The Murder at the Society

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Murder Mystery

The Murder at the Society

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Dr. H. Griffin

Dr. H. Griffin

@DrHGriffin 2 years ago

((A little murder mystery for you...))

It was a Saturday night in the Society. Not a single moment out of place: experimenting, talking, walking, smoking, thinking, planning. That is, until the minute of 11:12 in the evening, when a Lodger had fallen off from one of the railings in the main hall and fell to his death.

Hawley Griffin was busy in his room, looking for his journal. He'd discovered it stolen a few days ago, and had been frantically looking for it since. If it had been stolen and not lost, then his secrets would be discovered, and he'd be arrested. But when Griffin heard a few screams and shrieks of shock from outside in the main hall, he completely disregarded his search. Opening his door, he leaned over the corridor-platform railing, and looked down.

Between the vivariums and containers of supernatural creatures, the body of one of the Lodgers, an astronomer by the name of Oliver Dawlish was lying in a pool of blood on the ground floor. Griffin frowned. A suicide? Here?

Before he could think of it any further, the doors to Jekyll's quarters swung open, and the figure of Henry Jekyll descended the vast stairway, rather fast. Opposite Griffin, the doors to a few of the Lodgers' rooms were opening, and many of them looking down at the mangled body of the astronomer. On his side, Griffin saw another door opening about four rooms to the left, and someone stepped out.

((Enter unassuming person...))

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chatterghosts • 2 years ago

(( Enter stage left: the legit worst person to be here right now! ))

Much to Griffin's (surprise? chagrin?), the face was familiar -- and tired, it would seem, scrubbing at her bleary eyes. Slowly crossing the corridor, Fiona peered over the railing to gaze upon the mangled body of some poor, unassuming Lodger...

...and began to chuckle, rearing her head to grin at him. "Din'take ya for a bloody murderer, but hey -- ya managed ta surprise me!"

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

((It would be annoyance, if more than anything...))

"Firstly, I wouldn't kill anyone in this building in front of numerous witnesses. Second, this is blatantly a suicide. And thirdly, what the hell are you doing here anyway? Shouldn't you be robbing someone?"

Griffin was very tempted to do the same as Dawlish.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

(( Same difference. ))

"If we're doin' accusations'a the obvious, shouldn't you be ditchin' girls for not knowin' nothin' about 'Don Giovanni'?"

Her grin slides into a smirk, utterly blasé about the idea of the corpse beneath them. "Now, if you'll excuse me..."

She started for the stairs.

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Hey! Whoa, whoa, whoa. Not so fast." Griffin walked over to her. "There's something I want to know. After I left you, I decided to stay around for a little while out of your sight. And what do I hear?"

Griffin reached into his pocket, taking a small notebook, a replacement for the stolen journal.

"I quote, "dumb science people", "coincidental resolve" and "down to the gun", end quote. Mind explaining yourself? I may not be a psychologist, but I think you're insane."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Fiona continues to head down the stairs, laughing all the while. "Oh, I in't insane, love, though I do see now I made a pretty big mistake in trustin' ya, hm?"

She briefly glances back to him. "Mind yer own business. I talk ta meself sometimes."

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

Griffin quickened his pace, glancing at the body as Jekyll shooed away some of the shocked Lodgers.

"Right, okay, fine. Then who's Jackson? Hm? Who's he? Why were you mocking yourself? Since you know so much about me, I deserve the same. You can ask Jekyll about that."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Fiona leans down to examine the astronomer's lifeless body, returning quietly, "Jackson was a pal, a dumb bloke, and -" she blinks, and begins to scoff- "- and...tat's all ya need ta know. And let me make it clear: I know nothin' about ya. An' I don't want to."

(( Is there anything remarkable to be seen from the corpse? ))

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

((Died from falling from an inside balcony, so it's petty mangled, legs and arms broken like twigs, etc...))

"Then why were you talking to yourself as if... as if two people were there, then?" he asked, noticing Jekyll walking away, presumably to bring the police.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

She snickers and flashes a bitter smile to him. "Why d'ya even care?"

Fiona slowly stands. "Doesn't a suicide here seem...outta place?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Because I believe that something is going on in this place. Some of the Lodgers here seem... different. As if they have split personalities, or something like that." Griffin replied. "And I think you have it too."

Griffin stared down at the body. He had known Dawlish for some time, having met him since he first walked through the Society doors. Dawlish held the same philosophies as Griffin did, when he wanted something, he wouldn't ask again.

