Chapter 2A - The Jewels of Beenleigh

Started by pringerbeam, February 19, 2017, 04:46:26 PM

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pringerbeam

     "Oh, I don't know much about it.  It's a gentleman's club.  Membership is exclusive but the Beenleigh family has been a member for a long time and passes its membership down the line.  Unfortunately, that will possibly be comming to an end with this genreation.  No women are allowed into the club, so none of Reginald's daughters would be allowed entry and Robert has no children... at least none that we know of.  I don't know much else, I beleive it is much like any other society,someplace for the nobility to relax amongst eachother's company."

Oath

"Thank you for your information, perhaps we will need to talk to Reginald alone. Even if he is dissatisfied with his brother's behavior, he does not seem the type to drag a family member through the dirt in their presence. Laterlight might be a good lead as well. I'm so sorry to have disturbed your routine. I currently have no further questions, but in the event that there is a development in the case, I trust that I may call on you?"

pringerbeam

     Henry tries to bow but finds himself unable to with is arms full.  "A pleasure to be of service ma'am."  He awkwardly manages to rearrange his load so as to pick up the two beer bottles on the counter that the bartender had fetched for him during the conversation.  "I am headed back to the Beenleigh home.  I wouldn't want to further stall my return.  If you would like my escort back, I would be happy to oblige.  I would not want you to become lost in the fog."  He continues to shift and maneuver the goods in his arms in preparation for the walk home.

Asta

"Perhaps we should, Reginald may have more to say on the matter. Though if you would rather head to the Lanterlight clubhouse instead Annalise I will go with you."

[info]Ilsa will end up going wherever Annalise goes to avoid splitting the party.[/info]

Oath

"We shall return to the Beenleigh household with you, and appreciate the guidance. Even being here for a while, the fog is something I'm still unaccustomed to. From there, I shall inquire with Reginald about meeting with him at a later time at the clubhouse.

pringerbeam

     "Ah, well then follow me" exclaims Henry, seeming to have elevated in mood for some reason.  After finally arranging his load in a suitable fashion he makes his way out of the pub and into the streets.  The sun has begun to set, its golden hue tainted to a sulferous brown by the smog, exacerbating the poor visibility and making the decision to follow Henry seem a wise choice.  He is able to guide you back to the Beenleigh home through the cloying pea souper without problem.  Keeping a close distance from your party in the worsening fog up to the wrought iron fence that defends the perimeter of the property.  "I will take my leave of you.  These groceries are needed for dinner and it's not proper to tread through the main entrance so I will head to the kitchen's entrance."  At this Henry turns to make his way around the back side of the house.

pringerbeam

     Shortly after Henry dissapears around the corner of the house the front door opens and Robert emerges, dressed in evening finery of a deep blue color.  "Ah, you have returned!  Were you able to find Henry?  I would be greatly saddened if your lovely complextions were forced to endure the glum weather for no benefit."  He strolls out to meet you, smelling of a sweet cologne that manages to displace the reek of the smog as he draws near.  "I myself have an evening ahead of me so I will need to take my leave of you far too soon."  He bows deeply, swinging his top-hat out to the side in a sweeping gesture.  Rising he looks to Annalise.  "Perhaps you would like to come along?  I do not know what you experience has been in London so far but a lovely young lady such as yourself could have a wonderful time."

Oath

"Ah, yes, we did find Henry. He's a cheerful fellow, and was quite helpful. However, I still have business to attend to, and thus will decline your offer. When I get started on something, I prefer to be diligent and arrive at results quickly. I do hope that you have a pleasant evening none the less, Robert." With that, Annalise hoped that Robert would be on his way and leave herself and Ilsa to continue about their investigation.

pringerbeam

     Robert frowns and makes to swoon melodramatically, bringing his cuff to his forehead.  "Ah, I am aghast to hear that such a lovely lady would rather conduct such a rough business than partake of my company but I guess I will somehow manage."  Dropping the pose, he returns his top hat to his head.  "Well then I shall let you go about your business.  Good evening."  He flashes a smile to you all and makes his way out the gate and into the smog, whistling a tune as he goes.
     Just after Robert makes his way off the property Reginald, walking through the entryway towards the stairs, spots you at the door.  He quickely comes over.  "Ah, you're back.  Tell me, what progress have you made on the case?"  Then, giving an expression of surprising himself, adds.  "Oh, my manners.  I'm sorry, do come inside to the parlor."  He beckons you in.  "I hope you can forgive me, I am just quite anxious to see the case solved."

