Hearts of Stone

Chapter one

Catherine Bryce Baldwin is a thirty year old Inspector with New Scotland Yard in Westminster England. She is a pretty brunette who resembles the actress Diana Rigg when she was that age. Her father Chief Inspector Harold Bryce is her immediate superior. She lives with her Husband Reginald Baldwin in a Rustic home in the London countryside. Reginald has a striking resemblance to the English actor Basil Rathbone. Kate as her friends know her met him while on loan to the Boston Police Department in the states. He was a private investigator there and started the practice again once in the UK. Reginald had a drawing room in the states that was right out of the nineteenth century. They recreated it in their new home. The home also boasts a quaint kitchen and an upstairs bedroom that also goes back in time. Reginald is somewhat eccentric and at times can be seen sporting the clothes like were worn by Rathbone in his sleuth’s series, along with his favorite pipe. It was not unusual to have the couple going over each other’s day sipping some of Reggie’s select drinks from his ornate liquor cabinet in the drawing room. It was a bright Monday morning which found the couple talking over breakfast at the early hour of six am. Kate brought out the plates of Poached eggs, black pudding and bacon. A pot of steaming Lotus Blossom tea in their beautiful hand painted tea set Kate asked Reggie if he had any new business. “The usual cheating spouses, it seems America did not have a lock on such matters dear.””Kate smiled “Reggie, as long as there is a cheating heart you will have a flourishing business.” Kate how is your partner Inspector Huggins getting along being he is retiring in three months?” “Tom can’t wait, he and his wife Emily want to travel around the world and see the exotic places such as Tahiti.” “Good for them Kate, maybe that day will come for us.” Tom picked up Kate on his way to the new Scotland Yard headquarters in Westminster and was very fond of Reginald. They talked about each other’s families and events in the UK. Only when they arrived at work would they bring up the cases they were on. At seven thirty am there was a knock at the door and Kate went to answer. Kate was dressed in her Inspectors uniform and when she opened the door there was Inspector Huggins in his though some what rumpled. He would have to straighten it out before he got to Headquarters as Scotland Yard prided itself in the appearance of its police force from the Constables all the way up to its top offices.” Hi, Tom come in.!”” Want a spot of tea?” No thank you Kate Emily served me a fine pot this morning already.” “Reggie have you been following around any Royalty yet?” Reggie laughed.” In time Tom I expect I will. Kate asked where Reggie was meeting his new client. “She wants to meet me at ten am in the John Scottsdale Library in Heathrow.” Just then the phone rang. Reggie got up and answered.” It’s your dad Kate.” And he handed it to Kate. Chief Inspector Bryce only called that early if there was a problem.” Kate bring Inspector Huggins and meet me and the Coroner down at the Thames River by Everton Road we have a body that found floating face down.” “OK Dad, We will be there in about twenty five minutes. “ She hung up and told Reggie they had to go. He walked them to the door and gave her a kiss.” Be careful out there Kate!” “She knew he worried about her.” Tom will watch over me Reggie.” and smiled. The UK was not immune from violence being done to the police and they did not carry firearms relying on armed flying squads to come when needed. She did have a permit for the Beretta nine millimeter she kept in a bedroom drawer at night, and was kept in a wall safe when no one was home. Tom’s car was a 2004 Citroen and it was parked in the gravel driveway behind Reggie’s restored red Austen Healy that he had shipped over from America when he came over to the UK.

