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Kole_Locke
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#51
Old 01-15-2013, 03:59 AM

CHAPTER 24 (PART - A)


The rest of the train ride was almost uneventful. The young couple sat next to each other snuggling and occasionally kissing gently. Haddock kept rolling his eyes in annoyance as Tintin had Snowy and Cocoa sitting right next to him petting them both. First the young couple was just holding hands and giving each other affectionate pecks on the cheek every couple minutes. Then they scooted closer together. Every so often Cocoa and Snowy would bark distracting the young couple getting giggling glances from the couple saying ‘how cute’. Haddock looked at Tintin and then the couple who was too engaged with each other to notice the crude stares Haddock shot them. Tintin only smiled blushing a little trying not to stare still thinking it was a bit unclassy to do any kind of passionate kissing in front of strangers or friends. Haddock had his arms folded with his pipe in his mouth smoking heavily while glaring.

Haddock began clearing his throat as the young couple was now kissing mouth to mouth. Tintin assessed their age, most likely between seventeen and twenty. Tintin scanned their hands as they were embracing across from him and noticed no engagement rings. Haddock cleared his throat again, this time louder than before. When he saw they seemed to be ignoring him, he then inhaled a large huff of smoke and blew it their way. The smoke was abundant as the young woman finally let go to cough. She finally looked up to notice the dirty stares Haddock was giving her and how Tintin shook his head disapprovingly.
She quickly turned around as her boyfriend went to reach for her again. “Stop, not now…” she whispered.

The young man opened his eyes feeling Haddock’s piercing dirty look while he was smoking his pipe and stroking his beard.
“Blisterin’ Barnacles! You’d better be glad she’s not my daughter!” Haddock finally spoke up.
The young man sat back in his seat too afraid to respond back as the captain’s icy stare completely intimidated him.
“Young people these days!” Haddock huffed.

The young man glanced over to Tintin who only shook his head unsympathetically, and the young man hung his head silently the last few minutes of the ride. The young couple got up quickly and the young man quickly ran past Haddock afraid that he may do something to him. Tintin almost laughed out loud noticing how the boy was scared of his captain.

“Maybe that’ll teach him a lesson eh Tintin?” Haddock smiled.
“Without a doubt captain” Tintin smiled back. Cocoa and Snowy began barking boisterously as they collected their luggage getting off the train at the Moulinsart station.

“It feels good to be back” Tintin took a deep breath.
“Eh landlubber? Now if we can just get us a cab we’ll be doing quite fine” Haddock said as they walked near the entrance to the station to use the payphone then quickly put it down nodding.
“What’s wrong captain?” Tintin asked.
“The detectives told us not to call the manor or any methods using telephone to communicate” Haddock explained.
“Yea, that’s right… it’s about a twenty minute walk otherwise…” Tintin shrugged.
Haddock looked at the phone then looked at the road unable to decide what to do.

“Hmmm…” the captain thought annoyed not really feeling like walking until a familiar voice pierced his thinking.
“Why Captain Haddock! Tintin!” the voice shouted.
Haddock cringed at the sound of the voice as Tintin already saw who it was.
“Hello Jolyon Wagg! How are you doing today?” Tintin greeted.
“I’d almost rather walk” Haddock muttered under his breath.
“What are all of you doing out here?” Jolyon asked curiously.
“We just got back from holiday in Antwerp” Tintin went up to shake his hand.
“So you’re just getting back?” he smiled with a flash in his eye.
“That’s right” Tintin smiled as Haddock slowly made his way over as Jolyon.
“Captain Haddock, it’s so good to see you again” Jolyon said grabbing the captain’s hand as he walked by the car window.
“Yea…you too…” Haddock grunted as Tintin gave him a slight bump motioning to the car.

“Oh! Yea Jolyon, it really is good to see you too! So where you been hiding you loquacious babbler?” Haddock smiled playing the part as the comment was lost on Wagg.

“Oh well you know, an upstanding salesman such as myself just has so much to do... I’m actually on my way to go meet up with a client…so where the two of you off to?” Jolyon asked joyfully to see the captain react more positively to him than normal he thought.

“Well…we were on our way home…” Haddock alluded straight to the fact that they needed a ride home.

“Well of course Captain! I wouldn’t just leave my good old friends standing on the side of the road! Get on in!” Jolyon said jovially.
“Good thinking Tintin!” Haddock whispered as they were getting in.
“It’s only a five minute ride to the house” Haddock thought.
Tintin, Snowy, and Cocoa jumped in the back while Haddock took the front seat.
“So what activities were you doing in Antwerp Captain?” Jolyon asked with interest.

“Ah…you know, drinking, fishing, and playing chess and cards…the usual” Haddock just began spouting off.
“Did you have a good time?” Jolyon continued his line of questions.

Tintin was waiting for the introductory friendly small talk to end and for Jolyon the salesman to come out and start his solicitous speech of sales pitches. The skies were starting to get a bit cloudy as they continued toward Marlinspike Hall. “One minute down four to go…” Haddock thought.

“Oh speaking captain… have you thought about switching your insurance policy on Marlinspike Hall?” Jolyon said attacking the captain with his sales pitch.
“Blisterin’ Blabberin’ Blue Barnacales! I knew it was too good to be true!” Haddock thought.
“Well to be honest Jolyon…” Haddock was about to respond until Jolyon cut him off with another offer.
“Are you and Ms. Bianca Castafiore still planning on getting married? Cause if so you need life insurance policies for each other…” he asked out of the blue.
“Billions of Blisterin’ Brilliant Blue Barnacles! Where in the world did you come up with a bird brain idea like that!?” Haddock demanded a bit flustered almost choking on his words. Tintin nearly burst into laughter.

“Well uh… you know… it was in the magazine but I figured maybe you just weren’t ready to settle down and all you know, since you travel so much…” Jolyon rationalized.
“No! No! NO! Bianca and I are NEVER getting married! Got it!?” Haddock emphasized.
“Oh my goodness captain, do calm down…I didn’t realize you felt so passionately about it” Jolyon frowned.
“Mr. Jolyon just keeps sticking his foot in his mouth eh Snowy, Cocoa?” Tintin laughed quietly in the back seat petting the dogs.
“What an idiot!” Cocoa barked.
“You don’t know the half of it!” Snowy barked back.
“What are you talking about Wagg?! There is no passion! Get your head out of the clouds or out of the insurance papers for once and use your common sense! How long have you known me?” Haddock ranted on.
"Close to six years now Captain... maybe a little more?" Jolyon shrugged.
"How often have you heard of Madame Castafiore at my manor?" Haddock drilled.
"...uh well... um not much I guess..." he shrugged again.
"You see! You answered your own question you scandalous gossiper!" Haddock said a bit heated.
“Well you’re passionate about how you feel right now… well let’s change the subject…how about that insurance policy I offered you earlier?” he went back to his previous question about the manor.
“I told you Wagg, the answer is no N-O, no! If I want insurance I will call you! Please! I just got back from holiday!” Haddock continued shouting.
“Almost there Snowy, Cocoa, think the captain can make it without strangling Mr. Wagg?” Tintin laughed.
“This is entertaining” Cocoa barked.
“This could be bad for Wagg” Snowy thought.

“I understand Captain, but that’s when accidents happen the most” Jolyon pointed out.
“What are you talking about? The only accident that could happen is…” Haddock started to say as a little fox wandered out into the road. Tintin barely noticed it.
“Jolyon! Watch out for the fox!” Tintin pointed sitting up in his seat as Haddock was thrown forward and Snowy and Cocoa ended up on the floor as Jolyon slammed on his breaks throwing himself into the steering wheel. The captain fortunately had his seat belt on so only suffered some minor whiplash. Poor Tintin took a head dive into the front seat between Jolyon and Haddock.

“You ok Tintin?” Haddock said pulling him off the floor.
“Ugghh…” Tintin said seeing stars for a moment.
“Thunderin’ Typhoons Jolyon! You trying to kill us because we won't buy your silly policies?!” Haddock exclaimed.
“Oh my! I’m terribly sorry…” Jolyon said embarrassed.
“Instead of trying to sell me insurance policies try paying attention to the road would you?” Haddock tried to calm down.
“We’ll both need life insurance policies at this rate…” Tintin said gaining his bearings sitting back down.
Jolyon felt really bad trying to take make a sale, fortunately the little fox was able to cross safely.

“Ah we’re home captain!” Tintin sighed in relief.
“I couldn’t agree more landlubber!” Haddock sighed as they got out of the car.
Snowy and Cocoa quickly jumped out as well.
“Thank you Mr. Wagg, we really do appreciate it, but just be more careful, cars aren’t cheap you know, and you can’t replace your life” Tintin said politely.
“Right you are Mr. Tintin!” he said regarding Haddock.
“THANK you Jolyon Wagg” Haddock smiled silencing Jolyon before he could even think of anything else to say. “You take care you hear! And don’t run over any innocent foxes!” Haddock shook his fist mock threateningly.
“Yes sir, you have a good day now Captain, Tintin!” he said with a flustered look and drove off.
“Glad to be rid of him!” Haddock took off his hat and wiped his brow as walked over to the rotary dial under the glass case by the gate.
“Thunderin’ Typhoons Tintin, I can’t remember the number” Haddock said with some frustration.

“Don’t worry Captain, I remember” Tintin said dialing the number until a green light above flashed a few times and the gate lock unlatched.
“Here you go Snowy, show Cocoa around the ground and get her familiar with the area” Tintin smile opening the gate as the two raced in.
“It’s good to see Snowy has a friend now to pal around with” Haddock grinned as they walked up the path to Marlinspike. “So good to be home again” Haddock repeated himself carrying his suitcase with one hand and grabbing Tintin’s hand with the other.

“Indeed it is Captain, I’m sure Nestor and Cuthbert will be happy to see us...I can't wait to see what Nestor has prepared or will prepare for dinner tonight!” Tintin let the captain take his free hand as rain drops began to fall.
“Uh oh! Let’s hurry!” Haddock said racing with Tintin to the front door. Snowy and Cocoa were nowhere in sight as Haddock and Tintin raced still hand in hand all the way to the front. They took shelter under the door post trying to find a key for the front.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-20-2013 at 04:12 AM..

Kole_Locke
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#52
Old 01-16-2013, 02:03 AM

CHAPTER 24 (PART - B) end of Chapter 24



The flight wasn’t nearly as long as the last, but Chang was still glad when the plane touched down in London. Chang didn’t bring many clothes with him but a small sack. He followed everyone out into the terminal until he saw a police officer holding a card with his name on it. Chang was very distrustful of anyone now, especially after what happened to poor Agent Renaud. Chang had no choice as he really wasn’t sure where he needed to go so he walked up to the police officer.

“I am Chang” he said politely. The officer looked at Chang a little curiously.
“Ok if you say so… I’m going to escort you to the train station” the officer said matter of fact.
“Is there a problem officer?” Chang asked a little confused as they continued walking.
“No, I just expected you to be a bit bigger…” the officer paused. “You look so young...” he trailed off.
“Yes, I know, I used to be weak… but I’m quite capable to taking care of myself officer, but thank you for your concern” Chang replied sincerely.
“I’m sorry, it’s a cruel world out there young man, and if you’re not prepared it will swallow you alive. I just don’t want to see another casualty” he explained himself as they kept walking.
“I thank you for your concern. I have prepared for these moments for a long time officer” Chang nodded.
“Well you know your own business mate. We need to go to Victoria Station, that’s where you will rendezvous with the two detectives” he said as they got on a shuttle bus traveling to a close by train.
“You know those two?” the officer asked.
“Not really, I’ve only seen them a couple times, they are strange but harmless” Chang chuckled.
“I wonder about those two sometimes…” the officer mumbled quietly.

Chang only laughed quietly while noticing the decorated navy blue police uniform with the pointed police hat which was typical throughout England. He sported a long black baton. The officer quietly regarded everyone around them holding on to a bus pole and the other hand on his baton. Chang guessed by only a slight wrinkle or two that this man was in his early to mid thirties.
“Can I ask your name officer?” Chang finally asked.
“I am Officer Nash” he replied professionally.

The ride was short as they arrived at the train stop. The skies were overcast as usual. Chang had hoped for the sun to shine through and be a bit more reflective of his mood. He was very happy at the possibility of seeing Tintin. Perhaps he would send Tintin a telegram if he wasn’t with his bosses and let him know he was around and maybe plan a quick visit. Chang thought about the promise he had made to Mrs. Lam and knew that every day that went by that the chances for her daughter being alive would diminish just a little. He realized that he had to put his personal desires aside and focus on his mission. Seeing Tintin would have to wait if the opportunity came up to find this Sea Serpent he thought.

“Are you ok Mr. Chang?” the officer tapped him on the shoulder as they were to get off at the train stop.

“Oh yes Officer Nash, thank you!” Chang smiled wanting to keep his thoughts to himself. They stepped off and walked to the crowded platform waiting for the train. Chang was trying to keep his mind clear like the monks in Tibet had taught him how inner peace comes from within. Officer Nash was like a sentinel, suspicious of everyone. Chang wondered if the enemy already know who he was, or had everything been a coincidence so far? The fact that one man knew he was part of the Sons of the Dragon was not a good sign to him. Chang was now twenty-three years old and no longer a boy. Considering everything around him he was quite fortunate. The city was full of noise which was more than a bit distracting like Hong Kong. The train finally came whistling down the tracks screeching to a halt.

“Let’s go Mr. Chang” Officer Nash prompted him.
The train filled up fairly fast as they found nothing but crowded compartments.
“We will stand near the exit Mr. Chang, folk here are going home for the evening, be vigilant” Officer Nash reminded him.
“Officer Nash, does the enemy know who I am?” Chang asked curiously but quietly.

Officer Nash looked around him before he responded. “I wasn’t told much, but was requested to make sure you get to your destination safely…I was under the impression that they do know that an agent of your circle was coming this way” he finished quickly.

The train began to whistle again as it slowly departed. The ride was quick, and no one seemed to be paying them much attention. The train finally came to a stop fifteen minutes later. Chang was glad to get out of the crowded train.

“Here we are, Victoria Station, look for the detectives” the officer replied as they began walking through the station. Chang had no idea where to look as they continued through the a central hub avoiding busy folk rushing here and there. The officer seemed to stay a step in front of him seemingly urging people to move around them if they got too close. It made Chang feel strange, but it also made him feel like he couldn’t protect himself as so many times many others had done many things to keep him safe as a boy. Chang knew he was more than capable of standing his ground these days. They kept walking until they heard a small commotion by one of the platforms.

“I insist officer, if justice is not done for this injustice I will report it to your superior!” the snobby looking man shouted. As they moved closer Chang almost made a gag like reflex smelling the strange perfume. Chang observed Officer Nash slow his pace putting one hand over his nose.
“Calm yourself sir, we know that man, and he would not have done such an action!” Thompson defended.
“Precisely…unless YOU provoked him!” Thomson accused with a pointing finger.
“What!? How DARE you make such an allegation!” the snobby man yelled.
“I want to know your superiors as well so I can file a formal complaint against the two of you!” he threatened.”
The officers already there too were covering their nose at strong scent of the man’s perfume.
“Enough!” one of the officers shouted finally tired of the antics.
“If you want to file charges or a formal complaint, you will need to go down to the precinct here Mr. Thistle” the officer concluded.
“I’m doing that right now! I’ve never been so insulted in all my life!” the snobby man stormed away.

“Why do I find that hard to believe…” Thompson muttered.
“Exactly!” Thomson shook his head as a couple of the officers went back to their normal patrols.
“Detectives…” Officer Nash got their attention.
“Yes?” Thompson turned around to see the two of them.
“I was ordered by Scotland Yard to escort your agent to you” he said presenting Chang.
Thompson and Thomson looked incredulously at Chang.
“Don’t we know you?” Thompson asked suspiciously.
“I think we do!” Thomson finished that thought.
“Yes, I’m a friend of Tintin’s” Chang laughed.
Thompson and Thomson looked at each other confused.
“Remember that banquet Tintin had for his twenty-first birthday?” Chang asked trying to jar their memory.
“Ooohh! That’s right!” Thompson’s blue eyes lit up.
“I remember too!” Thomson walked up and grabbed Chang’s hand giving him an excited hand shake.

“Yea, we know who you are now!” Thompson said clasping Chang’s shoulder.
“It looks as if my job is done, I need to return now with your leave gentlemen” Officer Nash interrupted.
“Sure, we didn’t expect him…interesting!” Thomson said finally letting go of Chang’s hand.
“Dismissed Officer!” Thompson saluted.
“Good luck to you Mr. Chang” Officer Nash patted Chang’s shoulder with a wink.
Chang watched Officer Nash disappear into the crowd. Thomson glanced over Chang shaking his head.
“Is something wrong with me detective?” Chang asked with slight confusion.
“We need to get you into English civilian clothes” Thomson concluded.
“Yea, the enemy might be able to spot you right out a crowd here instantly” Thompson agreed.

Chang smiled helplessly thinking the fact that he was ethnically different would probably tip a stranger off that he was a foreigner, but instead he humored the two detectives.
“Ok if you say so” Chang smiled.
“We have no time to disguise you right now” Thomson nodded.
“We got to get to the east end of London to go ask a few questions at bar” Thompson informed Chang.
“I’ll go get you a pass” Thomson said walking back to the ticket boothe.
“I hope you’re ready Agent Chang, east London is a rough part you know” Thompson warned.

“Please, just call me Chang—I will keep that in mind” Chang smiled understanding the nature of how these two worked according to Tintin. Chang quickly began to realize that he would need to play a different role around these two. They were very nice gentlemen, but a bit on the ‘daft’ side as Tintin would put it, but Chang was very respectful of their requests. Thomson quickly returned and they got on the train taking them to the east side

XXXXXXXX

When they arrived at the bar, all was quiet. Everyone seemed to be minding their own business in hushed conversations, but was sneaking gawking gazes at the detectives and Chang. A tall brunette headed woman came from behind the bar to greet them immediately knowing they weren't locals.

“May I help you gentlemen” she asked business like.
“Yes, we are here to investigate a disturbance that the police filed at the station” Thompson stated.
“Nobody here called the police sir, but I can inform you that they have already been here questioning me and my patrons” she said firmly.
Chang watched the reproachful stares they received from the crowd, but caught one different stare from a young man walking from table to table. His stare seemed to be one of fear. It was one stare Chang was all too familiar with.
“I see a bullet hole in your ceiling mam” Thomson pointed out.
“Yes, some ruffians were in here and fired off a round and I ran them out with my licensed firearm” she explained.
“Do you know who these ‘ruffians’ were?” Thompson narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
“No, I do not…” she nodded.

More people were staring at them now. Chang could sense fear in the air but kept quietly observing.
“Can you describe what they looked like?” Thomson finally asked a question that the woman could not skirt.
“Well…it all happened so fast that I really didn’t see him so well…just a tall man with dark hair and blue eyes with a hat and trench coat” she said hesitantly.
“Hmmm…” Thomson said taking notes on a small book he had.
“How many other men were with him” Thompson asked.
“Two for sure, maybe three… let’s walk over to the corner… my patrons don’t need to hear all of this” she said quietly leading them away.

Chang looked in the woman’s eyes, “She’s lying” he thought, but kept quiet.
“Can I order something to drink?” Chang spoke up.
"You can't just drink on the job!" Thompson looked at him shocked.
"I just want some water" Chang explained.
“Sure, just ask the young man over by the counter…” she said absently busy dealing with the two detectives as they continued to question her. Chang took this opportunity to walk up to the young man.
“Excuse me… can I get a water please?” Chang asked courteously.
“One moment…” the boy started to walk away. Chang stood quietly waiting until he came back with a mug of water.
“I have to warn you the water here isn’t the best” he warned.
“Can I ask you a quick question?” Chang asked.
“What is it?” he said nervously.
“Do you know who the guy was that shot the gun off in here?” Chang replied slowly but quiet and nonthreatening.
The young man nervously looked at the woman whose gaze was not upon him. "...I don't know... I was told to keep my mouth shut" the boy replied nervously.
"If we don't find him he will hurt many more" Chang explained.
“Allan Thompson” he whispered quickly.

“Thanks…er thank you for the drink!” Chang spoke up and winked.
“Uh… you’re welcome” he said quickly walking back to the bar.
Both the detectives came walking back through, “Come on, time to leave” Thompson announced to Chang. Chang took a sip of the water and quickly spit it out. The young man wasn’t lying.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-20-2013 at 04:40 AM..

Kole_Locke
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#53
Old 01-16-2013, 11:49 PM

CHAPTER 25 (PART - A)



Haddock and Tintin walked in Marlinspike and sat their luggage down taking a deep breath closing their eyes. The high ceilings, ornate walls, and the grand stairway were welcoming sites.
“We’re home!” Haddock yelled happily.
“Finally!” Tintin said as Haddock pulled Tintin to him for a nice quick kiss on the lips.

“Master Haddock! Master Tintin!” Nestor came downstairs dressed in his usual butler outfit.
“Nestor! It’s good to see ya!” Haddock said expressively.
“The professor has been awfully worried about you, I have dinner started and should be ready in an hour” Nestor announced as he greeted them at the bottom of the stairs.
“It’s almost six O’clock, where’s the professor?” Tintin asked curiously.
“He’s busy in his lab, I will ring him and let him know you’re here” Nestor said walking into the parlor.

“Ok, we’re going to take our things upstairs and get settled back in for now” Haddock said picking up his suitcase nodding for Tintin to follow him. Tintin ran to his room and quickly began unpacking. Haddock took a couple articles out returning them to a drawer and dumped the rest of the clothes in the dirty basket when Tintin came to his door.

Haddock walked up to him locking the door behind Tintin as he led him to the bed.
“I just couldn’t wait to get you home” Haddock confessed taking Tintin into his lap gazing in his peaceful green eyes.
“You dirty old man” Tintin laughed.
“Dirty?! Blisterin’ Barnacles lad! There’s nothing dirty about our love!” Haddock continued to gaze into Tintin’s eyes.
“That’s not what I meant!” Tintin said playfully rubbing noses with Haddock affectionately.
“Then why am I dirty landlubber?” Haddock kissed him once on the lips.
“Dirty means desiring in our case” Tintin winked.
“So you’re dirty too my boy” Haddock lifted Tintin’s chin for a passionate kiss. They savored a whiskey flavored passionate smooch.
“I don’t know what I would ever do without you lad” Haddock smiled.
“I never knew that you and I would be together like this… but I wouldn’t have it any other way Captain Archie” Tintin said mischievously gazing into the captain’s ice blue eyes.
“It’s so amazing lad, we still talk like a newly wed couple and we’ve been together almost five years now” Haddock chuckled.
“I just wished others could understand” Tintin sighed.
“Listen lad, it doesn’t matter what the world thinks of us, it’s none of their business first off. Nothing they can say or do will tear us apart mon petit” Haddock’s poetic side began to show.
“Mon dieu!” Tintin whispered as Haddock and he drew closer for another passionate kiss until a loud knocking at the door disturbed their intimate moment.

“Captain? Tintin? Are you here?” Professor Calculus said excitedly.
“Thunderin’ Typhoons!” Haddock grunted under his breath.
“Sorry captain” Tintin shrugged quickly kissing him on the lips one last time.
“We finish this later tonight mon amour!” Haddock replied with a devilish look.
“You dirty old man!” Tintin whispered lovingly to him.
“You’ll find out just how dirty I can be ya little naughty siren!” Haddock whispered back threateningly as they quickly regained their composure.
“Captain? Tintin?” Professor Calculus said a bit louder.
“We hear ya—ya squeaking jack in the box!” Haddock returned to his usual grouchy self.
“Coming Professor!” Tintin said innocently.
Tintin opened the door and stepped out into the hallway as Haddock slowly lumbered up behind.
“I’m so glad that both of you are back safely! Goodness! According to the detectives, there is a horrifying cult tailing you around” Calculus replied.
“You don’t say!” Haddock said clasping the professor’s shoulder leading him downstairs.
“Why yes captain… you and Tintin just took off without a word and…” Calculus was cut off.
“We left you a letter Cuthbert!” Haddock shook his head in disagreement.
“I know but…all of this talk of cults and murders…” Calculus continued.
“What murders?!” Tintin suddenly jumped in as they reached the bottom of the stairs.
“Why Thompson and Thomson went to London to investigate four murders near the city harbor” Calculus explained.
“Who was murdered?” Tintin demanded.
“Why, four youths, but so far I hear it’s more gang related violence” Calculus explained.

“Throwing their lives away for a life of crime, tis a sad world we live in” Haddock sighed and looked up when they heard frantic scratching at the front door.
“Oh, I need to let Snowy and Cocoa back in” Tintin looked up forgetting that his dogs were outside busy roaming the grounds.
“Cocoa? Who’s Cocoa?” Calculus asked confused.
“Meet our newest member of the family” Tintin said ironically as the cat was sitting on the arm of the staircase and in ran Snowy and Cocoa. As soon as Cocoa saw the cat she instantly ran after it. The cat hissed ferociously, but Snowy came right behind her as the cat squealed quickly upstairs disappearing into one of the rooms. Calculus only got a quick glance at her before they disappeared.

“Snowy! Cocoa!” Tintin shouted.
After a moment Snowy and Cocoa slowly returned.
“Professor, I’d like to introduce, Cocoa!” he said picking her up as she licked his face with Snowy at his feet wagging his small tail.
“Cocoa! Where did you find him?” Calculus adjusted his glasses.
“Actually professor, it’s a she, and Snowy found her and brought her back to Captain Chester’s sister’s house one evening” Tintin explained.
“Remarkable!” Calculus said scratching her behind her ears as she quickly began licking his hands.
“Adorable!” Calculus smiled. “Speaking of which Tintin I’ve perfected Snowy’s and the cat’s food dispenser” he remembered.
“Oh you did? Congratulations professor!” Tintin nodded.
“I had to do a little rewiring of the circuits but I think it’s safe to say it works ninety-nine percent efficiently” Calculus declared.
“That smells good!” Haddock said feeling his stomach growling.
“Yes, I agree captain, I’m starving too!” Tintin agreed as they led Calculus into the dining hall seeing how Nestor had already set the table elegantly as always. The captain took his usual seat as Tintin sat to his right and Calculus to his left. It wasn’t long until Nestor came out with a big pot of beef stew filling each big bowl with two ladle fulls.

“What about us Snowy?” Cocoa whined licking her lips.
“Come on Cocoa, our food is in the kitchen” Snowy hung his head as he led her into the kitchen.
Snowy led Cocoa to his bowl, and as usual, it was the same slop, he only got the premium food every other couple days. Nestor rotated it around which Snowy would only eat it when he was really hungry. Cocoa looked at it then Snowy.
“Aren’t you going to eat it?” she asked quizzically.
“You eat all you want first, I’ll eat what’s left” Snowy whined.
Cocoa took a few bites and glanced back at Snowy, “I’ve had worse” she nodded and continued to eat.
“Enjoy it, it’s not my favorite” Snowy sat quietly beside her.
“Oh Nestor, did you see our newest member of the family?” Tintin asked as Nestor finished doling out the portions of the stew then setting it on a small holder on the table.
“No, but I thought I saw a small light brown dog dash off into the kitchen…” Nestor replied taking a seat next to Calculus.

Each of them began to slowly savor their stew and eat before further conversing. Tintin enjoyed it when everyone in the house ate together. Most of the time, Nestor ate alone or would join Professor Calculus in his lab. Haddock and Tintin were both not glad to hear about the news in London, but the detectives going out there to investigate without any back up really bothered Tintin. It made him wonder what else was going on.

“This is really good Nestor!” Haddock nodded after devouring half of his bowl in almost less than two minutes.
“I agree, I love the spicy flavor you added” Calculus nodded.
“It kind of reminds me of Alyssa’s stew but just a touch different” Tintin added.
“Why thank you gentlemen” Nestor smiled.
“We did have a minor incident while you two were gone, but Nestor and I sent them on their way” Calculus laughed.
“Really?” Tintin replied concerned and somewhat amused.
“Yes, the Professor here is a clever one… it was quite shocking I assure you” Nestor said with a dry sense of humor.
Tintin and Haddock only stared blankly.
“Oh that was only a simple high voltage charged battery to the metallic door handle” Calculus explained.
“Oh, that is clever” Tintin said impressed trying to picture Calculus and Nestor together in a fix. Haddock thought the idea was almost a bit absurd but still amusing.

“So about what’s been happening…” Haddock paused to take a deep breath. He and Tintin explained what all had been happening and about Tintin’s twin brother. They also mentioned the information they received in Antwerp at one of Chester’s favorite pubs.

“That is simply amazing! The fact that you could have a twin brother?!” Calculus said intrigued.
“The mentioning of Allan somehow doesn’t surprise me, I’m willing to bet he has something to do with this cult” Calculus commented.
"I feel pretty confident that Allan is not the mastermind behind this whole operation" Tintin interjected.
"Of course not landlubber, he was one of my lackeys...cunning and treacherous yes, but masterminding and intellectual? Not so much" Haddock commented.

“We’re pretty sure as well about that, but now that we know about what’s going on in London and for INTERPOL to send my bosses over there just doesn’t sit right with me. I have a bad feeling about all of this” Tintin admitted his concerns.
“It’s you they’re after Tintin” Calculus warned him.
“But why?” Tintin asked unable to come up with a rational answer.
“Your guess is as good as mine young man” Calculus shrugged.
“I have to find out, even if it means putting me in harm’s way. I cannot allow Thompson and Thomson to face trouble as big as this alone” Tintin declared.

“Tintin, for all we know it could just be a handful of crazy thugs with some parlor tricks” Haddock shrugged. “Yea we did encounter Chester’s old crazy first mate, but how harmful could he be? They had hired American sailors to attack us, and the other incidents were completely unrelated” Haddock tried analyzing it all.

“That may be true captain, but you’re not saying that we abandon them are you?” Tintin looked at the captain with a bit of dismay.
“No, but they asked me to keep you safe Tintin, that’s not keeping you safe if I take you or allow you into harm’s way… I can go without you and help them” Haddock suggested.
“No captain, if you go, I go too…I won’t hear another word of that” Tintin strongly disagreed.