"With Dawlish, certainly. He wasn't suicidal. He liked himself too much. So that can only mean two possibilities, either that he simply fell from the banister by accident, or..."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"I'm a lotta things, but I in't crazy."

The conversation was remarkably similar to one years before -- same words, different tune.

"You know, both Artemis and Nicolette believe you're a sociopath," Jackson said, leaning forward with his elbows on the table.

"Yeah?"

"Well, are they wrong?"

A bleak laugh. "Are they?"

"... Do you think they pity you, Fiona?"

"I..think they think they can make me better than what I am. And...they have."

"So," Fiona said, gesturing to the body, "have we got a murder mystery?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Looks like it." Griffin remarked. "And one person I've got my eyes on is a particular assistant to one of our dear founders."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Fiona blinks in surprise. "Why? Isn't it...dunno, bad publicity? What would anyone have ta gain from shovin' this poor sod over the rails?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Well, since I knew Dawlish, why indeed." Griffin replied.

He reflected on what had happened near the Thames, what Hyde had said to him. Banishing the thought, Griffin went over to one of the present Lodgers, a female chemist from a few floors down.

"Did you see what happened?" he asked.

"Yes." she replied, rather frightened. "I was going over to Mosley's place for some fossils, but then..."

She paused and began to burst into tears. Griffin rolled his eyes.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Fiona looks at the chemist blankly, before clearing her throat, her expression sliding into one of empathy as she gently lays a hand on the crying woman's shoulder. Her voice seems to change with it, losing its familiar drawl: "Oh, dear, I understand it was traumatic. But we're trying to help as best as we can, and..."

Her eyes dart to Griffin, twinkling with amusement before melting back into mournful understanding.

"If Dawlish was a friend, it would be wrong to let this go unsolved -- we need to know as much as possible. Could you do that for us? Please?"

In truth, of course, Fiona was merely mimicking Arty's sweet nature. She felt nothing for the girl.

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

The chemist, wiping away the tears, straightened herself and tried to remain professional.

"I hadn't know Dawlish for long. He was like you, Griffin, antisocial." the chemist started. Griffin was slightly offended, but not enough to care. "He told someone that he'd been with Jekyll's man, um... Oh, what's his name?"

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Fiona glanced to Griffin, tilting her head with a strange, unreadable expression akin only to...

confidence.

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Hyde." Griffin replied, with hidden disgust.

The chemist nodded. "Dawlish was talking with Hyde over something. I don't know what, but it sounded serious; Dawlish was on edge. I doubt it was Hyde, though, who did this."

Griffin scoffed. If it was Hyde, then it wasn't something to do with Dawlish, it was to do with him.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

She nodded, her face still exuding mock sorrow. "Miss, is there anything else we need to know?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"I don't believe so." she replied, and went over to one of the other Lodgers, presumably a friend.

"So, looks like Hyde's the prime suspect." Griffin replied as he walked over to Fiona.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

As soon as the chemist departs, Fiona lets out a sigh. "The hell she cryin' for? Didn't even know the bloke.."

She shakes her head. "I guess, but I doubt it was him."

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Probably the first time the woman's seen a man dying in front of her."

Griffin crouched down at the body.

"Peelers will be here soon. I'm surprised Jekyll isn't panicking right now. This'll be bad for the Society if this gets out. Anyway, why do doubt that it wasn't Hyde? It's quite obvious."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Her next words are analytical, almost cold:

"If Hyde's Jekyll's right 'and man, he's gotta have some kind of...high regard, right? What I've heard, Jekyll's a real stiffler. If it's obvious ta us, it's gotta be crystal f*ckin' clear ta'im -- and yet, he's unfazed. Doesn't that tip ya off jussa bit?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Well, Hyde is pretty elusive. I've had first hand of that." Griffin replied. "Besides, Jekyll can't know everything that happens here. Let alone knowing everything that Hyde does."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

(( *distant, OOC laughter* ))

"I dunno, it just...doesn't fit. What could 'e gain from takin' down the Society's public image?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"No idea. But I'm going to find out. Where does Hyde go when he's not working?" Griffin asked.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Why're ya askin' me? I barely know nothin' about this place."

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"You're a thief and live here long before I came here. Of course you do."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Did I really give off that impression?

Fiona sighed. "I don'even live here! I...came ta help my friend after her husband went missing," she admitted. "If you're that desperate, why don't you ask Jekyll?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"I don't trust him. He ordered Hyde to SPY on me in Sussex. He's lucky I'm still here." Griffin replied. "What about Rachael Pidgley? She must know something."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"That's...that's the one cook lady, right?" She shrugs, scratching idly at her neck. "'dunno her that well, doubt she'd answer ta me."

