The Reaper's Kiss

by Robert Southworth

  “It is a small holding on the outskirts of the city. I purchased it from a family that ran a transportation business, six or seven wagons, and the beasts to pull them. They were good people, Fred. No laws were broken, and I paid them a fair price.”

  “When did you buy the property?” Abberline asked.

  “Must be three years ago, but you know that others have been interested. Otherwise, you would not be here.”

  “As part of my investigation, we have been trailing a group that has been attempting to acquire property. Their attempts have not always been legal.”

  “I will tell you everything, but this is between two old friends. I will not expect reprisals or appear to give evidence.”

  “Of course,” Abberline was surprised that Cochran felt the need to make the point.

  “About a year back, three men walked into The Fox. They introduced themselves to my brother, Samuel. They offered a great deal of money for that property. Samuel used his usual gentle approach and threw them out. He told me about them later, but to be honest, I paid little attention.”

  “I didn’t see your brother in the bar.” Abberline suddenly realised how strange it was not to see Samuel engaged in heavy drinking.

  Cochran, however, ignored the remark.

  “A week later the three men returned. This time I was in the bar with Samuel. They walked up to me and made a more substantial offer than previously. I’m a businessman, Fred. The money offered was far more than what the property was worth. Any rational man would have accepted, but they got beneath my flesh. They looked at me as though I was shit on their boots. I told them no. That I wouldn’t sell to them - no matter the offer. They smiled and walked from the bar as though they hadn’t a care in the world. A week later I received a letter confirming their offer. I bloody well received a letter every week for the next two months. Each one went into the fire. Then finally the letters stopped. I thought that their interest had ended. Six months ago, me and Samuel got into an argument. It was an argument we have had a hundred times. A rival gang being disrespectful. He wanted to break heads, but I wasn’t convinced. He stormed out and disappeared for a few days. I wasn’t concerned, he had done it countless times. Then Eddie Hemsworth, of the Bowson gang, came calling.”

  “I know him. Scrawny fellow, likes to use a cosh.”

  “That’s one. Well, it took some balls walking into one of my places. He was fortunate that I was at home. Some of my men hit first and ask questions later.” Cochran paused and took a large drink from his glass. “The Bowson’s had found Samuel’s body in their territory but denied any involvement in his death.”

  “They could have been lying,” Abberline suggested.

  “To what end. If they had killed Samuel and wanted that fact hidden, then why announce his death in the first place. It is not so difficult to make a body to disappear. To be honest, at that point I did not care who did the killing. I just wanted my brother home. I got Eddie to show me where Samuel had been dumped.” Cochran took another drink. “They had made a mess of him, Fred. It was hard to see where a blade hadn’t struck his flesh. In all the sea of blood, a white rectangle stood out like a beacon. Pinned to his chest was a letter.”

  “Let me guess, another offer for the property.”

  “Yes, the bastards thought they could intimidate me. I called all the gangs together and for the first time, I offered violence as a first resort. I promised them blood in the streets if they did not help me track down the men that killed my brother. It took two months, but finally, the culprits were sat in front of me, and as ordered, they had not been harmed.” Cochran stopped talking.

  “Joseph, what you tell me in this room will go no further… you have my word.”

  Cochran nodded his gratitude at Abberline’s reassurance.