It was a twenty minute drive to the scene where they met Kate’s father, the coroner and two policemen holding back a small crowd. Kate’s father walked over to them when they got out of the car.” Kate this is not a suicide or someone who accidentally fell into the Thames. He was naked and there is a hole in this mans chest you could drive a truck through.” The Coroner came over and interrupted them.” I will have to do an autopsy but the heart of this man seems to be ripped out. Kate went over and lifted the sheet. It was a ghastly sight. There was a cut of about six inches in his chest that had not been skillfully done. Gore was seeping out the chasm. The Corner showed Kate and Tom black and blue marks around the ankles and wrist. “You think he was tied up?” she asked. “The abrasions seem to be from a type of shackle. Kate frowned, “Poor devil, who would hate a person so much to do this?” Tom ever the optimist “Maybe it was done for a twisted enjoyment of a deviant.” Kate took fingerprints from the victim . The Coroner had two men that were with him cover the body and put it on a stretcher. They then slid it into the back of the Coroners van. Kate’s father advised the Coroner to fax a full report to him and to Kate’s fax machine.” Kate this is Tom and your case!” We will try to keep it out of the papers. But I don’t think I can for too long. Yes sir, Chief Inspector!” Kate always tried to show respect for his office and play down their relationship in front of others. The Coroner and his men drove off and the crowd went back to their own endeavors this fine summer morning. Kate if you need any resources just let me know, I want this solved as soon as possible. She nodded and knew something like this could start a panic.

The Autopsy report came later that afternoon. The summery was that the victim’s heart had most likely been torn from his body while he still was alive. There were no other abrasions on the body except the ones on his ankles and wrist. The victim was in his early twenties and in good health at the time of the crime. Kate called down to the crime lab and they said the fingerprint data had come back and would be brought right up. There was a knock on the door and the lab technician Carl Daugherty came in with the fingerprint results.” The prints come back to a Brad Stover who lives at 135 Brattle Road in London, who had a few scrapes with the law.” Not serious stuff a couple of petty thefts and complaints from his neighbors about loud music and strange odors coming from his flat.” Was there a report made on the noise and odors?” “Yes some kind of music and he was cooking some food that smelled probably has weird taste in cuisine.” He was twenty seven years old. “Thanks Carl, I appreciate the rush with the prints.” Carl smiled “ Anytime Inspector Baldwin!”

Chapter two

Kate and Tom went to the victim’s apartment and the landlady Mrs. Gallagher told them he was a curious lad who kept to himself. Except for the strange music and odors of exotic foods he had no visitors and kept late hours. She said he did odd jobs in the neighborhood but paid his rent on time. The landlady produced a key and opened the door. It was a small flat with two small rooms and a walk in kitchen. “What is that smell?” Kate had an acute nose when it came to odors. Tom went into the kitchen and called her in. There was a large pot on the stove and inside the remains of what appeared to be an animals head.” What the hell is that?’ she held her nose. Tom took a kitchen bag off the kitchen counter and emptied the remains into it.” We shall let the people in the crime lab figure it out.” In the room that it seemed the victim spent a lot of time as there were books strewn around and a small bookcase. A chair that was well worn had a lamp behind it for reading and beside it a table with a Bosh radio with capabilities for cd’s and tape playing. The tape drawer was open and there was a cassette beside the radio. There was no description on the cassette so Kate put it in the cassette player and turned the unit on. What came on was eerie music of some kind of flute and people chanting,”Well it’s not the Beatles favorite hits!” Tom observed. Kate looked at the books in the bookshelf and they were all dedicated to mysticism of one kind or another. There was a book on the chair arm. It was leather bound and had the image of a woman with a goats head, wings and cloven feet etched on the cover. In a scroll was the name Baphomet. It was a thick book and by the appearance of the pages very old. There were other books on the Knights Templars and Paganism. ““This guy was into strange stuff Tom!” I will take a couple of books home for reading, maybe there is something there to work on. Tom was going through the dresser drawers there was a little black bag that had lock picks and small tools used in breaking into places. “Tom put the bag into another plastic kitchen bag.” He didn’t give up old habits Kate. Kate looked at the bag.” Maybe he robbed a vampire or some other nut and was caught. Tom found a neck chain in the back of the drawer. It had gold links and a small heart that looked like it was made from stone.” Take that too Tom!”” Tom, have someone from the crime lab come out here and give the place a thorough check for latent prints. Kate went into the bedroom and found some more books and an unmade bed. She looked under the bed and pulled out a box. In it were several wallets, Jewelry and two silver candle holders with a serpent wrapped around each and a purple gem in each of the serpent’s eyes.” Ah! Looks like the hidden cache.” This would be taken back to headquarters also. The clothes closet did not seem remarkable but Kate noticed some dark clothes that must have been worn in the act of criminal activity at night. They took what they had and thanked the landlady who was waiting outside the door. When they were back at headquarters Kate took pictures with her Sony digital camera of all that was taken from the apartment. She would take the Leather bound book and the one on the one on the Knights Templars home for reading. These two books seemed very old and she had taken them with her as why would a common sneak thief be interested in these. Maybe he stole them to sell but all the books he had in his collection were also mystic in genre.

