Entry 4 - NY2England: Erica Carlylye, sail to England, a deranged painter, demise of Mic, expose on Carlyle group, monster encounter

Boat tickets purchased, we have a few days left in NY; so, Eddie seeks Amanda Teller as a social contact to Ms. Carlyle, "Yes, I know Erica. May I ask why you inquire?" It's arranged for tomorrow, the 21st. Meanwhile the morning papers announce another NY cult killing which sends Rene off to the police seeking details...random...black/white/poor. Yoseph guesses, "They're gathering more bodies for zombies. Obviously, the 'Bad Ju-Ju' shop isn't the only cult center."

 
21^st - It's a 30 minute drive to the gated mansion...armed guards leading attack dogs as they patrol the perimeter (we later learn, upon Erica's return from her failed search for her brother, the house had been attacked by bands of colored; thus, all the protection). With our weapons locked up, we're escorted to the house and waiting room. Soon a beautiful 20ish woman arrives with a 'giant of a man' bodyguard at her side.

Erica Carlyle

Joe-bodyguard

We quickly learn she has no interest in her deceased brother who almost squandered the Carlyle wealth. "Decadent, degrading, scandalous, running around with that colored. She probably supplied his drugs because he'd spinoff in wild dreams that soon had him waking in screaming fits. She's the one who talked him into the expedition to her homeland. Him eager to go especially after reading that book." She pulls out a dog-eared old manuscript written by a Montgomery Compton titled Life as God that references a strange room, 6 lights, and “after speaking the great words”, how one rises to higher planes. Of course there is vague reference to slitting ones veins to let your blood flow out to feed HIS being. We leave with her offer to pay us to keep her updated...and make sure Roger doesn't return.

 
We board ship on January 22nd, 1925 for the 4 day sail to Southampton, England. A frigid late January sail forcing extra lookouts for icebergs that doomed the Titanic near 13 years ago. Upon arrival, we setup at Guin's meager house (a posh mansion with maid and butler). Then off to find Mickey Maloney, editor of “The Scoop” tabloid. He’s sorry to hear about Elias, mentioning his paranoia boarding the ship. Yes, Jackson visited him inquiring about published articles.

Two murders from large animals (sounds like werewolves); another victim survived. Another article mentioning bizarre London slayings…beaten and stabbed thru the heart…the 24^th now over a 3 year period. Another article about a local painter renowned for his VERY detailed scenes and subjects that go beyond “Surreal”. Mr. Miles Shipley paints savage scenes that can only be described as repulsive!

Rene takes Eddie as they head to Scotland Yard to speak to “Inspector Barrington” mentioned in the slaying article. Eddie remains quiet in the presence of the law he tends to evade. Rene eases into conversation offering American cigarettes to then learn the victims were all foreigners…Egyptians. Bludgeoned…all limbs broken then a puncture wound to the chest. Maybe a spike, the signature of “The Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh”, a death cult. Most of the killings were in the Soho district with most victims noted to hang out at ‘The Blue Pyramid Club’.

 
Meanwhile Guin, Mic, and Yosef seek the painter Miles Shipley.

An elderly woman opens the door but is reluctant to interrupt the busy painter unless we are buyers. Yoseph pushes his way up the stairs to the loft finding row upon row of bizarre canvases:

A serpent god, a living tree with human arms, a locust putting human brains in a jar. Upon seeing Miles, Yosef offers cash for the painting of a Red-Tongue aberration before asking what Miles might know of a book titled, Life as God. Looking at the elderly woman, Miles replies, “Mother is my god.” 

But Mic surprises all as he confronts Miles demanding to know more able the picture of blue bubbles. “I saw this thing. Look at the burns it left on my face! You want to see more visions to paint, then look within.” Mic thrusts the mask onto the artists face. And Miles collapses into dreams. And mother screams. And Mic comforts her, “Relax, he’ll awake soon with more visions to paint. 