“Oh, that reminds me, the whole reason I wanted to see you two again” Calculus lit up.
Tintin and Haddock looked at Calculus in surprise. Then they glanced at Nestor as he seemed to already know giving them a slight smile.
“What could you possibly have to show us Cuthbert?” Haddock became suddenly curious.
“I have been working on some gizmos and gadgets that would come in handy during your perilous travels” Calculus explained.
“Oh really professor?” Tintin’s interest grew exponentially secretly hoping it wasn’t anything like his recent dog food timed feeder.
“Oh yes! You can put that doubt of yours to rest young man! I promise, both of you will be quite amazed!” Calculus nodded with a sparkle in his eye as he took a sip of his tea.
Nestor smiled again in agreement. Haddock and Tintin were both struck like children waiting to unwrap a Christmas gift trying to guess its contents.
“No more about it until we finish dinner” Calculus nodded.
“Oh that’s right! I brought some of Captain Chester’s sister’s scones in a small sack… I’ll be right back…” Tintin said dashing off to get them.
“He is right, they are quite delicious” Haddock agreed.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-23-2013 at 05:05 AM..

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#54
Old 01-17-2013, 10:00 PM

CHAPTER 25 (PART - B) end of chapter 25


Tintin shared the rest of the strawberry scones he had with Nestor and Calculus who thoroughly enjoyed them. Snowy came in whining into the dining room trying to get Tintin to feed him more, but for another thirty minutes the attempts were futile until he finally realized they didn’t have a bowl for Cocoa. He opened up another can of that food that Snowy was not fond of plopping it into another container prompting him to eat up. Snowy gave Tintin a disgruntled look, but because he was hungry he ate it. Cocoa encouraged Snowy telling him it’s not that bad.

“Well Cuthbert you ready to show us these wonderful gadgets of yours?” Haddock asked skeptically.
“Oh yes, that’s right let’s go—“ Calculus said as they were getting up from the table until Nestor interjected.
“One last thing…the Bolt grandchildren came to work on the grounds the other day” Nestor reported.
“Oh yes, how did that go?” Haddock asked curiously.
“Well, but they stayed for dinner…the youngest grandchild was a bit of a nuisance…he asks too many questions and likes to snoop” Nestor concluded.
“You kept a close watch on that little whippersnapper didn’t you?” Haddock asked cautiously.
“Of course, luckily his brother and sister kept him from wandering off to parts of the manor that they know are off limits” Nestor nodded.
“He kind of sounds like me when I first started reporting” Tintin laughed.
“Maybe so Tintin, but we don’t need a reporter for what we have or our personal lives broadcasted to the rest of the community” Haddock explained.
“I bet he becomes a reporter, but I see your point” Tintin laughed.

“Let’s go to my lab!” Calculus redirected their attention.
Without further delay, they walked across the grounds to Calculus’ lab. It was always full of strange and unusual things. A chalkboard with mind boggling equations, flasks full of fluids, shelves full of books on theories, radios, various scientific measuring tools, and electronic equipment.

A huge generator took up a lot of space which had many buttons and displays. Some were abandoned projects Calculus stopped due to the destructive nature, such was the one when foreign Bordurian agents came to abduct him for his destructive sonic technology. Tintin never forgot that adventure chasing after Professor Calculus with Haddock and Snowy. Each step they took could have been their last, how luck and wits were on their side, and thanks to Madame Castafiore.

Tintin always appreciated Professor Calculus for his vast genius constantly trying to make life easier and safer at Marlinspike Hall although not always successful. Calculus never let too much idle time go by without starting a new project. The gates, the dog feeder, and many other small inventions and gizmos were some of the many Tintin had seen. Calculus led them into the heart of his sanctuary until they found a table with two small back packs made from a green camouflage material.

“Well gentlemen, I would like to present you with these back packs” he said taking one and displaying the many small utility pockets carefully sewn on.
“Where did you get those?” Tintin asked slightly impressed by how compact and well designed the bag looked. Tintin saw two Ts initialed on the bag.
“I got them from the Swiss government, but let me show you…” he said opening the bag revealing its contents.
“The first item Tintin is this” he said pulling out a medium sized black comb.
“A comb? Well that may help me keep my hair placed the way I like, but that’s about it” Tintin sighed.

“Oh but it’s not just any comb Tintin, the bottom prong has a radio receiver in it set on only one frequency as to not give away its secret. So if you ever get in a jam you can send out a signal as far as three thousand and five hundred meters!” Calculus explained showing Tintin the two small pin holes at the bottom, and then the miniscule button up at the top.
“That button activates the signal, the top prong allows you to hear if any message is sent your way, but you must put it right at your ear, or you will not be able to hear” Calculus explained.
“Wow professor! That’s some range for such a small device!” Tintin suddenly changed his tune.

Haddock stood there quietly observing as Calculus fished out another item. A small mirror, flask, magnifying glass, he stopped with a belt with two compact items on the sides. The belt was made of coarse black leather and each had a bronze belt buckle.

“This belt now, looks ordinary except the two compact boxes at the side. Should you ever need to scale rocks and your equipment fail, these utility belts simply by pressing the button on each side box, will cause a cable twenty feet long on each side to shoot up with a metallic like claw and grab on to something and slowly retract helping to pull you upwards” Calculus explained.
“We could have used those back in Tibet for sure!” Haddock explained.
“I know, thank goodness Tharkey came back for us or neither you nor I would be here to talk about it” Tintin agreed.
“Let me try that out…” Haddock said snatching the belt out the Professor’s hand.
“Captain! What are you doing!?” Calculus demanded.
“Trying this out!” he said putting on the belt.
“Captain! I can assure you that these have already been tested out by associates of mine. They aren’t meant for indoor use” the Professor scolded.

It was too late. Haddock had already put it on and press both buttons. Instantly two four pronged steel claws shot out away from him soaring up into the ceiling each digging into the wooden beam then pulling him up.
“Blisterin’ Barnacles! Get me down!” he said as he was being pulled up to the ceiling.
“Press the button to release Captain!” the professor instructed.
He pressed the release button on both sides and he fell down landing right next to Tintin.
“Oh that’s smarts!” Haddock said seeing stars for a moment.
“I told you captain, these are not toys” he warned laughing a little.
“Are you ok captain?” Tintin said bending down to help the captain up.
“I will be, just give me a second…” he said slowly standing back up.
“That truly is amazing professor! How are you able to make those prongs so strong?” Tintin asked in amazement.
“I had them made by the Swiss government using titanium” Calculus said with a gleeful look.
Calculus took out a pair of green colored goggles were black and fit comfortable on with a switch on the side.

“These Tintin, are night vision goggles I made myself not long ago, with a flip of a switch you should be able to see in dark places” Calculus said nonchalantly. Tintin and Haddock both nodded in awe as Calculus continued pulling items out of the small bag.

“Last but not least, a flare gun… it’s not a deadly weapon, but it can blind your foes should you find yourself in a bind; also, it can be shot almost a hundred feet up if you need assistance. Be careful if you use it as a weapon as anyone who sees this bright light will be blinded for almost a good minute. It’s brighter than the normal flare guns. You have six rounds of flare in it” Calculus finished.
“So please use them sparingly” the professor warned.
“What about my bag?” Haddock finally asked feeling a bit left out.
“Oh yes, for you a new pipe!” Calculus said opening the other bag showing the captain a fancy silvery and black looking pipe.
“That’s nice professor, but how is that going to help me other than enjoying my tobacco?” Haddock shrugged.
“That pipe is also a whistle captain, here, try blowing on it” Calculus said handing Haddock the pipe. The end of the pipe was curved and shaped like the end of a bugle.

Haddock skeptically blew hard on it and a loud blasting deafening sound made Calculus and Tintin both cover their ears.
“That whistle is about ninety decibels” Calculus nodded.
“Well unless I need someone’s attention and I want to smoke my tobacco, this device won’t be much help” Haddock sighed.

“It also can make a nice smoke screen captain” he said taking out three fairly small pellets that fit into the pipe in a small sealed plastic bag. “When you light your pipe and inhale a few times you will trigger these mini smoke bombs…don’t worry they don’t explode… to begin quickly flooding a room with smoke” Calculus finished.

“Ok, I guess it could be helpful…” Haddock nodded.
“Oh and here’s a nice bronze lighter I had ordered especially for you captain. It has enough fuel to last you for months. Nothing practical really, just nice to have” Calculus said handing Haddock a well crafted metallic bronze lighter.
“Each of you should have the other items in your bag that I showed you earlier… and one last item for both of you” Calculus stopped to grab two pairs of boots of different sizes off a shelf.
“Boots?” Tintin asked.
“They do look very nice” Haddock commented.
The boots were made of tough black leather and had a very interesting looking sole to them.

“These boots look nice and tough, but are as light as a feather. The soles have spring like material inside them putting a spring in your step allowing you to move fifty percent faster in them and maybe allowing your jumping abilities to propel you just a bit further” the professor finished putting them in front of Tintin and Haddock. Haddock and Tintin took off their shoes and immediately tried them on. Each of the pair of boots was a perfect fit and felt incredibly comfortable as if they were wearing a slipper.
“Wow professor these are really nice!” Tintin exclaimed not feeling in the slightest encumbered.
“It has a nice feeling to it eh boy?” Haddock said standing up tapping his feet.
“I assume the two of you are leaving for London tomorrow correct?” Calculus quickly added.
“Yes, we are” Tintin nodded. Haddock shook his head in disapproval.
“Well, I want you to take these canes to our friends Thompson and Thomson, but first let me demonstrate how they work” Calculus said quickly.
Tintin and Haddock were surprised at just how many things the professor had been working on as of late.
“You squeeze the top of the cane and watch…” Calculus demonstrated. The cane expanded out almost another foot as they realized the cane was made of some alloy rather than the wood look that it appeared to resemble.
“Watch this now!” Calculus said pointing the now five foot cane toward the wall. He squeezed the top of the cane again and a small dart shot out at the end sticking into the wall.

“I’m sure they will appreciate those professor, but I worry they may use them incorrectly” Tintin said with concern.
“Well then Tintin, I leave it up to you to teach them the proper use. There are nine dart in each of them and they each have just a bit of tranquilizing poison, make sure you explain that to them” Calculus pointed out.
“Well that one has only eight now” Tintin laughed.
“Actually, they have ten but the first dart is not poisoned…” the professor said using the other cane squeezing it shooting the first dart.
“There” he said twisting the top slightly. “Twisting the top a little will make the canes retract” he finished.

“Why thanks for all the gifts Cuthbert, I must say you never cease to amaze” Haddock said shaking his hand.
“What? Oh thank you captain… just remember a friendly ‘goat’ made them” Calculus laughed quickly getting laughs from both Haddock and Tintin. They gathered the small bags and other items and returned back to the manor for a good nights rest. The stars were out in full and the air was calm as they made their way back to the manor that late hour.
“Well good night gentlemen, I expect to see you for breakfast in the morning” Calculus said retiring to his room for the night.
“I guess we’d better go to bed and get some rest” Tintin said as he and Haddock stood at the top of the stairs then began walking towards his room.
“That’s right” Haddock suddenly grabbed Tintin’s wrist. “We are going to bed!” he whispered devilishly.
“Captain!” Tintin blushed. “I need to put my bag in my room and—“ Tintin was cut off as Haddock put his hand over his mouth. “You owe me you little siren! You’re coming with me!” Haddock laughed wickedly. Tintin couldn’t help but to smile as Haddock drug Tintin back to his bedroom, closed, and locked the door.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-23-2013 at 05:39 AM..

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#55
Old 01-19-2013, 07:35 PM

CHAPTER 26 (PART - A)


The ride to Glasgow was a long and tedious one, riddled with stops and noisy people getting on and off. Once they reached Carlisle the number of riders dropped a bit allowing them to be alone in the train compartment. Chester let Enzo take a short nap then when Ezno woke up a couple hours later, Chester took a turn napping. Chester told Enzo that one of them needed to stay awake because he did not trust people these days. Enzo reflected on the events back at Mary Ann’s house while Chester slept.

Enzo realized that Captain Haddock and Tintin were more than just friends. The nature of Haddock and Tintin’s relationship was a topic that was not open to discussion. Chester was more than a bit reserved about discussing such private matters with anyone other than the person in question. Enzo wanted to know more about how it worked and how long they had been together. Tintin was not forthcoming with the information and only hinted to Enzo that he was correct near the end of their stay.

Enzo was about to turn twenty years old within a couple of days and wanted to do something fun. Enzo had never experienced true love before. He began thinking about a childhood girlfriend whom he remembered back home. She was only fourteen at the time while he was fifteen. They had been out and had an innocent kiss once or twice. The last time he was in a year ago they had a more passionate kiss sneaking away from her family, but Enzo realized another boy had his eyes on her as well. Ezno thought girls were beautiful but also began to be more aware of men too. He found it really confusing but wanted to ask Tintin more questions that he just didn’t feel comfortable talking to Captain Chester about something so personal.

Enzo felt the last few days in England he had grown a bit more. He learned more about friendship and loyalty as he had noticed Haddock and Chester seemed to have an unbreakable bond almost as if they were blood relatives. Enzo didn’t know all of the details concerning Tintin’s visit with his brother Benton, but Chester had told him things didn’t go well as the evening progressed. Benton seemed like such a nice young man like Tintin or Fenton as his brother liked to call him.

“Last stop Glasgow!” a conductor walked by and announced.
“Finally” Enzo thought glad that they would be able to get off the long train ride, it was almost ten O’clock that night.
“Captain Chester” Enzo said gently budging him.
“Hmmm” Chester grunted.
“We’re almost here” Enzo relayed.
“Oh” he replied lying with his back facing Enzo. Slowly he turned over, sat up, and stretched.
“Time goes by much faster when you’re sleeping” Chester yawned.
The train began to slowly come to screeching halt as they entered Central Station in Glasgow.
“Well let’s go!” Chester said grabbing his belongings leading Enzo off the train.

People were filtering into the huge station out of the train, but the crowds weren’t huge at this hour. A couple moments later a young pretty fiery haired girl with a young blond haired man and a young baby girl stood not far from the train waving.
“Father!” she cried out in glee.
“Elizabeth!” Chester ran to embrace his daughter.
“It’s so good to see you again!” she beamed.
“How’s my lass doing these days?” he brushed her long fiery red hair aside.
“Mum just left yesterday, she was here for almost a week. Been doing great! I see you brought Enzo!” She smiled giving Enzo a hug as well.
“Hello Elizabeth!” he smiled hugging her back as they walked over to join the rest of her family.
“You’ve been taking care of my dad?” she joked.
“The best I can” he laughed.
“Captain!” Elizabeth’s husband said giving Chester a hardy handshake and a small hug.
“You taking good care of my lass Kevin?” Chester jokingly asked.
“She takes care of me” he winked over to his wife.
“I see…” Chester looked at his daughter knowing how strong willed she was like him.
“How’s my granddaughter Rachel!” Chester said picking up and kissing the little girl standing next to her father.
“Pa pa—“ the little two year old replied laughing.
“She’s growing fast!” Chester handed her back to her father.
“Well met Enzo!” Kevin said shaking his hand.
“Same to you” Enzo replied.

“Let’s go home dad we have our small van parked a few blocks away” Elizabeth said as the small family began making their way back to their van. They drove for about twenty minutes until they reached the outskirts of Glasgow in a small house. It was nothing impressive, just an old style home that had been turned into two apartments. An elderly couple lived on the right side of the house.

“It’s late so we need to keep our voices down… the landlords across the hall are funny about us having guests late at night, but I’ve already told them you were coming” Elizabeth explained. The night air was a bit chilly.

“I will make everyone a nice mug of hot cocoa” Elizabeth said going to their small kitchen.
Chester and Enzo took a seat on the large sofa they had. Little Rachel had to be carried in as she fell asleep on the way home.
“Excuse me while I put the sleeping princess to bed” Kevin said carrying his daughter to one of the rooms.
“You’re granddaughter just keeps getting bigger and bigger” Enzo commented to Chester.
“Yes, us Chester’s are like that, big and strong…even the women” he laughed.
Enzo glanced again at Elizabeth as she was boiling some milk and water on the stove. She wasn’t a big woman. Only an inch shorter than Enzo, and athletic, she was definitely an active mother. Her hair was really long and from her appearance she took care of it too. Her eyes were just like her father’s a nice light grey.

“So we’re leaving Monday?” Enzo asked.
“Yes, and we will be leaving quite early too, so make sure you get plenty of rest the night before” Chester warned.
“Do you think Captain Haddock and Fenton are ok?” Enzo asked a little worried.
“I’m sure they’ll be fine, they’ve pulled through much more tougher situations in the past” Chester commented.
“What tougher situations?” Elizabeth came in to join them on the sofa setting down a tray of four mugs of hot cocoa.
“I was talking about your Uncle Haddock” Chester grinned.
“Oh…yes, how did your visit go with Aunt Mary Ann, Uncle Bob, and Uncle Archie?” Elizabeth laughed.
“It’s been quite interesting…but we had a good time overall I believe” Chester summed it up.

“Really?” Elizabeth paused to hand them their mugs.
“Is something wrong?” Chester regarded his daughter’s confused look.
“Well, I don’t think so… is there?” Elizabeth returned the question.
“It’s nothing you should be concerned about dear” Chester returned.
“Are you sure? Aunt Mary Ann called and asked me to have you call her as soon as you arrived” Elizabeth mentioned.
“Is that so? Did she say why?” Chester asked.
“No, she wouldn’t say, nor would Alyssa” Elizabeth took a sip of her hot cocoa.
“Perhaps I should give her a call then” Chester nodded.
“Sure dad, the phone is in the kitchen, and I have her number listed in my notebook on the table” She replied.
“I think I’ll do that…” Chester said getting up and going to the kitchen. Elizabeth watched him leave the room and go behind the corner into the kitchen.
“Enzo, is there anything that I should know?” Elizabeth began hounding him.
“Well…you see…” He answered awkwardly not wanting to say something he shouldn’t.
“I’m his daughter Enzo, if my father is concerned I have a right to know” she said succinctly.
Enzo looked into the kitchen and looked back at Elizabeth not sure where to start. Maybe there was a reason why Mary Ann didn’t say anything.
“Well it's true we did have an interesting time before we arrived here in Scotland out at Victoria Station in London…” Enzo began retelling insignificant events in a greater light.

XXXXXXXX

Captain Chester dialed his sister’s phone number and the phone began to ring. Almost instantly his sister answered.
“Hello” Mary Ann answered anxiously.
“Mary Ann, Elizabeth said you needed me to call you, we just arrived back at her house” Chester responded.
“Thank God you’re safe Frederick! We got a call from a young man named Caleb over in Belgium. I couldn’t speak good French so Alyssa spoke to him. I’ll let you speak with her” Mary Ann said handing Alyssa the phone.
“Uncle Frederick?” Alyssa replied.
“I’m here, go on…” Chester listened carefully.
“Caleb says a man by the name of Gaspar was in the pub the night you guys left and was talking about coming after all of you here” Alyssa mentioned.
“What!?” Chester almost panicked.

“Yes, he doesn’t know where we live… does he?” Alyssa asked with much concern.
“No, I’ve never brought him over...even when we were supposedly friends…something kept me from letting him get that close. I’m glad I trusted my instinct” Chester breathed deeply.
“Uncle, why is he tailing you?” Alyssa asked.
“I don’t know… I think he’s working for someone else now. They tried to abduct Tintin before we left Antwerp and grabbed Enzo instead…luckily they let him go” Chester tried to explain.
“Why didn’t you tell us this?” Alyssa asked with much concern.
“I was hoping it was just a minor run-in, but obviously not. Listen Alyssa, if you see a stocky man close to my height, bald or with a black bandana he wears, be very cautious and call the police immediately” Chester warned.
“You’re scaring me Uncle Frederick” Alyssa didn’t like her uncle’s tone of voice picking up instantly that he was serious.
“Don’t be frightened, just be wary and vigilant. Hopefully since Tintin is gone they won’t bother you, again, be wary of any stranger who claims to be a friend or who seems to be watching you” Chester advised.
“Should I tell mum?” Alyssa asked.

“Yes…” Chester sighed.
“Mum’s right here, I got to finish folding clothes Uncle, please be careful” Alyssa pleaded.
“Yes dear…” he trailed off as Alyssa handed the phone back to her mother.
“So your first mate’s back for revenge is it?” Mary Ann asked already knowing about who Gaspar was.
“I don’t know…we had a minor scuffle back in Antwerp before we left” Chester repeated.
“I heard, well don’t worry, I will tell my husband and Nathan, we got something that will light up their life should they make the mistake of coming to visit us” Mary Ann said laughing.
“I’m glad to hear that, if you do see Gaspar, don’t take him lightly…he’s a very dangerous man” Chester warned.
“Understood brother, we’ll you have good night, tell Elizabeth hello, and give baby Rachel a hug and kiss for me” Mary Ann concluded.
“Good Nite Mary” Chester said hanging up the phone. Chester turned around to see Elizabeth standing in the doorway of the kitchen and living room with a shocked look on her face.

“So the boogeymans back?” she muttered remembering her father tell her some horror stories about his old treacherous first mate. She remembered seeing him one time when she was a teen during a visit with her father. His evil eyes sent shudders through her entire being. She told her father she thought he was evil. During her visits with her father, she would always dress up as a boy so no one would get any ideas, but even that didn’t always guarantee her safety. The older she became, the more difficult it was to hide her beauty.

“I’m afraid so… but don’t worry, he doesn’t know where you live or your Aunt Mary Ann lives,” Chester said putting both of his hands up.
“Hopefully pray tell he never finds out…” Elizabeth said covering her mouth running to her father as Chester protectively embraced her.
“Don’t worry, you have a good husband, I trust he will protect you and Rachel well” Chester said comforting his daughter.
“I’ll talk to Kevin about it after you leave, I don’t want to get him up in arms right now” Elizabeth explained.
“Let’s not let this news ruin our visit” Chester smiled. They returned to the living room and joined Enzo and Kevin who were already half-way finished with their hot cocoa laughing.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-26-2013 at 12:57 AM..

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#56
Old 01-20-2013, 03:14 AM

CHAPTER 26 (PART - B) end of chapter 26


The night was dark and chilly, each member of the group secretly met in Herr Wagner’s quarters as they proceeded to the secret chamber. The secret chamber had been washed and cleaned by the acolytes of the order which were two mysterious men who never spoke to anyone always wearing grey robes and bird like masks. Lento knew that was protocol for the order that holy acolytes were to never reveal their true identities.
This time they noticed that the restraints in the summoning circle weren’t made of leather this time. There were spikes and chains now to restrain any super human which translated into them having the aid of demon like strength. The man in the red robes stood at the altar examining all of his tools while they waited for the guest of honor to arrive. It was only an hour away from midnight as the acolytes continued to chat to the painting of the octopus like creature. Lento had read something interesting in the short period of time he had been focusing on his studies with Rastapopoulos. The full moon was a heightened time of power, but the new moon or ‘dark moon’ as the book put it, was an even more heightened time when it came to dark magic.

XXXXXXXXXXX

The poor Asian girl had to relive a horrible nightmare once again. The younger one sat wrapped in a blanket curled in a ball on the mattress at the corner of the wall shaking and crying. The older Asian girl tried to stop him but was knocked unconscious a meter away from the them when he backhanded her with all of his might for getting in his way. The man chained to the walls could hear what was going on and he protested loudly cursing and taunting him with every insult he knew until the wicked man came and beat him senseless until he could no longer speak and fell silent. After he was finished, he unchained the now unconscious man and took him out of the room and brought him up to the secret chamber. The other Asian girl was so traumatized she didn’t even know what was going on around her. She prayed that she could just die and be free from all of this torture.

The unconscious man was barely alive earlier. The older Asian girl had kept giving him water every so often to keep him from thirsting to death. The conditions in the room were horrible. Once the man began to wake from his merciful unconscious state, he began feeling pain on every inch of him as he was chained down in the middle of a room with hooded and masked robed people chanting in a language he couldn’t understand. Black candles were lit on every corner of the room. He could hear an animal squealing for its life until it too became silent. Eerie chanting continued as the flames of few candles seem to grow and change color from reddish orange to a bluish purple color.

The prisoner hadn’t the strength or the energy, to resist what was happening. Lento continued chanting interested in what would be the end results tonight as the midnight hour approached. The black mirror again began to have some shapeless form in it. The man in the red robes and mask began to let his voice crescendo as it began to sound more and more inhuman. Lento and the others would echo the chants as the acolytes would ring the gongs to symbolize a passing of one of the rites, until finally the man with the red robes took animal blood and began to paint symbols on the man’s chest. The man in the red robes had a small cauldron burning with various articles in it. The final chant was spoken in unison as the object in the black mirror began to take some horrid looking shape coming out of the mirror leaving a frigid chill instantly in the room. The fire in the cauldron shot up in a huge pyre that almost touched the ceiling displaying a variety of purplish blue flame.

Rastapopoulos was astounded because he had never thought anything like this in his conceived life was possible. He was raised as a catholic and raised in poverty and swore he would never want for anything again. While terrifying, it was as Lento felt, exhilarating at the same time to know that such a power existed. He realized where the true influence and power in this cult really came from at that moment. He thought it was just a mere lie to draw followers. The possibilities of getting rich and beyond worldly power just appealed so glamorously to him now. He had to be careful as to not let anyone think he would turn on his fellow brethren or he would lose everything just as fast as he gained it. The cult had put him back in business and kept him off the radar of the law which meant it wasn’t a wise decision to bite the hand that feeds you.

The Fakir was more terrified than anything, but he felt that the rewards from doing these dark rituals would far outweigh the terror he could endure during these sessions. He was slightly injured during the last ritual, luckily nothing that couldn’t heal in a short period of time. His powers of hypnosis were passed down in his family who like Rastapopoulos came from a poor background. India had a caste system which did not allow certain groups to climb out of their position, so he turned to a dishonest living using his powers for his own personal gain. The cult had helped him recover many losses which he suffered on account of Tintin and INTERPOL. Lento, Rastapopoulos, and the Fakir, each knew very little about Herr Wagner and even less about Lady Ravena. Circles among villains were a pretentious lot, one never knew would one would turn on the other.

The man on the floor suddenly felt vigor return to his body as he could feel his conscious fading. He fought the will of the demon entering his body screaming louder than he ever had.
“Don’t fight me, you can’t win mortal…” a voice said inside his head.
“Don’t resist me and I will set you free…” the voice began to sound a bit more seductive.
“Let yourself go and I will make the pain stop…” the voice said yet again.

The man hurt all over finally in one last bout of wills he yielded to the voice in his head and he quit struggling. Each of the members of the circle looked down on the unconscious man as he lied there completely limp. His eyes opened instantly and with inhuman strength, almost broke the chains.

“You fools!” the man’s voice now sounded like three voices in one not even human.
“You will do our bidding demon!” The man in the red robes barked at him.
“Why should I help you mortal?” the possessed man spat.
“Because, it is I who summoned you here Joachim!” the man in the red robes declared.
“Aarrrghh!!” the possessed man hollered out.
“Yes Joachim, you will do my bidding!” the red robed man repeated.
The man struggled fiercely to break the chains but the spike suddenly began coming up little by little.

“Bring sea salt, sprinkle it on him, and began the binding chant on now” the red robed man ordered. Everyone grabbed a hand full of sea salt and began tossing it on him chanting in the unknown language that nobody seemed to know the true origins to. The possessed man began acting as if they were tossing hot coals on him shouting out curses heard only by mortals centuries in the past. The possessed man began to lie there harmlessly.

“You’ve failed again! You think that imp is more powerful than me?” the demon laughed.
“You cannot harm us” the red robed man declared.
“Maybe not… release me and see” the demon said with his red eyes glaring at all of them.
“Acolytes!” the red robed man called out. “Release this demon” he ordered.
Reluctantly, the two grey robed acolytes did as they were told. The demon slowly stood up eying all of them even though they all wore bird like masks.
“You think those disguises fool me?” the demon slowly walked around them.
“Don’t toy with us demon! You have a contract with us now!” Lady Ravena spoke up.

“You think it’s that simple gypsy lady? Your power has no effect on me! Your curses and fortunes mean nothing to Joachim…” he spouted out walking slowly casing the group.
“You gluttonous pig!” the demon spat at Rastapopoulos. “Your trinkets and materialistic desires will not save you!” The demon continued eying the group.
“You!” the demon then pointed to the Fakir. “You betrayed your own family, murderer of your own people… your hypnotic skills and rope tricks don’t affect the likes of me you trickster!” the demon continued scrutinizing.

The demon looked over Lento for a moment, “Curious…curious… fascinations will get you no where you ambitious maggot…but… curiously there may be hope for you, he he he he!” the demon laughed uncontrollably for a moment.
The demon circled Herr Wagner. “You… for all your cunning and little bit of power you possess…you failed to remember one thing…” the demon paused.
“Your timing is off you idiot!” the demon finished laughing mockingly.
“Watch your tongue demon and learn your place!” he said picking up a staff poking the demon with it.
“What do you mean our timing is off?” Lento spoke up finally.
The demon looked at him and walked slowly to him.
“Ah, you want answers? Darkness cannot reside long in light!” the demon spoke archaically.
“What does that mean?” Lento demanded.
“Why should I tell you?” the demon mocked.
“Because I command it!” Herr Wagner took off his mask revealing himself more menacing than he normally appeared. The four other members were now taken aback by his sudden revelation. One eye was red, and the other sky blue. His voice slightly altered a little deeper making him sound louder than normal.
“You make me laugh!” the demon mocked.
Herr Wagner threw out his hands and his ceremonial dagger flew into his hand from the altar. Everyone in the room was quiet with awe.
“I could send you back instantly” Herr Wagner threatened.
“Mere parlor tricks of yours don’t scare me…you forget your own limitations” the demon reminded.
“…as do you!” Wagner pointed the knife closer.
“Do. Your. Worst.” The demon looked unblinking.