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

Griffin walked away. "I'm sure she'll at least answer to me. I can be persuasive."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

She rolls her eyes. "Yeah, sure yer a real charmer when ya not bein' such an arse to everyone."

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

He stopped. In the distance, Griffin could hear some whistles. Police.

"I've managed to create a partial formula that works with humans. It only works for an hour before it dissolves in stomach acids. That's how I'll be persuasive."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Whatever. I'll try and talk around 'ere, tell ya what I get when ya come back 'round."

With a wave, Fiona set off.

(( And that's a wrap on her part in this! She'll return later. ))

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

(( Dr. H. Griffin ))

Weir, fresh from a discussion with Lanyon about one of the lodgers, rounded the corner and came upon the scene. The police whistles continued to sound.

"Bloody Hell..." he said at the sight of Dawlish.

Please tell me this wasn't Hela's doing... he silently prayed.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Griffin, noticing Weir in the distance and looking solemnly at Dawlish's body, decided to leave Pidgley for the moment, and walked over to him.

"Evening Weir." Griffin greeted.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"E...evening, Griffin," he returned, forcing himself to tear his gaze from Dawlish. "Did this...just happen?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"About ten minutes ago." Griffin replied. "Where've you been? The whole Society knows about this by now."

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"I was in a meeting with Lanyon," explained Lewis. "Jekyll came in and wished to speak with him privately, so I took my leave. Now I know why..." he said, glancing at the body and back to Griffin.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Well, at the least the police are coming." Griffin replied, rather sarcastically. "I thought we might make our own investigations, seeing as we knew Dawlish."

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"That seems a good plan," he agreed with Griffin's suggestion. "Is there any way I might be able to help?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"If you're willing to do things that you might not want to." Griffin replied back, sternly.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Such as...?" asked Weir with a raised eyebrow. Yet an amused smile crept across his face.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I need to find Hyde. I think that he's the one who killed Dawlish. Unfortunately, I don't know where he resides; so, I'll have to ask someone: Rachael Pidgley." Griffin began. "Oh, by-the-by, you wouldn't happen to know where Hyde is when he's not working?"

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago • edited

"Actually, a patient of mine has seen him frequent several establishments in Soho. I've even seen him myself, on occasion--my work sometimes takes me there. I could point the places out to you, if you like. Though, I have to say, I'm curious what leads you to believe Hyde did it."

This could well be a simple accident, nothing more.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"One of my... acquaintances and I talked to someone who'd seen the death firsthand, and she said that Dawlish was talking with Hyde in an argumentative state. That makes him a prime suspect." Griffin replied. "And if he's in Soho, we'd better go there."

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Oh, dear. That does look rather bad, doesn't it?" owned Lewis. "I'll get my coat."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"And I'll get my compound. I take it that you firmly remember that?" Griffin asked.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago • edited

"How could anyone forget?" asked Weir with a small chuckle. "It's not every day one sees--or, rather, doesn't--" he corrected himself, "such a phenomenon as that."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Quite. Meet me by the back entrance in five minutes. We don't want the peelers getting the wrong idea." Griffin replied, as he sprinted away to his room.

((Time skip to that bit?))

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

((Certainly!))

"Indeed."

* * *

After donning his coat (and making doubly sure Hela was still in her room), Lewis stood at the back entrance, walking stick in hand.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

From the corner, a floating trench coat made it's way to Weir, a cigarette held in an invisible hand.

"Weir?" Griffin's voice asked.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Ah. Griffin," returned Lewis, pivoting in the voice's direction. "Shall we?"

((Feel free to skip to Soho if you like.))

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

((Sure.))

Weir and Griffin opened the double door and stepped out into the night street. Many of the people of London wasn't staring at Weir's respectable clothes, but the living trench coat walking by him.

* * * * *

"How far now?" Griffin asked as they turned through High Street.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

((Sorry for the delay; I'm having a bit of trouble finding Bond Street on this map of 1890s London: http://maps.nls.uk/geo/expl...

I'm afraid I'm not that good with details, unfortunately. I know where the British Museum is and where Soho Square is and where Oxford Street is. Where on this map is Bond Street in relation to those?))

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

((I frankly made Bond Street up, so I don't know if it's a real street or not! :D ))

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

((Oh! I don't feel so bad, then. XD Would it be possible to change Bond Street to High Street? That'd put them not far.))

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

((Sure, go ahead!))