Consider that payment for the painting we took.” Mother is not pleased, but she lets Mic stay while the others leave. “I’ll meet you at Guin’s house later. I’m curious what inspiration Miles used for his previous paintings.“ [None of us are around to observe mother showing Mic the painting in the closet. “Keep watching” as Mic stares at the swampy scene of snakes. Then it’s as if the snakes actually slither. And Mic suddenly realizes he is within the painting! Soon eaten by a T-Rex who roams this particular swamp.]

 

The remaining group joins up at the Penhew Foundation, seeking the new director Edward Gafigan. Guin and Yosef with rapid-fire questions as they seek information about the Carlyle Expedition. "Yes, yes, that was well documented. Even a few movies Aubrey arranged. Here, let me setup the projector so you can see for yourself...[two movies; click on each link]

"Pathe News Special #1" 

"Pathe News Special #2" 

“Here's a picture of them. Aubrey and Roger funded the expedition together. 

The blackie convincing Roger there was a black queen sorceress who ruled the Egyptian valley…just another hoax. They were digging near Memphis (capital of ancient Egypt 20km south of Giza) when the blackie disappeared with 3500 pounds of Roger’s money. Roger distraught; not for the loss of money but his whore. It was Ms Masters (Roger's ex-lover) who suggested the Kenya respite.” Mic tried to steer the conversation to the reports of Brady, but Edward scoffed again, “More hoaxes…reports in Mombasa. Now you saying Shanghai Hong Kong wherever that is. Pure bunk to create newspaper print.”

Soon the conversation turned to Egyptian topics more suited for this museum. Which perked up Guin’s interest. And the introduction of a student of the late Dr. Penhew. “Meet James, an aspiring Egyptologist.”

When the group finally returned to Guin’s house, Mic was still absent. “He’s a big boy, he can find his way home.” But the appearance of Miles was a surprise, “I thought one of you might join me as we pick up some ladies-of-the-night?” No mention of Mic nor knowledge of his whereabouts. 

 

Neck-hairs tingling, concerned for his liquor partner, Eddie stealthily tracks Miles watching the artist and his paid woman enter the house. Entering a back window, Eddie climbs the stairs following the faint sounds. But screams has Eddie shouldering then kicking the loft door open, only to find Miles naked standing over the woman whose throat has been cut. By the large butler knife in Miles hand! And Mic’s treasured mask still lying in the middle of the floor.

“Where’s Mic you sick bastard!” With the prostitute dead, Eddie ties Miles hands as he searches for Mic. Miles insisting him downstairs in the basement. Then the arrival of mother. And her transformation into a snakelike creature!

Punches, her failed spell to stun Eddie, then her bite has Eddie backpedaling to draw his pistol and shoot. Two rapid shots that burst the snake head, killing the abomination. Leaving Miles a blubbering insane mess. And Eddie scrambling to find a phone to call the others, “I’m at the artist’s loft. Get here NOW!”

But the others are trailed as they leave the house with Guin’s butler driving. The pursuit car closing, trying to ram the bumper and flip them. Yoseph hopelessly trying to aim his shotgun as he’s slammed side2side in the back seat as the car weaves in and out of traffic and suddenly turning down side streets. Finally losing them but never getting a clear look at the nationality of their pursuers.

 
At the artist’s house, Rene stays with the car as Yosef enters. A quick survey of the death scene in the loft and he’s headed to the basement where he finds a small room with a mystic feel: "Oh look, he keeps of statue of his 'mother' on his nightstand."

Jars of preserved things, books, and a tightly closed gallon sized barrel. Then gagging once he pries the top off as the putrid smell of rotting body parts is overwhelming. The female parts chewed on as if by reptiles. And a syringe of green liquid.

“Let’s get the hell out of here. My two shots had to be noticed by the neighbors. The cops MUST be on their way.”

They'll soon send another telegram to Erica, keeping her informed. And that's when Eddie gets his own news from his bootlegging associate...