  “If they were scared, then they did not show it. To begin with - that is. The arrogant bastards freely admitted to killing Samuel. I asked them what made the property so important. They simply replied that they had been ordered to obtain it, which confirmed to me they were acting on orders. I asked who had sent them, but they would not give up a name. I had never killed a man in all my years on the streets. I have given orders that have led to murder but I have always sought a better way. I took a knife and cut the first man’s throat. For the first time, I saw fear in their eyes. However, the remaining two would not give up their master. I decided to get creative. A hammer was my second choice of tool. I broke the kneecaps of the second man. He screamed and sobbed, but would not give up a name. The hammer went to work on his ankles, his elbows and wrists. He was broken, but his tongue remained silent. All I could do, is hope the treatment of the second man would make the third talk. To heighten the fear, I removed the second man’s ears, and then dropped them into the third’s lap. I would have gone further but my victim’s heart must have given way. One moment he was screaming and the next he was gone. The third man took a beating. It was strange to see the blood of another man on my hands, but I gave him no respite. Two hours I worked on loosening his tongue but he would not talk. He even laughed at me towards the end. I had my men hold him up, and knowing that I had failed, I split him from balls to chin with his own knife. I do not know who held sway over these men, but he has a power not of this world.” Cochran opened his desk drawer and withdrew an item that was wrapped in cloth. He passed it over to Abberline to unwrap.

  “A number of the men we seek possess a knife such as this,” Abberline divulged, as he examined the Cronos knife.

  “I make my living working in shit. Until that night, I had convinced myself that I was different from the other beasts that stalk the streets.”

  “Don’t let the fate of those bastards play on your mind. I have spent years on their trail. Trust me, no tears should be shed at their passing,” Abberline replied.

  “Still… “

  “No, Joseph. These men deserved to die. I have spent my life upholding the law, but these men need to be put in a hole. Their guilt is not in question.”

  Chapter 24

  Cloveney Hall

  It had been two weeks since Emily had woken in the night, screaming. From that point it had seemed to Simeon that she had lost all enthusiasm for life. Her sleep had been plagued with demons ever since. Simeon spent each night seated at the foot of her bed, like a loyal hunting hound. The days were consumed with attempts at pulling her from melancholy. On one of the rare occasions that she enjoyed a deep, peaceful sleep Simeon and Miss Bull took the opportunity to take nourishment. Both were seated in Cloveney’s substantial kitchen. They hungrily consumed a bowl of soup.

  “It won’t be long before the child arrives,” Simeon announced. He wanted reassurance, but he was reluctant to give voice to his fears.

  “God willing,” Miss Bull replied.

  “The child will be…” Simeon could not bring himself to say it.

  “Sir Simeon, giving birth is a battle. A woman needs to fight just as hard to bring a life into this world, as some men fight to rip one from it. I have seen women obtain easy victories, but I have also seen women fight with everything they had, and still lose the battle. Win or lose they all have to fight.”

  “Are you saying Emily, will not fight?”

  “I’m saying that she may not be able. We will not know until the time arrives.”

  “If only we could lift her spirits. I would give all my wealth to ease her woes.”

  “I have not been in your employ long, Sir Simeon but I can see that only one person can lift her spirits.” Miss Bull shook her head as she spoke.

  “But we cannot simply allow the child to die!”

  “The child? There is more at stake than a new life. It is possible that Emily may not survive.”

  “What? But you said she was in good health.”

  “She is. I have delivered over a thousand babies into this world. It is a life that has brought me great joy, but I have come to realise that joy is only one step from misery. When I was no more than a girl myself, I had deliv
ered seven beautiful babies into the world. I had no reason to expect the pregnancy of Rose Wright, would be any different. She was a farm girl, strong as an ox, and so happy. She loved her man, Sir Simeon. They had been married less than a year when the accident happened. Her husband had been chopping at a fallen tree. He was some distance from the farm, and so, when the axe slipped and opened up his leg, nobody heard his scream. He wasn’t found until the evening, and poor Rose was devastated. She had nothing left to give.”

  “William isn’t dead. Emily will stay alive for him. I know she will.”

  ***

  London – Slaughter Yard

  Slaughter Yard had been a hive of activity for some weeks. However, despite the valiant efforts of Naismith and the rest, they had gathered no solid leads to the whereabouts of William, or the cult of Cronos. They had kept in constant contact with Simeon, via Josh at Ashby St Ledgers. Naismith could tell that Simeon had far more pressing matters on his mind; the messages he received from Cloveney were short and nothing more than ‘keep going’. Naismith sat quietly in the office at Slaughter Yard and wondered what he would do once the list provided by Drummonds, had been exhausted. Only three properties remained, and not one of them looked a viable hiding place for the Ripper.