Oath

Annalise gave Reginald a warm smile. "Worry not, I understand your anticipation."

Following his offer, Annalise stepped into the parlor. "Forgive me if this is out of place, Reginald, but is it possible that Robert's... habits have landed the family into a bit of a hard spot on the finances? The conversation that we had with Henry didn't uncover too much information and it seems as if your family is well liked so you wouldn't be targeted out of spite. I do not wish to point the blame at your own brother, but I feel that I must explore every possible angle of this case. I hope you understand. She gave a nervous smile as she brought up her suspicions.

[info] Charm to see if Reginald will reveal any additional info.
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 3, 1, 5, 1, 3, 5, total 18[/blockquote]

Beautiful dice, if applicable.
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 1, 3, total 4[/blockquote]
[/info]

Asta

[info]Ilsa follows along into the parlor, checking her weapons/coat with whomever is taking them.[/info]

Ilsa stalked along quietly into the parlor behind Annalise. She chose let her companion carry the conversation, but would keep an eye on the way Reginald responded. Perhaps even now he might be hiding something, and the smallest tell could give them a little break in the investigation.

[info]Perception to pay close attention while Reginald speaks, looking for signs of discomfort or if he is concealing anything.
[blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 5, 1, 3, 5, 4, total 18[/blockquote][/info]

pringerbeam

     Reginald let out an exasperated sigh.  "I honestly don't know what Robert could have done that he hasn't already."  Reginald walks over to a small table and picks up one of the decanters arranged with glasses and pours himself a drink.  Taking the drink he sinks into one of the chairs and sips at the liquor with a pondering look on his face.  "Robert has always been a bit of a rogue.  He never became the gentleman he should have, always fighting father up to the day he died.  Not even the army was able to instill discipline in him.  If anything, it only gave him a taste for that dreadful opium.  When he goes on a spree of the stuff anything becomes possible.  He has even brought a pair of... ladies of the night... to the Lanternlight club on one such binge."  He paused to take another sip of liquor, his eyes lingering on the crystal glass.  "Financially?  I don't think that Robert could manage to smoke his way though the family's assets.  He doesn't have a mind for finances so I have been able to make it difficult enough that he would need to actually work to get more than the respectable allowance I provide him.  Who knows what kind of trouble he could have got himself into though...  I hate to think my own brother a thief but the theft of the jewels could be the act of desperation I didn't want to think possible." 
     Reginald finishes his drink with another sip and sets the glass down on the table next to his chair.  "If Robert is involved in something then I think that his preferred opium den would be the place to start.  It's a place called the Den of the White Tiger, as far as opium dens go I believe it to be a decent establishment.  It caters to the higher classes but at the same time is run by orientals and one can never be sure what they might be up to."

[info]Reginald's voice seems to hold the tired tone of a weary but truthful statement, you get the sense of a cathartic release in what he says.[/info]

Oath

"In a worst case scenario it could be your brother behind all of this, but it could also be someone that he has angered in some fashion. Do you happen to know if The Den of the White Tiger is the place that he was going tonight? It would be quite difficult to ask around about him if he is present." Annalise let out a sigh and continued to talk. "I do hope that this place leads to some clues. I'd like to solve this matter with haste, as I am sure you would as well. Robert is certainly a... unique fellow, but I don't want to believe that he is the type that could cause such harm to his family."

pringerbeam

     Reginald takes a moment to think.  "I don't know of Robert's plans for the evening.  He tries to keep me guessing with his nightly antics.  I don't know why he continues to try me like this.  I usually only ever find out where he has been after the fact.  I do however think he went to the den last night and he tends to try and avoid doing the same thing two nights in a row so I don't think he would be there."  Reginald stands before speaking again, carrying his glass back to its table.  "I wish you the best of luck, even if it is my brother that has caused all of this I would rather know the truth of this matter.  If there is anything you can think of that you might need from me, please do no hesitate to ask."

Oath

Annalise let out a gentle smile. "I appreciate your cooperation, Reginald. I will be sure to inform you of my findings, though I hope that Robert is innocent. I've no further questions at this time, and if Ilsa does not, I believe we should head to the Den of the White Tiger shortly. I would like to return your peace of mind in this stressful time." Annalise motioned to Ilsa, before turning to Jonathan. "I hope I can count on you again tonight, Jonathan."