Late that night Reggie was relaxing at his desk in the drawing room and Kate brought the two books in and put them on the desk. She told him the story of the condition of the victim’s body and his apartment.” It looks like he was into the occult or had an interest into it Kate.” He ran his hand over the etched figure on the book.” A very interesting cover must be some kind of deity.” He opened a drawer and brought out his Dell Laptop. He plugged it in and it had a card that allowed him to go on the internet. He went to the Google search engine and typed in Baphomet. “Kate it says Baphomet was the deity worshiped by the Knights Templars along with black magic and sorcery. “Looks like some twisted cult Kate. “Can’t let that get out in the public if that’s the case Reggie, all the end of the world nuts will be out on the street and people will be panicking.” I don’t want to think it is the case but what else would explain the tearing out of a heart. “Maybe he had a boyfriend who was in the cult had done him in then dropped him into the Thames.

The next day Reginald was going over his files and he received a call from Mrs. Abigail Cromwell who wanted to secure his services. She said her husband Charles who owned one of London’s finest night spots called the Carriage House might be seeing another woman as he has been keeping later hours then usual and sometimes doesn’t come home until early morning. She also was concerned about funds being used from their account which can’t be accounted for. He told her he would be free at eleven am. She arrived right on time. Mrs. Cromwell was about forty years old trim and fit. She wore a brown pantsuit with her brunette hair in a bob. He shook her hand “Nice to meet you Mrs. Cromwell, come right in.” “My tax accountant, told me you were very good Mr. Baldwin and would be very discreet.” He led her into the drawing room which usually impressed people with its nineteenth century decor.” What is your accountants name Mrs. Cromwell?” She told him that her accountant was James Deere and he had been happy with Reggie’s investigations he had done for him Reggie remembered the case, Mr. Deere was being swindled on a land deal and Reggie had not only solved it but the culprits in a real estate company had gone to jail.” I have been married to my husband for twenty years and went through a lot while he pursued his dream of the nightclub.” She did not want to be set aside for a newer model or whatever is taking up his time.” If he is cheating on me I want all the facts and details for my lawyer Mr. Baldwin.”

She agreed on the usual five hundred dollars retainers’ fee and a hundred dollars a day with expenses. There would be a five hundred dollars coming when the case was done. Reggie’s fee was high but you paid for his talents. Mrs. Cromwell took an envelope out of her pocket and took the retainers fee out in cash and handed it to him. “I don’t want him to see where the money is going so I will pay you in cash and just need a receipt that I will put in my safety deposit box he has no access to. She handed him a folder with a string that held it closed. “Here is his picture and all the information I have that pertains to the club.” I know you will have to spend time at the club and I will have to pay the bill so please don’t abuse it. “She smiled. He laughed and told her there would be no vintage Cabernet Sauvignon. Though, he thought, maybe some of a later year. “I will hold your interest dear to me Mrs. Cromwell. “ Has he exhibited this behavior you talk about before?” “Yes he has, He cheated on me with one of his cocktail waitress’s three years ago.”” She was a particularly vile creature who tried to blackmail him and when he refused to pay sent me a picture of the two of them in a compromising position taped from a hidden camera. I paid for the picture and put him through hell. He promised not to stray again. If he is off with some other tart I will take him to as you Americans call ‘the cleaners’.” Does he posses any firearms you know of, or is there anything I should know that would endanger me?” Only a bodyguard he has, a Victor something or other who throws undesirables out of the club and drives him around. He also belongs to a stuffy men’s club known as The Hampshire Guild of Gentlemen. “If he isn’t at the club he is there.” It is some Manor out in the country side owned by some French Count. “He likes to think of himself as some kind of aristocrat. “ If he is straying again I will have his aristocratic ass in front of the Old Bailey.”
“Mrs. Cromwell, how do you want me to contact you when I need to?” Just page me at this number and put in the digits 455 and I will call your office.” She wrote down her pager number and shook his hand. “I hope your husband is abusing your trust Mrs. Cromwell but either way you shall know.” He walked her to the door and watched as she drove off in a late model blue Mercedes.