  He reached into the desk drawer and took out a number of glasses. Inside the drawer was an unopened bottle of William’s favourite whiskey. He poured a generous helping into each vessel. He quickly downed the contents of the first glass and grimaced as the burning liquid raced down his throat. He refilled the glass and placed the bottle back into the drawer. He looked at his tumbler and consumed its contents for the second time.

  “Are you drinking alone,” a voice asked from the doorway.

  Naismith looked up to see the familiar face of Abberline staring back at him.

  “Just waiting for you all to arrive,” Naismith replied.

  “Then there is no point putting the bottle away.”

  Within ten minutes the room had been filled. Each man savoured more than one glass of the whiskey. Only one glass remained with its contents intact. It was a silent salute to William, and like a dutiful wife, it would await his return.

  “I asked you all here tonight because we are reaching the end of the list. We only have three properties to investigate. I do not hold out much hope that they will lead us to William. I am also aware of how long it has been since you spent time with your families or took time away from our task. I have decided that we will take two days to re-join the human race. On Monday we will continue our search for the Ripper. Perhaps if we are fresh, then we will find it easier to see through the mist of deception that surrounds our task.” Naismith passed a note to Tallow. “That is your property. If you and Bakari would investigate. It is some distance away. You may be better to make your entertainment closer to the target.”

  “Leave it to us,” Tallow replied.

  Naismith passed a second note to Abberline. “I thought that I would accompany you on this one, Fred. I have some former associates that live near to the property. They may be able to provide us with some insight.”

  “Let’s hope for some success,” Abberline replied.

  “The third property is for you, Jack and Goss.” He handed the note to Gossup. Naismith was surprised to see the former soldier grimace when he read the note. “Is there a problem?”

  “It’s just Alfie has the fever. I was hoping to stay in London until he has recovered.”

  “I could do it.” John volunteered. “I will go with Jack. Goss could watch the Yard until his boy is better.”

  “That’s fine with me,” Naismith replied.

  “Thank you, John,” said Gossup.

  “No need for thanks. I’m sick of the bloody place,” John replied.

  Naismith clapped his hands together and gave a huge sigh.

  “That is the plan, and we all know our tasks. If we ensure that each group send a report back to Slaughter by Thursday at the latest.”

  ***

  Hartshill Castle

  Two hooded figures stood at the gates to Hartshill Castle. The tallest of the four thumped his fist against the timbers and then took a step back. Footsteps sounded then a small hatch opened in the main gate. The lamp carried by the owner of the footsteps highlighted his face as he peered out into the night.

  “Alpha is here, open the gates!” the tall figure called out.

  “Bugger…Err, yes of course,” came the reply.

  Moments later, the heavy bolts of the gate could be heard being drawn back to free the timbers. The hooded figures entered the castle. The smaller figure glanced around, and unknown to his comrade, he felt a deep satisfaction.

  “Where are my quarters?” he asked.

  “In the north wing, Alpha. We have made them more comfortable. The previous inhabitants must have thought discomfort brought them closer to God,” the taller figure replied.

  Alpha moved in closer to the taller figure and whispered,

  “You have done well Coldridge. When you have shown me to my quarters, I will need to see Faraday.”

  “It will be arranged,” Coldridge replied.

  One hour later Alpha was seated in his quarters. He stared towards the night sky through one of the castle’s substantial windows. A knock sounded at the door. He slowly took another drink of his wine and then pulled his hood into place.

  “Enter!” he called out.

  “You wanted to see me?” Faraday slipped into the room. He quickly took in his surroundings.

  “You seem nervous, Faraday. If I decide to kill you, it will not be in my quarters.”

  “Blood can be the devil itself to clean,” Faraday replied.