Herr Wagner let his anger over take him. He began chanting, cut the man once lightly with the dagger, and threw more sea salt on him. The demon fell to the ground convulsing and stood up shaking with his eyes closed. When he opened his eyes, they were normal color again. The prisoner regained control and bolted for the door opening it with inhuman strength. He ran out of the secret chamber into Herr Wagner’s quarters, then outside only to be met by Gaspar.

“You!” Gaspar shouted punching him repeatedly. The prisoner felt nothing but instead, laughed in his face. Gaspar then took out his gun.
The prisoner was being driven mad by the demon’s voice, but recognized Gaspar as his tormentor for a split second to take advantage of this inhuman strength. He reached out and grabbed Gaspar by the throat, “If I’m going to Hell! So are you!” he grunted. Gaspar looked into his eyes with great surprise as he lifting him up off of his feet tossing him several feet down across the deck. The voices became too strong again and he ran in a mad fit.

“Shoot him!” Gaspar shouted recovering. Crew members fired and shot at him. Then he jumped over the rail into the water resurfacing as a dead man a minute later.

Herr Wagner regarded all of the cult followers in the room, “Remember, speak none of this to another living soul, or you forfeit your life!” he threatened. “Treachery in my circle will earn you a quick death at best” he reminded.
The ritual went better than last time, but Wagner started to wonder what his mistake was but still wasn’t one hundred percent sure. “We set off tonight! We meet tomorrow evening in the conference room, and I want all of you to have answers for me” Wagner instructed.
“Dismissed! Except for you my Lady...”
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-26-2013 at 01:19 AM..

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#57
Old 01-22-2013, 03:16 PM

CHAPTER 27 (PART - A)


The evening went by fairly uneventful shortly after Chang had shared what he learned with the detectives. They called in a report and by the time all of that had taken place, the detectives were ready to eat. They stopped in a local pub in South London and had dinner. Chang was fairly quiet listening to the detectives ramble on and on about suspicions they had about everyone.

"Can't trust anyone..." Thompson rambled on enjoying his fish and chips.
"Right, anyone..." Thomson agreed mindlessly chewing up his chips.
"Chang, could you please pass me the vinegar?" Thompson looked up as Chang nibbled on his the filets he had on his plate.
"Here you are Mr. Thompson" Chang replied politely.

Luckily Chang did not easily get annoyed about anything. He only missed the peace and solitude that Tibet had to offer him when he stayed with the monks. Chang thought back for a moment remembering a couple instances when the yeti would make his self known to Chang by making melancholy low roars as if he was saying "hello". Once each month if the weather permitted while he was in Tibet, he would travel alone to the cave where the yeti sustained him and leave a food offering as a way of saying thanks. Those were some peaceful time, but Chang quickly snapped back to the present as returning to the Detectives' somewhat mindless rambles. He realized he was working to assist these two, but quickly learned he may have to do some groundwork in order help expedite the process some. After dinner they checked in at a bed and breakfast for the night. The detectives were trying to be frugal so they shared a room which only had a full sized bed.

Chang graciously volunteered to sleep on the floor as the detectives got him an extra blanket, sheet, and pillow. Luckily the floor was made of a nice thick red carpet making it a bit easier to sleep on. Sleeping on the floor didn’t bother Chang as he learned how to survive without many things for a long time before he was adopted and then when he began living in Tibet. Today had been exhausting for Chang so he wrapped up in his sheet and blanket and tried to go to sleep. Fortunately for him he fell asleep before the Thom(p)sons' began their snoring serenade.

Chang woke up just after sunrise the next morning as light began to filter through the long red draped curtains in the room. Both of the detectives were still snoozing in bed so he decided to take a seat by the window and meditate. Ten minutes later he couldn’t tell if he had fallen asleep but he began seeing a calm scene over the ocean. It was as if the sun was only beginning to rise. He saw a huge black sea serpent jump out of the water in the distance and back in only to be continuing away until it could not be seen. Chang began to take deep breaths and slowly come out of his meditation then stood up and put his green kimono and black trousers on.

“Mr. Thompson and Thomson, we need to get up, I have a bad feeling we are losing the trail” Chang announced. Both the detectives were snuggled up against one another and quickly realized Chang was in the room with them as they woke quickly scooting back over to their own side.
“What?! Where?!” Thompson sat up in his pajamas.
“Who?! Why?!” Thomson mimicked his partner.
Chang smiled and laughed, “I will be downstairs waiting for you” Chang said politely leaving the room.
“I believe he said he has a ‘bad’ feeling!” Thompson sat up in bed.
“I think that’s what he said too!” Thomson rubbed his eyes.
“So we go on one of his feelings?” Thompson asked confused.
“Don’t know, he seems pretty sure…” Thomson nodded.
“Well then let’s get up!” Thompson said twisting around in the covers to get up tripping and falling off the bed.

Chang sat down in the common room which was a nice living room decked out in all shades of red and pink as if it were Valentines Day. Chang took a seat at the few small wooden tables covered with bright red table clothes sipping a cup of tea.
“Would there be anything else for you sir?” an elderly lady offered.
“No thank you madam, I appreciate your hospitality” Chang smiled graciously.
“If you need anything else just let me know young man” the elderly lady said walking back to the front desk. Chang noticed a couple of younger people bringing out food buffet style on a table covered with lids for self service.

Chang sat there thinking how he could probably do better on his own, but realized that he had been placed with the detectives for a reason. Chang was a very spiritual person and believed that most things happened for a reason. It didn’t take much wisdom for Chang to realize how they needed him. Chang sat in meditation while he drank his tea praying to the spirits that they would keep Mrs. Lam’s daughter safe until he could reach her. Before the Detectives arrived downstairs Chang also saved a thought for Tintin.

Thirty minutes passed by until both of the detectives came down the narrow red rugged stairway from the rooms on the second floor. They instantly spotted Chang sitting by himself in front of the window bathing in the sunlight drinking tea. The detectives treated themselves to some eggs and toast for breakfast while Chang hardly paid them any attention lost in his own thoughts.
“So Mr. Chang, we are going to the docks to investigate down by the harbor” Thompson finally spoke up getting Chang’s attention.
“Ok, I’m ready” Chang glanced up.
“Tis, tis, tis…” Thomson nodded disapprovingly at Chang.
“Is something wrong detective?” Chang looked a little alarmed.
“We’ve got to do something about your attire mate…” Thomson stroked his mustache.
“Precisely, so we’re going to go buy you some clothes” Thompson grinned at Chang.
“Although I don't think it's necessary...you’re the leader, I will follow” Chang nodded and went along with their little masquerade.
“Don’t worry, we’ve excellent taste in clothes young man” Thomson said patting Chang on the back.
“Why thank you, it’s been awhile since anyone has bought me clothes” Chang laughed but inside was worried that his vision of losing the trail would come to pass.

Thomson kept trying to picture Chang in different clothes to figure out what would suit him. He was trying to envision Chang in a similar outfit that they wore. Then he tried picturing him in different colors. Chang was slightly distracting, he couldn’t help but notice how cute little Chang looked so he quickly snapped out of his thought scolding himself for even thinking such a thought.

“Is everything alright Detective?” Chang looked Thomson in the eye naïve of what he was doing.
“Um…right…everything is just fine, I was about to say…” Thomson’s face blushed slightly.
“Thomson!” Thompson slugged his partner in the arm realizing what Thomson was doing.
“Is there a problem Detectives?” Chang asked still clueless as to what just happened.
“No problem at all, we’re going to the clothing shop” Thompson smiled getting up from the table leading the outside.

XXXXXXXXXX

Early that morning back at Marlinspike Hall Tintin woke up exhausted smelling the strong sweet scent of his captain’s pipe. Captain Haddock was already up smoking in his burgundy house coat lounging around with a book in his hand by his desk.

“Good morning landlubber!” Haddock heard him stirring in the bed as he was finishing an old book he’d been reading for quite a while.
“Good morning captain” Tintin smiled getting out of bed slowly in his light blue pajamas he wore. He noticed of course how much pep the captain had in his voice. Tintin knew after romantic nights the captain was always in an exceptional mood.
“Breakfast should be about ready for us my boy” Haddock beamed at Tintin closing his book replacing it back on the small bookshelf he had in his bedroom.
“I smell it, Nestor never ceases to surprise me with his devotion to us” Tintin said walking to one of Haddock’s drawers which had a few of his clothes in it. Most of the time Tintin ended up in Haddock’s bedroom with him, but they kept separate rooms so no one would start asking questions which they both felt were no ones’ business.

“Let’s go eat landlubber!” Haddock said smacking Tintin on the buttocks.
“Ouch…” Tintin shrank back a little playfully.
“Is something wrong lad?” Haddock looked at him carefully as Tintin continued walking noticing a slight crookedness in his step. Instantly Haddock smiled, “Yes sir! I’ve done my job!” Haddock thought and began to laugh.
“What’s so funny Captain?” Tintin looked him a little funny.
“Nothing at all my boy… now let’s go downstairs before our breakfast gets cold” Haddock rushed out with him.
“…but, I need to change and get ready for the flight to London…and so do you” Tintin explained as they were walking down the stairs.
“Bad news Tintin, there were no available flights today, looks like we will have to wait until after lunch tomorrow. It is Friday…” Haddock frowned.
“I guess there is stuff that can be done here, hopefully everyone will be ok without us for a day” Tintin sighed as they walked down to the dining room.

“Come on Tintin, let’s just take a day to unwind, everyone is aware of the danger. It’s you they’re after. Let’s just take it easy today and enjoy some ‘us’ time. Tomorrow we’re back out again” Haddock pointed out.
Snowy and Cocoa came running into the dining hall like pair of horses circling the table jumping up and down on Haddock and Tintin.
“Well good morning to you too Snowy, Cocoa!” Tintin giggled as they each kissed them both good morning.
“You two better behave yourselves” Haddock chuckled petting them both.
“It’s been awhile since I’ve seen Snowy this happy” Tintin commented.
“Can’t be a bad thing…” Haddock winked at Tintin.
Nestor came in with the rest of the breakfast on a serving tray.
“I apologize Master Haddock, but not even standby flights are possibly available” Nestor announced setting down the tray on the table.
“Don’t worry about it Nestor, we’ll find other ways to occupy our time” Haddock replied mischievously.
“Oh I see…” Nestor almost laughed raising an eyebrow. “Its’ premium food today Snowy, Cocoa…” Nestor announced as Snowy recognized the ‘premium’ word. Snowy’s eyes lit up.
Cocoa gave Snowy a confused look.
“Don’t ask, just follow me” Snowy barked suddenly dancing around Nestor back into the kitchen as Cocoa followed after.
“Tintin! Captain Haddock! Good morning, I thought the two of you were leaving today” Professor Calculus came down in his house robes to join them for breakfast.
“Why Cuthbert! You’re actually going to join us for breakfast?” Haddock asked surprised.

“Of course Captain, I’m going to make sure that I get to see my family off before they leave” the professor nodded joining them at the breakfast table taking his plate helping himself to toast, eggs, and a bowl of fruit.
“We’re not leaving today, there are no planes available Cuthbert” Haddock explained a bit loudly just in case the professor didn’t have his hearing aid in.
“You’re not leaving because there are no trains today?!” the professor asked a bit confused.
“No! PLANES!” Haddock shouted.
“Oh…planes, I need to put my hearing aid on” the professor said adjusting it. “That’s better!” The professor nodded.
“So you’re not leaving today?” the Professor had a sparkle in his eye.
“No, just relaxing today” Haddock continued eating his breakfast.
“I was wondering if you would join me in the lab for just a bit… I have one last thing I would like to show you Captain” Professor Calculus replied beginning to eat.
“If it involves me doing work the answer is no” Haddock replied simply.
Tintin finished his breakfast while listening to them converse back and forth.
“Captain, maybe you should see what the professor has, I’m going to take a quick trip into town” Tintin suggested.

“Where you planning on going Tintin?” Haddock huffed.
“I need to go pay someone dear to me a visit…” Tintin trailed of mysteriously.
“You can help me too if you like Tintin” Calculus suggested.
“Sorry professor, I have something I need to do” Tintin made up his mind.

“An old dear friend?” Haddock asked suspiciously.
“It’s nothing for you to worry about Captain, I’m just going back to check something out at my old flat” Tintin explained.
“Can I come with you?” Haddock asked.
“I need to do this alone captain, I need to find some answers” Tintin clarified.
“Do you want me to drive you there?” Haddock asked carefully.
“I’ll take my motorbike, besides the professor seems to have something important that could be useful” Tintin suggested.
“Thank you Tintin, it is useful” Calculus nodded. Haddock looked at Tintin still not quite convinced.
“Listen Captain, trust me on this, I won’t be gone longer than a couple of hours. If I decide to do something else I will come back for you” Tintin promised.
“Well…ok, but don’t you be getting yourself into any trouble!” Haddock shook his finger at Tintin seriously. “Take Snowy and Cocoa with you, I’ll feel better if you do” Haddock finished his breakfast sighing. Tintin went back to his room to change.
“Well I’ll meet you back down here in thirty minutes” Calculus said returning back upstairs to change. Haddock did likewise catching Tintin dressed in a pair of brown trousers and a blue and white cris-crossed vest with a white button up shirt underneath.

“You be careful now, I don’t want to have to come rescue you again” Haddock said giving Tintin and quick hug and peck on the cheek.
“I promise captain, I will be extremely careful” Tintin agreed kissing him back then quickly dashed out the door. Haddock followed him out into the foyer and watched him call Snowy and Cocoa out the front door with him. Haddock sighed again hoping that he didn’t make a mistake to let Tintin go off alone. Why would he want to go back to his old flat? Surely someone had rented it out by now. Haddock was a bit hurt by Tintin wanting to go alone that he didn’t make the connection as to why Tintin went there for a while.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-28-2013 at 07:43 PM..

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#58
Old 01-23-2013, 03:51 AM

CHAPTER 27 (PART - B) end of chapter 27



Allan disappeared for a couple hours that previous night leaving Tom, Ivan, and Mikhail at another pub. Allan watched one of his old girlfriends from a distance. Each time he thought he would have a chance to approach her there were always crowds of people around. Allan watched the place up until closing time hoping to catch Tessie alone with no more than two people. The opportunity didn’t come as the pub seemed extraordinarily busy as loud laughing and shouting could be heard. When Allan saw they were finishing closing the place up, he had planned on having a little one on one talk with Tessie for her insubordinate behavior towards him. Unfortunately for Allan she was escorted by three different men and that young bartender.

“If you won’t talk to me I will think of another punishment for you!” Allan thought not wanting to deal with that many foes at one time alone. He watched her fine frame walk along with those others lustfully.
“I’m much better than they are!” Allan thought resentfully.
He watched them disappear out of view as the level of anger began to rise in Allan until he decided what he was going to do. Systematically he began setting fire to the building from the back.

“See how you like it you whore!” Allan moved away watching as the fire began to start to catch. Satisfied for the moment that he hurt Tessie back for turning him down, he returned to the pub where Tom and Mikhail were a bit tipsy.
“Come on blokes! We got to go now!” Allan came in quietly.
“Already boss? Why don’t you have a drink with us?” Tom said happily.
“Now’s not the time for this stupidity Tom, we got to get to the train stop and be on our way towards Colchester” Allan explained taking his and Mikhail’s beer from him.
“Hey! Come on boss!” Tom complained.
“That’s my beer! You can’t have any!” Mikhail said pouting.
“You’re going to have some of my fist in a minute you idiots, now get going!” Allan grunted.

Ivan quickly grabbed Mikhail by the arm leading him to the door as Allan did Tom. They quickly made their way to the train station. Allan could hear fire trucks and police cars in the distance which made a wicked smile curve up on his lips as they finally reached a train stop. It was late so there weren’t many riders. They rode the train to Colchester and found an inn in town to stay at for the night.

The innkeeper was an unsavory type which was the sort Allan liked to deal with. He figured most minded their business and cared only for their own. There were two small twin beds in the fairly clean room.
“The drunk ones get the floor or the chair” Allan announced, but neither Mikhail or Tom seemed to care. Mikhail had already dozed off on the chair in the corner, while Tom had already passed out on the floor.
“Didn’t you mention that Tintin had been spotted in Ipswich?” Ivan asked curiously.

“Yes, but it’s too late to get that far, besides, I have a connection or two in this town” Allan said glancing out of the second floor window down at the street.
“This is where you’re from?” Ivan asked.
“My original town is up north in Manchester—you’d better get some rest Ivan we got a lot of work to do tomorrow” Allan warned him.
“You think Tintin is really here?” Ivan asked taking off his shoes getting comfortable on the bed.
“We’ll see, or we won’t be returning to the Sea Serpent. Lieutenant Wagner does not like failure” Allan said opening a window lighting a cigarette.
“Did you take care of your business?” Ivan asked lying on his side as Mikhail and Tom continued to rest out cold.
“You might say that…” Allan took a long drag on his cigarette.
“She must have been the love of your life” Ivan commented.
“More like, ‘I use you, then you’re no good for me’ kind of woman” Allan laughed.
“You got to keep control of your women” Ivan suggested.
“Aye!” Allan laughed.
“You give them too much freedom they forget who is in charge” Ivan continued.
“That’s my problem, I’m never around long enough to make ‘em mind” Allan nodded.
“I know what you mean…” Ivan agreed.
“I say love ‘em and leave ‘em” Allan said bitterly taking his last drag of his cigarette flicking it out the window. “Listen Ivan, I’m counting on you to keep Mikhail in line, we can’t be fooling around with this mission, got it?” Allan concluded with a serious tone.

“Yes Admiral…” Ivan agreed.
“If we aren’t in Glasgow with Tintin by early Monday… we may as well make tracks. This guy doesn’t play around” Allan warned.
“So that’s why we will find him” Ivan replied optimistically.
“Exactly, only Tintin is already on to us, so we’re going to have to be clever” Allan explained.
“The Lieutenant should have let us go after him earlier” Ivan shook his head.
“Aye, but you can’t question the likes of him…not a good idea” Allan closed the window. “We got a long day ahead of us tomorrow” Allan sat on his bed.
“Night Admiral” Ivan said turning over and shutting his eyes.

Allan turned the lamp off and lied down mentally trying to work everything out.
The next morning was a bit rough for Tom and Mikhail as they were having hangovers. Allan was already out and about connecting with his network while Ivan was downstairs getting the crude snacks they had. Before it became too late, Allan and Ivan woke Mikhail and Tom up reminding them of their mission.
“I have an old mate who set me up with a guy who would take us later to Ipswich, he knows the guy we need to talk to” Allan mentioned as they were walking downtown. The town was crowded as traders and vendors were dealing with merchants and folks were going about their daily business.

“So where are we supposed to meet this bloke boss?” Tom asked.
“At the corner of the farmer’s market” Allan replied watching everyone suspiciously. Ivan and Mikhail followed quietly. Ten minutes later they spotted a stocky man near a fish stand.
“Ah, there’s the guy” Allan smiled. “Mikhail, Ivan, wait here, Tom, come with me…” Allan instructed.
The man had a fish stand and his skin looked fairly red and weather beaten. He wore a patch over one eye and was missing a couple teeth. He wore a white tank top and a pair of jeans with boots.
“’ello mate, can I sell you a fish or two?” he asked showing his selection of codfish, sea bass, and shrimp.
“Not bad… good catches, I was told you were going to Ipswich later to meet a friend” Allan said discreetly.
“Yes I am, and who might you be?” he asked suspiciously.
“I’m the Admiral” Allan bent over and whispered to him.
“Oh… well that changes things then. I should be done a little after lunch. I got to sell these fish” he nodded.
“Get me to Ipswich by noon and this is yours” Allan whispered taking a pound note out.
“Fair enough…we leave in an hour, I know where your friend is” he whispered.
“You got somewhere to store these fish?” Allan asked inspecting the good quality.
“Yea, let me take them home and put them on ice, tomorrow is Saturday, I’m sure I’ll sell the whole lot then” He replied.

XXXXXXXX


Alyssa and Mary Ann were at the farmer’s market just about done with their shopping until they passed an odd couple of guys. A tall and a short man were talking quietly until one stepped right in front of Mary Ann almost causing her to drop her sack of vegetables.

“Excuse me please!” Mary Ann said a little loudly.
“Sorry madam, didn’t see you there” Mikhail said a little condescendingly.
“I know I’m short, but I’m here!” Mary Ann made her presence known attracting attention including Tom’s, the man at the fish stand, and Allan’s.
“Come on mum, let’s go…” Alyssa glanced not liking the vibe of these men.
“Sorry…good day” Alyssa nodded prompting her mother on.
“Guess I got a bit carried away” Mary Ann whispered.
Alyssa waited until they were several yards ahead and glanced back as the two men were still staring at them.
“Keep going mum, I don’t like the air of those blokes” she whispered.
“What language were they speaking?” Mary Ann asked as they finally turned a corner disappearing from site.

“It sounded like it could be Eastern European… I’m not sure” Alyssa replied.
“We still need need to run to Ipswich for that whisky you got for your Uncle Frederick…now Bob wants a bottle of that stuff too” Mary Ann explained.
“Let’s get out of here, I don’t like how those blokes looked at us” Alyssa rushed her mom.

XXXXXXXXXX


After an hour in the clothing store Thompson and Thomson finally found an outfit they were happy with. A pair of burgundy slacks, white button up shirt with a collar, and a burgundy vest since Chang mentioned that was a color the monks wore up in Tibet. Then they took him to a shoe shop and bought him a nice pair of slick brown loafers.
“I’d say he looks rather sharp Thompson” Thomson shook his head.
“I’d say so myself” Thomson agreed.
“Yea Mr. Chang, turn around again” Thompson said making sure all of the clothes fit well enough.
“Slightly a bit big on you, but close enough” Thomson smiled.
“Great, so we’re ready now?” Chang asked patiently. Chang felt a little silly.
“Oh, put on your hat!” Thompson said handing Chang a nice brown puffy hat. He put it on and looked in the mirror. It wasn’t as bad as he thought as his long braided pony tail swung all the way down his back.
“You just wait here Mr. Chang, we’re going to go pay for your clothes” Thomson smiled.
“Thank you gentlemen, but I assure you it’s not necessary” Chang smiled weakly.
“Don’t you worry Mr. Chang, we got everything under control” Thompson shook his head.
"Mr.Chang could I ask you to turn around one more time?" Thompson closed one eye as if he was inspecting Chang's clothes closely.
"Ok Mr. Thompson, I've already twirled several times for you and Mr. Thomson..." he said naively slowly turning with his arms up. Thompson nodded in satisfaction, "What a beautiful young man!" he thought.

Almost another hour passed until they finally made it down to the harbor. Police officers were nearby further along the dock removing a truck that appeared to have been in some sort of fire.
“I wonder what happened to that truck?” Thompson said rhetorically.
“Let’s go find out” Thomson nodded.
Chang kept looking down the harbor at the boats that were in port. He saw a couple of black hulled ships but nothing really struck him as peculiar so he just followed the Detectives quietly.
“Stay clear of this, police business!” an officer warned as some workers were loading the burned truck on to the back of another for removal.
“We’re investigators from INTERPOL” Thompson replied showing his badge.
“Precisely” Thomson did likewise.
“So this must be important indeed if INTERPOL is getting involved” the officer raised an eyebrow.
“Indeed” Thompson replied.
“We’re here to investigate the four murders” Thomson mentioned.
“Oh those…you think this truck is tied in with all of that?” the officer asked.
“Possibly” Thompson shrugged.
“Where were the bodies found?” Thomson asked.
“On the other side of the dock” the officer replied watching the workers carefully hoist the truck up.
“Where was that?” Thompson said taking out a small notepad.
“Take a walk about six blocks it should bear near the old crab meat warehouse” the cop said. “We already investigated the four ships nearby… the Blazer, Sea Nymph, Sea Gull, and the Red Whale” the cop said slowly remembering the names.

Thomson looked at the empty ports in front of him stroking his mustache, “What was the name of the boats right here?” Thomson had a confused look. Chang was starting to become impressed with the Detectives line of questioning.
The officer took out a notepad of his own. “Hmm… I didn’t get them written down, I know one was the Rum Runner and the other… it escapes me” he stopped glancing up.
“The Sea Serpent?” Chang suddenly mentioned.
“Why that’s it! How did you know?” the officer looked at Chang amazed.
“Where was it heading?” Chang asked with his heart rate pumping a bit faster.
“That I don’t know, you will have to check with the registry” the officer frowned.
“Are you sure that’s the one ship we should investigate Mr. Chang?” Thompson questioned.
“I feel without a doubt that’s where we need to go” Chang nodded confidently.
The two detectives and the officer gave each other puzzled looks.
“We’ll check with the registry, thank you officer, good day” Thomson and Thompson took off their hats to him.

“Good day to you too gentlemen, hopefully your search yields more than what we have” the officer nodded. Chang finally felt now they were actually starting to get somewhere as the Detectives hailed a taxi and took them to the registry. After another hour of searching through records they finally found their answer.
“They're going to Glasgow” Thompson clasped his hands together. “I hope your feeling is right Mr. Chang” he sighed.

“I have a real strong feeling this is it” Chang reiterated.
“We still have these murders here Mr. Chang” Thomson pointed out.
“Do we have any other leads?” Chang asked rationally.
“Not really…” Thomson shrugged looking down at the desk the registry noticing a news article.
“…wait a minute! The bar we were at yesterday caught fire!” Thomson said picking the newspaper up.
“It did?” Chang looked a bit startled.
“It says no one was hurt and the establishment suffered only some minor damages” Thomson finished.
“Now that sounds suspicious” Thompson agreed.
“Precisely which is why we should go down there and investigate” Thomson said putting the paper down.

“What relevance does that fire have to the ship? Don’t you think they would be gone by now?” Chang asked a bit confused.
“There might be clues down there, plus didn't you say you got a peculiar name from the young man near the bar yesterday?” Thompson rationalized.
"Yes, it's true" Chang nodded in defeat.
“Exactly, so let’s hurry” they said running out of the registry. Chang didn’t know what else to say so he just followed them. So this is what is like to be an investigator Chang thought. Without further delay, they chased back across to the east end of London.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 02-09-2013 at 09:38 PM..

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#59
Old 01-25-2013, 01:01 AM

CHAPTER 28 (PART - A)


Fortunately for the Detectives one of the perks of working for INTERPOL is getting an escorted chauffeur or access to a police vehicle. It was the latter of the two for the Detectives, and their driving kept poor Chang on his toes at times forgetting to get on the opposite side of the road. People were shouting at them as Thomson still needed to be reminded where he was.

"Are you mad!? Get on your side of the road you buffoon!" someone shouted as they were going down the road.

They finally arrived back at the pub on the outskirts of the east side of town. Some windows had been broken out and there was evidence of scorching in the doorway. The workers were temporarily boarding up some of the windows and cleaning up the the rest of the debris the firs left behind. The owner was trying to get the repairs quickly so she could open the pub back up soon. They parked a short distance away taking note of anyone who was at the scene. They saw an officer and differently dressed man in a business suit taking notes and examining things on the outside.

“That’s Detective Mullens, he should have some answers for us” Thompson declared.
“Too right you are!” Thomson agreed. “Come along Mr. Chang, this could be educational” Thomson said proudly. Chang shook his head and followed silently observing.
“Detectives Thompson and Thomson, good day,” the short stocky dark haired man greeted tipping his hat.
“Detective Mullens,” the Detectives replied both tipping their hats back.
“So how can I help you this fine day?” He asked examining the front of the building.
“We come to see if Scotland Yard has any clue as to if this was arson or accident” Thomson got right to the point.
“Indeed…pay attention now Mr. Chang…” Thompson answered then whispered to Chang standing next to him.
“It was definitely arson, we’ve already spoken to the owner and it seems that a Mr. Allan Thompson is a person of interest. Luckily a fire trucks happened to be passing by when the fire was discovered” he said at length as they walked closer to the restricted area. A few neighbors in the area were watching from a distance.

“Mr. Chong-Chen was correct” Mr. Thomson gave Chang a surprised look.
“What do you mean? Who is he?” Detective Mullens gave Chang a scrutinizing look.
“He is an agent from INTERPOL sent to assist us in our investigation of the four murders” Thomson explained.
“You gents have been assigned to that case too eh? Good luck with that one…” The stocky man rubbed his forehead.
“What’s wrong with that case?” Chang asked curiously.
“We discovered two more bodies further out in the bay… it hasn’t been announced publicly for now because we have no way of identifying who they are” Detective Mullens said grimly.
“Yikes!” Thomson frowned.
“Any possible motive?” Thompson asked.
“None whatsoever… may or may not be tied with the four we found on the other side of the docks…without any possible identification we have no way of establishing anything.” Detective Mullens explained. Chang looked at the building noticing they had different points where the fire did more damage, especially on the side of the building.

“You’re more than welcome to look around Detectives, but I’ve already inspected inside and outside. You can inspect the outside if you like, I have pictures developing down at the lab of the inside.” he finished.
“Who told you the name Allan Thompson?” Thomson asked.
“The lady who owns the pub…apparently they had a disagreement a few days ago…must have been a lover’s quarrel. That’s all we’ve been able to get out of her,” Detective Mullens answered thoroughly. Chang knew she was hiding something and this had to be it, or was it? Hopefully this would be more of an argument in favor of pursuing the ship.
“That’s not what she told us yesterday” Thompson looked confused.
“Typical of a woman to leave out details…” Detective Mullens sighed.
“What did she say the argument was about?” Chang spoke up.
“She only said it was because she wanted to end their relationship and he wasn’t so willing… these kinds of domestic cases happen all the time. Nevertheless Allan Thompson is wanted for questioning” Detective Mullens replied.
“Should we go and examine the photos?” Thomson said rhetorically.
“Or should we try to find Allan Thompson” Thompson finished.
Both of the Detectives stood there in thought for a moment while Chang knew the obvious answer.