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

As they turned through Bond High Street, Lewis answered:

"Not far. We'll take Denmark Street, make a right at Charing Cross, then turn left onto Sutton. That should put the whole square before us. Also less crowded that way, for your sake, though we're lucky to have such fog. "

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Let them see me," Griffin replied. "How can they?"

Denmark Street came into view.

"So what were those meetings with Hyde about, if it's not too private to ask?" Griffin asked inquisitively as a puff of smoke tunneled through an invisible mouth.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"They may not see you, but they'll see the floating coat and likely run away screaming, or perhaps cause a scene," remarked Weir. "As for Hyde, I never mentioned any meetings; I merely said that I'd seen him. You do have my apologies if my phrasing caused confusion on that point, Griffin. But I will happily point out the places he's known to frequent. Perhaps someone at one of them will know something."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Hopefully." Griffin replied. He looked about discreetly, seeing if they were being followed. The passer-bys looked at him strangely, but oddly didn't seem to confront him.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago • edited

(( http://maps.nls.uk/geo/expl... ))

"Ah, here we are," said Lewis. "Soho Square. That building on the corner, there?" he indicated, pointing diagonally to their right across the north part of the square. "The Velvet Orchid. House of ill repute. There's a pub--Charlotte's--just next to it, down Soho Street, where my patient has often seen him. And that restaurant, just left of the Velvet Orchid, next to the chapel? La Rose Vivante. I've spied him there myself from time to time."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

A chapel? Hyde wasn't the religious sort, Griffin thought.

"Well, let's try the pub." Griffin said as he reached into his pocket. A small tin floated up, the lid placed carefully under it, and Griffin began painting his face in white gel. "Just some window dressing, Weir." Griffin replied when he saw Weir's amazed gaze.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

((Fixed the link above; it should work now!))

Lewis was amazed, all right. Amazed Griffin hadn't seen fit to do this before going out in public.

"We might've taken the main roads, if you'd done that at the outset," he remarked offhandedly.

Ah, well. Moot point, now.

"In any case, Charlotte's has decent fare, for Soho. But it can be a bit...rough, at times," he cautioned. "I'd advise treading carefully, lest one get in over one's head."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Not to worry," Griffin replied, similar offhanded. "I've come prepared."

Without saying another word, Griffin made his way over to Charlotte's.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Lewis followed.

'Wonder what he meant by that...

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Striding up to the doors, Griffin took out some black gloves and put them on. Waiting for Weir to catch up, Griffin laid his hands on the door.

"This batch will only last for an hour. We need to hurry." Griffin reminded Weir.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"By all means," said Lewis with a nod of approval. "Lead on."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Griffin opened the door, imaging a place full of brutes and beggars that would be common in an unsavory place, but found the room to be nearly empty, save for the barman and a few late-night men who came downstairs to get wasted. None of them looked at the pair as they made their way to the bar. Griffin scoffed.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Ah. Good. Not a busy night," said Weir under his breath.

"Pint o' brown ale," he said casually to the barman, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Seeing Weir gesturing for him to order, Griffin nodded a firm no. The compound couldn't sustain itself with alcohol in the system. Griffin leaned over to the barman.

"You wouldn't happen to have had a man with blonde hair, a green waistcoat and top hat come in recently?" Griffin asked.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

((Are you wanting me to play the barman? I'm not sure what Griffin seeks to find out about Hyde. Would you like to coordinate on here or on Google Hangouts?))

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

((Griffin basically thinks that Hyde killed Dawlish, due to Hyde wanting Griffin's formula. Griffin wants to bring Hyde to justice, or at least find out who killed Dawlish. If it's not too much trouble to play him, then yes.))

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"What, that Hyde bloke?" returned the barkeep. "Who's asking?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I am. Please answer truthfully. That's all I ask." returned Griffin, his gloved hand reaching into his pocket. He could sense Weir looking at him curiously.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Lewis was, indeed, curious. Curious why Griffin hadn't given a name, nor even an alias. He didn't know what Griffin had in his pocket; it belatedly occurred to him he really should've asked. Weir hoped things wouldn't escalate. He received his drink from the barman and took a swig, then spoke:

"Hyde lost at cards with Willy here; owes 'im five quid. Thought 'e might be about."

"'That all?" asked the barkeep, relaxing visibly.

Lewis looked at Hawley, hoping he'd nod his assent. Weir also hoped he hadn't overstepped his bounds with Griffin.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Griffin smirked casually in return, signalling his approval of the lie. His gloved hand made it's way out of the pocket. He placed the hand on the table, and the rattle of a few guinea's would hopefully sway the barman to some sense. Griffin locked eyes with the barman.