  Alpha chuckled. “That it is… I wanted to thank you for a task well done. These premises are more than adequate for our needs. How fairs our guest?”

  “Dangerous and keen to cut our throats.”

  “He doesn’t appreciate you defending him against Coldridge?”

  “I have broken his trust. To him, I am just another killer,” Faraday replied.

  “But what is he to you?” Alpha pressed.

  “William Harkness is a good man. I would avoid his death if possible.”

  “So would I, Faraday. However, the future is unclear, and we must prepare for all eventualities.”

  “Harkness is keen to meet you,” Faraday replied.

  “He will, but not tonight. Let him know that I am in residence but have no plans to meet. If I rush to see him, it might swell his ego. We must all learn humility.”

  “It will be done.”

  Chapter 25

  Five days later William was sitting on the edge of his bed when a figure entered his room. Despite the hood, he knew it was Coldridge. William thought that even when standing still, the bastard oozed arrogance. William rose from the bed; fully expecting a beating. That belief intensified when two further figures slipped into the room.

  “Come to do the deed, have you?” William snarled.

  “When your life is forfeit, I shall come alone,” Coldridge replied. He made a signal and the two men shot forward and grasped William by the arms. “Alpha has asked to meet with you. He didn’t say that you should be unharmed. So, I suggest you keep your mouth closed.”

  William grimaced as his hands were bound so tightly that he could feel the fibres of the rope cutting into his flesh. Coldridge turned and walked away leaving his comrades to bundle William out of the room. On two occasions he was allowed to fall to the floor by his careless captors. Finally, Coldridge stopped at a doorway and turned to face William.

  “Be respectful and don’t try anything,” Coldridge snarled before punching William in the gut.

  William forced himself to remain standing despite the agony. Coldridge grabbed him by the hair and led him into the room beyond the door, leaving the other two men outside.

  “Coldridge! Release him,” a voice sounded.

  William did not wait for Coldridge to loosen his grip. He pulled his head free losing som
e hair in the process. “I will kill you, Coldridge. Make no mistake about that.”

  “You are welcome to try,” Coldridge sneered back.

  “Coldridge, go and… just go.” Alpha ordered.

  “But it would be unwise to remain with Harkness alone.”

  “William is a gentleman and a man of his word. If I were to order his bonds cut and you and your men to wait outside, then he would offer an oath that he will not try to escape.”

  “What?” Coldridge asked clearly outraged.

  “What do you say, William, do I have your word?” Alpha asked.

  William understood that the man to his front was the puppet master, and he was already playing his games. He also realised that to agree and not attempt an escape, would mean Coldridge would be expelled from the room. The thought of causing Coldridge a great annoyance was too enticing.

  “You have my word.”

  Coldridge gave a bad-tempered grumble but did not speak a word. He grabbed William’s bound hands and then cut the fibres. William felt the blade slice into his flesh.

  “Bastard,” William whispered, but Coldridge was already leaving the room and closing the door behind him.

  For the first time, William studied the seated, hooded figure to his front. The head was slightly lowered to ensure his features could not be discerned. The table, was set for two people. The wine had already been poured, suggesting this was nothing more than two friends enjoying each other’s company.

  “Please, William take a seat.” The voice was muffled. It was no more than a faint whisper, but William was sure he knew the voice.

  “Do I call you Alpha, or Jack?” William asked. He moved forward and took a chair.

  “I have become many things to many people. Therefore, I have many names.”

  The image swam into William’s head. He didn’t want to believe his own thoughts. He could not deny the voice, despite its muffled state, belonged to one man. He tried to hide the revelation, but his eyes swam with tears of treachery. He suddenly felt short of breath. Rage mixed with sorrow to make both the heart and head, feel physical pain. His discomfort must have been noticeable because Alpha let out an audible sigh. William watched as the figure to his front raised his hands, and then pulled back the hood. A familiar face stared back at him.