“I think we should have a little talk with Mr. Allan Thompson” Thomson looked up.
“Indeed!” Thompson agreed.
“…but where did he go?” Thomson scratched his head.
“Either he’s still around or he left” Thompson deduced.
“I’ll give you gents a hint, eye witnesses say they saw him about 1:30 AM last night out and about” Detective Mullens said finishing his examination.
“What time did the Sea Serpent leave port?” Chang asked.
“According to the registry, it was about 3:00 AM” Thomson remembered.
“He has to be on that ship” Chang suggested.
“Well I guess it could make sense” Thompson nodded still not convinced.
“Well the mate does have a criminal record and he is listed as the captain of that ship…” Thomson mentioned.
“I think we should meet them in Glasgow” Chang suggested again.
“Well Mr. Chong-Chen you may be on to something there” Thomson seemed convinced.
“But what about the photos? We may miss something,” Thompson objected.
“What’s there to see Thompson?” Thomson retorted.
They walked back over to the car as Chang listened to the two Detectives trying to rationalize the decisions. Ten minutes later they finally decided to go with Chang’s logic as they got in the car and started it.
“So how are we going to go?” Thompson asked.
“We could drive there” Thomson suggested.
“Oh but that would take forever” Thompson complained.
“About how long would it take?” Thomson asked opening up a glove compartment pulling out a map.
“I’m telling you, that’s an all day trip” Thompson countered.
“Then what do you suggest?” Thomson folded his arms.
“Maybe we should take a plane” Thompson pointed his finger.

Chang did see the logic in talking to the bar owner again but neither of the Detectives suggested doing that. Chang did wonder if there was more to the story than just what Detective Mullens had mentioned. Even if there was Chang’s focus was finding the Sea Serpent and accomplishing his mission, and then after that he would do whatever INTERPOL asked him to do. Chang looked up and both Detectives were still arguing about their mode of transportation. Chang buried his face in his hands thinking that the Sea Serpent may reach and leave Glasgow before they can even get there. When the Detectives finally agreed on a decision, they decided they were hungry. Another debate about where to eat ensued.

XXXXXXXX


Benton spent the entire Thursday recovering from his drinking binge. That night he was hoping Lucille and the kids would come home but they didn’t. He tried to clean up the house a little and get some rest for long day fishing off the Ipswich harbor tomorrow. He found a couple shots left of gin in a bottle and decided to drink them to help him sleep. He felt bad mentally and physically even though he had hardly done anything but clean up the house.

As soon as he lied down it felt as if it was time to get up. He heard someone walking around the room and lifted his head to see Lucille opening drawers and packing clothes. He sat up a bit confused. Drawers were taken out of the dresser and were set on the floor empty.

“I see you’re finally awake…” Lucille said somberly.
“What do you mean? I got to go to work” Benton answered hoarsely with it being so early.
“You were supposed to work yesterday dear…” Lucille shook her head.
“I work today” Benton corrected sitting up. “What’s wrong with you?” he noticed Lucille’s uncharacteristic attitude.
“I just can’t deal with it anymore Benton, your bigotry and lies, the kids need a better father who can set a better example” she said absently finishing her packing.
Benton rubbed his eyes getting out of bed as if he had just been hit by a wall of bricks.
“What are you talking about? I don’t drink in front of the kids, you and I agreed to that and I’ve kept my word” Benton said a bit more forcefully.
“It’s not enough anymore…I’m tired of your half truths and your dodgy past. My parents aren’t even sure they know who you really are” she said coldly.
“What more do you want me to do!?” Benton began raising his voice a little. “I’m trying, I can’t help my past!? What do you want from me!?” he replied in frustration.

“Nothing… it’s over” Lucille remained calm as she picked up her things and walked out of the room.
“Lucille! You’re acting crazy! You can’t just walk out on me! We’re married!” Benton said frantically.
Lucille stopped and turned around putting down her things and pulled off her wedding band. “I release you from your duties…give it to someone else” she said callously handing him the ring.
Lucille opened the front door as there was a car and three men loading the trunk with Matthew and Heidi’s belongings. They were the same three men who attacked him in Ipswich. One man was playing with Heidi while the other was trying to get Matthew into the back seat.
“Hey! Get your hands off my children!” Benton ran up to one shoving him away from Heidi.
“Benton what are you doing!?” Lucille shouted at him.
“They’re MY kids! Where are you going with these low lives with MY children!?” Benton demanded.
“I told you, the kids need a better father who can set a better example, something that YOU’RE not doing” Lucille emphasized.

“I love you Lucille! Please stop this!” Benton pleaded.
“It’s too late…” she turned away from him.
“I won’t let you take the kids away from me!” Benton said grabbing a two by four waving it menacingly at the men as he grabbed Heidi’s hand pulling her away.
“Come back inside Matthew!” Benton instructed, but to his dismay Matthew would not listen and Heidi was trying to pry her hand free from his.
“Don’t you kids love me?!” Benton shouted in disbelief.
“No daddy, we want to be with mum!” Heidi said struggling away.
“You’re a no good loser!” one of the men taunted as Lucille got in the car with the kids.
“Sorry Benton, but you just aren’t fit to do anything…” Lucille said hauntingly as the car drove away with the three men laughing at him.
Benton dropped the two by four and fell to his knees.
“Lucille! LUCILLE!! Don’t leave me PLEASE!” he screamed about in tears. He watched as the car disappeared and the house now looked empty. He walked back inside to see there was no furniture or anything. There were only a couple chairs and many cobwebs.

Suddenly he heard a beeping outside the house. He ran quickly to see two cars with unknown occupants beeping continuously. Instantly he was awake with a sweaty brow, but the beeping was real. Benton peaked out the window and realized it was one of his co-workers waking him up as usual to go to work. Benton took a deep breath in relief realizing it was all just a bad dream. He opened the front door and shouted to his co-worker.

“Just another minute!” he waved.
“Hurry up or we’re going to be late again!” the man shouted back from his truck.
Benton rushed around throwing his fishing clothes on, pulled his hair back, and started locking up the house looking at the clock before he left as it was 4:30 AM. Once Benton got in the car they were off to Ipswich Harbor.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-30-2013 at 03:46 PM..

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#60
Old 01-26-2013, 12:22 AM

CHAPTER 28 (PART - B) end of chapter 28


Tintin led Snowy and Cocoa out to the garage where his motorbike was. The garage was placed behind the right side of the manor. It was newly built almost as long as he and Haddock had been lovers. Haddock had a two door garage with a small loft. The loft was added on for storage and a small makeshift lab for the Professor. One car was the one Nestor used to run errands or chauffeur them around, and the other was for their own personal discretion. Haddock mainly drove that one while Tintin preferred to drive his motorbike. Haddock had always told Tintin he was going to hurt himself one day on that contraption if he wasn’t careful.

Tintin loved how riding the motorbike through the countryside gave him an adrenaline rush, especially in the summer when it was hot. Late November into winter he would still ride the motorbike even when Haddock would ask him not to. Only when it was really cold would Tintin listen. Haddock hoped as Tintin became older his tastes would change. The garage also had numerous tools which Calculus and sometimes Haddock used.

Tintin remembered the last time the car needed serviced Haddock made the last repairs to the brakes and changed the oil. Tintin did the previous oil change on it and would do minor repairs if it needed it as well. In the summer Haddock enjoyed tinkering with cars and other mechanical devices. Haddock claimed one say he was going to build his own boat. Tintin was impressed be such a claim as Haddock had started it a month ago but hadn't followed through with it. The professor would sometimes come up with all kinds of new ideas constantly giving them lectures and sometimes demonstrations which Tintin always found interesting or amusing depending upon the success. Haddock wasn’t so easily captivated by these lectures. Nestor always stayed busy with many activities during the day weather cooking, cleaning, or supervising other workers such as the Bolt grandchildren. It was life at Marlinspike Hall.

“Come on Snowy, you too Cocoa!” Tintin said helping Cocoa in the basket strapped tightly on the back. Cocoa whined a little unsure of the safety of the basket.
“My master would never put us in danger. Just stay inside, you’ll be fine” Snowy assured Cocoa.
Tintin put up the kickstand and rolled the bike out of the garage. It was a partly cloudy day with a gentle breeze. Tintin had on his long trench coat and put on his helmet, gloves, and goggles. He got on his bike gave it a nice kickstart and it instantly came to life with a healthy roar.
Cocoa curled back up further in the basket.
“Don’t be so scared, this is fun!” Snowy tried to get Cocoa to loosen up.
“I like being on the ground” Cocoa said nervously.
The bike took off towards the gate jolting both Snowy and Cocoa into the basket. Tintin got off his bike and entered the three digit number on the inside rotary that opened the gate and with a click it unlocked. Tintin locked the gate back behind him and got back on his bike when he heard sudden barking in the distance.

“What’s this?” Snowy wondered poking his head out.
Two huge Doberman Pincers were coming from nowhere at Tintin.
“Crumbs! It’s them again!” Tintin exclaimed trying to kick start his bike unsuccessfully.
“Oh no!” Tintin began to sweat not having his gun on him.
“Tintin is in danger!” Snowy said watching as the Doberman Pincers began to close the distance between them. Cocoa poked her head out too.
“We’re no match for them Snowy!” Cocoa shrieked.
“I don’t care, as long as I breathe no one will touch my master without dealing with me first” Snowy said bravely. Cocoa was amazed with Snowy’s devotion but also realized this could be trouble for all of them.
“Great snakes! Come on start!” Tintin gave it a couple more kick starts as the Doberman Pincers closed in the distance. Just as they were about to leap at Tintin with their fangs barred, Snowy and Cocoa both poked their heads out quickly barking as loudly as they could at the Dobermans. This turned their attention away for a split second giving Tintin just enough time to get the motorbike started with one last desperate kick start.

Tintin gave the bike a sudden surge of fuel which sent them rocketing down the road as Snowy and Cocoa were jolted back in the basket. The Dobermans quickly ran in pursuit only a few yards behind until Tintin could accelerate enough to widen the gap until he was able to out run them. A couple minutes later Tintin glanced back and there were no signs of the mysterious Dobermans.

“I wonder where they came from? Are those the same dogs that attacked me last week?” Tintin thought. He continued to fly through the countryside until he began to reach the outskirts of town in Brussels. It felt like it had been awhile since he had ventured into town and went to the market so he decided he would take a ride in and see if there was anything that would interest him. He parked his bike where he always parked it when coming into the market. Snowy and Cocoa jumped out of the basket relieved that their two pursuers were nowhere near.

“Good boy Snowy! Good girl Cocoa! If you two wouldn’t have delayed those two beasts we may have been in a much more dangerous situation” Tintin praised them.
“You can count on us Tintin!” Snowy barked.
“If Snowy says so then so do I!” Cocoa echoed.
“Stay close and let’s have a quick look around” Tintin said eagerly as he led them through the market.
There were book stands, wood craftsmen, the usual produce sellers, and people just selling junk. Tintin noticed someone he had not seen in a long time. It was the same man whom he had bought the model of the Unicorn from so many years ago.
“Why Tintin? Is that you?” the tall old man with the grey mustache and glasses stood up from his stool.
“Yes, how are you? I haven’t seen you in quite sometime either” Tintin shook hands with him.

“Been doing a bit better now, I traveled to southern France for a few years on the farm to recover my waning health” he explained.
“So that’s what I haven’t seen you” Tintin nodded.
“So have you been off on any adventures lately lad?” the old man asked enthusiastically.
“Not really, just got back from England and getting ready to return tomorrow” Tintin replied glancing at his set up full of different odd items.
“What are you going back over there for?” he asked curiously.
“Official business…” was all Tintin would say as he continued to browse until he saw small display of a scene of a village during the holidays with three buildings which included a general store, a bakery, and sweet shop with snow on the roofs and the ground. There were little figures that represented children running around while a traffic cop seemed to be watching them as they played. Tintin noticed a lone child figure leaning against a stone in the corner.
“This is nice, where did you get this?” Tintin asked.

“I made it myself actually. When I returned for the holidays this past year I spent some time putting this together.
“I really like it, how much for it?” Tintin smiled again.
“Make me an offer, it has more sentimental value than anything” the man mentioned.
“Ok, how about seventy-five Francs?” Tintin smiled.
“That sounds better than I could have asked, it’s yours” he said taking it and wrapping safely in some newspaper.
“Hopefully this thing won’t get me in trouble like the Unicorn model did” Tintin laughed.
“I knew I should have asked more for that ship. I read all of your exploits about that one. You even helped ole Captain Haddock claim his family estate” he said impressed.
“I had no idea it was going to turn out to be some crazy chase like this with the Bird Brothers on my tail” Tintin laughed.

“They’re still locked up aren’t they?” the man asked cautiously.
“As far as I know they are… they should be there for awhile” Tintin chuckled.
“Good, glad to know we got good people like you and Thompson and Thomson looking out for the rest of us” he said putting the item in a small paper sack.
“Well thank you so much, I will have to come visit you again soon” Tintin smiled.
“Certainly Tintin, it’s always a pleasure” he smiled sitting back on his stool.

“Come on Snowy, Cocoa, time to go visit a special friend” he said as they made their way down an old familiar lane. Snowy recognized the old way and ran ahead leading Cocoa behind him. When Tintin arrived it was twenty-six Labrador Road. Tintin gently began knocking at the door. All was silent behind the door until a few shuffles and unlatchings could be heard and one last chain was removed and the door creaked open.

An older woman with an old pair of glasses and her dark hair up in its usual style answered the door. She wore a knee length skirt and a long mint green sweater. She squinted in the bright light outside for a minute then they opened widely when she realized who was standing in front of her.
“Tintin!” she said throwing the door open giving him a hug.
“Mrs. Finch! How have you been?” Tintin returned her hug.
“Come in, I have some nice hot cocoa for us” she beamed.
Cocoa cocked her head with a slight grunt. “She wasn’t talking about you Cocoa…just a drink. Mrs. Finch I want you to meet my newest family member Cocoa” Tintin introduced.
“She’s pretty, when did you get her?” Mrs. Finch replied as they walked inside her apartment.
“When I was over in England this week” Tintin said taking a seat on one of Mrs. Finch’s fine upholstered antique chairs.
Mrs. Finch disappeared into her kitchen and returned with a small tray with their mugs of hot cocoa.

“What were you doing in England?” she asked curiously handing Tintin his hot cocoa.
“More mystery and intrigue…” Tintin said savoring a sip of Mrs. Finches famed hot cocoa. “Wow! I forgot just how good your cocoa was Mrs. Finch” Tintin licked his lips of the little bit of marshmallow cream.
“Yea I still make it the same way… but tell me of this mystery and intrigue” Mrs. Finch replied with interest.
“There have been attempts on my life from some mysterious cult” Tintin said darkly.
“Oh my goodness!” Mrs. Finch said putting her mug down as she sat on the opposite chair of the small table where they sat their mugs.
“What else has happened? I’m almost afraid to ask Tintin” Mrs. Finch asked with much concern.
“I found out I have a brother…” Tintin said quietly.
“I see…” Mrs. Finch said in an unexpected tone.
“I ran into him just by chance in Ipswich” Tintin continued.
“Who’s pursuing you Tintin?” Mrs. Finch asked quietly.
“A cult known as The All-Seeing-Eye” he replied taking another sip of his cocoa.
“Oh dear…” Mrs. Finch looked as if she saw a ghost. Snowy and Cocoa lied at Tintin’s feet.
“What’s wrong Mrs. Finch?” Tintin asked curiously.
“Was your brother a twin?” She asked already knowing.
“Why yes, but how do you know?” Tintin asked with even more intrigue.
“I knew this day would come…” she paused sitting up. “I was told when I adopted you that you had a twin brother, but for yours and his safety, I was told to not mention anything about him to you” Mrs. Finch explained.

“Who told you that?” Tintin asked in disbelief.
“The orphanage had a letter of requests as part of the conditions of adoption. That was one of the conditions. I wanted to tell you Tintin, but it would have only hindered you. Look at what you’ve become!” Mrs. Finch said proudly.
"Yes, and I have you to thank for it Mrs. Finch, I do owe a lot to you" Tintin agreed.
"You don't owe me anything, just take care of yourself and continue being successful" she nodded.
“Who wrote the letters?” Tintin asked ravenously hungering for the information.
“Now Tintin, no good will come of you getting mixed up in a situation that will only lead you to more hurt and anguish son” Mrs. Finch warned.
“Please Mrs. Finch, I fear my life…and possibly my brothers may depend on it” Tintin pleaded.
Mrs. Finch was nervous as her mug was shaking as she went to pick it up and take a sip.
“Mrs. Finch, you haven’t had any visitors have you?” Tintin looked at her noting her fidgeting.
“Tintin, sometimes in life somethings are just best left in the past. You’ve been hurt more than any child should have been…but yes… about a couple of weeks ago they came looking for you in your apartment” Mrs. Finch said grimly as it seemed difficult for her to talk about.

“What did they do to you Mrs. Finch?” Tintin looked at her unsettled.
“There were four of them, when they found and broke into your now empty apartment. I heard noise and called the police. I should have stayed in my apartment but as the landlord here I have to make it my business. I saw a tattoo I saw on one of their palms that I haven’t seen in more than a decade” Mrs. Finch paused adjusting her glasses.
“You mean you’ve seen that tattoo before?” Tintin was surprised.
“Why yes, when I was informed of my husband’s death a man who I met up with about my husband’s belongings in the army had a pyramid inside a circle with an eye in the middle. I saw the tattoo on his arm and when I began to really notice it he pulled his sleeves down” she remembered.
“I’m sorry Mrs. Finch, I didn’t mean to make you remember all of that” Tintin said regretfully.

“They searched my apartment frantically looking for a keepsake…but they didn’t find it” Mrs. Finch smiled a little.
“What keepsake?” Tintin began feeling a bit emotional.
“The keepsake of items the orphanage found you with when you suddenly appeared at their doorstep one snowy night with your brother” Mrs. Finch replied.
“So Thompson and Thomson knew about all of this all this time about what happened?” Tintin took a deep breath
“Yes, they personally with a couple other agents from INTERPOL whisked me away. They asked me a lot about your past. I told them ‘leave the poor thing alone’, that you’ve suffered enough” Mrs. Finch took a handkerchief out.
“What all did they ask you?” Tintin pressed her.
“From the time I adopted you and everything I was told or knew about you, they wouldn’t tell me why they wanted to know so much” Mrs. Finch stopped drying a tear.

“I took you in and raised you the best way I knew how. My husband and I couldn’t have children so we wanted to give back to the world. I only wanted to make you strong, after losing my husband. You helped me be strong Tintin” Mrs. Finch took off her glasses drying more tears.
“I hold nothing against you Mrs. Finch, it’s because of you that I have become so successful today” Tintin said giving her an assuring hug.
“Mrs. Finch, I need to know who wrote those requests” Tintin repeated his question.
“You may not like the answer you hear Tintin” Mrs. Finch warned.
“I have to know…no matter how painful it may be” Tintin nodded.
“It was… your mother and father…” Mrs. Finch sighed.
Tintin stopped cold as if an ice dagger had pierced right through his heart. The world stopped for that moment frozen in an icy nexus of anguish.
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Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-30-2013 at 03:45 PM..

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#61
Old 01-28-2013, 06:47 PM

CHAPTER 29 (PART - A)



Benton worked hard fishing on the small schooner boat with four other fishermen and the owner. Three of who were almost twice his age and the other just a few years older. The time went by fast as they were behind on their catch for the week. The owner of the schooner boat was a man of about fifty years who had been fishing his entire life and knew the seas well. His other two friends that were his age were trying to make a wage to keep their families afloat. The man a couple years older than Benton had three children. He too was trying to raise a family. Casting nets and tending rods was the easy part of the fishing. Bringing them in and sorting them was a bit more tedious. Benton had been a deck hand and wanted to find work aboard a bigger vessel. When he had talked to the owner what he thought of the idea he would smiled and tell him when he thought when he was ready to work on a bigger ship he would let him know. That was a year ago when they discussed it.

The hard labor had made Benton a bit tougher but the owner had still told Benton that working your way up in the hierarchy of a ship was something that took time and more dedication. Because of the hierarchy involved with commercial ships that deal in fishing, advancing took time, effort, and a command of skills to perform under pressure. After starting as a deck hand, anyone displaying a calm attitude under a stressful situation and showing roles in leadership may advance with formal recommendations to becoming a first mate on a fishing vessel. During lunch the owner had discussed it a bit with both Benton and his peer.

“Think long and hard before jumping ship… just because the pay may be a bit better doesn’t mean the working conditions are. Working your way up to becoming a first mate takes many years. First mates may qualify to command their own ship, but climbing that last rank is not an easy task. Before making a decision to become a commercial fisherman, it is a good idea to make sure that one, you are willing to dedicate your life to that of the sea, second, you have the guts it takes to persevere through the hardships dealing with others, and finally the willingness to endure the elements for longer lengths of time. In other words, if working on a smaller boat is a bit much for you at times, then I don’t suggest moving on to that”

He explained how when he worked on a bigger ship they would be gone days or weeks at a time and how he wished he had started his own fishing business sooner so he could have spent more time with his children when they were younger. The salary Benton brought home was just barely enough to put food on the table and for couple other smaller expenses. Lucille’s parents gave her money on a weekly basis which was about three fourths the amount Benton brought home weekly that helped offset their costs. He wanted to prove his worth to Lucille and make her realize that she married the right man.

Benton was working like a sentinel after lunch going through the motions without putting much thought to it. His mind was elsewhere the rest of the day. He decided he was going to drive over to Alyssa’s house and hopefully find his brother, apologize even though he still really didn’t agree with his lifestyle, and go find Lucille and get his life back to a level or normalcy. They returned back to port around four O’clock, then they took another hour to store their catch and clean the boat preparing her for a half a day run the next morning.

Benton felt really tired after having a couple of days off, but the weariness made him feel good about himself. After a hard days work, they usually stopped at one of the pubs near the harbor for a drink and their day’s pay. When they arrived at the pub Benton had a pint with the rest of the guys, but he waited impatiently for the owner to pay them so he could do what he had to do.

“Benton, you’ve been exceptionally quiet today, you’re not thinking about jumping ship now are you?” the owner of his fishing schooner asked.
“No Captain Falls, I don’t think the wife would like me being gone for too long” Benton shook his head.
“No of course he wouldn’t jump ship, he’s too much of a homebody” his peer joked drawing a laugh from the other guys.
“That’s not too far from the truth, I do have two little ones at home so a day at sea is enough adventure for me” Benton agreed paying little attention to the others.

“Well men, it’s been a good day” Captain Falls said taking out an envelope handing each of his men the day’s pay. Benton quickly put it away and finished the last gulp of his ale.
Benton’s peer finished the last bit of his ale too. “I guess I’d better leave or I’ll finish my day’s pay in here” he laughed.
“Cheers captain! I need to be on my way too, got lots to do” Benton said smiling in satisfaction.
“Jumping out on us early eh? Wife’s getting a bit tight on the leash eh?” the captain’s first mate joked.
“No sir, not like yours” Benton laughed.
“Fair enough, I guess… I’m ready for another round!” he said finishing his ale.
“Let’s go Benton, tomorrows another day” his peer prompted him as they were about to get up from the table.
“Right Eric!” Benton nodded.
“You lads be on time tomorrow!” the captain reminded them.
“Yes sir” both Eric and Benton answered as they left the now crowding pub.
Just as they were about to leave a group of men came in. Both Benton and Eric bumped into them.

“Excuse me sir” Benton and Eric both apologized.
“Ugh! Watch where you’re going runt!” a man with a light blue jumper and hat a few inches taller than Eric growled.
“Pay attention where you’re moving kid!” a man wearing brown button up shirt with a white skipper’s cap on grunted.
“I’m really sorry…” Benton said backing away slowly around him.
The man’s look instantly changed when their eyes met. Benton was in too much of a hurry to notice.
“Next time I’ll…!” the man in the blue jumper started to say but was stopped by the other.
“It’s ok… I’ll forgive you this time… “ The man in the white skipper’s hat said trying to get a better look at Benton.

Benton and Eric were too quick as they bolted out the door passed the other two men in the group. Allan walked after them stepping outside the pub eying both suspiciously.
“What’s wrong boss? Why did you stop me?” Tom asked a bit confused.
“Did you not notice?” Allan asked a bit surprised.
“Notice what boss?” Tom answered looking at what Allan was looking at.
“What is it?” Mikhail followed them out. Allan and Tom stood their both nodding in agreement.
“Is everything fine?” Ivan too asked with a bit of confusion.
“It looks as if the information was spot on boss” Tom commented finally noticing.
“Exactly…Tintin must think he’s really clever…or he must think we are really daft” Allan agreed.
“So why didn’t we nab him boss?” Tom questioned.
“Tintin? Where?” Mikhail looked around as did Ivan after he heard the mention of the name.
“He acted quite calmly for someone he hasn’t seen in a few years… I found that odd” Allan said adjusting his hat.
“So if that was Tintin, he’ll be running for his life won’t he?” Ivan asked reasonably.

“The informant is inside, we will talk to him first and then proceed from there” Allan turned around walking back into the pub. They took a seat at one of the circular booths in the corner as a man sat there quietly drinking an ale staring at the lantern light that each table had in the center. He sat quietly wearing a grey bandana and had a rusty looking goatee. He was a robust man wearing a golden jumper and black trousers.

“Welcome back…Admiral” a man smiled wickedly as Allan and his entourage joined him.
“So Pearcy, it’s been a while…” Allan said absently taking a seat.
“A round for all my mates” Pearcy raised his hand to one of the servers.
“Was that Tintin we just saw?” Allan asked suspiciously.
“We think it may be… hiding away from all of you” Pearcy nodded.
“He grew his hair out and dresses kind of… manly like” Tom commented.
“A likely disguise” Pearcy dismissed it.
“Certainly he doesn’t go by his name?” Ivan laughed.
“No, here he is known as Benton” Pearcy informed them.
“What a name…” Tom shook his head.
“He’s been here awhile” Pearcy said lighting up a cigarette.
“Really?” Allan nodded lighting up a cigarette as well.
“When you put the word out, I thought I would come here and work for a couple of weeks and see what all I could learn for you” Pearcy explained then took a long drag.

“I thought Tintin was in Antwerp last week…” Allan said confusing himself.
“He could have been… doesn’t take long to get there by ferry” Pearcy said.
“Do you know where he lives?” Allan asked as the server brought everyone their round.
“They say he lives somewhere between Colchester and here” Pearcy said finishing his first pint starting on his next.
“Well then how are we going to find him if we don’t know where he lives” Ivan interjected.
“He comes here like clockwork… see those men over there?” he said pointing low at Captain Falls table.
“Yea, what about them?” Allan didn’t follow him.
“That’s who he works for. He has worked only half a day on Saturdays the past couple weeks. I know because I don’t work that day and have been coming here for lunch the past couple Saturdays between twelve and one and he’s usually here” Pearcy continued.
“So how are we going to lure and take him all the way to Glasgow without everyone knowing?” Tom asked.
“Have faith in my methods Tom, we’ll wait for the opportunity, then we’ll take it” Allan concluded.
“Fair enough” Tom nodded.
"By the way Admiral, where have you been for the past couple years? No one has heard anything from you?" Pearcy asked a bit curiously.
"That, is a mystery even to me" Allan said truthfully. "Even if I told you Pearcy I don't think you would believe me because none of it makes sense" Allan explained.
"Well you know your own business mate" Pearcy nodded.
“Very well, that should cover everything…cheers!” Allan said lifting his mug.

“Cheers!” everyone else lifted their mugs taking a gulp of ale. Allan hoped this was right and that they were finally going to get Tintin. Something still seemed a bit off to Allan. The speech that the young man had did not sound like Tintin, but the size, the hair, the eyes, and the skin color all matched up. “A bit of a coincidence? I don’t think so…” Allan dismissed the thought relaxing for the rest of the evening. They still had a couple of days to make it all happen.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 02-02-2013 at 04:18 PM..

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#62
Old 01-29-2013, 09:55 PM

CHAPTER 29 (PART - B)end of chapter 29


After almost another hour of riding around and arguing, the Detectives finally decided that it would be much more efficient to just fly to Glasgow and hopefully obtain a car to get around in. Chang had fallen asleep but was woken up by a sudden stop and the car jolting him forward. Chang awoke just in time to catch himself with his hands before hitting the seat in front of him.
“Oops!” Thomson smiled.

“Are you ok back there Chang?” Thompson turned around to check on Chang.
“Yes, I’m fine… did the two of you finally decide how we are getting to Glasgow?” Chang replied sitting up with a yawn.
“We did indeed!” Thompson raised his chin glancing into the mirror back at Chang winking.
“Precisely!” Thomson nodded.
Chang didn’t notice Thompson’s gesture for he was too busy looking out the windows to see where they were.
“How long does it take for a ship to sail from London to Glasgow?” Chang asked curiously.
“Well…if they left last night” Thompson began to calculate in his head.
“They should probably be there by now” Thomson blurted out.
“Hopefully we can catch a flight to Glasgow” Chang replied.
“How old did you say you were Chang?” Thompson asked curiously.
“I’m twenty-three years” Chang answered.
“You’re still a babe to us” Thomson laughed.
“Thomson, that wasn’t very nice!” Thompson scolded.
“It’s ok, my mother treated me like a baby for a long time when they first adopted me. Thankfully, my brother helped train me become who I am today” Chang stopped seeing the airport in the distance.

“So you came all the way from Hong Kong?” Thomson asked.
“No, north of Honk Kong, but I was in Tibet” Chang corrected.
“What were you doing all the way up there?!” Thompson asked surprised.
“I go to finish my training up there. I wanted to become a humble servant and repay those who risked their lives for me” Chang explained.
“Who risked their lives for you?” Thomson continued.
“Tintin, Captain Haddock, Snowy, Tharkey, and my eternal spirit friend…the yeti” Chang nodded with a smile.
“A yeti?!” Thomson asked a bit in disbelief.
“Yes, he is very kind and gentle and saved my life. I owe much to him and everyone else. I dedicated my life to helping others” Chang said nobly.
“I do remember Captain Haddock retelling the tale of a yeti and what happened in Tibet” Thompson nodded.
“That’s just silly, everyone knows there’s no such thing as a yeti” Thomson laughed.
“You don’t know that!” Thompson scolded.
“It’s good that nobody believes, that means no one will come and hunt him down like a wild animal. I would have never forgiven myself if anything bad happened to my friends” Chang replied.
“That’s just too precious” Thompson said sniffling.
“Indeed” Thomson.

