The Reaper's Kiss

by Robert Southworth

  “Forgive me, Sir Simeon. There is only one soldier amongst our number. This is what I am trained to do.” Without waiting for an answer, he tapped the flanks of his horse and started down the ridge.

  “Bloody fool.” Simeon spoke in little more than a whisper.

  “He may be rash, but Gossup is no fool. I have heard William’s tales of the man’s skill,” said Naismith.

  “Oh, I do not doubt his talent. Only that he wished to find the castle unmanned. I think he has a mind for revenge,” Simeon replied as he watched Gossup dismount a few hundred paces from the castle walls. “Tallow, Abberline, and Bakari, go around to the far side and find a way in. Just ensure that Gossup doesn’t blow your bloody head off.”

  “And what about us?” Naismith asked.

  “In ten minutes, we are going to ride through the bloody front door.” Simeon took out his pistol to ensure it was loaded. After a moment’s hesitation, Naismith did the same.

  Simeon had continued to look for signs of life at the castle. He had seen Gossup slip through the charred gateway and Tallow, with his accomplices Abberline and Bakari, work his way around the building. He took his pocket watch from his jacket and decided that the time had come.

  “I’ve never been one for sitting on my arse, Naismith. Let’s go.” He spurred his horse forward and was delighted that in this instant Naismith showed no reluctance. The ground was uneven for the first hundred or so paces, but the going became smoother as they reached a small track. As the building grew nearer the extent of the damage showed itself to be far more extensive. Not one window remained intact; the frames blackened and warped. Then, after dismounting and stepping through the main gate, Simeon was aghast to see that much of the building had collapsed in on its self. As he gazed around the destruction in awe, a noise to his left reminded him of possible danger. He spun around pistol at the ready.

  “No need for concern, the place is deserted,” Gossup announced.

  “It’s a big place,” Simeon replied.

  “Yes, but the majority of the floors have given way. Other than the chapel, it’s nought but a shell.”

  “The chapel?”

  “Yes, it seems to have survived the fire. If more of the bastards had God in their hearts then perhaps they would have been in the chapel, and safe from the flames.”

  “Any bodies?” Naismith asked.

  “Mostly, just bone pieces but I found Faraday. He didn’t die easy – I counted at least twelve stab wounds. I did find this. It was by some bones where William said he killed the Ripper.”

  Simeon took the item.

  “Looks like some kind of medallion with a coat of arms. A strange item to be in the home of nuns. Perhaps it belonged to the Ripper or one of his men.” He slipped the item into his pocket. “I suppose we should afford Faraday a burial as he helped William escape,” Simeon suggested. As he finished speaking Tallow and Bakari came into view at the far end of the courtyard. “Where is Abberline.” Tallow did not answer immediately, but the look on his face told Simeon that something was wrong. “What is it?” Simeon asked as Tallow drew near.

  “We found Jack and John. Abberline remained with their bodies. It is not pretty, Sir Simeon. Abberline has taken it rather badly.”

  “I will go to him,” Simeon replied, although, he dreaded the thought of witnessing the slaughter.

  “There is something else. The bodies were thrown into a small pit. Under their bodies were bone fragments, lots of them. I think we have found the previous residents.”

  Simeon paled at the thought.

  “Nuns – they slaughtered nuns?” he asked.

  “It would seem so,” Tallow replied.

  “They attempted to burn the evidence,” Bakari added as he held up a small crucifix.

  Simeon took the item and shook his head in disbelief. “I – I should go and see Abberline. Tallow if you could try and find something to wrap the bodies.”

  “Of course.”

  Simeon walked across the courtyard; he was unaware that Gossup and Naismith were silently following. He passed through a small door in the outer wall and glanced around. He spied his men’s horses and no more than ten paces to their right, Abberline crouched on the woodland floor. Simeon took in a deep breath and pressed on. When he was no more than two paces away from Abberline, he stopped.

