The Reaper's Touch

by Robert Southworth

  ∞∞∞

  Sir Simeon Harkness was working late in his study when he heard the arrival of the carriages. Looking out of the window, he was amazed to see not one, but three Hackneys arriving. “What on earth…” he muttered under his breath. Good God, it’s after midnight! he thought to himself with a cursory look at his pocket watch. He left his study and moved with purpose through the substantial hall of Cloveney. He threw open the main door, his confusion turning to joy as William stepped from the lead carriage. Sir Simeon strode forward to greet him, sensing something was wrong from his son’s exhausted, worried features.

  “William?” Harkness grabbed his son by the arms and pulled him in an embrace.

  “Father, please forgive our unannounced arrival,” his son replied.

  “This is your home – you come and go as you please. However, I am guessing that this is no mere social visit.”

  “Two of our number are dead. Another two are injured… it seems the Ripper has grown tired of our interference.”

  “Then you had best come inside.”

  “Father, wait...those that wish us dead, they may well have followed us here.”

  “And you think I might turn you away. Cloveney will always offer food and warmth to friends.”

  “I did not think you would turn us away, but our presence could prove dangerous for you and those that serve Cloveney.”

  “The choice will be theirs to stay or leave, now come inside.”

  Passengers and baggage were soon entering Cloveney Hall. William thanked the constables and watched as riders and carriages began their long journey back to London. Sir Simeon Harkness strode to his son’s shoulder. “So, do you think those that wish you harm will visit us?” he asked.

  “I cannot be sure.” William was frowning.

  “William, I spend my days in the presence of politicians. A straight answer would be appreciated and make a pleasant change,”

  William turned to look at him. “Yes, they will come, and soon.”

  Simeon Harkness smiled and his son raised an eyebrow at him. “Then we must ensure that we are ready to give them a suitable welcome. Tomkins!” Simeon called out, as a frisson of excitement shivered through him. Simeon waited until his servant appeared. “Tomkins, I want you to assemble all the staff in the hall. When that is done, you are to collect every firearm in the household and bring them to my study.”

  “What, all of them?”

  “Yes – and Tomkins?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Hurry along, there’s a good fellow.” Tomkins nodded and walked back into the house passing Gossup heading in the other direction.

  “Where are you going, Goss?” William asked.

  “Someone needs to watch the road.”

  “You can’t go, you need your rest.”

  “William, you lead, that is what you are born to do. Out there in the shadows is what I am born to do. It has to be me because I am the only one that can do it.”

  William nodded. “Be careful. I have lost enough friends today.”

  ∞∞∞

  The staff started to file into the hall. Sir Simeon waited patiently until each one was in position before he began to speak. He told them of the danger that was heading towards Cloveney Hall. He made it clear that the choice to remain would be theirs alone and choosing to leave would not put their position in the household in doubt. Those that chose to leave but lived at the hall would be taken to the nearest village, Drayton Marsh, and found lodgings until the threat was over. Some of the staff did not reside at the Hall and only stayed the night when their duties required them to do so. They too would be taken from the hall. Patrick the gamekeeper immediately declared that he would stay, but Sir Simeon Harkness refused.

  “But I would like to do my bit, sir.”

  “You have three small children, Patrick. Besides, I want you to help prepare the carriages. Anyone with young children will not be staying, your duty to them comes before Cloveney.”

  “I will stay.” The voice belonged to a short and rather plump elderly woman.

  “Do you think you will be an asset in a fight, Dottie?”

  “I can swing a pan, but it might be an idea to feed our guests.”

  “Thank you, Dottie.”

  In all, five chose to stay. More would have happily remained, but Sir Simeon Harkness decided that they should leave. It seemed to William that his father was trying to keep his employees out of harm’s way. Indeed, within the hour he had ensured that those departing Cloveney Hall were crammed into two carriages and sent on their way.

  Tomkins laid the firearms on a long side table within the hall. Some were of a fine quality, used when Sir Simeon entertained influential men who liked to hunt as they talked business. Some of the firearms were less functional and used as decoration around the hall. Fortunately, Simeon Harkness was not the type of man to keep a weapon on the premises that was not in working order; even if it was unlikely to be used. The issue was not in the amount of weapons, but in the available ammunition. The weapons that were in daily use had a ready supply, the older ones would only be afforded enough ammunition for a couple of shots before they were reduced to no more than clubs.

  Preparations were made to secure the household. A task that was not as difficult as William had first imagined. As a boy, he had been ignorant of the importance of security, but his father entertained important men, and their safety had to be guaranteed. Besides, Simeon had made plenty of enemies as he had gained influence in the Empire. Despite the lateness of the hour only Bessie decided to retire for the night. William suggested that Emily should follow suit, but Alfie had still not stirred from his sleep, and his head rested in her lap. The injured were afforded fresh dressings for their wounds, and Dottie provided them with a hearty meal. It consisted of mainly cold meats, but the nourishment was well received.