"That'll be all if you can tell me where he is." Griffin asked roughly, but politely. The barman reached a large hand to the small coins.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago • edited

The coins did the trick.

"Right then," said the barkeep. "He was in here last night. Some men started a brawl; he jumped right in. Plucky fighter, that one. Left when it wound down--with a couple companions. Mighta gone to the Rose Vivante round the corner. Or the Velvet Orchid. That's all I know."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Griffin smiled. Signalling to Weir that their business was done here, Griffin walked over to the entrance. He waited for Weir to finish his ale, and Weir in turn walked over to him.

"Right. So we have two options: we split up and go to the two locations separately, or we go to each location as a pair. I suggest the latter."

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Weir chugged the ale at a go and settled his tab, then joined Griffin.

"Sounds good. Which first--the eating house, or the brothel?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Judging by Hyde's unsavory nature, the brothel would be the best bet." replied Griffin, opened the door, and gestured for Weir to go first. "After you."

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Well, that'll be easy," laughed Weir as they stepped outside. Lowering his volume, he smirked and told Griffin, "I've the Madam's confidence."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Griffin frowned at Weir's last comment. The Madam's confidence? He must go there often, Griffin thought.

As Griffin followed Weir outside and smelled fresh air, he began taking off his trench coat. He also took a small bottle that was half-full with water. Rattling the lid open, he immediately splashed the water on his face, and wiped the paint off his face.

"I think it'll be easier if I'm not seen for this." Griffin replied as he saw Weir looking at him, but then again, looking at nothing.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Fair enough," said Lewis pleasantly. "Though you ought to stash that coat somewhere, or someone will steal it."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

After Griffin had taken off his trench coat and gloves, he handed them plainly to Weir.

"Who says I need to stash it?" Griffin rhetorically asked.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

((Quick question: How tall/of what build is Griffin? I'm wondering whether the coat would fit Weir [as an extra layer], or whether he should just drape it over his arm.))

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

((He's pretty averagely tall, but is quite thin. As for what Weir would do with the coat, he could throw it in a bin, Griffin's got plenty of them. ))

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

((Ah, alright then. Weir is tall and wiry, so the "extra layer" idea is out. Good to know Griffin has plenty of coats, though.))

Weir chuckled, pocketing the gloves. The coat, he folded and simply draped over his arm.

They went next door, to The Velvet Orchid. Lewis held the door open slightly longer than usual to let Griffin in.

"Evening, Marcus," he greeted the bouncer.

"Evening, Doc," the mountain of a man returned. "Looking for the Madam?"

"Yes. Is she busy?"

"Not at the moment, no."

"Very good. I'll show myself in, then."

Marcus merely nodded and gave a gutteral grunt.

Once Weir and Griffin were in the hall, Lewis queried quietly:

"Anything in particular about Hyde you want me to ask?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Ask which whore Hyde often used." Griffin replied to Weir, dodging a gentleman going past. "I'll see if I can get some information from her. Or him. Who is this Madam anyway?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Well, see if you can find which whore Hyde asked for in particular." replied the voice of Griffin, quietly as he dodged a gentleman walking past. "I'll see if I can get any information from her. Or him."

As they walked on, Griffin wondered something. "Who's the Madam of this place?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Ask if Hyde often visited a particular whore." replied the quiet voice of Griffin, dodging a passing gentleman. "I'll see if I can make my way in a see what she knows. Or him."

A few paces more, and Griffin wondered about something.

"Who is the Madam of this brothel?"

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Jekyll1886  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

(( Dr. H. Griffin ))

Lewis heard no response. Softly, he asked:

"Are you about?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

((For some reason my responses needed to be approved, sorry for the delay!))

"Still here." Griffin replied quietly, dodging a passing gentleman. "See if you can find out which whore that Hyde frequented."

As they strode on, Griffin suddenly remembered to ask something.

"Who is the Madam of this brothel?"

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Wizardblizzard  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

((Bond Street is pretty famous so good job making it up! :-D Not sure where it is off hand, though.))

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Alicia Ghast • 2 years ago • edited

Alicia was in her room, still working on that darn machine. She heard screams outside and stood quickly, walking over to her door, then she hesitated. No, if something bad happened, she should hide. But... what if someone she cared about got hurt?