  “Fred,” he couldn’t think of anything else to say.

  Frederick Abberline turned. His eyes were raw, and the tracks of tears could be seen on his face. Simeon took a step closer and placed a hand on his shoulder. However, the movement brought the horror of Jack and John’s fate into sight. Their deathly white skin played host to dirt and dried blood. The numerous wounds were a testament to the pain that each of them had suffered before death. However, the most terrifying part of the scene was the vacant eyes that searched nothingness. Simeon heard a gasp and turned to see Naismith with his hand raised to his mouth. Gossup walked passed Naismith and knelt at the side of the pit. He placed a hand on Jack’s swollen face.

  “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. I will miss you, my friends.”

  “I didn’t know you were a man of God, Goss?” Simeon asked.

  “I’m a soldier, Sir Simeon. Each step we make is with God sat on one shoulder, and the devil on the other.

  Simeon wasn’t sure he understood what Gossup meant. However, he knew that now was not the time for questions. The three men at his side were far closer to those that had died, and so, slowly he slipped away from the grief. He returned to the castle grounds and instructed Bakari and Tallow to seek out a cart from the nearest village. They would then collect the bodies and take them to London, and if no family came forward with their own suggestions, they were to be buried alongside William’s friend Gaetan.

  Chapter 32

  Six months had passed since Jack and John’s funeral. It had been decided that with the Ripper and Coldridge dead, the cult of Cronos posed no further threat. Those that survived the fire at Hartshill Castle would slink back to their previous lives. Slaughter Yard would remain for one year to ensure that Cronos stayed a distant memory. The decision had been made, mostly to provide a regular income for Gossup who was reluctant to leave city life. Simeon wanted to bring him and Alfie to Cloveney Hall, but the former soldier had refused. Naismith had also remained on Slaughter’s pay. Along with Abberline, who had all but retired from Scotland Yard, they helped the police with the more interesting investigations. They were unaware that the city had ceased paying for their services. Simeon had purchased Slaughter Yard, and the wages came from his pocket.

  The sun had returned to Cloveney Hall. The flowers were in full bloom, and the sound of a child’s laughter had raised the gloom that had descended since the death of William’s mother. Simeon had also undergone a metamorphosis; his work was no longer all-consuming. He was never happier than spending time with his family. Once a month, he’d taken to inviting those who’d fought with William against the Ripper to Cloveney Hall However, this day would be the first that would be spent in Cloveney’s grounds as the weather had taken a turn for the better. He had spared no expense regarding his guest’s comfort. A fire pit was erected to guard against the temperature falling, and a large pig was set on a spit above the flames, the smell of which, tantalised the senses.

  The day had been one of laughter. Emily even managed to get William to dance. Naismith allowed the alcohol to loosen his inhibitions and went down on one knee, and promptly offered marriage to Rebecca. For a moment, Simeon and th
e other guests stopped, frozen in time, as they held their breath waiting for Rebecca’s reply. The relief within the guests was evident when Rebecca nodded her head and began to sob with joy. The coupling of Naismith and Rebecca only served to make the occasion even more special. It wasn’t until Edward Simeon Obadiah Harkness, the latest member to join the Harkness household, fell to sleep in his mother’s arms, that the revelry died down.

  “I will take him back to the house,” Emily announced. William made to rise, but Emily placed her free hand on his shoulder. “Stay, it’s rare that we are all in one place.”

  William watched Emily as she moved toward the house. He knew that he should follow and try and raise the conversation that had plagued his mind since he had sat opposite the Ripper. However, his nerve failed each time that had been presented with an opportunity. He slumped back into his chair knowing that his bravery had deserted him once again.

  ***

  The figure that stood in the trees had been watching the household for some time. As he waited, he plucked a small bottle from his weather-beaten jacket. His fingers shook as he struggled with the cork, which was a barrier to relief from the pain. He knew that Laudanum was taking away his senses, his ability to think clearly had been diminished. Nonetheless, he needed to complete his task, and then he would seek solitude and the opportunity to mend his broken body. He took a substantial drink from the bottle, and as carefully as his hands would allow, placed it back within his jacket.