They continued driving for another ten minutes until they finally reached the airport. It was a busy day and many travelers were coming and going. They reached the south gate of the airport which was reserved for security clearance only. Two armed guards were posted in the guard house by the gate. Thompson slowed the car down as one of the guards walked up to the window.

“Identification please” the guard said very regally.
Thompson and Thomson produced their INTERPOL badges and handed them to the guard. The security officer looked over them carefully and made sure the photos matched.
“How do we tell the two of you apart?” the guard asked a bit confused.
“We tell you which one of us are which” Thomson replied.
“The spelling of your last name is different though it sounds the same, so you’re not related?” the security guard said eying both of them.
“That is correct sir” Thompson agreed.
“Very well then… who is this guest in your back?” he said peaking in at Chang.
“He is another agent from INTERPOL” Thompson instantly answered.
“Here are my papers sir” Chang said quickly handing the guard his INTERPOL badge and papers.
The guard took a moment and read through Chang’s papers and looked at his badge.
“You come a long way from home to fight crime…no photo on your badge, but your papers have a photo... it’s a bit old though, so where are all of you going?” the guard said knit picking.
“Trust me he’s with us and we’re going to Glasgow” Thompson emphasized.
“Very well, carry on…” the guard threw his hand up making a gesture for the other guard to raise the gate and let them pass.
“Sorry about that Chang, security here at the airports in London is really tight” Thomson apologized.
“No need to apologize, better to be safe than sorry” Chang said not offended.
They parked and entered the airport and met with more security at one of the back entrances.
“Thompson and Thomson!” another similarly dressed fellow said approaching them only he didn’t have a mustache.
“Detective Mason! How’s Scotland Yard treating you?” Thompson went over and shook his hand followed by Thomson.
“About as good as always…where are you two off to today?” he asked knowing each time he saw them they needed security passes to board a plane.
“Just Glasgow today” Thomson laughed.
“Say Mason…could you arrange a car for us up there?” Thompson asked politely.
“Of course…just don’t wreck it” he pointed his finger.
“We got this one here safe and sound” Thomson pointed back.
“Good for you gents… now who is this young man?” he asked curiously regarding Chang.

“Oh he’s a special INTERPOL agent from China” Thompson whispered.
“Is that so? And you are?” Mason said reaching to shake Chang’s hand.
“I am Chang Chong-Chen” he shook Mason’s hand politely.
“This case must be pretty huge to call agents all the way from China” Mason commented.
“So can you get us clearance?” Thompson asked.
“Sure not a problem” Mason said leading them inside.

XXXXXXXXXX

After about an hour of securing three tickets to Glasgow they were finally allowed to board the plane. Chang ended up sitting opposite of the Detectives next to some businessman. He watched as the plane took off through the window while watching the ground disappear. Chang couldn’t help to stop thinking ahead about what they were going to do when they arrived. Would they go to the port and try to find the ship immediately? Were they going to have to sneak on board? Chang kept trying to think of the different scenarios each time feeling weighed down by his own decisions and the Detectives’ own perceived inabilities.

Chang knew that he had to remain calm no matter what and that a clear head was most important when going up against an adversary. Chang thought about the Grand Abbott’s words about this foe being one of the most dangerous. Chang wondered if they were really ready to confront such a foe. Maybe focusing on the mission and escaping alive could be the wisest thing, but Chang decided he would assess the situation the moment it presented itself. Hopefully this story would have a happy ending for Mrs. Lam he thought. Chang knew a lot rode on him and couldn’t fail his people or his friends. The constant weight on him finally caused him to slowly drift to sleep.

Chang opened his eyes and suddenly he was in a small living room with Tintin. Tintin had Snowy with him and another light brown dog with a big patch of white on its chest. Tintin was having what seemed to be an emotional conversation with an older woman whom Chang had not met before. Chang sat quietly on a chair across from them watching vigilantly. He couldn’t discern exactly what they were talking about, but he knew whatever it was it seemed extremely important. Chang was nevertheless happy to see his dear friend even if it was just in a dream. Tintin seemed to notice him and smiled quietly pouring Chang a cup of tea handing it to him.

The tea was very soothing and the mood in the room began to feel a bit more relaxed. The older woman waved and smiled at Chang. They did not speak to him but only made facial gestures. Tintin didn’t look like he had aged much since last time he saw him as it had be over four years since last time they met. Snowy still looked as vigorous as ever calmly yet vigilantly watching over his master.

“Good boy Snowy!” Chang thought.

The other dog sat opposite of Snowy, but it seemed to be a bit troubled as it raised its head looking around curiously. Chang put his tea cup down and got up and began walking around in the apartment as if he too began to sense something didn’t feel right. It started to feel cold to Chang the further he walked into the apartment until he reached a bedroom. It felt really cold in there and he heard a click and looked to the window as it seemed to be opening on its own. Slowly it unlocked and opened and two unearthly looking Doberman Pincers with glassy eyes climbed in.

“Tintin!” Chang thought. Chang began to run but could only move in slow motion. After what seemed to be an eternity he made it back to the living room where Snowy and the other dog were already on alert looking back.
“Tintin! TINTIN!!” Chang shouted as loud as he could.
Tintin and the woman turned around to see their aggressors completely taken by surprise.
“TINTIN!!” Chang screamed.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 02-02-2013 at 06:52 PM..

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#63
Old 02-01-2013, 12:05 AM

CHAPTER 30 (PART - A)


This just couldn’t be right Tintin thought. His mom and dad wouldn’t have just abandoned him and his brother. What were they thinking? Why? Did they not love them? The more Tintin found out, the more questions he had. Mrs. Finch could not ease his pain. The truth seemed to be a bit more than he could bear. Why would Mrs. Finch lie? Mrs. Finch had raised Tintin to be an honest, compassionate, and hard working person. It seemed all these years Mrs. Finch harbored a heavy secret which had to be hard on her. She was the person closest to a mother Tintin had.

Tintin was glad he didn’t let the Captain accompany him. The tears welled heavily from his eyes. He didn’t want his partner to see him so vulnerable. The fact that his brother rejected him, and also that his parents did too cut him deeply. The only rays of light he had were his current family, and how Lucille had welcomed him with open arms. Maybe Tintin could win his brother’s approval through her.

Mrs. Finch opened the gate of emotions she had kept shut for so long. She and Tintin bonded again finally confronting a painful past. It felt good to be free of any more secrets. Tintin was a man now and he needed to know the truth. She knew the time would come and had waited for the day she and Tintin would have this ‘Mother and Son’ talk. Mrs. Finch also knew of Tintin’s love for Captain Haddock which at first she was not approving of. Over time she came to accept Tintin’s love and Captain Haddock. Mrs. Finch was there for Tintin’s twenty third birthday where she had unspeakably given them her blessing.

She also remembered the conversation she and Haddock had about Tintin’s future while he was in another room. Haddock promised that Tintin would never want for anything while they were together. It reminded her of a suitor who once courted her who came from a wealthy family. Her family wanted her to marry him instantly she remembered, but fortunately she found someone else not nearly as well off, but the magic was there. She recalled how sincere Haddock was about Tintin. She knew herself how difficult love was to find and how easily it can be lost if not nurtured. It made her reminisce about her younger days when she was a young girl in love. Maybe now the healing of an old wound could begin.

“Snowy, something doesn’t feel right…did you just feel that?” Cocoa began looking around nervously.
Snowy got up and trotted next to Cocoa and pointed his nose up and took a couple sniffs.
“It feels like a cold draft… I’ve felt this feeling before…it’s not natural” Snowy began to realize.
“Somethings coming” Cocoa’s ears perked up.
Snowy darted ahead of her into the next room as a window unlocked and opened. It looked like some black smoke began to come into the window.
“This can’t be good!” Snowy thought running back into the room barking.
“What is it Snowy?” Cocoa stood with her ears and tail in alarm.
“We got to warn Tintin and Mrs. Finch there’s something here” he began barking loud as Cocoa joined in as they both faced the back room.
“Snowy! Cocoa! What’s the matter with you two?!” Tintin said turning around to look.
“Oh dear God!” Mrs. Finch shouted grabbing an umbrella next to her seat backing up against the wall.
“Great Snakes! How did they get in here?!” Tintin shouted.
Snowy and Cocoa stood their ground both with their teeth barred to one of the Doberman Pincers. Tintin glanced around at anything in the nearby vicinity that could be used as a weapon. The only things in reach were a couple of porcelain vases Mrs. Finch has sitting on the coffee table.

Snowy and Cocoa were able to keep one of them back at a stalemate while the other advanced on Tintin. Tintin quickly grabbed one of the vases and smashed it into the Doberman as it lunged at him. Tintin retreated back a few steps next to Mrs. Finch. The Doberman recovered quickly and continued advancing.

“Back you beast!” Mrs. Finch said swinging her umbrella at the Doberman.
Without warning Snowy and Cocoa were in a major scuffle with the other dog biting and rolling on the floor ferociously. Loud growling and snarling could be heard. The other Doberman focused its’ next lunge at Mrs. Finch as she had the only weapon. Mrs. Finch swung one more time and the vicious dog caught her umbrella in its mouth slinging it away from her.

“Oh no!” she shrieked. The Doberman began its snarling renewed now seeing it had its prey right where it wanted it.
“I can’t let it attack Mrs. Finch!” Tintin thought. Tintin wasn’t too sure how Cocoa and Snowy were faring against the other beast.
Right as the Doberman was about to lunge at both Tintin and Mrs. Finch, Tintin cocked his leg back and kicked with all of his might at the Doberman scoring a kick on its chest right when it lunged at him. The kick only seemed to anger the beast, but kept it from getting any closer.

“A kick like that would have sent a normal dog flying back!” Tintin exclaimed.
“What are they Tintin?!” Mrs. Finch couldn’t believe her eyes.
“Don’t worry Mrs. Finch I won’t let it hurt you!” Tintin said standing in front of her. The Doberman barred its’ fangs once again as Tintin could hear both Snowy and Cocoa shrieking out in pain.

“Snowy! Cocoa!” Tintin shouted now not thinking of his personal well being.
Tintin balled his fist and punched with all of his might punching right down the Doberman’s throat. The beast felt cold to the touch. Tintin did not hesitate and followed up with a left hook to the beasts eye causing it to clamp down on Tintin’s arm. Tintin punch it again with his left fist and it opened its mouth and let go. Surprisingly Mrs. Finch grabbed a cane while Tintin was dealing with the beast and began beating it.

“Get out of my house you filthy beast!” she shouted striking the dog three times.

The blunt trauma the hardwood cane produced made the beast retreat back and suddenly the other beast stopped its’ attack against Snowy and Cocoa and returned to the back room. Tintin picked up the dropped umbrella and chased them to the room. One stood barring its fangs while the other began ransacking Mrs. Finch's closet until it pulled out a black velvet sack.

“Oh no Tintin! That’s the sack where I have your heirlooms and keepsakes” she gasped. Tintin started on the offense swinging the umbrella at the snarling beast backing it up next to the the window. Once the other dog had a good hold of the black velvet sack in its mouth, both dogs jumped out of the window and were gone.

Tintin dashed out of Mrs. Finch’s apartment building looking left and right for any sign of the dogs or anyone who might be calling them, but there was nothing.
“Tintin! You’re bleeding!” Mrs. Finch exclaimed.
Tintin looked down at his right arm, and he had a moderate bite wound.
“First let’s take care of this bit” Mrs. Finch ushered him back inside her apartment which had only been slightly wrecked.
“Snowy! Cocoa!” Tintin exclaimed running back in to check on them. When he reached them they were both injured, not severely, but enough to where they needed medical treatment. Both had been bitten.
“Poor Snowy and Cocoa, you risked your lives to save us!” Tintin said sympathetically.

“We have to take care of you first before you can help them” Mrs. Finch said grabbing a wet wash cloth washing Tintin’s wound.
“What was in velvet sack Mrs. Finch?” Tintin asked with a burning curiosity.
“A pocket watch with your father’s initial on it, a red ribbon that belonged to your mother, a couple other trinkets… I can’t remember all of them… I haven’t taken that sack out in almost four years,“ she said unable to remember.
“There wasn’t a stone with strange markings was there?” Tintin suddenly remembered what Benton had shown him.
“Why yes, I do remember now there was a dark colored stone with strange markings in yellow on each side in the shape of a cube…but one corner of it came off and I lost it…” she said wrapping Tintin’s arm up in bandages.

“Oh great snakes! I think I might have just stumbled on the reason they may be after me now!” Tintin said with a serious tone.
“You think they after that strange stone I held on for you?” Mrs. Finch said finishing the wrappings.
“I think so…” Tintin nodded knowingly.
“How can you say that for sure Tintin?” Mrs. Finch said looking at Snowy and Cocoa washing their areas where they were bitten.
“Because my brother had a similar stone as you described, but only with strange green markings” Tintin noted.
“Oh Tintin I hope your package didn’t get damaged during all that” Mrs. Finch noticed his small sack looked all crumpled up. Tintin opened the sack and two of the buildings were damaged and some of the figures were now lying on the ground.
“I’m afraid so…” Tintin nodded. Mrs. Finch glanced at the model.
“Tintin! Look at that stone on the corner how evenly carved it is…it looks like the piece I lost!” Mrs. Finch gasped.
Tintin pulled the glued stone off the model and it was perfectly cubed and had a couple of stray yellow markings.
“That’s strange! The stone Benton had was whole and this one a corner came off. I wonder what the significance of that is?” Tintin said putting the stone in his pocket and helped Mrs. Finch dress Snowy’s and Cocoa’s wounds.
Snowy and Cocoa whined a little in pain, “Don’t worry Snowy, Cocoa, I’m going to take you two to an animal doctor” Tintin reassured them.
“Are you sure you’re going to be ok to go home Tintin?” Mrs. Finch asked with concern.
“I feel ok, I really didn’t feel the bite to be honest” Tintin said stoically.
“You know you may want to go see a doctor yourself too” Mrs. Finch advised.
“I will, I need to go tell the Captain what happened first, I may need him after all” Tintin nodded.
“That may be a good idea” Mrs. Finch agreed. “You can use my phone”
“I’m sure they have our phone tapped, I don’t want to get you any more involved than what you have been Mrs. Finch. I’m so sorry this happened” Tintin apologized.
“It’s not your fault Tintin, I should have told you the truth a long time ago” Mrs. Finch nodded.
“It’s alright now; it’s all in the past we’ve got to keep moving on. I have a feeling by solving these enigmas that all the answers I’m seeking will be revealed as well” Tintin made an educated guess.

“The question is will you be alright Mrs. Finch?” Tintin returned the question.
“I’ll be fine. This time I’m going to bar the windows shut so they can’t unlock them” Mrs. Finch said resourcefully.
“Well, if you need something, call us at Marlinspike and if we’re not there I’m sure Nestor or Professor Calculus will be more than happy to help.
“Thank you Tintin, you make me so proud” Mrs. Finch said giving him another hug before he left. Keeping his promise to the Captain was important, so he gathered Snowy, Cocoa, and the rest of his model and quickly returned home on his bike.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 02-06-2013 at 10:46 PM..

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#64
Old 02-01-2013, 07:00 PM

CHAPTER 30 (PART - B) end of chapter 30


Chang woke up with a start to see the business man sitting with his drink all over him. Thompson and Thomson were up in the isle staring at him in concern. Other passengers were startled by Chang’s sudden outburst for some passengers also had spilled their drinks too. Chang could hear some of the other passengers voice their irritation.
“Chang are you ok?” Thompson asked sincerely.
“You are ok right?” Thomson echoed his partner’s sentiment.
Chang took a second to look around as he was still shook up by his premonition.
“Maybe you guys should be asking if I’m alright!” the business said pointing to his suit.
“I’m sorry sir…I didn’t mean to…” Chang apologized.
“Oh this is your friend huh? I’m going to send you my dry cleaner’s bill for this suit! Do you realize how much this cost me?!” he said giving them a flabbergasted look.
“We’re really sorry sir, he’s our associate...” Thomson apologized.
“We’ll pay for it…” Thompson tried to assure him.
“Well you’re bloody hell right you are!” he continued to be irate.
“Please sir calm down” a stewardess said bringing a towel to the man to dry off with.
“How can I calm down!? Just look at my suit!” he continued ranting standing up snatching the towel.
"How rude!" Thompson pointed at the man
“Please sir, you need to remain calm, we are the police…” Thomson started to say but the man pulled back and punched Thomson in the face. Chang took his shoes off stood up on his chair.
“Sir, there is no need for violence…please stop” Chang asked politely.
“I’ll show you violence you little wretched…” he said drawing back to punch at Chang.
Chang carefully dodged his punch pushing his arm above his head and was able to get a pressure point just behind his neck and caused the man to fall down in his seat.

“Good job Chang!” Thompson said impressed.
“What did you do to him?” Thomson said rubbing his jaw.
“I used a pressure point. I learned this in my self defense training. He should not be a problem for a short time” Chang said humbly.
The stewardess dried off the irate passenger, “Don’t worry, we’re about to land in about five minutes” the stewardess informed them.
The plane landed and they were the first ones off the plane. The stewardess thanked them for dealing with the irate passenger. The skies were overcast when they arrived in Glasgow and as promised when they arrived, they were taken to a car which had already been arranged for them.
“So Detectives where are going first?” Chang asked curiously.
“We need to go ahead and get lodgings” Thomson replied.
“Indeed” Thompson agreed.

They drove through town until they found an appropriate bed and breakfast similar to the place they were at the last time. This time they had two twin beds and a cot in it with a bathroom. It was bit more comfortable than the last. Everything inside the bed and breakfast had a nautical theme. The carpet in the room was like that of the color of the sea. The walls were painted a nice light sky blue. Sea shells adorned the place with prized catches hanging on the walls. A big anchor sat on a raised platform as you walked in the main door. A middle aged couple ran the bed and breakfast. It was called The Sea Breeze.

“I definitely like this place” Thompson commented as they were putting their belongings in their room. Each twin bed were covered in light blue quilts with blue pillow cases.
“You said it Thompson, nothing like a nice sea theme to relax you!” Thomson agreed.
“At least I don’t have to sleep on the floor” Chang said putting his belonging under his comfortably made up cot. It had a nice blue quilt with a huge fluffy pillow.
“So Chang what was the dream that caused you to be so hysterical?” Thompson asked him curiously.
“It’s nothing…probably just a dream” Chang didn’t want to talk about it knowing it felt real.
“It must have been something if you screamed Tintin’s name” Thomson pointed out.
“Even if it was, there is nothing we can do about it” Chang frowned.
“Well tell us about it, it might make you feel better” Thompson urged him on.

“I dreamed Tintin was in danger. I dreamed about two rabid dogs attacking him and some older woman in some small flat” Chang explained.
Thompson and Thomson looked at each other curiously.
“Did the older woman have a pair of glasses on and her hair up?” Thomson asked.
“She wore glasses, but I didn’t pay too much attention to the rest, I just remember the rabid creatures…” Chang finished.
“You saw Mrs.Finch? Well good thing it was only a dream” Thompson nodded.
“Precisely” Thomson echoed.
“Yes, you’re right” Chang nodded but knew better, he hoped that his premonition was wrong.
“I say its’ lunch time!” Thomson suddenly announced.
“Lunch time it is!” Thompson nodded.
“Come on Chang, you’ll feel better once you’ve had something to eat” Thompson said putting a comforting arm around Chang.
“Exactly, food always eases the mind” Thomson said putting his arm around Chang too as they left the room.
“Can we at least send a telegram to Tintin and let him know where we are?” Chang pleaded.
“That’s not a bad idea” Thomson nodded.
“If it will put your mind to rest” Thompson agreed.
“Thank you” Chang smiled.

Chang wasn’t hungry; he kept replaying the images in his head. Chang just wanted to go on alone and finish his mission so he could find Tintin and at least know he was safe now. Chang knew that wisdom told him taking time to prepare was wise and rushing into a situation without knowing your enemy was folly. This was a different feeling for Chang, back in Tibet time was on his side; but here, it seemed time was working against him.

XXXXXXX

“Thunderin’ Typhoons! Something doesn’t feel right Cuthbert!” Haddock exclaimed unable to quiet that nagging voice in his head.
“What are you talking about Captain? Have you been paying attention?” Professor Calculus asked as he finished explaining his newest piece to Haddock’s gadgets.
“Yes Cuthbert, but I got this sinking feeling there’s something’s happened to Tintin” Haddock said unable to stop fidgeting.
“I’ll have you know Tintin is quite capable to taking care of his self Captain, you need to have a bit more faith in his ability to survive” Calculus assured him. “He only went into town, what could possibly go wrong?”
With that statement the lab phone rang.
“Now what could Nestor want?” Calculus looked puzzled.
“Hello” Calculus answered.
“Oh dear!” his demeanor quickly changed.
“We’ll be right there!” Calculus had a serious look on his face.
“Oh dear…” Calculus said hanging up the phone.
“What is it?!” Haddock grabbed Calculus almost shaking him.
“You were right Captain, something has indeed happened to Tintin” the professor replied.
The professor barely finished the statement when Haddock bolted out of the lab.
“Hey wait for me!” Calculus said running behind.

XXXXXXX

“Master Tintin we need to take you to the hospital at once!” Nestor demanded looking at Tintin’s wound.
“I feel fine Nestor, Snowy and Cocoa need to see an animal doctor” Tintin said.
“Look at that! Your arm is already starting to look infected!” Nestor pointed out as the puncture marks were already starting to look a bit yellowish.
The front door flew open as the captain came racing in like a war horse.
“Tintin!” Haddock shouted.
“I’m in the kitchen” Tintin called out.
Haddock walked in to see Tintin sitting at the small table with Nestor re-dressing his arm.

“Hundreds of Blisterin’ Barnacles lad! What happened to you!?” The captain looked incredulously at his arm.
“Those two dogs before we left ambushed me outside the gate, and followed me all the way to Mrs. Finch’s apartment” Tintin explained.
“What devilry is this?!” Haddock demanded.
Professor Calculus came in not too far behind. “Oh dear what’s wrong!?” he said running to look at Tintin’s arm.
“This doesn’t look good Captain; take Tintin to the hospital now” Professor Calculus instructed. Captain Haddock was already a step ahead of him grabbing his coat and his car keys.
“Can you walk Tintin?” Haddock asked.
“Yes captain, I feel fine” Tintin said not seemingly affected. “Snowy and Cocoa need to see an animal doctor” Tintin protested.

“Nestor, could you please take Snowy and Cocoa to the animal doctor” Haddock asked.
“Certainly Master Haddock” Nestor said collecting the weakened Snowy and Cocoa putting them both in a basket.
Professor Calculus looked at Tintin’s arm, “This is interesting, Tintin I need to run a test on this if you don’t mind” Professor Calculus looked serious. He grabbed a swab from a first aid kit in the kitchen and took a sample of Tintin’s wound putting it in a container.
“I didn’t know you were a doctor too Professor” Tintin looked amazed at Calculus.
“I do a lot of things Tintin” the professor said getting the sample carefully.
“Are you coming with us Cuthbert?” Haddock said as Tintin wrapped his arm back up.

“Negative, I’ve got to run some tests on this wound sample, something definitely doesn’t seem right. I’ll be in the lab if you need me, get Tintin to the hospital Captain” Calculus said quickly returning back to his lab.
Nestor was already in the other car taking Snowy and Cocoa to an animal doctor leaving.
“That’s our cue Tintin, let’s go” Haddock said, but as Tintin went to follow him, Tintin’s right leg gave out on him and he fell to the floor.
“Tintin! Can you walk?” Haddock asked trying to figure out what was wrong.
“My right leg, arm… the whole right side of my body…it’s numb” Tintin explained.

“Don’t worry” Haddock said supporting Tintin with his left arm. “Let’s not waste another moment” he said worried that maybe those dogs were rabid.
When they arrived at the hospital Tintin had no use of the right side of his body. They admitted him almost immediately and hooked him up to an IV. Haddock sat in the waiting room as they wheeled him back. The sensation was strange only being able to move half of your body. Tintin felt as if time itself was slowing down.

The doctor came in with a couple of nurses drawing blood and running tests giving him antibiotics. It seemed to do no good. They gave him a shot of penicillin hoping to sterilize and rid his body of any infection. The penicillin helped a little, but everything appeared to be moving in slow motion to Tintin. Tintin could hear Haddock outside the room arguing with the nurses. When they came in Tintin watched them move around him frantically as slowly he felt himself slipping away.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 02-06-2013 at 11:15 PM..

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#65
Old 02-05-2013, 12:55 AM

CHAPTER 31(PART - A)


Professor Calculus took the sample he collected from Tintin's wound cautiously into the lab and kept it covered. He put on a pair of rubber gloves, a mask to filter his breathing, and a suit and immediately got to work. He carefully examined the bacteria under a microscope. It looked like some type of bacteria he had seen while he was in Switzerland for a convention on dangerous diseases. Professor Calculus didn’t waste any time and retrieved his notebook from his desk.
“Ah here it is!” the professor exclaimed finding Professor Topolino’s phone number. He dialed the number and waited patiently letting the phone ring ten times.
“Hello!” an agitated voice answered.
“Professor Topolino?” Calculus replied.
“Professor Calculus, how can I help you? Sorry I was about to eat dinner” Professor Topolino explained.
“I’m sorry Professor Topolino, but I have an urgent matter I really must discuss with you” Calculus said urgently.
“Anything for a colleague, what is it?” he asked.
“Remember that infectious disease you showed six months ago during the last conference?” Professor Calculus asked.
“Why yes, you mean the nerve killing bacteria that can cause paralysis?” Professor Topolino asked specifically.
“Yes, that’s the one, I’m afraid a dear friend of mine has been infected with such an infection” Calculus explained.

“Impossible, that disease was only found in the Congo, and only a couple samples exist here in a well contained lab” Professor Topolino dismissed.
“Well I assure you Professor that, this is that same infection” Calculus nodded.
“So you’re asking for an antidote or rather the super antibiotic?” Topolino asked.
“Indeed Topolino…I need it here as soon as possible” Calculus shook his head.
“The soonest I can get an antidote do you would be in two days” Topolino frowned.

“Unacceptable, I need it by no later than tomorrow morning. Well then I will have to fly there tonight, and pick up the antidote and bring it back here by morning” Professor Calculus said with determination.
“Well if you insist Calculus, I will prepare it for you for tonight” Topolino said in resignation.
“Believe me, I do and will be there tonight!” Calculus said hanging up the phone.

Professor Calculus booked a flight, grabbed his favorite green traveling coat and hat, and was off for the Moulinsart train station. Professor Calculus began to think about Topolino’s words, this was an infection that only a few doctors had access to. Who would have access to a disease that was only found in the Congo? Professor Calculus had a clue but wasn’t sure, his main priority was Tintin’s health. Professor Calculus held on tightly to his umbrella as he made his way to the train station. Calculus was vigilantly walking at a quick pace still remembering Bordurian agents coming after him. Nothing was going to stand in his way, not even Bordurian agents.

XXXXXXX


Tintin slipped into an unconscious void. He felt like he was falling and falling. The end never seemed to come, until finally he softly hit the ground but it did not hurt. He sat up and he was under a tree in a forest late in the evening. He could hear dogs barking and a man shouting orders off in the distance. Tintin remembered this dream, it was a continuation of his last dream he instantly realized.
“Where am I?” he thought as the place began to slowly look familiar.
Tintin realized he was a child again and continued wandering deeper into the woods from the copse of trees. The full moon was shining illuminating a familiar path that somehow he seemed to know. Suddenly he heard a sudden rush of movement not far behind him and as soon as he turned around someone bumped right into him.
“Fenton!” a young boy’s voice whispered.
“Brother? How did you escape?!” Tintin whispered back.
“Yes it’s me…no time to lose we must get back to our safe place” his brother told him.

Tintin had no idea exactly what would happen next so he followed his brother wearing a long night shirt and slippers through the woods. His brother seemed to know where they were going. They finally found a small hill where a set of ruins were in the middle of the forest. It looked as if it were the remains of some old tower outpost from days gone by. There were old vines and many trees secluding its presence. The walls of the tower were no higher than eight feet around in some places where it still stood. The grey stone was riddled with cracks and covered with vines and the full moon gave it an eerie glow through the tall trees.

“Where are we now brother?” Tintin asked.
“Help me move these branches and bushes” his brother instructed.
Tintin helped him shuffle things around until an old wooden trap door was found.
“What is this place?” Tintin asked curiously.
“Don’t be silly brother, it’s out safe place remember?” his brother whispered.
“No I don’t remember anything brother” Tintin said sadly.
“You have the key brother?” his brother asked.
Tintin searched his pockets and found an old rusty bronze key. “Is this it?”
“Yes, give it here” his brother said taking it and unlocking the door.
There was a narrow stairway that went down a couple of flights and it was completely dark.

“Brother Benton, I can’t see anything” Tintin whispered.
“Hold on to my shirt, I remember the path in my sleep” he whispered back.
Benton led him through a series of twist and turn until they both saw a luminous blue light up ahead.
“What is that?!” Tintin exclaimed.
“That’s why those horrible men are after us Fenton” his brother said leading him into a circular room where a cubed dark stone with bright glowing blue sigils were illuminating the room.
“Brother what is this glowing stone?” Tintin asked.
“Don’t you already know that brother? Those men didn’t do stuff to you already did they?” Benton gasped.
“I don’t know… I don’t remember any of this” Tintin lamented.
“It doesn’t matter; no one will get us here, not even the man with the evil eye. We’re safe here…this is our safe place brother, don’t forget it!” Benton said in the bright illuminating blue light.
Everything began to go fuzzy in front of Tintin and he could only hear voices.
“Your children will suffer if you don’t give me the stones!” a diabolical voice replied.