That night in the drawing room Reggie and Kate were discussing the day’s events over cordials of Don Perion. Kate informed him that the book she had shown him was dated in the thirteenth century, surely which had been stolen from someone’s collection. The candlesticks were very old too and the eyes of the snakes were tiny gems of sapphire. The necklace which was gold and had a little weaved basket containing a small heart that was shaped like a heart probably because of its age been in the same collection. The victim had been living at that address for only a week the pot that had a peculiar odor was strange also it was what was left from get this, a goats head. Reggie gave a sour expression” Cripes Kate he didn’t learn to eat that in jail.” Kate, evidently the lad moved in to hide from those he stole those items from. “He also seemed to have an interest in the occult from the books he was reading and probably came in contact with a person who had the ancient book on Baphomet.” “That’s what I was thinking Reggie. Kate had given it great thought.” Looks like maybe they found him and tortured him for the book and candlesticks; why else would someone want to do to him what had been done.” “Precisely, Kate!” Reggie was proud of his intellectual equal.” My day has not been so intriguing Kate.” He told her about the case he was going to be working on.” Oh I have heard of the Carriage House Reggie, it’s the place to be for the high and mighty of society. “Well Kate I am going there tomorrow night, want to join me as a cover?” “Course it is only right I pay for your food and drink, mine is on the tab.” “It has been awhile since we went out together and to such a hotsy totsy place as that.” Kate was hinting. “I will call in the morning for reservations for a Mr. and Mrs. Crump Kate laughed.” That’s us?” I will tell them there I am a rubber Magnate from the states visiting your relatives here in the isles. “I get to wear that beautiful silk dress with those awesome spiked heal shoes.” Kate you would be the best looking person there if you wore a peasants clothes. ““Awe Reggie!” and she kissed him.