  He continued to watch and for the first time, a member of the Harkness household broke from the other members. Emily was carrying her young son toward the Hall. The stranger felt the surge of excitement, no doubt aided by the opium that now coursed through his body. Picking his way through the trees, he was mindful not to be seen by those that enjoyed the Cloveney grounds. He watched as Emily climbed the steps to the Hall and passed through its main door. He smiled as he noticed that she made no attempt to close the door, and so, his way in was clear. He broke into a sprint; determined to cover the open space in front of the house in double time. As he slipped into Cloveney’s interior, he could hear Emily sing, as she climbed the stairs to the upper level. The figure waited until he heard her footsteps on the landing before beginning his ascent. He reached the next floor and used Emily’s singing to act as a beacon to close on her position.

  He passed a number of doors until he came to a stop outside one that he believed the singing emanated. He slipped inside and observed Emily leaning over the cot that contained her sleeping son. Suddenly, she stood up straight and turned to face him. The horror on her face reminded him of his disfigurement.

  “Your lover’s betrayal ripped away my flesh.”

  “His betrayal? You were his friend, Professor and you brought him nothing but misery,” Emily replied.

  “He is alive only because I permitted it.”

  “He is alive because he is a better man than you. He will always be better than you.”

  “Then why keep a killer for a lover? Betray his honour, if a pretty girl lifts her skirt.”

  “My sins are my own. Not William’s and not my son’s. What did you tell William?”

  “I merely pointed out that you had taken a knife to Mary Kelly.” The Professor smiled and then added, “I may have embellished the tale.”

  “I would have told him the truth,” she said resolutely.

  “Ah, well the truth is a strange beast. William may believe that you took a blade to Kelly and hacked at her flesh. You believe that a single knife wound had robbed Kelly of life and that your friends at Cronos had hidden the crime. Scotland Yard believe that the Ripper alone took a blade to Mary Kelly. It is miraculous how so many truths can be so utterly wrong.”

  “Then what did happen?”

  “When I arrived at Mary Kelly’s home she was seated on her bed. She nursed a wound to her abdomen that was serious but a decent physician could have saved her life.”

  “You mean that I did not kill her?”

  “I saw an opportunity, Emily. Place you in my debt and I may hold William within my palm.”

  The professor took a blade from his jacket. The action made Emily glance to her sleeping child.

  “I have no intention of harming the child. Remain quiet, and he shall not be harmed, but scream and he shall share your fate.”

  Emily did not reply immediately.

  “Very well.” She turned and moved across the room. She opened a door that led to an adjoining room. On her return, she grasped the cot and wheeled it into that same room, and then gently closed the door. She took the pendant from around her neck and laid it on the dressing table. With tears in her eyes, she gave the piece of jewellery one last stroke, before crossing to the bed. Emily lay down and closed her eyes. “I am ready.”

  The professor moved to the bed; the blade within his shaking hand.

  “All must know the price for disloyalty to the Ripper.” The blade went to work.

  Ten minutes later the professor stepped from the bed. His thoughts turned from bloody murder to removing himself from Cloveney Hall. He moved to the doorway and glanced into the hallway. When he was sure it was safe to do so, he moved quickly across the hall, and down the stairs. He was about to leave through the main door when a man emerged carrying a tray. For a moment, the two were locked in a stare. Then the tray was falling, and the professor could see the figure going for a revolver tucked in his belt. Racing forward he grasped the hand holding the pistol and drove his knife forward. The blade took the servant in the left shoulder forcing him backwards and pinning him to the door. However, he managed to fire the weapon, and the professor knew that all present in the household would race toward the gunshot. Leaving both the injured man and his own blade, he ran across the courtyard and into the treeline.