(go look)

She frowned at the voice. "Why?" She grumbled softly, but opened the door anyways. She looked around and saw a man standing by the railing. She walked over to him. "What happened? I heard shouting..." she asked softly, not looking over the railing, just in case.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Alicia Ghast • 2 years ago

"Well, look down there." Griffin replied, pointing over to Dawlish's body. "That's the explanation you need."

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Alicia Ghast  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

She glanced nervously over the railing and gasped. "Oh my goodness, what happened?!"

She quickly looked away. It reminded her of something, she didn't know what. But she didn't want to think about it too long.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Alicia Ghast • 2 years ago

"He fell from a balcony," Griffin replied, hardly any solemness in his voice. "His name's Oliver Dawlish."

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Alicia Ghast  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Did he do it on purpose...?" She glanced back down, looking nervous.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Alicia Ghast • 2 years ago

"I wouldn't think so." Griffin replied, still looking at the mangled body. "He wasn't suicidal."

He looked at her.

"Are you alright?"

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Alicia Ghast  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

She looked up at him and blinked.

"Oh, yeah. I'm fine," she said quickly.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Alicia Ghast • 2 years ago

"Hm." Griffin mumbled as he turned back to the scene. "You knew him?"

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Alicia Ghast  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"No, sir. I've never met him."

She took a deep breath. She was thinking too hard.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Alicia Ghast • 2 years ago

"Are you sure you're alright? You seem a bit peaky. Aheheh." Griffin chuckled slightly. He'd never seen her before at the Society.

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Alicia Ghast  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Alicia nodded. "I'm fine... excuse me..."

She rushed off to her room and sat on her bed. (Rude???)

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Dr. H. Griffin  Alicia Ghast • 2 years ago

"Aheh. You can't please everyone." Griffin replied to no one in particular. He leaned back to the scene, and reflected on how Dawlish had been; and then thought about the girl who just left him. Who was she?

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Dr. H. Griffin  Guest • 2 years ago

"Dawlish wasn't one for committing acts of self-harm." Griffin replied, slightly wary of this new correspondent. "This was murder. Also, who are you?"

Griffin studied the man before him. Spectacles, red hair, a feigned look of worry. It was as if he was meeting Dawlish again.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Guest • 2 years ago

"Dr. Hawley Griffin, optical fragmenter." Griffin replied, looking back at the body for a moment. "You seem quite interested in this. Did you know Dawlish?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  Guest • 2 years ago

"I did know him. But if you love analysis and deductions so much, I'll let you take your turn." Griffin replied as he stepped away from Dawlish, smirking.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Guest • 2 years ago

Griffin studied Mortensen's movements. It was if he moved like a snake, calculating every step to the turn of the heel. It reminded Griffin of himself during his early years at University with Kemp.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Guest • 2 years ago

"Why?" Griffin asked, confused by Mortensen's strange change in tone. "Isn't the crime scene not private enough?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  Guest • 2 years ago

"Dawlish wasn't a self-harming person. He had the same beliefs as me." Griffin replied. "If there's anyone who wouldn't commit suicide, it would be Dawlish."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Guest • 2 years ago

"Well, your guess is as good as mine." Griffin replied. "I'm not a detective. Besides, I think Jekyll has called the peelers."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Guest • 2 years ago

Griffin was momentarily lost for words.

"Well, I'm not a pathologist, Mr. Mortensen." Griffin replied. "Oliver Dawlish was part of the Society, one of the few astronomers in the building. I haven't search his room. The last time I saw him was three days ago. And I have frankly no idea how you can help, because I think you're insane."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Guest • 2 years ago

Griffin stepped back.

"I think you're insane because those pills of yours are for hallucinations. I don't think that your help would be valuable either." Griffin heard some whistles in the distance. Police.

"Though, perhaps you'd be willing to do a little experiment with me?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  Guest • 2 years ago

"Ah, great." Griffin began, gesturing for Mortensen to move this way. "Perhaps we should go to my office."

((Internal maniacal laugh... Internal maniacal laugh...))

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Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

((And welcome Ms. Peacock... Ha ha I'm sorry this reminds me of Clue.))

Gemma heard screaming outside the store room located on (whatever floor we're on). She ran to the door and flung it open before leaning over the side. Her eyes fell upon Oliver Dawlish. She clutched her hands to her mouth and tried not to throw up. She could hardly handle nicking her finger in the kitchen how was she supposed to deal with this? Gemma sat down on the ground and took deep breaths.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

Griffin looked at the girl rocking back-and-forth and breathing deeply. He leaned over to her.

"You alright?" he asked.

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Background Scientist #37  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Gemma squeacked and looked up at the older man.