  When the preparations had been completed, William and his father finally took their seats with the others. William had not eaten all day, and it suddenly dawned on him just how hungry he felt. Obadiah immediately thrust a drink into their hands and placed a prepared plate of food at their side.

  “So, when do you think they will come?” Simeon’s tone was neutral and showed no hint of panic.

  “In truth Father, I can only guess. I thought that I was beginning to understand the way the Ripper thought. I can see the reasoning behind the slaughtering of dollymops. It created anger among the lower classes but ensured Scotland Yard would be slow to act. We must acknowledge that the law’s focus on the murders was reduced because it was, in their view, only tarts being butchered. I can even understand the removal of Mrs. Holbrook and her friends because I think they were, in the Ripper’s eyes, unwanted players in his game. I doubt he ever saw them as a serious threat.”

  “You think he sees murder as a game?”

  “Oh, I think that is all it is to the Ripper.”

  “But what about Cronos, and the followers who he has amassed?” Isaac asked moving in closer. “I am sorry, I did not mean to interrupt.”

  “Its fine,” Simeon replied. “I was just about to ask the same question.”

  “I believe the Ripper is just an ordinary killer, I have no doubt that some of those slaughtered that reside at the workhouse are there because of his very own hands. Where the Ripper isn’t ordinary is in his intelligence. He must have known that eventually he would be discovered committing one of his grisly acts. He likes the control; the feeling of life and death being within his hands. The murders go back many years. I believe he found the cult responsible for them, and joined it. His intelligence allowed him to dominate those around him and now he wields the cult like a blade. He keeps the control, but removes the chance of arrest.”

  “So why is the hunting of your men out of character?”

  “After the death of Joseph Locke,” William placed an apologetic hand on Isaac’s shoulder. “The Ripper sent me a letter.”

  “What?” Isaac was astounded.

  “It di
d not say much but it did welcome me to the game. It’s my belief that the Ripper has chosen me as his opponent. He knows that I would not be a worthy opponent without my friends.”

  Simeon gave a small chuckle and smiled. “Then it’s obvious, all is not well in his little group.”

  “How do you draw that conclusion, Father?”

  “I have sat on many boards and dealt with those that wish a business to go in another direction or worse think they should be seated at the head of the table. You say these attacks on your men are not in the Ripper’s character. Then I suggest he has either lost power, or has felt the need to offer up sacrifice in order to placate those that are challenging his reign. Both situations do not bode well for the Ripper and could lead to his capture.”

  “If we live long enough,” Isaac nodded ruefully.

  “Exactly.” William replied. He looked around the room, for the most part; his friends were keeping themselves busy. Abberline was checking the firearms as they arrived and Emily changed bandages. He wondered if he should give a rousing speech but realised these were not soldiers. They did not march for the glory of country or regiment. He decided that perhaps today, quiet reflection was best for each of them. He walked amongst his friends, offering a smile and the occasional comment.

  The muted conversation was brought to an end as a knock sounded at the main entrance. William allowed Tomkins to answer it as he and Obadiah pointed pistols in anticipation of an attack. Gossup slipped inside and declared that Cloveney Hall had uninvited guests.

  Chapter 28

  “How many do we face?” William asked.

  “It’s difficult to tell in the darkness. I would guess between twenty and thirty men,” Gossup replied. He walked into the sitting room and poured himself a drink.

  “Firearms?”

  “Impossible to tell. I did not see any, but that doesn’t mean they are not there.”

  “How close?” William was determined to get a clear picture of what he faced.

  “I am not out of breath because I took a gentle stroll back.” He motioned for William to join him at the sitting room’s window. “They are no more than ten minutes, if they move with haste.” He pointed at the main road. “They have split into two groups and are using the woods on either side of the road to disguise their approach.”

  “Thank you, Goss, you had best get some food.”

  “If it is all the same to you, I can do far more out there, in the trees.” Gossup stretched out a hand and stole a large chicken leg from Jack’s plate.

  “Then be careful.”

  “Careful? It is them that need to be careful. Beasts are not the only dangerous things that prowl those woods tonight.” He used the chicken leg to give a mock salute and then slipped out into the night.”

  “Is he really that good?” William’s father asked.

  “Oh yes – I almost feel sorry for the murderous bastards.”

  “I was actually eating that chicken,” Jack grumbled.

  ∞∞∞

  Gossup moved from shadow to shadow. Then, quite abruptly he came to a halt. The unmistakeable sound of untrained men attempting to walk through woodland reached his ears. Gossup shook his head, the men may be killers, but they were not soldiers. He moved to a large tree, the roots of which clung to the ground like a monstrous, grasping hand. As the enemy drew nearer he slipped beneath one of the massive roots. As he found comfort, the rain began to intensify, and played its hurried tune on the leaves above. He pulled his collar up around his neck and took a bite from the chicken he had stolen from Jack.