  ***

  Simeon was struggling to keep up with William. The moment that the shot had rung out all influence of alcohol vanished. The entire party had risen as one and raced toward Cloveney. He began to tire has he closed on Cloveney, but the sight of Tomkins pinned to the door spurred him on. He watched as William ignored the injured man and disappeared from view as he entered the Hall. Tallow was the first to stop and attempt to care for Tomkins, but Gossup and Bakari followed William into the Hall. Simeon slowed as he neared Tomkins, but Dr Fitzgerald grasped him by the hand.

  “Go to your son. I will tend to Tomkins,” she ordered.

  Simeon rushed into Cloveney only to meet with a wail of pure woe. “No, please God – no!” he called out. He began to climb the stairs but could not rush. Each step was a pace closer to a dark world that he had no wish to visit. Gossup appeared at the top of the stairs. His face was awash with tears as he slumped on the top step, placed his head in his hands, and wept. Simeon a hand on his shoulder as he passed the former soldier and moved slowly toward Emily’s room. Bakari emerged with the youngest Harkness.

  “The child is unharmed, Sir Simeon.”

  “Good,” Simeon replied. “If you would take him downstairs. Perhaps, Miss Bull will care for him until…” As Simeon replied, he could hear William sobbing.

  “Yes, sir.” Bakari then clasped Simeon’s forearm. “Don’t go in there, Simeon. I would save you that nightmare.”

  Simeon looked directly at Bakari. “I must. My boy… my poor boy.”

  Simeon walked into Emily’s room.

  Chapter 33

  After Emily’s death, the grounds of Cloveney Hall had been thoroughly searched. However, the Professor had managed to evade capture. The search had been widened to the surrounding countryside and villages. A man matching his description had stayed at a local Inn but had not returned to his room since before Emily’s death. Days of fruitless hunting ended. Simeon was forced to accept that the professor had made good his escape. Emily was buried in the grounds of Cloveney Hall. Friends and family gathered to pay their respects, but with one noticeable absentee. William spent the time in the meadow with his son. They watched the ponies as William and Emily had done as children.


  In the afternoon Simeon left his guests as they nursed their grief. He walked down to the meadow. He spent some time watching William before finally plucking up the courage to approach.

  “Hello Father,” William said as Simeon neared.

  “We missed you, at the…” Simeon’s words failed him.

  “I know, but Edward is too young to visit a grave.”

  “I understand, son.” Simeon paused, unsure whether or not to talk of the Professor. “We failed, William. I am sorry.”

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  Simeon was shocked by the reply.

  “It does matter. I won’t let the bastard get away with…”

  “I am done, Father.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Chasing that man. The cost has been too great. Who will I be putting in the ground next. Abberline, Naismith, Gossup, or you, Father? Or perhaps he will take Edward from me. No – the price is too high.”

  “But we have broken Cronos. He is alone…”

  “Leave it alone. I will not be swayed on this matter. Edward needs his father and his grandfather.” William paused seemingly fighting an inner turmoil. “I spoke to the Professor about Emily. He told me that she had committed a terrible sin. He said that she… she killed Mary Kelly, and she was a member of Cronos. It was not a planned murder, but a moment of desperation because she believed that I was in love with Mary.”

  “And you believed him?”

  “I do not know. Despite, how much I loved Emily his words worked their way into my mind. I bested him at the Castle. I put a bullet in his head and yet it’s his words held sway over my life. If Emily had not died, then his words may have been a barrier between our happiness for the rest of our years. I loved Emily with all my heart, but he found a way to dirty that love. If he can wield that kind of power, then no member of the family, or even those I call friend are safe. Do I spend my days distrusting all that are close?”

  Simeon sighed, he knew that William spoke the truth. The Professor was a cruel and sadistic man, but only a fool could deny his talents. He could control hearts and minds like a grotesque pied piper. To best a man like that, you need to be his equal in deceit and willing to hide your true intentions from all that you hold dear.