Chapter Three

Friday evening found the Baldwin’s dressing for a night out at the Carriage Club. Kate was waiting for Reggie to adjust his tie and told him about the Hampshire Gentlemen’s Guild.” It is a manor out in Kent owned by the Count Armand De Molay.” He is from old money Reggie and started a Guild of equally rich barons and leaders of industries. They keep pretty much out of the public eye. If he is meeting some rich heiress there it will be hard to get in. “Shucks and all my money is tied up in rubber.” Reggie was very adept at portraying all sorts of people when he was on a case. Reggie was dressed in an elegant dinner jacket with a cummerbund, white shirt with an emerald stickpin in his tie. Kate had a beautiful lavender silk dress with a small blue corsage. Her favorite high spiked heels were a pain to walk in but looked great. He put his arm out Shall we Mrs. Crump”? Reggie’s Red Austin Healey would be thought of as a rich mans toy by the people at the club he was sure. Kate loved the Austin Healey and had admired it when she first saw it when in the states working in Boston. It was a forty minute drive to the club. It was located on a three acre parcel of land and you could just see the type of people that would be inside. There were Bentleys, Rolls Royce’s, Mercedes Benz and now Reggie’s Austin Healey. The Club was like Reggie had seen in the old movies from the forties like the old Stork club. His car was parked by a valet who he gave ten dollars. The Valet did not even look at the money but just put it in his pocket. The hatcheck woman took Kate’s wrap and a man asked if they had reservations. Mr. And Mrs. Crump if you please.” Reggie put on the airs. “Would you be dining or here for the entertainment?”We came to watch the show my good fellow” On the way in they had seen a small picture in a frame titled ‘showing tonight’ It was an Italian crooner named Anthony Cariole and his band.
There must have been fifty tables in the room though only half were seated yet. Reggie had cringed and gave the Maitrede a fifty dollar bill to insure a good seat. It wasn’t that good as they sat at a table three rows back...The Cocktail waitress came over. She was a bubbly blonde who probably had a good stock portfolio from the tips she got in the club. She smiled and left the beverage menu for them to go over. From the prices on the menu he could see why Mrs. Cromwell had worried about the cost of the drinks. And he would be paying for Kate’s. e had to bring someone as you just did not go alone to a place like this. There was a Macallan 1946 Highlands single-malt scotch, for four hundred and fifty dollars. He expected high prices as the reservation was one hundred and fifty dollars apiece. It was three hundred dollars just to sit. He chose a wine he was familiar with a 1975 Poujeaux, Moulis. It would cost him a couple hundreds for the bottle but he had to keep up appearances. Now he would defiantly bill Mrs. Cromwell for this bottle. The Cocktail waitress brought them the chilled bottle in a silver container surrounded by ice. Soon a wooden platter with several types of cheese was brought to them. He gave the waitress a fifty dollar bill and she giggled again. When she left Kate laughed and whispered “She must be a Rhodes Scholar.” Soon the band began to play and the crooner was singing Italian love songs. Reggie noticed some old codgers at different tables with woman a third their age.” “I hope he shows up Kate, this could get very pricey.” “Reggie are you sure he is here every night?” “Well Mrs. Cromwell says he is whenever she calls. Then he saw him. He was standing at the elaborate bar talking to a muscular hulk of a man.” That must be Victor he is with.”” How in the world will I be able to get close to him?” Kate smiled” As you would say Reggie, Elementary my dear.” She got out of the chair and walked towards the bar and Mr. Cromwell.

Kate was going over when Reggie stopped her.” Wait Kate someone is walking towards him. A dapper man with slicked back hair and a prominent nose had entered the room and was making a straight line to Mr. Cromwell. They hugged each other and shook hands. The man had a cane and did not limp on his way to the meeting. Kate told Reggie her interest was peaked and she wanted to know who this character was. She walked seductively over to the bar. A few men at the tables despite wives or lady friends turned their heads and looked at her. The Stiletto heal accentuated her walk and long legs. Just as she reached the group she made like she slipped. He Man with the slicked back hair reached out and caught her. “Mademoiselle, I hope you did not hurt your beautiful ankle! He was a dapper man indeed. He wore a Splendid Tuxedo over a trimmed body. He had a thin dark Moustache, deep brown eyes and smelled of expensive cologne. “Count Armand De’ Molay at your service” He clicked his heels and gently kissed her hand looking deeply into her eyes. On his hand there was a spectacular ring which had to be a ruby and inscribed on it a cross. She smiled and kept up the ruse.” Chivalry is not dead I see Count!” She left her hand in his until he drew his back. She knew Reggie would not be Jealous as they had each used whatever they could on cases. Kate was helping him get close to Cromwell.” I think the Wine is a little too good here.” She winked at the count and laughed. “Who are you with my dear?” The Count was curious. “I made my Husband take me here; he is always too occupied with his business to take me anywhere.” We came from the states to visit my relatives and he hasn’t relaxed at all.” The Count asked what business he was in. “He is Reginald Crump and he is in the Rubber industry, I don’t ask him about it, but it involves gaskets, tires and all those boring things.” Cromwell was undressing her with his eyes. Men like Cromwell made Kate’s skin crawl. Cromwell asked which wine they had ordered. When she told him he smirked.” Your husband doesn’t have the taste that should go with such a desirable creature as you.” “ The entertainment is quite good and you are seated to far back Mrs. Crump.” You can call me Kate sir.” My name is Charles Cromwell and I own this night club among other interest “Let me get you a better table near us at the front. This was better then Kate had hoped. She asked if they were both married also. The Count touched his moustache with one hand and told her he was not. Cromwell told her he sadly a widower. Cromwell snapped his fingers and a Maitrede rushed over. “Set this lady and her husband at table two next to mine. “ Follow me this way the Maitrede said and gestured towards the front tables. “The entertainment is going to continue soon. Reginald had the Maitrede bring the wine to the table. “Kate whatever did you say to warrant this table?” “That Cromwell is a skunk and I can see why his wife wants the Bounder in court. “ Oh that other guy is the Count you were interested in. “Quite a ladies man if you ask me.” They were interrupted by the cocktail waitress who wheeled over a tray cart with another bottle of Wine. She put the cart next to them and giggled. It’s all to be put on Count De’ Malay’s account with whatever else you have or want.” When she left Kate asked what the hell the dimwit was giggling about.” Kate my love, he obviously did not hire her for skills as a hostess.”