“Take the stone, just set our children free!” a man cried out.
“Where’s the others!?” the deep diabolical voice demanded.
“We’ll tell you where they are, but you must set them free first…” a woman pleaded.
Everything began to get fuzzy again and the voices and pictures in his head were all disoriented and he had no clue what was going on. Everything became silent once again.
“Tintin!” a voice whispered.
Tintin slowly began to open his eyes and he could feel a strong hand gripping his left hand.
“Tintin! Thank all that is good!” a familiar voice blasted out.
Haddock stood next to his bed faithfully holding his hand.
“Captain?” Tintin’s voice sounded hoarse.
“We thought you were done for landlubber” Haddock whispered drying his eyes.
“What happened to me Captain?” Tintin asked confused.
“Lucky for you the Professor traveled to Switzerland and back for a super antibiotic that Professor Topolino had been developing” Haddock explained.
“Super antibiotic? Switzerland? Professor Topolino?” Tintin thought for a moment then realized the dog’s bite must have been poisonous.
“Yes” he said thoughtfully.
“Snowy? Cocoa?” Tintin asked with concern.

Haddock put his hand up, “No need to worry lad, it seems like Snowy and Cocoa made a full recovery. Nestor has already taken both of them home.”
Tintin sighed in relief, “I’m so glad…oh Captain it was horrible…”
“Tintin, I’m glad to see you’re doing well” another familiar voice said.
“Mrs. Finch!” Tintin smiled.
“I brought you some English toffees, one of your favorite sweets as child” Mrs. Finch said putting a nicely decorated bag tied with different colored ribbons.
“Oh Mrs. Finch you shouldn’t have” Tintin finally found the strength to sit up.
“Oh don’t you worry, had you not been there I don’t know what I would have done” Mrs. Finch replied.
“So Captain you know everything?” Tintin asked.
“Don’t worry lad, we discussed it…” Haddock smiled.
“Yes we did, and you should listen to your Captain Haddock here. Us older folk sometimes know what we’re talking about” she winked.
“Hehehehe!” Tintin and Haddock both laughed hard at that comment.
“What time is it? Who sent all of these gifts?” Tintin suddenly realized the sun shone brightly through the windows. He also saw a couple bouquets of flowers and cards.

“The police department and acquaintances and its’ almost noon” Haddock nodded.
“I’ve been out for almost twenty hours?!” Tintin grabbed his head. “What about going to London? What about the Detectives?!” Tintin suddenly started to stress.
“There there lad, Nestor just brought me a telegram an hour ago” he said handing Tintin a telegram. Tintin took the telegram and unfolded it.

‘Dear Captain Haddock or Tintin,
We are in Glasgow at the Sea Breeze Bed and Breakfast. We hope you are safe and wish you the warmest regards. – Thompson & Thomson, and Chang Chong-Chen.’

“Chang is with them?!” Tintin jumped out of his bed in his hospital gown.
“Yes Tintin…your son of Heaven…” Haddock said just a bit disquieted.
“Oh Captain, we’re going there instead!” Tintin exclaimed dancing around the room.
“Now Tintin, don’t get yourself over excited now, you’re still recovering” Mrs. Finch reminded him.

“Mrs. Finch, with such wonderful news that the Detectives are safe and my dear friend Chang is nearby is medicine itself!” Tintin sounded elated.
“Now listen to her Tintin, when the doctor comes to release you we can go home, have lunch and dinner, thank Cuthbert for flying to Switzerland and back so short notice, and then fly out after that” Haddock nodded.

“We got to go as soon as we leave Captain…yea you’re right we do need to thank the Professor” Tintin nodded in agreement.
“Good to see you using some sense lad” Haddock smiled.
“Yes…then we can go!” Tintin said all anxiously.
Haddock buried his face in his hands and looked up pleadingly at Mrs. Finch. Mrs. Finch returned a helpless look at him. “One thing I learned about Tintin over the years is when he decides he’s going to do something, there’s no stopping him.”
“Yea…I know…” Haddock frowned.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 02-09-2013 at 06:25 PM..

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#66
Old 02-06-2013, 08:55 PM

CHAPTER 31 (PART - B) END OF CHAPTER 31


Benton anxiously couldn’t wait to get home, but luckily it was barely a ten to twelve minute drive from the Ipswich harbor. The evening ride home was a quiet, but not peaceful inside of Benton’s mind. He was thinking about Lucille and the kids and quickly returning to Mary Ann’s house to find his brother. Benton also wondered why lately the frequency of child nightmares kept happening.

“Are you fine?” Eric asked as the pulled into Benton’s driveway.
“Not really…had a row with the wife” Benton said absently.
“Well I hope you can work out with her” Eric nodded.
“Me too mate, I’ll see you in the morning...and be ready!” Benton waved jumping out of the truck.

Eric waved back and drove off. Benton dashed back in his house and retrieved the keys to his car. Lucille still had not returned. Benton got in his car and quickly made his way down to Colchester. So many thoughts were going through his head. What would he say to Fenton when he saw him? Would he be able to apologize and fully mean it?

Would anyone else at the house know about what happened and would they already have a preconceived idea that Benton was a bad person? It didn’t matter what anyone else thought, he had to at least try. It was another fifteen minutes to Mary Ann’s house. The anxiety within Benton began to build. Finally he arrived in the driveway as short chubby red headed woman was carrying a sack of rubbish to the bin outside.

“May I help you young man?” Mary Ann asked him as he nervously got out of the car.
“I’m Benton, Fenton’s brother…or Tintin as all of you know him as…” he said dryly.
“Yea, I remember you now. You were the bloke my brother and Archibald chased down the lane” she nodded.
“Yes, I need to speak to him, it’s important” Benton’s hands trembled.
A young woman stepped outside the house, “Benton!” she cried out.
“Alyssa?” he said recognizing her.
“What are you doing here?” she asked incredulously.
“I came to apologize to my brother for everything…” he said humbly.
“You’re a little late, he returned back to Belgium yesterday” she shook her head.
“Oh no…” he sighed.
“What’s wrong?” Alyssa asked.
“Lucille left me and took the kids and won’t forgive me until I apologize to Fenton” he explained.
“I say you got a good wife there lad” Mary Ann laughed.
“She’s the best” Benton agreed.

“Do you know how to get in touch with him?” Benton asked hopefully.
“Yes, I can call him for you if you want” Alyssa suggested.
“Yes, would you? Tell him I’m sorry…sorry for everything, and I don’t expect him to forgive me” Benton replied.
“I got a better idea, why don’t you tell him yourself?” Mary Ann suggested.
“Me?” Benton gasped.
“Of course Benton, it would mean more to him” Mary Ann nodded.
“Let’s go inside and call him right now” Alyssa agreed.
They walked in the house quickly. Mary Ann went through her notebook of phone numbers and began searching.
“Ah, here it is” she said walking over to the telephone dialing the number.
“Here it’s ringing” she said handing Benton the telephone.
Benton listened to the phone ring in anticipation wondering who would answer the phone. After fifteen long rings he hung the phone up.
“There’s no answer” Benton nodded sadly.
“That’s odd, he has a butler there all the time who takes calls when they cannot” Mary Ann replied suspiciously.
“We can try again tomorrow?” Alyssa shrugged.

“That’s fine. I only have to work half a day tomorrow… was I as bad as Lucille said I was?” Benton asked slowly.
“I don’t know how bad Lucille said you were, but you took a swing at my husband with a club” Alyssa told him.
“I did? Well tell him I’m terribly sorry…I was pretty pissed” Benton nodded.
“Yes, I know…luckily my uncles were able to calm you down” Alyssa agreed.
“All of you found him not long after?” Benton continued to ask.

“Oh you don’t know that part of the story… he was attacked by four goons on the road after you threw him out” Alyssa stressed what his irresponsibility caused.
“He didn’t get hurt did he?” Benton asked a bit concerned.
“Not really, your brother is made of some really tough stuff. You saw how well he handled those goons up in Ipswich, with a little help from me and Enzo of course” Alyssa finished.
“I’m glad to hear he’s at least back home safely” Benton sighed in relief.
“You’re going to have to change your attitude or apologizing to him isn’t going to mean much” Mary Ann interjected.
“I know… it’s not easy for me. Listen, I guess I’m going to return home. I have to be up early in the morning” Benton explained.
“Fair enough, you be careful going home now!” Mary Ann nodded.
“If you do see Lucille, tell her hello for me” Alyssa added.
“I will…” Benton said disappearing out the door.

“What’s wrong mum?” Alyssa asked noticing the strange look Mary Ann had when she seemed to be thinking about something.
“Call me mad, but something just doesn’t seem right” Mary Ann nodded.
“You feel it too then… maybe we should call Uncle Frederick and tell him about it” Alyssa suggested.
“I don’t want to worry Frederick with our petty worries, maybe it’s nothing?” Mary Ann shrugged.
“At the very least we should call Uncle Frederick and tell him about our visit” Alyssa pointed out.
“Fair enough” Mary Ann said dialing her niece’s number.

XXXXXXX

“Rachel! Stay away from the fire please!” Elizabeth shouted running over to grab her wandering curious daughter. The young girl giggled as if it was a game.
"No Rachel! That's hot! h-o-t!" Elizabeth said slowly pointing to the fire and shaking her head no.
“She’s got a lot of energy for a young girl” Enzo observed.
“You should see her in the mornings” Elizabeth commented putting her back in her play pen.
“Rachel is a spitfire just like her mother” Kevin laughed.
“Is she now?” Elizabeth turned around giving her husband a playful stare.
The phone rang and Elizabeth walked over to answer it.

“Hello?” she said keeping an eye on Rachel.
“How are you Alyssa?” Elizabeth smiled.
“Dad? Yes he’s here… is there some kind of trouble? Oh I see…one moment” she nodded.
“Dad it’s for you?” Elizabeth said handing him the phone.

“Alyssa?” Chester answered.
“Yea I know the number but you really shouldn’t be calling Marlinspike with such matters. He’s the one who blew it. Oh you already have the number…you called?” Chester nodded.
“Did he now? Uh huh…” Chester changed ears on the phone while everyone in the house looked at him curiously.
“That is strange, Nestor usually almost always answers the phone it’s barely a quarter past seven” Chester said looking at Elizabeth’s clock on the mantle above the fire place.
“Well don’t you worry about it, you let me contact Haddock and Tintin” he shook his head.
“I understand…” Chester said listening to a long explanation.
“If he comes back over call me first, I shouldn’t be out too much tomorrow…exactly I’m relaxing. I have to go back to work Monday” Chester explained.
“Fine thank you for calling me. You stay out of trouble you hear?” Chester shook his finger.
“Cheers!” he said hanging up the phone.

“So?” Elizabeth was the first one to question him.
“It was Tintin’s brother Benton, he had the nerve to show up at my sister’s house” Chester said disapprovingly.
“What did he do for you not to like him?” Kevin asked sensing the hostility.
“What didn’t he do?! He attacked Nathan, Haddock and myself when we confronted him about Tintin” Chester explained.

“He seemed like such a nice gentleman when he wasn’t drunk” Enzo commented.
“You weren’t there to see how cheeky and rowdy he became when we arrived later that evening” Chester shook his head.
“It’s Tintin’s brother though? Siblings fight all the time! You remember how Alyssa and Carol used to argue?” Elizabeth said reasonably.
“This was a bit different dear… but that’s beside the point. I need to call Marlinspike and just check up on Haddock and Tintin to make sure everything is ok” Chester said picking up the phone dialing the number by heart.

The phone rang and rang and still no answer, “Now that is a bit strange” Chester said slightly concerned.
“Why don’t you just call them in the morning?” Elizabeth suggested.
“You’re right, maybe they all went out for dinner. Haddock is forever treating his entire household” Chester laughed.
“Well, I’m sure Benton apologizing couldn’t hurt and plus he was really drunk when all of that happened” Enzo commented.
“I’m still a little skeptical about that young man… but time will tell” Chester nodded suspiciously taking back his seat taking a swig of his ale.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 02-09-2013 at 06:47 PM..

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#67
Old 02-09-2013, 03:12 AM

CHAPTER 32 (PART - A)


Chang returned back to the room to take a nap. Chang had enough prophetic dreams and just wanted to find some respite. After an hour, both Thompson and Thomson returned both of them wearing blue tartan kilts, socks, and shoes, with a blue plaid hat to go with a nice cream colored button up shirt. Chang found it almost comical at first but didn’t want to make fun of the Detectives.

“Another disguise?” Chang asked.
“Precisely!” Thomson nodded.
“Too right you are!” Thompson agreed.
“Do I have to wear one too?” Chang asked almost afraid to hear the answer.
“Darn it Thompson! I knew we were forgetting something!” Thomson snapped his fingers.
“I thought so too but just couldn’t seem to get it to the tip of my tongue!” Thompson stomped his feet.
Chang sighed in relief, “It’s ok really, I have this disguise…are we going down to the port now Detectives?”
“Indeed, we need to find this ‘Sea Serpent’ of yours” Thomson declared.
“Precisely!” Thompson agreed.
“Then let us go” Chang sprang off of his comfortable cot grabbing a camera hanging it around his neck.
“Ah, now I get it! You’re going to be a tourist” Thomson pointed.
“That’s right” Chang nodded.

They left the Sea Breeze and got into their car and drove out to the port of Glasgow. It took them ten minutes to get there.
“Wow the docks are spread throughout and there are a lot ships” Chang commented. The port was in a bay and widespread. It was beautiful to Chang for this was his first time in Scotland.

“If it’s here we will find it” Thompson assured him.
“Find it we will” Thomson echoed.

Almost thirty minutes went by and not one ship even resembled the Sea Serpent. Chang kept his eyes open believing the ship was there; however, Thompson and Thomson were beginning to have their doubts. Just before the Detectives could say anything Chang noticed the huge black looking hull off in the distance.

“Wait! That’s it up ahead!” Chang pointed.
Both Detectives looked carefully as they drove closer and could see the huge black hull with the name ‘Sea Serpent’ painted in red.
“I say let’s go find out who the captain of that ship is” Thomson suggested.
“Not a bad idea Thomson” Thompson agreed.
They parked the car a block away and decided to walk closer. Chang began to feel a sudden sharp pain as they got closer.
“What’s wrong Chang?” Thompson noticed Chang grabbed his chest slowing down considerably.

“That ship, it’s…it’s…” he stopped short of what he was going to say.
“It’s what?” Thomson stood on Chang’s opposite side.
“We need to be very careful” Chang took a deep breath.
“You got us with you Chang” Thompson said confidently.
“Nothing bad will happen, we’ll protect you” Thomson agreed.
“But who will protect you?” Chang thought. Chang wanted to believe them but even he had a sense of foreboding. He knew he must not falter that this was the time to search for weaknesses of his enemies.

“Come on Chang, we came all of this way!” Thompson rationalized.
“The least we can do is walk bravely aboard this ship” Thomson nodded.
Chang nodded, “Fine, we shall meet them…”
They walked to the gangway which was being watched by a couple deck hands loading cargo.
“May we help you sirs” one man asked.
“We are Detectives here to speak to the Captain of this vessel” Thompson declared.
“Indeed we are” Thomson echoed.
“I see…wait just a moment” he said whispering to the other sailors as he disappeared on the ship for about ten minutes.

XXXXXXXX

“Captain Schnider, we have Detectives here to see you sir!” the deck hand reported.
“Is that so? Well welcome them on board and let’s give them a warm welcome,” Gaspar laughed.
“Is that them?” Gaspar asked the deck hand taking a peak out the window sizing up the Detectives and Chang.
“Yes sir, two Scotsmen who say they are detectives and a Chinese man with a camera” he reported.
“Fine, I’ll deal with them... this should be fun!” Gaspar smiled wickedly.
“No you won’t!” an even more menacing voice said from behind.
“Lieutenant?” Gaspar said amazed to see him out this evening.

“You will stay out of sight, and continue your duties, I will deal with the visitors” He said. Herr Wagner looked different. He was dressed in a long black overcoat wearing an eye patch. He wore a white button up shirt underneath his coat with a pair of black slacks and black boots. His cap looked like any cap a captain would wear. His grey hair was combed back as it appeared he seemed to have been growing a thin mustache.
“Now go!” he said standing a couple inches taller than Gaspar.

“Yes Lieutenant” Gaspar said leading the deck hand away.
Chang and the Detectives saw the tall dressed man standing at the top of the gangway ominously staring at them motioning for them board the ship.
“Good evening gentlemen” Herr Wagner smiled putting on a facade.
“Good evening to you too Captain?...” Thomson asked not knowing his name.
“Just call me Lieutenant” his deep voice sounded dark.
“I am Thomson,” Thomson shook the Lieutenant's hand.
“I am Thompson,” Thompson did likewise.

Chang stood there quietly eying Herr Wagner cautiously. Herr Wagner’s gaze began scrutinizing Chang.
“Who might you be? A detective?” the Lieutenant asked.
“I am a reporter from China, my name is Ying” Chang lied.
“Nice to meet you…Ying” the Lieutenant said grasping Chang’s hand.
Chang felt an intense cold shoot up through his arm as he made eye contact with Herr Wagner’s left unnaturally ice blue eye.
“Is something wrong?” the Lieutenant asked Chang suspiciously.
“No sir, I’ve just been a little sick lately that’s all…” Chang lied. He felt an intense evil radiating from him.
“So what brings all of you here to my ship?” Herr Wagner asked.
“We are here looking for Allan Thompson” Thomson declared.
“We were told he was the captain of this ship” Thompson replied.
“It is true he was the captain…” Herr Wagner trailed off.
“What do you mean he was the captain?” Chang asked suspiciously.
“Well you see… he had some, family business he had to attend to” Herr Wagner explained.

“I see…” Chang said not believing him.
“Do you mind if we have a look around?” Thompson asked.
“Not at all… this way” he said leading them around the deck showing them basic operations. He led them inside to the mess hall where some of the crew was just now eating dinner.
“Not bad dining facilities” Thomson commented.

“We try to keep our crew well fed” Herr Wagner nodded. “Now let us continue…”
He led them down corridors with many pipes until they came to the engine room, which there were a handful of engineers working and checking valves and other instruments.
“What an engine!” Thompson said in amazement noticing its intricate design.
“It was a specially designed engine for our—customized ship” Herr Wagner explained.
He continued leading them through a network of dimly lit passages with doors ever few intervals of a few yards.
“These are cabins of the crewmen on board” Herr Wagner said opening up one the abruptly stopped in front of.

Chang felt a sinking feeling inside this ship as if he felt he would never get out and see the light of day; or as one would feel who had been locked up in a deep dungeon. They continued walking down the corridor as they finally began to ascend up a narrow stairway; but, before they ascended Chang could hear something that sounded like a scream then the sound of steam whistling covered up the sound.
“Is something wrong?” Thompson whispered to Chang.
“I feel…” Chang whispered back.
“Please follow me” Herr Wagner prompted them.
Chang turned around for a moment and saw a tall black haired woman with pale skin wearing a black veil over her face and a black blouse and skirt. Chang blinked for a moment and she was gone.
“Come on Chang!” Thompson whispered grabbing his arm.

Chang decided not to act surprised taking note of all the subtle clues and feelings he was receiving from all over the ship. It was almost a sensory overload for him. Chang’s inner voice was telling him now was not the time to act. He knew they had stumbled on to the lion’s den. He quickly ignored the sickening feeling he felt strongly and began to act like the curious reporter with his camera snapping pictures.
The Lieutenant led them up to the bridge for their last bit of the tour.
“This is our bridge, of course that being said, it should be quite self-explanatory” Herr Wagner replied watching and observing all three of the carefully.
“This is a nice bridge!” Thompson exclaimed.
“Indeed it is! Look at all the instruments and gadgets!” Thomson went on.
“I never see such a bridge before!” Chang tried to sound enthusiastic.
“Please refrain from touching any of the buttons. It is all custom built, if you have any questions please take the time to ask me now. I am a busy man and have much to do” Herr Wagner explained.
“What kind of cargo do you carry Lieutenant?” Chang asked curiously.
“We carry many kinds of cargo Mr. Ying…” Herr Wagner answered quickly.
“Like what?” Chang asked.

“We carry canned food imports and exports as well as clothing, and other kinds of every day items that stores would carry…anything else?” the Lieutenants voice gradually crescendo-ed looking at both the Detectives.
“I think we’ve seen enough Lieutenant, we thank you” Thomson nodded.
“Indeed, thank you for your time” Thompson agreed.
“I’m glad I could be of service Detectives…and Mr. Ying” the Lieutenant clasped Chang’s shoulder unexpectedly causing Chang’s knees to buckle from the cold feel of his touch.
“Are you ok Mr. Ying?” the Lieutenant asked almost mockingly.
Chang stood up stoically, “I am fine Lieutenant, just too many stairs, I think I become old man sooner than later” Chang laughed.
He led them to the gangway and watched the trio depart.
“So who were they?” Lady Ravena suddenly appeared out of nowhere it seemed next to Herr Wagner.
“Detectives from INTERPOL Thompson and Thomson” Herr Wagner whispered.
“Who’s the other one?” she asked curiously.
“He says he is a reporter from China and his name is Ying…but he is lying” Herr Wagner replied evenly.
“Indeed he is Lieutenant” another voice said walking up behind both of them.
“Master Rastapopoulos, how nice of you to join us” Lady Ravena smiled seductively.
“How do you know Master Rastapopoulos?” Herr Wagner asked suspiciously.
“He is a friend of Tintin’s, his real name is Chang” he smiled.
“You mean the Blue Lotus incident you told us about in Shanghai?” Lady Ravena asked eagerly.
“Indeed it is, if it wasn’t for Chang and the rest of the Sons of the Dragon, Tintin and a few other meddlers would have been eliminated” Rastapopoulos answered haughtily.
"How did you find out his name?" Herr Wagner asked skeptically.
"I make it my business Lieutenant of all of those who get in my way" Rastapopoulos said evenly.
“Where are Lento and the Fakir?” Herr Wagner asked casually.
“They are comparing and finishing up the notes for our meeting later this evening” Rastapopoulos replied.
“Excellent. Chang…I knew there was something exceedingly bright about him” Herr Wagner commented.
“He is a warrior of light” Lady Ravena came right out with it.
“Yes, he is one of the Sons of the Dragon” Herr Wagner placed him almost immediately after hearing a shortened background story of Chang. “The two Detectives, I’m not too worried about. We can deal with them anytime, the other could be a bit more a formidable opponent” Herr Wagner warned.
"That little thing?! Ha!" Rastapopoulos laughed.
“Don’t worry Lieutenant, should he decide to return, we will be ready for him” Lady Ravena laughed. “I think you will be pleased with the results of this meeting” Lady Ravena added.
“Das ist gut!” Herr Wagner put his arm around Lady Ravena.
The trio returned back to the bridge and began to make preparations for their meeting.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 02-14-2013 at 08:45 PM..

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#68
Old 02-09-2013, 04:39 AM

CHAPTER 32 (PART - B) END OF CHATPER 32


That evening the Fakir and Lento were writing up some last notes in the conference room before the rest of the group arrived. Both were meticulously pouring over the books, lunar charts, and astrological maps. The Fakir’s method was different from Lento’s due to his eastern upbringing. Lento’s great aunt had a gift with the Tarot decks and was able to accurately predict someone’s fortune.

“Are you sure we have everything?” The Fakir questioned nervously.
“I’m confident, we made a mistake last time…getting unwilling subjects that were weakened physically and spiritually. Joachim is not just a common demon. He is a bit higher up in the hierarchy.” Lento explained.

The Fakir nodded shifting a few papers around making a couple more last notes on one of his sheets. Rastapopoulos contributed very little to the actual research, but contributed a few valuable books he stole from an occult museum which made their research possible

“Summoning demons is one thing but dangerous to allow them control of your body my friend” the Fakir warned.
“It is a chance we must take if we are to gain status in this group” Lento justified.
“I trust in my own abilities Signore Lento” the Fakir nodded.
“I’m a strong individual Fakir” Lento assured him.
“Don’t forfeit your soul Signore Lento, to gain power there is always a price to pay…” the Fakir warned.
“Herr Wagner has made a pact…” Lento pointed out.
“With a lesser demon it appears… an imp according to Joachim. Lesser demons have little power over men with strong wills, but Joachim is a powerful demon which my people from ancient times have feared” the Fakir replied insight-fully.
“What elemental affiliation is Joachim associated with?” Lento ignored the Fakir’s warning.

“Fire, but don’t think you will be able to wield a demon’s power. Mortals are only granted a fraction of their power if they prove worthy to the demon. The more power you wield the higher the price” The Fakir continued.
“The nine circles of Hell have countless souls of the damned, escaping Hell into a purgatory of a barren land is easy to gain according to one book” Lento commented.
Both the Fakir and Lento were finishing their last notes when finally the rest of their circle arrived taking their seat quietly.

“Welcome Lieutenant” Lento acknowledged.
“Great to see great minds not going to waste” Herr Wagner smiled.
Lady Ravena began to look carefully over Lento's astrological diagrams shaking her head and quietly taking note.
“Mars is a good planet for the ritual” she agreed with a quiet comment as she continued to look over his shoulder. “Very fascinating, I knew you wouldn’t disappoint” she said at last.
Rastapopoulos sat quietly taking everything in being the least knowledgeable of the group, still just being bit more than a intermediate.

“Ok gentlemen, let’s hear what went wrong during the ritual” Herr Wagner prompted as everyone took a seat at the table.
“The answer is simple but not so simple” the Fakir began.
“The full moon is a moon of light which brings a demon out in a weakened state. It’s good if you have short term requests of the demon” Lento explained.
“Those of strong will and mind are more difficult for a demon to control due to it being outside of its realm of existence” the Fakir added. "...also unexpected results can take place as we saw in the first summoning" the Fakir continued his thought.
“Thus the ‘Dark Moon’ or the new moon as it is commonly called allows less interference and is much more conducive to helping the ritual succeed." Lento put his two sense in.
Herr Wagner looked a bit impressed but all of this made sense to him. “Continue…” he motioned with his hands.

“The one to host the demon has to be a willing subject or we risk having the same result as the last time” Lento pointed to the window.
“So who would be willing to host a demon?” Herr Wagner asked looking around the room.
“I volunteer…” Lento spoke up.
Lady Ravena and Rastapopoulos gave him a look in disbelief. The Fakir only shook his head.
“One problem, then we don’t have a complete circle, and no one else here is mystic worthy” the Fakir commented.
“Very true, these lowly thugs and the others just don’t have the mind set for any of this” Rastapopoulos added.
“You barely made the cut yourself Master Rastapopoulos… some may have potential” Lady Ravena nodded.
Rastapopoulos swallowed his pride ignoring Lady Ravena's disparaging comment.
“Indeed it is a problem, we need to wait thirteen more days until the dark moon shows itself” Lento agreed.
“Who takes your place Signore Lento” Herr Wagner elegantly asked.
“Oh I know…” Lady Ravena said whispering to Herr Wagner.
“Oh yes! He hasn’t arrived yet… his power and knowledge has risen quickly…even while locked up” Herr Wanger laughed.
Everyone laughed for a moment at Herr Wagner’s comment.

“So you’re looking to gain the power of Joachim?” Herr Wagner said asking a trick question.
“I’m willing to do it for our order, and for whatever purpose we are trying to gain by conjuring demons” Lento answered carefully.
“The purpose…” Herr Wagner laughed.
“The purpose, for conjuring demons… all of you still don’t know yet, even you my dear…” he said looking at Lady Ravena.

Herr Wagner reached in his coat inside pocket producing a cube made of a dark stone which he held in two hands. He sat it on the table as everyone stared at the strange object in wonder. The cube had foreign symbols which none of them recognized written in black markings.

“The true purpose of our mission will now be revealed, observe…” Herr Wagner said taking off his eye patch revealing his red eye once again. He began speaking in a tongue that none were familiar with. As Herr Wagner sat in his seat his red eye began to glow as he held his hand out. The room temperature began to lower as an icy draft began to permeate the room.

After almost five to ten minutes of chanting and the room now feeling just a bit above freezing point, the cube began to react. The marking emitted a black purplish glow and after a moment it began to levitate in the air and for a few seconds the black light from the stone seemed to push all other light away enfolding them all in darkness. Then it slowly began to diminish back to a steady small illumination of the symbols.

None of them has seen such an item before, each one of them coveted the cube even though they had no idea what its purpose was for. Lady Ravena was the only one who had the slightest idea of what it may be.

“This is a key to a… I shall leave the rest of the mission a mystery for now…” Herr Wagner became quiet then said a few more phrases in the strange tongue and the cube spun around quickly in place and the light died to a glow then shed its last light and was dormant once again.

XXXXXXXX

Tintin and Captain Haddock returned home to find Professor Calculus anxiously awaiting their return. Nestor had brought Snowy and Cocoa home each wrapped with a few bandages. Tintin had his right arm in a sling bandaged up as well.
“You make sure you keep that arm in that sling!” Haddock reminded Tintin.
“I know…” Tintin nodded.
Haddock had all kinds of curses flying through his mind as they parked the car but the events that happened spoke for themselves. Tintin was waiting for Haddock to start criticizing his reckless decisions but no berating came. Haddock seemed more concerned for Tintin’s well being than trying to prove a point; as a matter of fact, Haddock was even more affectionate than usual. Tintin didn’t feel smothered by Haddock’s displays of affection, actually Tintin liked it.

Haddock shut the door to the garage after he parked the car. Tintin looked so defenseless with his arm in a sling. Haddock walked over to Tintin and put his arm around him.
“I hope we don’t see your Dobermans again” Haddock commented before they walked in the manor.
“I doubt we will for awhile, they took something that was left for me that seemed to have some kind of significance about it…” Tintin said pondering the idea.
“You mean that little cube you have in your pocket?” Haddock asked quizzically.
“Oh I almost forgot about that cube fragment…we may yet get another visit” Tintin frowned.
“If they do, we’ll be ready for them. I got some good arsenal to send them packing” Haddock commented
“So what do you think that cube is used for?” Haddock asked curiously.

“I haven’t the foggiest notion captain” Tintin shrugged.
When they walked in the manor, they could see the table had already been set for lunch. It was set buffet style with small sandwiches, crackers, cheese, and vegetables. It was something Nestor would do for them when he wasn’t sure of what to prepare.
“I think this fits me just fine” Tintin smiled.