  Within minutes, nearby footsteps sounded, accompanied by the breaking of branches and the occasional curse as a man lost his footing. Gossup remained perfectly still as all around him, men were moving towards Cloveney Hall. Eventually, the sound of men began to lessen and his diminutive figure rose from the tendril-like roots. His senses were in perfect tune with the darkness. Picking his way silently through the trees and undergrowth he made his way towards his prey. Now and then he would pause to get a sense of where the enemy lurked. Then he heard another fall of water that differed from the rain as it cascades through the plethora of leaves. A few paces to his front he listened to the guttural grunt of a man as he emptied his bladder. Gossup covered the few paces between himself and the pissing man in seconds. His blade was drawn and then sliced into flesh without ceremony. The time for mercy was at an end. The time had come to go to war, and killing was his craft.

  *

  The figure in the hood raised a hand to signal his men to stop at the edge of the trees. He looked across the road and found the moonlight just enabled him to make out the other group had reached their position. He then turned and for the first, time noticed that some of his men were missing. He gave a silent curse at their stupidity for becoming lost in the woods. However, their absence was not causing him concern; he believed that he had more than enough men to wipe out William Harkness and a Harkness’ meagre handful of men. Once the task had been completed, Alpha would be finished, and he would take his place at the head of the table. He would lead the followers of Cronos to greatness. He raised his hand and gave the signal for his men to advance.

  ∞∞∞

  Observing from the sitting room window, William saw the first figure at the far end of Cloveney’s courtyard, as it darted behind a statue. He turned to face his friends and family. “Emily, it’s time for you to go upstairs.”

  “But William...” She began to remonstrate but the look on her lover’s face discouraged any further complaint. As she moved, Alfie woke for the first time,

  “What’s happening?”

  “We need to go upstairs. Bad men are coming, but William won’t let them hurt you.” The boy physically shrank; the fear plain for all to see.

  “Will you do something for me, Alfie?” William asked. “I am afraid that Emily is too easily frightened.” He picked up an old duelling pistol that he had only recently finished loading. “I want to send her upstairs, but I need a good man I can trust. Will you keep her safe for me?” He passed the pistol to the boy.

  “Yes.”

  William looked at Emily and winked. She gave him a sarcastic smile. “Your powers of persuasion know no bounds, my love.”

  William was satisfied that he had made sure that Emily had no choice but to go upstairs. He watched as she took Alfie by the hand and then allowed him to lead her upstairs.

  “Listen, we do not have much time,” William said, turning to his men. “The windows, except for the one in the sitting room, have heavy bars. Unless they have explosives then they will not gain entry. That leaves the main entrance, the sitting room window and the rear door that leads to the kitchen. Both doors are sturdy but can be forced if we give them time to do so. The men attacking this place are not soldiers, they are a rabble. If we hit them hard they will run. If they manage two charges on our position, I will be surprised. Have any of you served?” Only Tomkins spoke up. “Then you shall watch the rear door. Dottie, do you know how to load a firearm?”

  “Load and fire, there are plenty of rabbits that can testify to that.”

  “Good then I want you and...” he was embarrassed not to know the names of the two men standing with Dottie.

  Simeon came to his rescue, “Billy and Joshua, they work in the stables.”

  “Billy, Dottie and Joshua I want you to pick an upstairs window that enables you to see into the courtyard. Be ready but do not fire until you hear our first volley. After that just shoot at anything that moves in the grounds,” he paused for a moment, “but remember we have a man out there. You have all seen Gossup, make sure that he isn’t one of your targets. As for the rest, we will make our stand at the easiest point of access. We are close enough to cover the main door. There are at least thirty paces of open ground before they reach the house. We will hit them as they are half way across.”

  “They will have to be closer than that for me to hit,” Isaac smirked.

  “Then let us hope your aim isn’t n
eeded. I would rather they did not get that close.”

  William could see figures moving in the distance. They had spread out, which showed that they at least possessed common sense. A closely-packed target would have been too easy for defenders to hit. He looked down at the hunting rifle and knew at a distance of no more than twenty paces it would be difficult to miss. He looked at the men and was presented with nervous faces. These were not soldiers and though they proved to be capable men, battle was a different beast. “Isaac, you did not tell me about your findings on Sir Rufus Thom.”

  “What – oh yes. It seems that he was an enterprising young diplomat. For a time, he was expected to rise through the ranks. There was a scandal, the information is not complete, but it seems he was caught giving secrets to a foreign government. However, partly because of his position in society and partly, I imagine, because he knew too much, a public trial could have proved embarrassing to powerful people. He was quietly removed and retired to live out his days in the country.”