Reggie looked at the label on the bottle; it was nineteen twenty vintage of Chateau Mouton Rothschild wine. “Kate this goes for a thousand dollars a bottle if you can find it.” She laughed “And I am worth it.” “Kate be careful don’t lead this character on too much as no one spends like that and doesn’t expect something in return.” She gave him that look he was used to that said don’t worry about it. Soon the Count and Cromwell came over to the table. The Count went over to Reginald and introduced himself.” You are a very lucky man Mr. Crump, your taste in wine is questionable but in woman it is suburb.” Reggie thought maybe he had been insulted. As soon as Cromwell and the Count had seated two men and a woman joined them at the number one table. The Cocktail waitress came over to take their order and ran her hand over Cromwell’s shoulder. Reggie now figured it would not take long to get evidence on Cromwell especially with the empty headed woman he probably was engaging in after hour activities. When she left to fill the order the Crooner came out. He greeted the audience and his band manned their instruments. One of the men who were seated distinctively mentioned the name Baphomet. When he did The Count told him to be quiet and looked around. Kate stared at Reginald to see if he had heard it too. He had of course but made no gestures like he had. The Crooner started singing A romantic Italian love song name Amore’. Kate sipped the wine and made like she was arguing with Reggie. “Why don’t you want to dance, Reggie you are getting to be a drag to go out with.” Cromwell was going to get up but the Count gave him a stern look. The Count went over to Kate’s table and asked Reggie for permission to dance with Kate.” Kind sir I would like the honor of Dancing with the lady as I overheard her discourse.” “Enjoy your wine, I will return her too you.” Reggie shrugged and told him of course. Kate’s interest, were peaked from being an inspector with Scotland Yard. Behomet wasn’t a word you would ever hear. She took his hand and he led her to the dance floor. The Count was an accomplished dancer and his French accent would charm any woman. Then she noticed it. A tiny stone heart made into a stickpin. All bets were off now and Kate would have to get into the Counts world. A turn of events where she was trying to help Reggie with his case had brought he closer to her own. There was too much of a coincidence with the word Behomet uttered and now the little heart of stone.” Oh My Count, what a beautiful and unique stickpin!” “Thank you my dear I see you have fine taste in Antiquities. This is very old and I had a stickpin made from it.” She kept stroking his ego.” May I touch it?” He allowed her to; it was a real stone with a purple hue rubbed smooth. “ You say it is an antiquity?” “ He was enchanted with this beautiful woman who seemed to have an interest in him. “Actually my dear, it is from the thirteenth century from the time of the Knights Templers, one of which was a direct ancestor.” His name was Jacque De’ Molay.” Kate would have to do some research on the Templers.” “ Count I find that so interesting where the knights in the service of a King?”

“ My dear Mrs. Crump, I would love to show you some of the treasures I have from my descendant and explain about the Templers.” I am having a party on the twenty-fourth at my estate and would love for you and your husband to come.” He handed her a card with his phone number and address..” I would love to count and you can call me Kate, when my husband isn’t listening.” She had set the hook. “ It’s at eight pm and you will be my honored guest. He kissed her hand. She went back to the table where Reggie looked worried.

