Arkham Bus Station

Arkham Bus Station, Arkham Mass., March 7, 1928, 10:00pm – Day 2

Spencer Lowry pulled the car carrying Dr. Moriarity and Professors Jeter and Jelinek up to the front curb of the bus station, just as the last bus scheduled to leave for the night was loading with its scant compliment of passengers, mostly locals headed on the late night transit to Boston. As the four men exited the car, they felt the chill air of the evening. It had grown somewhat cooler than earlier when they had left St. Mary's. There were a few people loitering around the front of the bus terminal, waiting for their pick-ups or the occasional taxi that happened by. From the curb, they could see into the terminal. It appeared to be empty, except for the few patrons of the coffee shop inside and the ticket counter where the ticket clerk stood, leaning against his counter, a look of boredom on his face.

Moriarity grimaced a bit at his abdominal bandage and took a moment to undo his vest to make sure that he wasn't leaking through into his oxford whites. Satisfied that he could survive some action, he buttoned back up again and checked his pistol while still in the vehicle and had some extra shells in his pocket. As they approached the station, he found himself becoming serious. His eyes seeing again the strange...illusion? Wenton's breath, his maniacal eyes and the violence that he had experienced. It left his skin tight and his palms damp and he tried not to let anyone see him wipe them on his pants.

Instead of looking into the terminal, Moriarity first looked at the shadows of the area. Places that someone might hide and leap out at someone. "Despite Wenton's 'madness', he has taken his victims in relative privacy. Tarski and the old man in their homes, a back alley, and so forth. Yet at his own house, he seemed to lose his fear of numbers when pressed aggressively," he looked dubiously. "As I can testify to. He also didn't seem to do much 'dragging about' of his victims. Perhaps one of the keys to his pattern are to take the heart on the spot and not kill them and drag them to another spot. Let us scout out the places that someone might be dragged off quietly. Cutting open a chest and taking one's heart out takes time. That garage over there looks like a place that such work could be completed. Perhaps behind these buildings. But out here in front or in the terminal seems unlikely. What do the rest of you think?"

Jeter looked about, his large, bulbous eyes seeming to catch what light was available. He had the Spanish tome in one pocket of his trenchcoat, and his well-used fighting knife strapped to his belt in its scabbard. He had never had to use it in this country, he realized ironically. He hoped that would not change. He listend to Moriarity as they began their cursory scan of the area. He supposed they might be eliciting more suspicion than a potential mass murderder with their aspect. Wenton also knew some of their faces, and the man had to know he was being pursued, no matter the madness which was consuming him. He did not know Jeter, though, and perhaps that may be an advantage.

"I would agree," Jeter offered, as meager as it seemed, "I wonder of the shed ... and that Farmhouse over there," he gestured casually, almost in hope it need not be considered by Wenton or them.

That garage over there looks like a place that such work could be completed. Perhaps behind these buildings.

I agree it seems the station would not be the best place to furthur his activities, the farmhouse, garage and even the buses in the yard are all more likely to be the way he would be thinking. Shall we have a look around then? Spencer tipped his hat down as far as he could in an attempt to conceal as much of his face as possible as the men began the walk over to the garage, looking around the area as they walked.

"Yes, let's have a look about," Moriarity agreed and was thankful for their numbers. He looked to need a stiff drink but he held himself together. He seemed disposed to stick to the middle of their pack and to glance behind their group. "Mm, we might want to keep a tally of comers and goers if the human traffic stays light as it is now," he said drawing his hat closer about him. "I suspect Wenton will want a loner of some sort rather than taking on a group such as ourselves or a couple."




[OOC: Listen (25%), Spot Hidden (25%):+14=39%]

Jeter nodded to the other two, lingering a bit away, but staying close enough to see them and within easy shouting distance. He did not wear a hat, but again, he was hoping that Wenton did not know of him well enough to suspect his actions. He tried to keep an air of calm anonymity about him as he scanned about the area, looking for any sign or clue of the madman's presence or impending presence.



((Listen: 50%; Spot Hidden: 50% ))

As their party headed towards the garage, Moriarity screwed up his face and then made a motion. Kneeling down, he showed a pair of shoes, a woman's no doubt. High heel. "Gentlemen, I hope we aren't already too late," he said looking at the shoes. "No signs of rain or mud, they haven't been here long," he said now looking up towards the nearest shelter where a heart may be taken. "Let's hurry!" he said as he reached into his pocket and held his gun but left the safety on.

Spence had to break into a slight jog to keep up with the others as they headed for the shelter, concerned that they might be to late to help yet another victim and feeling a bit nervous about once again confronting this madman they seek - the pain in his shoulder a constant reminder of their first meeting Spencer readied his firearm as well...his however had the safety off.

Jeter heard a door slam to his left. He looked toward the bus garage. He saw nothing out of the ordinary, but Moriarity's find of the abandoned shoes seemed to fit in with exactly why they were here. He scowled deeply to hide the low simmer of his fear. Still, Moriarity had experienced something horrible at Wenton's, and if he was so eagerly rushing to investigate, what cause did Jeter have to hold back. Feeling the somewhat supportive weight of his fighting knife, he trotted off after the others.

As the three men approached the bus garage, a sudden rush of wind picked up, blowing litter across their path and kicking dust up in their eyes. The large bay door to the garage was opened slightly, and a dim light shone out from the opening. Just away from the door, a small part of the ground was wet.

"Stand back a few paces guys I'll have a closer look".

Spence decided to check to see what the wet area was all about...as stealthily as he could he approached the door to the garage stopping to inspect the wet spot on the ground was it water? gas? or something else...?

He also attempted a peek into the garage without coming any nearer to the door. Firearm at the ready.

Sneak (10%): +20= 30%
Spot Hidden (25%): +30= 55%
Track (10%): +30= 40%

Jeter nodded in response to the P.I.'s suggestion, waiting back for the man to have a closer look. He reached within his coat and produced his fighting knife. He did not like to see Spencer so exposing himself, but Wenton had already proven himself beyond the realm of sanity, and Jeter did not want a bullet in his own head.

Returning to the others Spencer shared his findings with the men.

Just as I feared boys...it's blood...I can not see or hear anything going on inside the garage...however if we decide to enter I'd say we need to be ready for anything. What do youse guys think we should do?

"Let's get in there," whispered Moriarity. "Someone may be dieing and we may catch our prey in the act," he felt the life of an innocent slipping through his fingers. Or worse, suffering the fate that he may have at Wenton's. Moriarity drew his pistol and screwed up his courage.

"Let's go!" Moriarity bravely stepped through with his pistol drawn.

[OOC: Listen (25%); Spot Hidden (25%):+14=39%; Handgun (20%):+30%=50%]

Feeling less brave than his comrade Moriarity, Spencer also readied his firearm and followed closely behind watching each corner of the garage trying to size up the situation as best he could, at each moment being reminded of the events at Wenton's home.

Spence felt his pockets to be sure he had his flashlight, ready to illuminate the garage if needed.

Sneak (10%): +20= 30%
Spot Hidden (25%): +30= 55%
Track (10%): +30= 40%
Handgun (20%): +50= 70%