"Umm... ye-no..."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

"You sure?" Griffin asked. "You seem a bit... unsettled. Did you know him?"

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Background Scientist #37  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"No, I just don't have good experiences with dead men. Not that most people do..."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

"Hm." Griffin agreed as he turned back to the railing. He frowned. Déjà vu...

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Background Scientist #37  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Gemma stood shakily to her feet. "Thanks for asking."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

"Your welcome." Griffin replied, sullen but with a hint of amusement.

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Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago • edited

"Yes, still here." the voice of Griffin quietly replied, as he dodged a passing gentleman. "See if you can find out from this Madam which whore Hyde seemed to favour most. Also, who is this Madam anyway?"

(( Jekyll1886 making a new thread, as my comments just keep getting marked as pending))

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Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

(( Dr. H. Griffin I have no clue why, but while your post is showing up in the "Latest Comments" section, it refuses to appear for me on the Discussion itself. I'm reposting it [and responding] in the hopes we'll both be able to see it this way.))

Dr. H. Griffin

"Yes, still here." replied the voice of Griffin, who was dodging a passing gentleman. "See if you can find out who Hyde liked to visit the most. I'll see what I can do. Also, who's the Madam of this place?"

Jekyll1886

Weir nodded his assent.

"Madame L'Amoreaux," he answered Griffin. "Doubtless an alias, but no one particularly cares that it is, in this part of town. I'll speak with her presently."

So saying, he made his way down the hall, around a corner, down another passageway, and finally to a particular door. He knocked thrice.

"Madame?" he called unobtrusively, but loudly enough that she'd hear. "It's Dr. Weir. Have you a moment?"

The Madam bade Lewis enter. He did so, leaving the door open just long enough for Griffin to slip past.

"Ah, Dr. Weir," said Madame L'Amoreaux with a pronounced French accent. "You will be 'appy to know Colette's fever broke this afternoon. She is weak, but doing better."

"That's excellent," returned Lewis. "I had hoped it would. The danger is past, in that case. Simply keep her well hydrated--I'd recommend broth, and perhaps bread, if she feels up to it--and she ought to be good as new in a few days' time."

"This, we shall do."

Weir nodded in approval.

"There is, unfortunately, another matter I must address with you, Madame," he stated.

In the ensuing conversation, Lewis intimated that either Hyde or another fellow, one "Brooks", might be responsible for a recent rash of venereal disease in certain parts of London. He claimed he was investigating their whereabouts and activities in hopes of establishing which man was spreading it. Madame L'Amoreaux revealed that Hyde had not been with any of her employees, though he and two people had rented a room at The Velvet Orchid the previous night. She knew them only as "Adrienne" and "Roger", but was able to provide descriptions. When the trio had left, they'd mentioned plans to dine at La Rose Vivante next door.

Lewis thanked the Madam for her help. Then he and Griffin left the house of ill repute.

see more

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"So, La Rose Vivante then next." replied the voice of Griffin. "Seems this is more of a wild-goose chase more than anything."

Griffin's feet were starting to become numb from the cold cobblestones and damp pavings. He thought that he might have to add a heating property to the formula, so that one's entire body was impervious to the cold. Might have to ask Luckett or Sinnett for ideas, he thought.

"Hopefully the receptionist at the Vivante will be more acceptable to questions than the barman was." he replied.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

((Actually they were just in The Velvet Orchid; it's the name of the brothel. But the restaurant, La Rose Vivante, is right next door.))

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago • edited

"Perhaps not the maître d'. But I'd wager whoever waited on Hyde's group will talk...for a price."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Walking along the street, the vibrant lights of the restaurant faded into view through the mist. Griffin was surprised that he hadn't visited the place before. It looked as if it had parties every other night, with people getting thrown into carriages when they drunk too much or the right price being a recommendation to the Savoy.

Entering the building, Griffin slid past Weir's open door, and waited for what Weir would do next.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

The interior of La Rose Vivante was decorated in a charming manner, the style striking just the right balance between luxury and whimsy, with a touch of French Provincial.

Lewis spoke with the host, who pointed out a particular waiter. Weir asked to be seated at one of his tables.

Lewis took a seat, and surreptitiously used his foot to push the chair opposite him out from the table, in case Griffin wished to make use of it.

