worried sick!”

  Midnight was taken aback by the tone in Giles’ voice. He dropped his arm and peered at his butler.

  “What on earth are you talking about? I often return home late. What’s happened? Is it Polly?” He spun around and began leaping up the stairs two at a time before Giles called him back,

  “Sir! You’ve been gone three days!”

  “Three days? That’s impossible! Why I only left the house this morning!” Midnight scurried back down to the hallway and grabbed Giles by the shoulder.

  “Today is Friday Sir, you left on Wednesday morning. Mrs. Phillips made me contact Detective Gredge but he has not yet replied to my note. The poor woman has been beside herself.”

  The gravity of what Giles was telling him sank in- if he’d been gone three days that meant that Arthur had been unconscious in a cellar all that time! Nobody had looked for him, nobody knew where he was or if he was still alive!

  “Dear God, Giles I must leave at once! Arthur is missing, he needs me!”

  “Oh no young master! You are not going anywhere until you explain yourself, have something to eat, a bath and are properly attired!” Came the high-pitched reply of a very irate Mrs. Clementine Phillips. “And what’s more, there’s a young girl upstairs that needs you. Your Detective friend can wait.”

  “Mrs. Phillips, you don’t understand, Inspector Gredge is in trouble. He may not even be alive! I must find him.” Midnight pleaded, feeling a little like a child being scolded by his mother.

  “If that is the case Your Lordship, might I suggest forming a search and rescue plan? One simply can’t just rush out into the rain half-dressed and have a missing person materialize out of thin air. Do you even know where he is?” Giles asked.

  “Sort of…no not really. He’s in a locked cellar somewhere but that’s all I know.”

  “Then nothing can be gained by leaving now. I will make you a bath…”

  “No! No time for that.” Midnight cut in.

  “Very well, no bath…but I will have you in clean, dry clothes and for goodness sake let Mrs. Phillips feed you before she has an apoplectic fit, then we shall sit down and see what is to be done for the Inspector.”

  “Yes, fine but we must waste no time Giles, this is a matter of urgency!”

  “Indeed Sir. Let’s start by getting you out of those wet clothes, shall we?”

  “I’ll go warm up some soup,” said Mrs. Phillips, “and mind you pop in and see the young mistress when you’re dressed!”

  “Thank you Mrs. Phillips, I will. Giles, I need to get a message to Scotland Yard. And Constable Rowe, he’ll want to help I’m sure.”
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br />   “I’ll send out a runner as soon as you’re dressed Sir.”

  “No, do it right away please Giles, I can find my own clothes. This is more important.”

  “As you wish Sir.” Giles tilted his head in compliance and left Midnight to tend to himself.

  Midnight stripped off his wet clothes and dressed hastily, eager to make rescue plans and to see young Polly. If he’d been gone three days it was possible she had made some improvement on her own but he doubted it. He’d wanted to try another healing as soon as possible but now Arthur needed to be found it would have to wait.

  Mrs. Phillips brought him up some warmed soup and a hot bread roll and he wolfed it down appreciatively- not realizing till that moment how hungry he was.

  “Superb as always, thank you dear Mrs. Phillips. How is Polly doing? Has she shown any improvement?”

  “I suppose you’re about to find out.” She gave him a warm smile and took his bowl from him.

  “Let’s go see, shall we?” Midnight held open his room door for Clementine as she carried his supper tray to a small side table on the landing and set it down.

  “I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised Sir, she’s a proper poppet is Miss Polly.”

  “That sounds encouraging indeed! All down to your expert care no doubt.”

  “Well, I ain’t usually one to blow my own trumpet but ‘appen all that young ‘un needed was some hot food, a safe bed and a bit o’ love! By the looks of her she’s had not much of that in her life,” Mrs. Phillips shook her head, “poor little mite.”

  “We must make sure there’s plenty of those things and more in her future then.”

  “Indeed young master, indeed. You are a kind soul.” Mrs. Phillips paused outside Polly’s room and pressed her hands together, “Now, if you please Sir, I think it best if I pop in first and tell her she has a visitor. No offence mind, but she doesn’t exactly know you very well.”

  “I think it best dear Clementine.”

  “Mrs. Phillips if you please Sir. I might be just a cook and housekeeper but I know how to keep things proper.” Her words were chastising but Midnight couldn’t help but notice her cheeks flush and her mouth twitch.

  “You’re more than just a cook and housekeeper dear lady,” he patted her arm affectionately. “How about we settle on Mrs. P?” He winked and quickly followed with, “I do believe Miss Polly is waiting.” Before she could chastise him again. Mrs. Phillips gave a gentle knock before entering the bedroom and closed the door behind her. Midnight could hear her chatting to Polly and the sound of the child’s voice pleased him. He hadn’t ever thought she would make a recovery of her own accord. He wondered if the other victims had made such progress and made his mind up to check up on them once Arthur had been found.

  The door opened and Mrs. Phillips beckoned him in, he stood just inside the doorway behind his housekeeper as she began to introduce him.

  “Now then Miss, this is the Master; Mr. Gunn. It is in his house you reside now,”

  “Should she wish to of course.” Midnight interjected, still somewhat obscured by the door and Mrs. Phillips rather rotund frame.

  “Yes, should you wish to remain in our care obviously. The master is a good man and provides a good home. I’m sure you’ll find him kindly enough.”