“Well then I’m happy!” Haddock smiled back embracing Tintin as Tintin put his free arm Haddock’s neck. Nestor came in to the dining hall bringing a tray for tea and looked up to see Haddock dressed in his casual brown suit and brown plaid vest while he wore a pair of jeans. Tintin looked nice too in his blue and white diamond cris-crossed vest with a white button up shirt underneath and a pair of his brown caukis. He noticed Tintin slightly standing on his tip toes looking up to Haddock to give him a kiss.

“Master Haddock and Tintin, it’s good to see you both back safely. I have prepared lunch for you” Nestor spoke up to let them know he was in their presence. He knew and could care less about their relationship. Haddock was happy, Tintin was happy, what else mattered Nestor thought.

Haddock looked up and let Tintin go, “I see that Nestor, thank you again!” he smiled.
“I really like it when you do the lunch buffet style” Tintin commented helping himself to some sandwiches.
“Tintin! Captain Haddock!” Professor Calculus said coming into the dining hall with something folded in his arms.
“Cuthbert!” Haddock beamed walking up to him and grabbing him with a strong bear hug.
“Please Captain, I don’t want to end up in the hospital too” Calculus joked.
“Whatever you gave Tintin, he recovered quickly!” Haddock said jovially.
Snowy and Cocoa came walking slowly out of the kitchen both happy to see Tintin doing well.
“Snowy! Cocoa! My brave little children!” Tintin said gleefully petting and receiving kisses from both of them.
“I see your arm is in a sling, but I hear you should recover within a day or so” Calculus estimated.

“It’s just a bit sore, keeping my arm in this position keeps the soreness away” Tintin explained.
“Good I’m glad to hear it” Calculus nodded.
“Thank you Professor for going out of your way for me…if it wasn’t for your quick thinking who knows what may have happened” Tintin admitted.
“Now now now, I’m just doing what I would do for any of my family members” Calculus shook his head. “Oh, and I was able to get a few extra doses of the super antibiotic” Calculus smiled.
“You did?” Tintin was surprised.

“Indeed I did, who knows if you may run into something else as poisonous…there should be enough in that flask for about ten treatments. I have two left in a flask which I have in my lab so I can try to replicate it just in case” Calculus finished.
“You think of everything! You’re truly a genius professor!” Tintin admired him.
“Thank you Tintin” Calculus blushed a little. “The super antibiotic should be in your suitcase which Nestor has already packed for you and the captain” the professor informed him.

“I would also like to add, your plane to Glasgow will leave at five O’clock sir” Nestor interjected. “I would also like to inform you Captain Chester called this afternoon…” Nestor paused.
Haddock and Tintin regarded him curiously. “…and?” Haddock prompted him.
“He says he wishes for you to give him a ring, I left his phone number by the phone” Nestor finished.
“I wonder what he could want?” Haddock asked rhetorically. Tintin only shrugged.
“Why thank all of you again!” Tintin smiled again.
“Well you can thank us by eating so we can be off to the airport before our plane leaves” Haddock winked.
“Of course captain!” Tintin laughed followed by everyone else.

“I’m going to give Chester a ring excuse me…” Haddock said walking to the parlor.
Tintin walked over and filled a plate with a nice combination of food and fixed him a cup of hot tea taking his seat at the table. Secretly despite the jovial moment they were having Tintin still had many questions and unresolved issues that needed to be addressed which he continued to ponder. Professor Calculus joined and reminded him not to forget the special pack he had made for the two of them, a small box for the Detectives, and not to forget both Thompson and Thomson's canes he customized for them
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 02-14-2013 at 10:36 PM..

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#69
Old 02-12-2013, 12:45 AM

CHAPTER 33 (PART - A)


Benton sat at home alone Friday night trying to keep his mind occupied, but to no avail. He turned on the television in hope of just letting the mindless programs take him away. Finally Benton took a small pint bottle he had hidden for occasions like these to help put him out so he could sleep. He was sick of the inner chatter in his head. The gin finally granted his wish and he fell asleep on the sofa. It wasn’t long before the sound of the horn of Eric’s truck woke him once again.

Benton jumped up with a start. Since he didn’t change into anything comfortable to sleep in the night before he only needed to put on his boots, grab his coat, and dash out the door. Eric was waiting patiently.

“That was quicker than usual. Did you sleep in your clothes again?” Eric asked guessing that to be the case.
“Got a lot on my mind Eric, just want to forget it so I can focus on what I need to do” Benton sighed.
“Don’t worry, you two have been married for almost six years now and have two children…she’s not going to leave you mate” Eric blew off Benton’s worry.
“Wherever you got that jolly good feeling at, I need it too ha!” Benton finally smiled.
“Here, have a swig of this!” Eric said handing him a small flask.

“What’s this?” Benton asked as Eric drove.
“It’s rum, but it’s really good!” Eric laughed.
Benton took a smell then a small sip. “Not bad…” he nodded taking another then handing it back to Eric.
They arrived shortly at the wharf and prepared for a half day of work. The captain and the other two guys were still preparing the boat to go out.
“At least you guys are on time today” one of them commented.
“What are you talking about? We’ve only been late a time or two… but usually here right on the dot” Eric retorted.
“Ok men, let’s catch some fish, the more fish we catch the more your pay will be today!” Captain Falls announced.
Everyone nodded and quickly got their little schooner ready to go out to sea. Eric and Benton worked hard without saying as much as two words, just a nod and remained silent. As they set off two men stood a short distance watching them set off.

“So that’s the famous Tintin we are going to grab later” Mikhail replied.
“Yes, that’s him, we need to watch and make sure we don’t miss him” Ivan nodded.
“Let’s go get something to drink, surely they aren’t going to be back for at least two hours” Mikhail reasoned.
“If Allan is right about his source they will be back by lunch time, so let’s be waiting discreetly nearby before lunch” Ivan suggested.
“Where are Allan and Tom?” Mikhail asked.
“They are making preparations on other matters that he didn’t share with me” Ivan answered.
“I wonder what they could be doing?” Mikhail wondered.
“I don’t care, as long as we capture Tintin our boss will be happy, Allan will be happy, and most importantly Lento’s boss will be happy” Ivan explained.
“Well great, let’s go get a drink” Mikhail said walking away as they waited for the pub to open.

XXXXXXXX

Their day consisted of catching a few bundles of fish, but nothing substantial, something that can be sold to the local pubs and some of the fish stands that weren’t fishermen. The amount of fish they caught wasn’t what Captain Falls had hoped for. The winds had picked up a bit and the sea was not as hospitable as it was yesterday. When they arrived back to port they were all hungry from fighting with the sea.

“Well today’s catch could have been better but let me buy all of you lunch today” Captain Falls said instantly getting a positive response out of his crew. His crew worked hard but since Captain Falls was able to get break from the pub owner for bringing his entire crew to eat, he received a discount. It was a win win situation for everyone, even if the pay wasn’t so great, his workers at least went home with a full belly and a free first round.

When they arrived at the pub, the pub owner bought the entire lot of fish since he was expecting it to be a busy weekend due to a celebration of a retired captain’s birthday party. The captain was able to instantly pay his crew. The pub owner brought them a huge pitcher of ale with five glasses. The pitcher didn’t last very long. They were brought a platter of fried fish and chips as well.

“Well you see it’s turned out to be a not so bad day” Eric nudged Benton sitting next to him at the table.
“I guess so…the real task will be ahead of me” Benton said finishing his ale.
“Why don’t you two stay with us for another pitcher of ale with us?” the captain’s first mate laughed.
“If there’s free ale involved, I’ll stay” Eric commented.
“Well I really do need to go…” Benton said turning around noticing a couple of officers standing by the door of the pub.

“Pssst! Eric! Theres’ a couple of officers by the door” Benton whispered.
“Where?!” Eric suddenly began looking all around him.
“Shh!! Don’t act so obvious!” Benton whispered with a scolding tone.
“I wonder what they're doing here?” Eric whispered.
“I don’t know, but I’ve got a bad feeling about them” Benton said feeling paranoid all the sudden.
“What are you two babbling about?” the first mate blurted out.
Benton and Eric only gave him a hushed serious look and pointed to the two officers.
“Alright Eric, Benton, what have you two done now?” the first mate laughed.
“Nothing…” Eric shook his head brushing his auburn hair out of his face.
“Will all of you be quiet about the officers and mind your own business? Then they will have no quarrel with you” Captain Falls chided.

“I think maybe we should have an ale before we leave so we don’t look so suspicious” Eric suggested to Benton.
“What do you mean suspicious? We haven’t done anything!” Benton gave Eric a strange look.
“It doesn’t matter, by leaving as soon as they walk in they're immediately going to notice than if we are sly and have a drink before leaving” Eric suggested.
“Fine, fill my glass will ya?” Benton said pushing his glass next to the pitcher as Eric poured himself another glass.
“Maybe having this drink will get rid of some of that paranoia your feeling” Eric whispered.

Benton stole another glance behind him as he noticed the two officers were having ale at the bar while turned around discreetly watching everyone.
“Is it just me, or do those two look like the two blokes we bumped into just yesterday here?” Benton quickly turned back around looking to Eric.
Eric took a gulp of ale and discreetly turned around glancing at the faces of the officers as they took a stare their way. Eric politely nodded and turned around.
“They do look a bit familiar” Eric whispered starting to feel a bit of the same feeling Benton did. Benton and Eric took another filet of fish each and a couple more chips with malt vinegar before finishing their second ale.

“You ready to make a break for it?” Eric whispered to Benton.
“Ready whenever you are” Benton whispered back.
“Would you two quit acting like children already!?” the first mate and the other guy complained.
“Hush would ya? Being loud draws attention” Captain Falls scolded his friends.
“Listen Captain, thanks for the food and the early pay again” Eric nodded.
“Yes, I thank you as well” Benton nodded.
“You two can thank me by continuing to be on time… I’ll expect to see you both Monday morning 5 AM, no excuses” Captain Falls replied quietly.
“Aye aye Captain sir!” Benton and Eric agreed as they collected their belongings and casually walked out.

The two officers finished their ale about five seconds after they walked out and then they too made their exit.
Captain Falls didn’t recognize the officers so he walked up to the bartender by the bar.
“Excuse me, have you seen those two bobbys before?” he asked casually.
“Why no? I figured they were out of towners meself” the bartender replied just as confused.
Captain Falls returned to his seat and poured himself another glass of ale.
“Is something wrong captain?” his first mate asked.
“No…no, it’s nothing…” he replied taking a long sip.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 02-21-2013 at 02:10 PM..

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#70
Old 02-14-2013, 04:47 PM

CHAPTER 33 (PART - B) end of chapter 33


Chester woke up that morning just about an hour after sunrise with the help of his granddaughter already up making noises in the other room. He sat up and yawned looking out the window. He put on his housecoat over his pajamas and stepped out of his room. Enzo slept peacefully on the sofa covered in a long orange blanket. Kevin was already up with Elizabeth in the kitchen enjoying a morning tea as Elizabeth was cooking breakfast for everyone.

“Mornin’ dad” Elizabeth greeted her father.
“Mornin’ to you too lass” Chester said taking a seat on a stool by their counter in the kitchen.
“You’re up early” Kevin commented.
“So are you? Isn’t today your relaxation holiday?” Chester was surprised to see Kevin stirring about. “Tis indeed, we thought about going for a boat ride this later this morning” Kevin continued.
“A boat ride?” Chester said yawning again as Elizabeth set a cup of fresh hot tea in front of him.
“Yes, don’t get to spend much time otherwise with the family so today is our family day” Kevin explained. “Plus I have four free tickets” Kevin picked up the four tickets on the counter.
“Yes dad, we thought Rachel might enjoy getting out of the house” Elizabeth added.
“Sounds like fun” Chester nodded.
“Would you like to come too?” Elizabeth smiled.
“Well… I have to get back on my ship Monday… a break from the sea is good for you…” Chester trailed off taking a sip of his tea.
“I see…then you want to stay and rest?” Elizabeth asked.
“…but I came to spend time with all of you, can’t do that if I’m here and all of you are down there” Chester thought out loud.
“Then you will go with us?” Elizabeth smiled.
“Uh…why not?” Chester finally smiled back. Rachel could be heard shouting and making noise in the bedroom. "...but what about Rachel? You only have four tickets?" Chester shrugged.
"Oh, I'm sure we can handle that" Kevin nodded.


“Great! I still need to get Rachel ready she’s been up for almost an hour already!” Elizabeth exclaimed.
“Well take your time, I still got to get my youngest sailor up” Chester joked.
Kevin and Elizabeth glanced at Enzo still able to sleep soundly.
“It’s amazing how well he sleeps through my daughters antics” Elizabeth commented.
“He’s enjoying the luxury of sleeping in. Once we get back on the ship he won’t have it. He’s up by five thirty in the morning preparing to do his early rounds on the ship” Chester glanced back at him.

“You want to leave him here? He can stay if he likes” Kevin shrugged.
“Don’t know, let me ask him” Chester said walking over to the sofa.
“Enzo…” Chester said gently shaking his shoulder. “Ezno…” he repeated.
After a minute, Enzo slowly began to open his eyes. “Yes captain”
“The family is going on a boat ride to get the granddaughter out of the house” Chester told him.
“Are we going?” Enzo asked quietly.
“It’s up to you lad, are still sleepy? We’re going to leave in about thirty minutes; but, if you want something to eat you better get up now” Chester suggested.
“Aye Captain…” Enzo said lazily turning over stretching on the sofa.
“Eggs and ham with some biscuits is all we have Enzo” Elizabeth replied.
“It’s smells great…just five minutes more please,” Enzo lied there comfortably yawning trying to wake up.
“So that’s a yes?” Kevin laughed.
“Si signore, bravo” Enzo answered jokingly back in his native language.
Kevin looked slightly confused.
“That was a yes” Chester returned back to his stool helping his self to some breakfast.
“Let me go and finish getting Rachel ready…better hurry up Enzo before father and Kevin eat everything” Elizabeth warned. “Father! You said you wanted to call Marlinspike this morning” Elizabeth reminded him quickly.

“That’s right!” Chester said with his mouth full. He got up and walked to the phone.
“Now what’s the number?” Chester thought out loud to himself. “Here we go!” he said dialing the number.
The phone rang and rang, but still, no answer.
“Now this is getting stranger…” Chester commented hanging up the phone and trying again. His persistence was not rewarded, still no one answered.
“Maybe they are still asleep?” Kevin suggested.
“Maybe Haddock or Calculus, but not Nestor or Tintin…both of them rise with the crack of dawn” Chester said with slight concern.

“Aw…they are grown men, what could possibly happen?” Kevin shrugged.
“Don’t say that… anything at any given time can go wrong” Chester waved his finger.
Enzo finally got up and disappeared into the bathroom.
“I’m sure they’re fine Captain, some of the extraordinary tales you’ve shared with us would lead me to believe that they could handle any obstacle blocking their way” Kevin replied confidently.
“Perhaps you’re right; I’ll call them again when we return home from the boat ride” Chester nodded.
“There’s no point in worrying yourself, let’s go and enjoy ourselves…we’ll stop at a pub on the way back and have a couple ales” Kevin smiled trying to get Chester to stop worrying.
“Fair enough…Hurry Enzo or there will be nothing left to eat!” Chester shouted.

XXXXXXXXX

That morning when the phone rang, Nestor had just walked out the door to go to the hospital to check on Haddock and Tintin; and afterwards pick the professor up from the airport. He still needed to go to the animal hospital and pick up Snowy and Cocoa by noon. Nestor began a busy day quite early while Chester and his family were already down by the bay in town to catch a ferry. The day was only slightly foggy at first but the sun protruded through the misty skies beginning to clear out the fog. Rachel was more than a bit boisterous that day as she randomly screamed at passing strangers.

“Rachel!” Elizabeth scolded her.
“Mo-ma!” Rachel yelled back.
“Shhhh!!” Elizabeth said as they waited to board the ferry.
“She’s full of energy today” Enzo commented.
“Yes, and unusually a lot today for that matter” Elizabeth agreed.
“So where is this ferry taking us?” Enzo asked.
“Actually, just up to Port Glasgow and back, it’s a day ride with food and a band, should be a lot of fun” Kevin replied enthusiastically.
“Well this could be interesting” Enzo smiled.
“I hope you like bagpipes” Chester laughed.
“I think they sound so majestic!” Enzo admired.
“Those pipes mean a lot to us” Kevin agreed.
“They were used during wartime” Chester countered.
“That was a long time ago” Kevin dismissed his claim.

“Come on everyone they’re boarding now!” Elizabeth rushed them on.
There were two averaged size groups of people getting on the ferry. No more than about seventy people were boarding for the day fare which meant it wouldn’t be that overcrowded. There were tourists mainly from France and America on board the ferry who were predominantly older. There was only another small family with children as they were directed into the main hall on the ferry which was where the food was served. There was also a nicely set up stage for the band to play.

“I didn’t realize it was going to be this kind of ferry ride” Chester commented.
“Oh yes father, Kevin was able to get us free tickets from where he worked, otherwise this would be a bit out of our price range” Elizabeth replied. Since Chester or Enzo didn’t have to pay anything for their tickets, they were content with whatever kind of ride it was. An announcer had a microphone on stage and began to speak.

“Welcome aboard Water Piper, we’ll be serving brunch in an hour, and lunch at one O’clock. We will be cruising to the Port of Glasgow and slowly make our way back. We will have ‘The Lochies” performing for us at half past eleven. We will return to Glasgow at three O’clock. We hope you enjoy yourself and thank you for cruising with us today” the announcer finished. Chester could not stop thinking about Haddock and Tintin and decided on way or another he was going to at least let them know he was trying to reach them.

The band was a three man band that played a variety of folk tunes and popular songs. Just before lunch Chester stepped out on to the main deck to have a look at the port to see if he could see his ship and to smoke his pipe a little to thinks about how he was going to communicate. “Could you watch Rachel for a minute, I’m going to go check on dad” Elizabeth said getting up from the table. Kevin and Enzo nodded and were really enjoying the band and Rachel was doing a little dance entertaining the tables around them.
Elizabeth stepped out on the deck as Chester had his back watching the port intently.
“Is everything ok dad?” Elizabeth asked.
“As far as I know… but that’s the problem…I don’t know…” Chester said taking a long puff.

“Oh dad there's your ship!” Elizabeth pointed trying to take his mind off whatever was troubling him.
“ Yea, that’s the Sirius…I’ve had her a long time” Chester nodded thoughtfully noticing that a few crew members were doing maintenance.
“I haven’t been on there since I was fifteen, at least not ridden it… if you don’t count my brief visit last year” Elizabeth chuckled.
“Blimey! How time flies, you’ve grown into a fine young lady. Soon Rachel will be the young curious girl you were” Chester laughed.
“Dad, isn’t that the Peary from your story when Uncle Haddock and his friend were racing to the Arctic?” Elizabeth asked seeing the name.
“You got a good eye girl and a good memory, you’re right…I’d almost forgotten about that!“ Chester nodded.
“I wonder what they’re doing here?” Elizabeth wondered.
“Who knows… maybe picking up or unloading cargo?” Chester guessed. As they cruised a bit further they noticed a bigger ship.
“Dad! Look at that ghastly looking ship!” Elizabeth said gawking at the dark looking ship with its name painted in a bloody red color.

“The Sea Serpent…a fitting name for a monstrosity, but it looks like it's well designed” Chester commented on its other aspects.
“Why is the ship painted all black and so many ghastly things on it like those gargoyles?” Elizabeth said noticing two of the statues perched on one side of the ship.
“Who knows…there are some quirky ship owners these days…let’s go get some lunch I’m starving” Chester said putting a hand on his daughter’s shoulder.
“No argument there” Elizabeth laughed.

XXXXXXXXX

Gaspar was on the deck yelling and shouting at crew members hoisting cargo carelessly until he could hear music in the distance.
“You slackers better not drop that crate or I’ll have your hides!” he waved his fist menacingly.
"Captain Gaspar where's that music coming from?" a crewman asked unable to see the passenger ship.
"Don't worry about that, do your job!" Gaspar ordered.
Finally out of curiosity he grabbed a pair of binoculars he had and glanced at the source of the music then noticed Captain Chester with some young woman.
“What’s this?” Gaspar thought to himself. He saw the young woman point to their ship and make a disgusted face while Chester shrugged his shoulders taking a puff on his pipe.
“Making fun of my ship will ya!?” he laughed wickedly.
“So he’s here, which means…” Gaspar was thinking quietly when a loud impact on the deck broke his concentration.
“Captain! One of the crate bottoms fell out” a crew member shouted.
Gaspar looked up at the crane holding the crate and that was what had happened.
“Well don’t just stand there you lazy blokes, clean up the damn mess!” Gaspar ordered.
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Last edited by Kole_Locke; 02-21-2013 at 03:17 PM..

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#71
Old 02-18-2013, 06:55 PM

CHAPTER 34 (PART - A)


As Chester and his daughter were going back in to rejoin the rest of the family for lunch, Chester suddenly got an idea.
“Elizabeth, give me a moment. I’m going to the radio room” Chester smiled.
“You’re going to try to reach Uncle Haddock again?” Elizabeth asked.
“Yes” he nodded. Elizabeth suddenly felt a chill and nodded returning inside. Chester climbed the ladder up near the bridge to the radio room.
“Sir, I’m afraid this area is off limits to passengers” one of the crewmen put up his hands.
“I’m a captain of another ship. I really need to get a message ashore to someone. Can I please use your radio?” Chester pleaded.
“Is it an emergency?” the radio operator asked taking his headphones off as Chester disregarded the crewman.
“Yes” Chester nodded.
“I can signal our shore headquarters and they can call with the message you want to deliver” the radio operator offered.
“This is against the rules” the crewman insisted.
“Look, I’ve guided ships through stormy waters while your mum was still changing your undergarments. Now if you don’t mind I need to get a message through!” Chester retorted.The crewman was a young man and taken back by Chester’s sudden aggressive demeanor.

“Write down what you want me to communicate, I can do it discreetly by Morse code” the radio operator smiled.
“Thank you!” Chester said taking a pen and pad writing down the number to call and telling the person who calls to tell whoever answers at Marlinspike to call Captain Chester giving his daughter’s number.
“That should do it…” Chester said handing the paper back to the radio operator.
Without delay the operator put on his headphones and immediately transferred the message via Morse code. A couple minutes later a message was sent back.

“Yes, we will do that right now-- will respond with a reply in a minute…” The radio operator wrote down. They waited patiently. Five minutes later a reply came back.
“The call went through, and a butler answered saying he would send the message along”
The radio operator handed the message to Chester.
“Thank you!” Chester winked putting a few coins next to the radio operator. Then he pocketed the message and returned back to his family.

XXXXXXXXX

Haddock dialed Chester’s daughter’s number and let the phone ring and ring with no answer. Haddock hung up and tried again and still no answer.
“Blisterin' Barnacles! That’s odd…” Haddock said hanging up the phone returning back to the dining room.
“Did you get to talk to Captain Chester?” Tintin asked already knowing the answer by looking at Haddock’s face.
“No, I can’t get anyone to pick up the phone” Haddock shrugged a bit perturbed.
“Well maybe he took his family out?” Tintin shrugged back in return.
“We’re making our way up to Glasgow anyways, so we can call him when we get there” Haddock nodded.

“I hope it wasn’t anything important” Tintin frowned.
“Thunderin’ Typhoons! That’s exactly what I was thinking!” Haddock said almost frustratingly.
“Well we could simply call them when we arrive at the bed and breakfast and continue to have Nestor call them and let them know of where we are going to be” Tintin suggested.
“What about the whole scare with the phone taps?” Haddock suddenly remembered.
“If they’re after us, they’re going to find us anyway. I’m not going to let them make me live my life under a box” Tintin dismissed the thought.
“Captain, Tintin, if I may suggest, why don’t you let me call Captain Chester and have him meet you at the bed and breakfast?” the Professor said finishing his food.
“Blistern’ Bright Blue Barnacles! Is that hearing aid malfunctioning again Cuthbert? That’s what Tintin just said” Haddock reiterated.

Professor Calculus slapped his ear as if his hearing aid really was malfunctioning.
“Hmm… I’ll have to look into it” Calculus said now wondering if that was the case.
“It’s almost three O’clock now sir would you like me to prepare the car?” Nestor asked casually.
“If you don’t mind thank you” Haddock said politely.
“Please remember to make use of your gadgets!” Calculus reminded them. Snowy and Cocoa came out of the kitchen wandering around as the cat snuck back in behind them.
“You aren’t coming Professor?” Tintin asked.
“Not this time Tintin… I got work to do in the lab. I got to be able to replicate that super antibiotic” Calculus nodded then smiled.
“Is there something else Cuthbert?” Haddock grinned curiously at Calculus as he seemed to look happier than usual.
“Well I did receive a call from Madame…” he smiled devilishly.

“You did?!” Haddock’s eyes widened in a bit of shock.
“I did indeed” Calculus nodded gleefully.
“She’s not…not coming for a visit is she?” Haddock asked with concern.
“Unfortunately not…but she did send me a couple of tickets to her up coming concert in Vienna Austria at the Wiener Staatsoper” Professor Calculus frowned and smiled.
“Well…I’m sorry to hear that professor” Haddock let out a sigh of relief.
“Me too… but she is sending me tickets to her concert in two weeks in Vienna” The Professor’s eyes lit up.
“Well I hope you enjoy yourself” Haddock nodded.
“Well aren’t you both coming too? She’s sending tickets for all of us!” Calculus said enthusiastically.
“Blisterin’ Barnaculous Banshees! Cuthbert! You realize we’re in the middle of something here… I’m not sure if we can make it!” Haddock said sternly for himself and Tintin.
“Why Captain, how could we refuse to go to the Wiener Staatsoper? You are right, let’s take care of what’s going on here and then we will discuss further engagements when we return from Glasgow” Tintin agreed.
“Good boy, something good did rub off of me to you” Haddock winked clasping Tintin’s shoulder. “Now let’s go get our suitcases, Nestor is probably waiting for us” Haddock said prompting him to come upstairs with him.

Professor Calculus still couldn’t quite understand Haddock’s disdain for Madame Castafiore. To the Professor, Madame Castafiore was an angel from a Heavenly choir. Madame Castafiore was already aware that Haddock and Tintin had become a couple and even supported them. She was among the inner circle of friends privy to that information, but it still didn’t stop her from being just a bit overly affectionate to Captain Haddock who still found that she still could make him feel uncomfortable. Tintin had to remind Haddock that Madame Castafiore has been a valuable ally with access to people in high places. Her influence in many places was invaluable to their adventures and that their continued friendship was very important. Castafiore had been back to Marlinspike on a couple occasions, thankfully for Haddock they were only a couple of days each.

Haddock had a hard time saying no or disagreeing with Tintin when he would get that adorable serious look that Haddock had fallen in love with. Tintin knew it too and sometimes would take advantage of it. Professor Calculus on the other hand felt the exact opposite of Haddock. He craved Madame’s attention always showering her with complements and gifts. He had every album she had put out and would sometimes listen to her albums in his room. Haddock did appreciate Madame, but still found her inability to say his correct name quite irritating and her ability to project. Sometimes Haddock would bang on the Professor's door at night when the music was a bit too loud.

“Master Calculus, is your hearing aid up to par?” Nestor suddenly asked jolting the professor from his thoughts.
“I do believe so” Calculus nodded.
“Captain Chester may try to call again, if he does let him know Master Haddock and Tintin are on their way to Glasgow at the Sea Breeze Bed and Breakfast” Nestor instructed.
“Certainly, I’m going to my lab shortly…I do have a phone in there Nestor” Calculus smiled.
“Thank you, I should be home in an hour” Nestor said putting his gloves on walking out the front door to get the chauffeur’s car as Snowy and Cocoa ran after him.
“Come here ya tease!” Haddock shouted. The Professor stepped out into the main foyer and looked upstairs.
“Captain! I don't want to wear that!” Professor Calculus thought he heard Tintin shout.
“That’s not going to save ya lad! You're going to land of the Scots!” Haddock shouted. Professor Calculus looked up the stair case a bit concerned as Haddock’s room had a ruckus erupt from it. Then afterwards a loud burst of laughter erupted.
"Well if you won't wear that one, I'll buy you one while we're in Scotland" Haddock laughed.
"Ok Captain you win... it better be a nice one or I won't wear it" Tintin playfully nudged Haddock as they entered the foyer organizing their luggage.


A few moments later Tintin and Haddock came downstairs with their hair slightly ruffled and clothes somewhat wrinkled as the Captain was readjusting his hat. Professor Calculus adjusted his glasses and looked once at them both of them. Their cheeks were flushed. The Professor nodded thoughtfully waving his umbrella at them as he walked over to his lab snickering all the way. Tintin and Haddock finally met Nestor outside already waiting with the car, Snowy, and Cocoa.
“We have to hurry master, it’s already three thirty” Nestor said urgently.
“Yes Nestor” Tintin agreed, and then they were off.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

After the boat ride they stopped at the pub as Kevin wanted and had one pint. Chester was more interested in returning back to the house so he told Elizabeth to help him get her husband out as quickly as she could which she was quite effective at. It was almost five O’clock when they finally arrived home. Rachel’s energy had waned a bit since she didn’t take a nap. Enzo chatted with Kevin about some of earlier adventures on the Sirius when he was fifteen and sixteen. Kevin found the tales fascinating, especially one where Enzo actually stumbled on four men robed up chanting wearing bird masks. Chester didn’t waste any time once they arrived at the house and went straight to the phone. Chester anxiously dialed the number until finally someone answered.

“Hello? Nestor?” Chester asked.
“Captain Chester I presume? I received a call on your behalf” Nestor acknowledged.
“Did you see Captain Haddock or Tintin?” Chester asked anxiously.
“I did, they know you tried to call…but they aren’t here. They are on their way to Glasgow” Nestor informed him.
“They are?” Chester asked a bit confused.
“Yes, some business concerning the Detectives…I was told to tell you if you called they will be at the Sea Breeze bed and breakfast sometime near six O’clock” Nester finished.
“Perfect, I’ll meet them there. Thank you Nestor” Chester nodded hanging up the phone.