When the waiter, one Alexandre, stopped by, Lewis ordered a coffee...and slipped him a few extra coins when he returned with the beverage. Weir asked what the man knew of Hyde. In hushed tones, Alexandre revealed the man was of a capricious temperament, just as likely to throw a punch as to laugh at a bawdy joke. He could be raucous, jovial, or spoiling for a fight--sometimes all three in turn. He was, according to Alexandre, not a man one should wish to cross. The waiter did, however, give Lewis the names of two associates Hyde had mentioned in passing: Miss Harrison, of Wapping, and one Lee Feng of Limehouse.

Weir finished his coffee and paid the bill.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Griffin, who had not been sat down at the table, was in a different place entirely: in the manager's office. He had decided to be a little more persuasive than usual.

"Give me everything you know about Hyde!" Griffin yelled as he hurled the manager across the room, who honestly believed he was being attacked by a ghost.

"Lord save me!" the managed whimpered loudly, as he got to his feet. He attempted to open his office door, but Griffin made sure nobody could get in or out. For now.

Yanking the manager by the collar, Griffin dragged the helpless man to his chair, and demanded again the same question.

"I don't know who Hyde is!" the manager replied, wailing like an injured child. "Please, leave me in peace!"

Griffin noticed the man holding a cross in a beaded string. He laughed at this revelation. Griffin grabbed the cross from the bleeding manager, and tossed it out of the open window.

"Aheheh. Don't worry." Griffin replied, smugly. "I intend to leave you in at least one piece."

Some minutes later, after the screaming had stopped, Griffin quietly opened the manager office door, and waded his way back to Weir, who had just paid the bill.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"If you're here, Griffin," said Lewis under his breath, "I'm ready to leave when you are."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

The two strode out of the restaurant. Griffin noticed a small wet stain of blood on his left hand, which he managed to wipe away.

"So, anything found?" Griffin asked.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Two names: a 'Miss Harrison' of Wapping and a 'Lee Feng' of Limehouse. Also learned Hyde's unpredictable, and, in the waiter's opinion, not one to be crossed." Weir looked in Griffin's voice's direction with a trace of concern, wondering if it was entirely wise for Hawley to continue to pursue this. "How did you fare?" he asked. He'd noticed the blood, but politely said nothing.

((So, I don't know what Miss Harrison or Lee Feng would know, but thought I'd throw them out there in case you'd like to do anything with them, be it in a Journal Entry or, perhaps, run by another player. I know HJ Hyde without a Jekyll sometimes will play one-off characters, but don't know how their schedule looks right now.))

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Jekyll1886  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

(( Dr. H. Griffin Just trying to keep things in order here. Disqus is being particularly uncooperative today.))

Dr. H. Griffin

"Just some window dressing." Griffin plainly replied. He eyed Weir thoughtfully yet negatively. The blood wasn't his own. If it was, then it wouldn't be seen.

Jekyll1886

"Ah," said Lewis. "Then I suppose I had better be getting on. I haven't the time to go to Wapping nor Limehouse tonight, unfortunately. Would you like your coat?" he offered.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Please." Griffin replied, shivering. He took the coat from Weir's hands and put it on. He applied the paint to his face. "Now that I know the names, I guess you no longer want to go?"

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"More that I don't have the time, I'm afraid," said Weir apologetically. "I need to get at least a few hours' sleep before tending to my patients in the morning, or I won't be any good to them."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Finishing his paint, Griffin nodded, without any remorse at the loss of companionship.

"Alright. I guess I'll find Hyde myself." he replied, turning his coat collar up, and the Invisible Man walked off into the mist.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Lewis headed in the opposite direction. It had, after all, been a long day.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

((Hey! Just got back on schedule and I'm catching up now! I would be more than happy to play some one offs and if there's specific information you would like to know from these characters might I recommend swapping emails for spoilers and to coordinate easier? If not that's just fine too! :D ))

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Dr. H. Griffin  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

((Well, I would love to, but since the discussion is only one day from closing, I'm not sure there's much use in doing so. But don't worry, I'm going to be making a new one this weekend (hopefully, maybe, probably)!))

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

((That's just fine! I know that sometimes when a discussion closes that a lot of people are still RPing on they make a continuation so I'm glad to hear another one will be [hopefully, maybe, probably] popping up this weekend! And there's always the main page too. :D

And just a side note if you need some police I've got a couple in my pocket otherwise we [the readers] can just assume the matter was ruled suicide and dropped.))

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

((Hey there, just got off chat with HJ, who said they'd be happy to play the two one-off characters, Miss Harrison and Lee Feng, just as soon as their schedule permits.))

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

((Okay!))

"Just some window dressing." Griffin plainly replied. He eyed Weir thoughtfully yet negatively. The blood wasn't his own. If it was, then it wouldn't be seen.

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