  Midnight stepped into full view and flashed his best welcoming smile at Polly who seemed to smile back albeit it a little nervously. It took mere seconds for the mood in the room to change, for when Polly’s eyes met his she began screaming frantically and backed away, she scrambled off her bed and dove under it. Shouting over and over,

  “Get away! Get away!”

  “Oh my goodness! What on earth’s gotten into you girl?” Mrs. Phillips dropped to her knees and peered under the bed. Midnight was horrified! Was he really that frightening? He couldn’t fathom why the girl kept reacting to him so, he’d been nothing but kind to her.

  “I think I’d better go. Should I fetch Giles?”

  “I’ll calm her down Sir, just give me a moment. Come now Miss Polly, there’s nothing to fear, it’s just the master.”

  The girl continued to scream.

  “I really don’t think she wants me here. I will leave. I need to talk to Giles anyway. Perhaps I’ll try a visit another day.” And with that he darted from the room and closed the door. Polly still screamed and he could hear poor Mrs. P. desperately trying to calm her. The girl’s reaction upset him greatly. Perhaps he really was a monster? Perhaps she could sense he was a killer and that’s why she was frightened of him? The front door bell clanged making him jump. At this late hour it could only be Constable Rowe. Thank God! He thought, he would put his time to better use and get started on the hunt for Arthur. He made for the stairs in haste.

  “Giles? Is that the Constable?” He heard the front door creak as he descended.

  “It is Sir.”

  “Rowe? Welcome, do come in.” Midnight gestured for him to enter. “Let’s go to the front parlour. Giles, please have Mrs. Phillips bring some tea and join us if you would?”

  “Of course Sir.”

  Midnight noticed the swift frown cross Rowe’s brow, he realized his request for Giles to accompany them would seem wholly out of place. One usually didn’t include a butler in such matters. No matter, there was no time to explain their unique relationship now. Time was not on Arthur’s side. They must make plans immediately.

  “This way Constable. I’m anxious to talk with you. Apologies for the late hour but I assume you’re aware of the urgency of my summons?”

  “I am indeed Mr. Gunn. In fact, we’ve been looking for the Inspector these past two days. Do you know what’s happened to him? Your note indicated you had urgent information.”

  “Sit down and let me explain Constable.”

  Rowe parked himself in an armchair in the parlour and then promptly stood up again, aware that his coat was dripping wet, he didn’t want to mark the furniture.

  “Allow me Constable Rowe?” Giles entered and reached out for Rowe’s coat who gave it to him with a sheepish nod of thanks. He sat once more, his gangly legs and skinny frame made him look somewhat awkward in the upright armchair. He adjusted his posture; clearly uncomfortable to be in Gunn’s company without the presence of the Inspector. He took off his helmet and smoothed his hair. Then stroked the line of barely visible blonde fluff above his top lip and cleared his throat.

  “So, you were saying Sir?” Rowe listened intently as Midnight explained the events of Wednesday evening’s ball at the Rainbow Room and their subsequent discovery of the secret club. He admitted to using his powers on Mary and Kim and confessed to a fight in a drug induced state in which he had not meant to kill the man. He told Rowe of his visions on the Inspector, trapped in a cellar somewhere and the urgency of the need to find him as soon as possible.

  “We must set out as soon as we have a plan Constable. I understand you will need a statement from me about Kim’s death and I’m prepared to go to the station or whatever is needed, I give you my word. But we must find Inspector Gredge first and I know I can help you. I feel like an idiot, had I not attacked Mary she would’ve sent a note to Scotland Yard and Arthur would be found.”

  “We’ll talk about your unfortunate experiences another time Mr.. Gunn. It is as you say, most urgent that we find the Inspector. What is it you had in mind?”

  “This is most unorthodox I know and obviously, Arthur’s safety is paramount…but… it’s imperative that I remain…undiscovered, for want of a better word. I sent for you Constable Rowe because I know you to be aware of the capacity in which I assist the Inspector. You understand that, outside of Arthur and your good self, that no one else knows what I am.”

  “I do Sir and it shall remain so. I promise. I can tell the lads we’ve had an anonymous tip off about the Inspector’s whereabouts, get ‘em out looking in the cellars of all the places connected with that premises. They’ll be glad of something to go on. I admit we’ve all been standing on our heads over it. We’
ve turned his place over a dozen times in the last two days and followed every possible lead we could think of to no avail. We were starting to think he’d just had one too many pints down the Lamb and Liver and fallen in the bloody river! I would’ve visited you too Sir, only I didn’t know you’d seen Inspector Gredge since that day we found the girl in Blackfriars.”

  “Thank you for keeping my secrets Constable, I appreciate it very much. I cannot afford to be in the limelight. Now, how do you wish to proceed tonight?”

  Rowe was silent as he thought and then said,

  “I need to get word to the lads, they can start with Wong’s place seeing as he’s connected with this Chinese Mary. If there’s nothing physical to find we can at least have him brought in for questioning.”

  “Agreed. Do you need Giles to send for a runner?”

  “No, I’d best go talk to the Sergeant myself I reckon. Maybe you could write me an anonymous note or something?” He directed the question to Giles, who nodded. “I can say someone addressed it to me at the station, then we can get the search going.”