Chester returned to the living den as they had already turned the television on as Elizabeth was getting a couple of toys.
“Were you able to reach them?” Enzo asked seeing a somewhat hopeful look on Chester’s face.
“I was, and they are coming to Glasgow” Chester stated.
“They are?” Elizabeth looked a bit surprised.
“Did they say why?” Enzo was curious.
“Tintin’s boss is in the area. Kevin, do you know where the Sea Breeze bed and breakfast is?” Chester suddenly asked.
“Yea, is that where they’re going?” Kevin nodded.
“Yes, they should arrive sometime after six…which leads me to my next question” Chester paused.
“We can leave anytime you’re ready” Kevin nodded.
“Is Rachel too tired to go out again?” Chester asked his daughter.
“Papa!” Rachel said gleefully running over to Chester to grab his leg.
“My favorite granddaughter!” Chester said picking her up kissing her forehead.
“You see how much energy she has, let me use the loo and then I should be ready” Elizabeth walked off.
“Splendid” Chester nodded.
“Spendid” Rachel said trying to mimic her grandfather as he held her.
__________________
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Last edited by Kole_Locke; 02-25-2013 at 05:14 AM..

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#72
Old 02-20-2013, 11:16 PM

CHAPTER 34 (PART - B) end of chapter 34


Benton followed Eric who was bolting for his truck and saying a few words under his breath.
“Something about those blokes don’t sit right with me…” Eric mumbled.
“I don’t like this Eric, you’re scaring me” Benton said with panic in his voice.
“Just don’t turn around, look forward” Eric said as they got in his truck starting it up.
Shortly after they got out of the truck the officers came outside getting into a beat up looking car. Benton could see in the side mirror two other men got in the back.
“Hold on tight!” Eric said throwing the truck in reverse fast enough that they spun out speeding off back through town. Other drivers were beeping their horns shaking their fist at Benton and Eric.

“Watch where you’re going you buggers!” one man shouted from his car.
The town farmers’ market luckily was the opposite way they were going but many people coming to town to stroll or shop was impeding their movement.
“Oi! Move it will ya?” Eric shouted beeping his horn.
Benton could see the beat up looking car coming up behind but luckily they were able to continue on.
“Maybe they won’t continue to follow us?” Benton hoped.
“I don’t know, I don’t want to give them the chance to find out” Eric had serious doubts as he could see they were clearly trying to follow them in a non police vehicle which made further made him more suspicious.
“I know this area really well. We’re taking the back roads to your house!” Eric said as they quickly left town going down the old country roads.

As soon as they got out of Ipswich they were taking every dirt road they could think of. Eric suddenly got another idea.
“What are you doing?!” Benton looked a bit surprised as he began driving through someone’s field.
“Making sure they don’t find us” Eric laughed.
“Fair enough ha!” Benton cheered as the ride suddenly became bumpy.

The bumpy field made them move a bit slower otherwise Eric’s truck would be damaged. After fifteen minutes of taking back roads they returned to the main road thinking they were home free. They were five minutes away from Benton’s house when a dark robed man was standing in the middle of the road.
“What is this bloke playing at?! Crazy or something?!” Benton shouted.
“Hold on!” Eric yelled as they swerved to the side to avoid him.
“Did you see that!?” Benton asked noticing a bird mask on his face.
“No, I was trying to avoid that darkly clothed man” Eric said looking up seeing two dogs ahead.
“What’s this!?” Eric shouted.
“Watch out!” Benton yelled as they tried to swerve but cut the turn too quickly causing the truck to turn over on its side.
Benton and Eric luckily only received some minor bruising.
“Are you alright?” Eric asked.
“Yes, I think I can still walk, but your truck!” Benton gasped.
“Let’s get out, I have a bad feeling about this” Eric advised. Slowly they crawled out of Eric’s truck.

“Now if we could just get the truck right side up” Benton lamented. “Can you run?” Benton suddenly asked looking a bit terrified.
“I think so” Eric nodded.
“Good because we need to run now!” Benton turned and started running. Eric did likewise taking a glance behind him and could see two big dogs coming several yards behind them.
“Come on, my house isn’t too much further we can get inside and should be safe there” Benton wheezed as they ran.
“Who is after you anyways? Have you been gambling on darts again?” Eric gasped knowing about Benton’s way of cleaning drunks out of their money.
“Not these blokes…” Benton continued running. Eric glanced back behind them and the dogs were no longer in pursuit.
“Where did they go?” Eric slowed down. Benton slowed down and looked back and there was simply no trace of them.
“This is really strange… hurry let’s go to Lucille’s parents house” Benton motioned.
They continued to jog but when they arrived back at Benton’s house the beat car pulled in behind them.
“Impossible! We lost them!?” Eric said in disbelief.

Suddenly the car doors flew open, “Halt Tintin! If you take another step, we’ll shoot!” someone’s voice projected across the front of his house. Benton and Eric were a few meters from the fields.
“Eric, make a run for it through the fields… I’ll dash the opposite way. Get to Lucille and tell her to contact my brother” Benton whispered.
“What about you?!” Eric asked with concern.
“Don’t worry about me, you can worry about getting to Lucille alive! Now go!” he prompted running for the field. Since Eric was closer he made a dash for it as well.
“Kill the other one… but don’t let Tintin escape…we need him alive!” Allan instructed.
“Got it boss!” Tom said joining Allan who was also dressed as a police officer.
Mikhail and Ivan ran after Eric taking shots at him. The field grass and weeds were high making it extremely difficult to see him. The high field weeds were almost five feet tall, but would they be sufficient enough to keep him hidden?

“The boss said we could kill this one” Mikhail smiled evilly.
“Well don’t tell me do it!” Ivan said as they continued to shoot.

Eric ran with every fiber in his body, but a stray bullet grazed his shoulder, and another his leg. The searing pain was horrible, but he knew if he stopped he would be a dead man. He continued to run while more shots were fired in his direction. Eric knew that the fields stretched a long way and that his best bet was to get far enough and find an area and hide, but would he be able to pull it off successfully?

Benton ran in another direction opposite of Eric in hopes that one of them would escape. Benton noticed the car was gone, had Lucille come to the house and left looking for him? Benton only hoped she didn’t come back with the kids until he could figure out what to do about this newest problem.

Benton could hear shots being taken at him but none seemed to hit him luckily or were they purposely trying to miss him. He had no idea, but all he knew is that he didn’t want to die here, not before getting to tell Lucille he was sorry and to see his kids one last time. A sudden surge of adrenaline hit him and he was able to run a bit faster through the fields. He only hoped that if he didn’t make it that Eric would, he heard the shots and hoped they were all misses. Eric’s screams broke Benton out of his thoughts.

“Eric! Noooo!” You bastards!” Benton screamed making it easier for Allan and Tom to find him.
“Put your hands up Tintin! End of the line!” Allan said looking dead at Benton as he finally caught up with him.
“I’m not Tintin you idiot!” Benton spat.
“Oh yea? Funny because you kind of look like ‘em” Tom pointed his gun.
“What did you do to my friend!?” Benton demanded.
“Don’t worry, that’s not what we’re going to do to you. Fortunately for you we need you alive” Allan said keeping his gun trained on him.
“I may not be Tintin, but I don’t like you buggers either!” Benton said getting louder with rage.
Benton finally realized what was going on and decided to take advantage of the fact they needed him alive. He quickly rushed at Tom punching him in the face surprising him.
“You little…” Tom said getting knocked back by Benton’s punch.
Allan quickly tried to grab Benton in a half nelson move but Benton proved to be quicker elbowing him in the chest knocking Allan back, but Tom recovered quicker than Benton anticipated. Tom took his officers baton and whacked Benton over the head knocking him cold as he fell to the ground.

“Good job Tom, now let’s get him and get to Glasgow before the real officers come. Tom picked the unconscious Benton up slinging him over his shoulder.
“Boss, are you sure we got the right bloke? I mean Tintin never sounded like this one” Tom asked as they rushed back to the car.
“We don’t have time to figure that out right now Tom, we’ve got to move quickly!” Allan said urgently.
When they arrived at the car Mikhail and Ivan were waiting by the car with smirks.
“Did you get the other one?” Allan demanded to know.
“Yes” Mikhail smiled.
“Get in and tie his wrists and ankles!” Allan ordered and they sped off down the road.
“How did you know where they were going boss?” Tom asked curiously.
“Let’s just say a little bird told me hehehehe!” Allan laughed as Mikhail and Ivan began laughing finding humor in his comment.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 02-25-2013 at 12:44 PM..

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#73
Old 02-22-2013, 08:14 PM

CHAPTER 35 (PART - A)


It was almost mid afternoon as Lucille stood by the windows looking out over the hilly land lost in thought. Her mother sat busy reading a book by the fire. Lucille was visiting with her parents down the lane a ways until she and Benton could compromise, when all the sudden she heard gunshots off in the distance.

“Did you hear that?” Lucille asked her mother a bit concerned.
“It must be the other neighbors shooting at birds” her mother answered listening.
“No, I don’t think so… I suddenly have a bad feeling mum” Lucille said grabbing her stomach.
“The neighbors are always doing some kind of sport, but not to worry you know, they are quite a ways down the lane” Lucille’s mother tried to put her daughter at ease.
A couple more shots went off. “No! That sounded louder this time. How close to do they shoot their guns to the house?” Lucille asked more than a bit concerned.
Lucille walked over to the window towards the neighbor’s property but saw no one off in the distance. “I see no one outside down towards the neighbor’s property mum and the children are outside!”

“Well let me phone them and find out if it really is them because that definitely sounded louder that time” her mother walked to the parlor to use the phone.
It was a few moments Lucille’s worst fears seem to come to fruition. She heard Matthew and Heidi screaming hysterically as if someone was hurting them.

“Matthew! Heidi!” Lucille didn’t hesitate running outside the front door dashing toward right side of the house.
“Mum! Mum! Aiiieee!!!” Lucille could hear her children screaming for her.
“Matthew! Heidi! Where are you?” she ran screaming trying to remain calm knowing that panicking was not going to allow her to help her children if they were indeed in some kind of trouble.

Lucille ran around the bend of the right side of her family’s estate and saw the kids screaming at a man who had been seriously wounded with three gunshot wounds.
“Eric!” Lucille screamed instantly recognizing him running to assist him.
Eric was limping badly as Lucille ran to hold him up.

“Kids! Go tell your grandmother to phone the police and the ambulance!” she yelled.
The children ran quickly back to the front door while Lucille took off her scarf wrapping Eric’s leg in an attempt to slow the bleeding. He had a wound on the shoulder as well and a grazed wound on his side.
“You’ve got to hold that wound for your shoulder!” Lucille instructed him as she could feel how weak and pale he looked.
“Lucille… I think they took Benton…” Eric wheezed.
“Who?!” she grunted trying to shoulder his weight as her clothes were getting soiled by his blood.
“I don’t know…two men dressed in police uniforms…ugh!” he gasped.
“Keep talking to me… you’re going to make it!” Lucille continued to try to keep him from slipping into unconsciousness.
Lucille’s mother came rushing outside to help Lucille bring Eric in the house to tend to his wounds the best they could until the ambulance could arrive.

“Who shot you?” Lucille asked.
“Two other men…grey haired one of them…they sounded…Russian…” Eric spoke with a labored breath.
Lucille’s mother’s face had a grave expression. The kids were crying.
“Mommy is he going to be ok?” Heidi cried.
“He’s not going to die is he mommy?” Matthew was crying too.
“Mum, take the kids and watch for the ambulance” Lucille asked her to keep the kids from seeing anymore.
“Come on Eric! Stay with me!” Lucille was trying to hold back her tears now frightened for her husband’s safety. Eric was slipping away.
“You’ve got to be strong for me Eric!” Lucille said holding his head knelt on the floor next to him.
“Lucille… if I die…please tell my wife and kids… I love them…” Eric began coughing up blood.
“No! You’re going to tell them yourself! You hear me!” the situation was beginning to overwhelm Lucille emotionally.

That moment a few medics arrived as Lucille’s mother led them in the house.
“He’s here!” Lucille’s mother pointed as two young men brought a stretcher in with a case of medical equipment tending to Eric to prevent him from losing anymore blood. Then they moved him onto a stretcher and took him away.
“Mum!” both Matthew and Heidi ran to cling to their mother.
“We need to ask you a few questions Ms.” An officer walked in with a notepad.
“I need to know what happened” the officer asked in a serious tone.
“I heard gunshots and then a few minutes later I heard my children screaming outside” Lucille answered keeping her composure for her kids and mother.
“Did your children see anything?” he said as another officer was talking to Lucille’s mother as she seemed to know him.
Matthew and Heidi looked more than a bit traumatized.

“Matthew? Heidi? You’ve got to tell the officer what you saw…” she said getting on her knees looking at both of them.
Heidi and Matthew were still crying some but nodded in response.
“Did you see who shot Eric?” she asked quietly.
Both Heidi and Matthew only nodded no in response as the officer observed taking notes on his notepad.
“When did you see the victim?” the officer asked.
“It was barely thirty seconds when I was out with my children when I heard them screaming about forty minutes ago” Lucille explained.
“So you know the victim?” the officer continued.
“Yes, he’s my husband’s co-worker” Lucille answered.
“Where’s your husband?” the officer asked with a hint of suspicion.
“He told me that two officers took him” Lucille said anxiously hoping the officer would have some explanation.
“Is that so? What’s your husband’s name?” he narrowed his eyes.
“Benton Hadley” Lucille said almost inaudibly.
“Eh! Biggs, did we have any order to take in a Benton Hadley from the revised list this morning?” the officer shouted.
“Um…no I don’t remember seeing that name,” the other officer shouted back in the other room with Lucille’s mother.
“So…that’s what happened to the other two…” the officer nodded as if he suddenly made a connection.

“What do you mean the other two?” Lucille almost demanded.
“Two of our officers went out on a call and were ambushed by four men. They took their uniforms and were both wounded but will survive” the officer shook his head.
“…but why would they come after my husband?” Lucille asked rhetorically.
“I’m sorry mam, that I don’t know the answer to that” the officer shrugged.
Shortly afterwards the officers had obtained all the information they thought they were going to get.
“If any of you can think of anything else or if you need anything don’t hesitate to call” both of the officers bid them farewell.

Lucille and her mother cleaned the bloodied floor and changed out of their bloodied clothes. Heidi clutched her doll as Matthew sat quietly staring at the fireplace in the parlor.
“What a mess” Lucille thought as she began to realize the aftermath of the incident.
Her mother made tea for them and hot cocoa for the kids.
“Heidi, Matthew, here’s some cocoa for being so brave” Lucille’s mother said setting the tray down on a coffee table in the parlor for them. Matthew and Heidi sat at the table quietly sipping the cocoa but still both of them disturbed.
“What’s Benton gotten his self into now?” Lucille’s mother asked.

“I don’t think this has to do with anything he did mum” Lucille said deep in thought while sipping her tea. Lucille appeared distraught deep in thought trying to think of anything that would have triggered such a tragic event. Lucille knew her husband had done some questionable things in the past but nothing that warranted murder or abduction.

“We can only sit and wait dear, there’s not much we can do but hope Eric and Benton will be ok” Lucille’s mother nodded.

The more Lucille thought about what happened, the more sick she felt at her stomach she as they just sat around, but what could she do? Lucille began to become more irritated just sitting around doing nothing until she stood up and grabbed her purple trench coat and her purple head scarf.

“Dear where are you going?” Lucille’s mother asked with concern.
“I’m sorry mum, I need to ask you a favor” Lucille shook her head as she ran upstairs to her fathers study.
“What are you doing Lucille?” her mother asked following her into the main foyer.
Lucille came back down five minutes later with something in one of her coat pockets.
“What did you get?” her mother asked now really concerned.
“I’m sorry mum, I can’t just sit here. I got to go check on the house and I need to do my own investigating or I’m going to be sick” Lucille explained quickly grabbing the keys to the car.

“Lucille! You can’t just go out alone like that! It’s dangerous!” her mother gasped.
“Mum! My husband is somewhere out there, alive hopefully, and I can’t wait knowing that Benton is somewhere out there suffering without doing anything” she nodded.
“You’re a lady Lucille! You can’t just go gallivanting out there!” her mother disagreed with her thinking.
Lucille reached in her pocket showing her father’s revolver.
“Lucille!” her mother said shocked by her daughter’s sudden determination.
“Mum, please watch my kids” she pleaded.
“Mommy! Mommy!” Matthew and Heidi ran to her.
“I promise I will be back, but you have to be good for your grandmother, mommy is going to find daddy ok?” she knelt down hugging them both.
“Please be careful mum” Heidi begged.
“Can we come with you? We’ll protect you from the bad men” Matthew said bravely.
Lucille smiled at the sudden bravery her son displayed like his father. “Sorry Matthew but you need to protect your sister and your grandmother” she winked at her mom.

“Ok mum please come back soon” Heidi almost started to cry again.
“Lucille! I hope you know what you’re doing…” Lucille’s mother nodded in disapproval.
“I hope so too… now let me leave before dad arrives” Lucille said hugging her mother and dashing to the car and speeding up the driveway toward the house.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 03-01-2013 at 06:08 PM..

Kole_Locke
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#74
Old 02-24-2013, 06:08 PM

CHAPTER 35 (PART - B) end of chapter 35


The house looked empty when Lucille pulled into the driveway. She quickly got out of the car to check the house for anything that would give her a clue as to where Benton may have been taken to. When she went to unlock the front door she found it was ajar. Lucille instantly became suspicious, had Benton escaped and returned?

“Benton?” Lucille entered slowly turning on the lights in each room. The main living den had paw prints with dirt on the floor.
“We don’t have a dog” Lucille thought instantly as she slowly withdrew her father’s revolver.
“Benton? Are you home?” she spoke again but this time she got a response in a low growling.

Lucille’s hands began to tremble, as it was coming from the back of the house. She didn’t see anything unusual in the kitchen except more of the dirty paw prints. Lucille was going to search for any clues of finding Benton but the noise suddenly kept her from completing that task. She slowly walked towards the bathroom turning on the light. The bathroom had dirty paw prints on the floor as the towels and soap were strewn about.

Lucille checked the chambers to make sure the gun was loaded before she left the bathroom. The gun only had five bullets.
“I’d better make these shots count” Lucille thought grimly.

She walked slowly down the hall as there were only two more doors, she and Benton’s room and the kids’ room. Her heart began to beat faster. Her senses became so acute she could hear shuffling coming from one of the rooms as well as if someone had broken in and was pilfering through their belongings. She crept to her children's room and slowly turned the door knob and peeked in the room.

The room had toys thrown all over the floor and more dirt tracked in on their shaggy carpet near the bed. She knew the kids didn’t do this. The afternoon sun was beginning to wane as she continued towards the last door in the hall. Her hair began to stand on the back of her neck, and her gut feeling was screaming for her to turn around and run, but her desire to find her husband kept her going.

She quietly reached for the door knob as her heart raced and she could feel her blood surging through her. The growling began get louder as she slowly turned the door knob. Lucille thought better of opening the door but against all her rational thinking she flung it open and stood face to face with the intruders.

The light was already on in the room and a dark robed man with a plague bird mask stood in front of her as her clothes and Benton’s clothes were thrown all over the floor from the closet and the drawers were pulled open. He had a stone with green markings in his hand as he was climbing out the back window while a huge Doberman Pincer with eyes that looked pale was guarding him as he was climbing out. He turned to her and said only two words.

“Kill her” he whispered.

Lucille screamed as loud as she ever had. She instantly turned around and closed the door behind her as the huge dog began barking with a voice that didn’t even sound like a dog’s. Lucille had never been so frightened, but she realized she had to be brave if she was going to survive and find her husband. She could hear the beast jumping on the bedroom door until it was flung open. Lucille was running for the front door as she could hear paws with nails hitting the floor in rhythm coming for her. She opened the door and squeezed through just as the beast was about to nip her heels shutting the door.

Lucille’s heart felt as if it was going to burst through her chest. She was gasping for air as the beast was jumping on the door trying to force it open. The door was reinforced enough to keep the beast inside. Lucille took a moment to catch her breath as suddenly the beast quit trying to open the door. Lucille took out her car keys and determinedly bolted for the car door with her father’s revolver in one hand and the car key in the other.

Just as she was about to open the car door to get in the rabid looking Doberman came zipping around the corner of the house towards her at an incredible speed. Lucille turned around surprised at the agility and speed of this beastly looking dog. Something about it just didn’t seem normal. Lucille didn’t have time to think so she reacted by turning to face it holding the revolver out in front of her pulling the trigger just moments as it lunged in the air at her throat. The revolver had a kick to it with a slight push back towards the car and made a deafening sound as she fired hitting the dog while it was airborne.

The Doberman landed on her still growling causing her to buckle against the car under its weight. Lucille knew she couldn’t call for help, who would help her? She knew that even a damsel in distress sometimes has to save herself. Some how the dog was still alive it seemed as its body seemed to vibrate with muscle spasms while it continued to growl and drool. Lucille pushed with all of her might as the Doberman was still trying to bite her. She managed to move away without allowing the beast to latch on to her.

Lucille put the car keys in her jacket pocket and held the revolver with both hands keeping it trained on the Doberman as it seemed to vibrate quicker as it open its mouth and two long tentacles emerged from its back. The Doberman stood up on all fours as its tongue seemed to grow in length. The Doberman turned to her growling with a renewed sense of rage. The tentacles were almost eight feet long!

“Oh my what in…!” Lucille’s shocked and terrified expression emerged.

Lucille didn’t hesitate, she fired again at the beast hitting it again knocking it back a foot. It recoiled back on its legs and sprang quickly and with greater agility at her before she could fire a third round. One of the tentacles smacked her hard on her shoulder as it it spun around knocking her back a couple of feet to the ground.

“Arrgghhh!” she cried out in pain, but she still held the gun out in front of her. The Doberman’s tongue wagged as the other tentacle came flying at her. She fired hitting the tentacle just before it could reach her causing it to retreat the opposite way. The Doberman’s legs buckled and it fell to the ground. The two tentacles were wiggling with muscle spasms.

“I can’t allow this thing to harm any family or friends! I must finish it off!” Lucille thought as she courageously stood up as the Doberman was still trying to scoot towards her. She quickly jumped up with her backside still hurting and pointed the gun at the Doberman’s head. It growled and didn’t even look like a dog anymore.

“I won’t let you hurt my family!” she yelled out turning her head firing the last round finishing the monstrosity off. It finally stopped moving.

Lucille took several steps back breathing heavily dropping the gun while grabbing her chest trying to catch her breath. It was just too much to take in considering that abnormality of everything that had just happened. She had blood on her clothes, but fortunately it wasn’t hers. After a couple moments passed she instinctively took flight fearing another assailant would come to finish her off since now she was defenseless. She quickly grabbed her now empty gun and opened the car door. She got into and peeled out of the driveway trying to keep her attention focused on the road as she was trying to decide where she was going.

The dark robed man watched in disappointment and looked at his pet. The other Doberman whined in a melancholy way as it and its master watched Lucille quickly drive away. The other Doberman drug its dead companion into the fields.
"Impressive for a woman" The dark robed man muttered to himself.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 03-01-2013 at 06:31 PM..

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#75
Old 03-01-2013, 05:34 PM

CHAPTER 36 (PART - A)


Lucille drove for a few minutes without any destination in mind until she decided she had to know how Eric was faring in the hospital. Lucille couldn’t get those ghastly images out of her mind. It was as if a monster had sprung to life out of a horror movie or a ghost story. Lucille was still shaking all over trying to remain calm, but the more she thought about it the more nervous she became, and the more questions that demanded answers. It was too much at one time. She turned the radio on and started singing anything she could to keep her mind off what had happened. Without warning a car came flying at her head on beeping and she swerved to the side of the road barely missing it gasping for air.

“I’ve got to calm down” Lucille said to herself as stopped for a moment to gather her wits back. Then she got back on the road and continued to the hospital in Colchester. Traffic was bad once she got into town. She waited almost twenty minutes trying to get to the hospital.

When she arrived she quickly ran to the reception desk as a reception lady looked at her strangely. Lucille still seemed to be hyperventilating.
“Are you ok young lady?” the receptionist asked.
“I’m here to see--Eric Walker” Lucille said slowly.
The receptionist took a look through the files, “Are you a relative or friend?”
“My husband is friends with him” Lucille replied.
“We really aren’t supposed to give out this kind of information to non family members” the receptionist replied adjusting her glasses.
“Please, I was there when this person was picked up near my parents’ house when my children found him” Lucille pleaded.
The receptionist regarded her carefully, and then threw her hands up in the air.
“Fourth floor, speak to the nurses up there, they can tell you his current condition” the receptionist said putting the file back.

Lucille took the stairway up to the fourth floor and each step she took the echoes in the stairwell seemed amplified ten times. By the time she reached the fourth floor she was trying to catch her breath. She stepped out into the main hall and walked down the corridor toward the reception desk. Lucille did not like hospitals because she remembered being a young girl coming to the hospital to seeing on different occasions each grandparent before they passed away.

She walked up to the nurse at the reception nurse’s station and asked her the same questions. The nurse seemed friendlier.
“Excuse me, I’m looking for the room of Eric Walker” Lucille asked.
“Who are you?” the nurse asked.
“I’m his co-worker’s wife…the incident happened near my parents’ property” she answered.
The nurse started looking through the files and began reading.
“Yes, he is in surgery at the moment” the nurse replied holding the file reading the rest of it.
“Was anyone able to reach his wife?” Lucille asked with concern.
“Yes, she knows” the nurse said putting the file down.
“Will he…make it?” Lucille almost didn’t want to ask.
“He’s fighting for his life, but they say he’s got a good chance of making it” the nurse told her.
“I hope so…” Lucille sighed not knowing where to go from there.
“Thank you” Lucille smiled and walked away.

Lucille started thinking as she walked out of the hospital what her next move would be. Then she decided she knew what she was going to do when she saw a couple of officers. She remembered writing Alyssa’s phone number down at the house, but what if that man in the dark robes was waiting with the other beast? Going back alone was out of the question she thought.

“Excuse me officer, I need to make a report…” Lucille said anxiously.
“Calm down madam, now what is it you would like to report?” one officer asked with concern.
“I was assaulted in my house” Lucille replied.
“Tell us what happened from the beginning” the other officer smiled taking out a note pad.
Lucille thought it may be wise to get some protection before returning back to the house. She took a deep breath and retold her tale leaving out the abnormal transformation the Doberman made. The officers were stunned by such an attack as were curious as to what was taken. Lucille said it was a family heirloom of sentimental value. The officers nodded and afterwards they decided to accompany her back home.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Tintin and Captain Haddock waited anxiously as the plane touched down in Glasgow. The flight was uneventful, and there were a lot of empty seats so the flight was quiet.
“I can’t believe it captain! I’m going to see Chang again! After all of these years!” Tintin was so happy.
“Well as long as he doesn’t try to take you from me” Haddock joked but was really serious.
“Oh captain, I would never abandon you, my heart belongs to one man and one man alone… and that’s you my dear captain” Tintin said grasping Haddock’s hand. Haddock’s concern dropped as such positive emotive language from Tintin always put him at ease. Haddock gripped Tintin’s hand back as the plane began to slow down to a stop.

“Have faith in us Captain, just understand Chang is dear to my heart just as Chester is to yours” Tintin explained.
“You’re right lad… it’s just that…” Haddock started to say as they got off the plane waiting until no one was within earshot.
“It’s just that, Chang is your age and much better looking than me… I always wondered what if Chang stayed…” Haddock said a bit insecurely.

“Captain, your looks are just fine, and I love your heart. Chester is your age too, but I have faith in our love” Tintin said confidently, but in the back of his mind he knew the captain’s fears weren’t unfounded. He realized he did have a deep love for Chang after the whole trip to Tibet; but, the attraction was different. Chang stayed in London only a couple years afterwards but seldom came to visit. Tintin had not seen Chang since he was twenty-one during the whole episode with Martine and a real insecure Captain.

Tintin had dreams where he would see Chang and they would talk to each other, and each time Tintin noted how Chang seemed to change in appearance the more he saw him. Tintin knew that had Chang stayed it was very possible a serious problem could have arisen deep in his heart being forced to choose the Captain or Chang. Tintin knew that would be a choice that would tear him apart from the very foundation. At least Chang had a new family, the Captain only had Nestor and Calculus.

“Everything happens for a reason” Tintin thought although a part of him wished Chang would have stayed.
As they walked down the terminal the captain seemed to be watching Tintin’s facial expressions as if he was trying to read him. The last thing Tintin wanted was a rivalry between friends and lovers.
“So do you have the address to the Sea Breeze?” Haddock asked as they waited for a cab.
Snowy and Cocoa trotted quietly next to them.
“Such worries humans have” Cocoa commented to Snowy.
“When it comes to matters of the heart, humans lose sense of rationality” Snowy replied.
“You’re really wise Snowy” Cocoa barked.
“It’s years of living with these two that I have learned a lot about humans. Most of us dogs never understand humans completely” Snowy finished.
“Romance is romance I guess…” Cocoa commented.
“I have it right here” Tintin said as Haddock got a cab driver’s attention.

Tintin and Haddock put their luggage in the trunk and gave the address to the driver.
“The Sea Breeze Bed and Breakfast?” the driver asked already familiar with the place.
“Yes, that’s the one” Tintin nodded.
“I can have you there in just ten minutes” the driver said as they left the airport.
“Thank you sir” Tintin smiled.
“I’m really curious how Chang became mixed up in all of this” Haddock suddenly thought out loud.
“I’m curious about that too. I’m sure Chang would be more than happy to explain to us when we see him Captain” Tintin agreed.
“I also wonder if Scotland Yard managed to figure out who or what was behind those murders in London” Haddock mentioned.
“It’s hard to tell Captain, I haven’t really been keeping up with current events lately…which reminds me, I need to pick up a paper after we arrive at the bed and breakfast” Tintin remembered.
“So do you think the Detectives have stumbled onto something?” Haddock asked as he took out his pipe.
“It’s hard to tell with them, they’re always ‘stumbling’ on something” Tintin giggled.
“Good one lad!” Haddock chuckled.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 03-06-2013 at 07:24 AM..

 


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