When Kate got back to her table she gave Reggie a look to let him know something was up. Reggie asked her to dance. While dancing she whispered what the events had been.”Kate this might be dangerous!” “I am an inspector in homicide Reggie, this is what I do.” Don’t worry I will have backup when I need it.” When they got back to the table she told Reggie loud enough for the Count to here. “Reginald you stepped on my toes a couple of times, you really need lessons.” The rest of the night the Count was giving Kate stares like a dog in heat. When they got up to leave the Count went over to her and kissed her hand again.” jusqu'à ce que nous rencontrions encore mon sucréuntil. Kate had taken French in school and knew it meant, until we meet again my sweet. That night at home she discussed over the phone with Tom the events at the club. Tom told her he had a book on Bephomet and Knight Templers, they were both monks and warriors who were involved in the crusades. The Grande Master a Jacque De’Molay was accused of heresy and executed him. The Templers were said to have been worshiping a devil idol called Baphomet and practicing the dark arts. I will give you the book tomorrow. She hung up and looked at Reggie. “Reggie maybe Cromwell will bring a female to the party.” Reggie still was worried.” Kate, all this Bephomet mumbo jumbo and the way that body was desecrated, these people might be insane. ”Reggie I owe it to the victim to arrest those responsible.”” Don’t worry I will wear a wire and Tom will be close by with a radio incase we need the flying squad and their guns.”

At new Scotland Yard Tom, Kate and her father discussed the events at the club. What was supposed to be helping Reggie out getting evidence on Mr. Cromwell turned into suspicious behavior by the Count, Mentioning Behomet at the table and the stone heart pendant led Kate to believe there might be a connection with the slain victim? Kate had looked on her computer for the Knights Templers and Baphomet and found they were truly savage and were suspected of dabbling in sorcery and black magic. They had been suspected of heresy and worshiping the pagan God Baphomet. The Counts relative Jacque De’Molay had been killed by order of the king along with other Templers in the thirteenth century.” Kate I want you to wear a wire when you go to the Manor incase something goes wrong.” Her father always worried about some of the cases she took on. ”Reggie will be with me and if things get out of hand we will leave.” Did you find out anything about the blonde cocktail waitress at Cromwell’s club? Tom broke in “Her name is Barbara Bapson and she use to be a stripper and attracted the whips and leather set. We don’t know how she hooked up with Cromwell, only she has been working there for several months.

Thursday night at eight pm Kate and Reginald drove up to the manor’s gate in Hampshire. It was a well kept estate set on fifteen acres. It was built in the i8oo’s by one of the counts ancestors. Kate figured there must be a hundred rooms in a place that big. There were two well dressed men at the gate and when Reggie gave the name Mr. and Mrs. Crump they were told to drive to the front of the building and a valet would park their car. Kate was amazed at all the well kept gardens and she saw beautiful water fountains. A man who was dressed as a butler right out of a thirties movie escorted them to what he called the great hall. The room was just that, enormous in size and festooned with paintings and tapestries. There was a large fireplace a man could stand in. A fire was roaring in the hearth to warm up the room. It was a cool night in England this evening. Over the fireplace was an exquisite mantle with colored vases that must have been worth a fortune. Over the mantle was large emblem that Kate had seen in the books she was researching. It was the Insignia of the Knights Templers. “Maybe its just part of his Gentleman’s club Kate.” “Everything is right out in the open.” Kate looked around and it was only eight thirty and there were at least thirty men and women mulling around being served drinks. One woman with an expensive wrap, smoking a cigarette from a long cigarette holder walked over to Reginald and asked who he was. “I have not seen you before at one of the Counts functions my dear, whom might you be?” Reggie ever the ham announced he was Reginald Crump of the Crump Rubber conglomerate. He told her he had holdings in Argentina. Kate left him with the woman and circulated the room. The men in the room wondered who the devastatingly beautiful woman was in the low cut evening gown. Kate had never had a chance to wear it before and knew it accented her figure. It was a green evening gown with shimmering tiny bits of colored threads sewn in. The spike heels she loved gave her a sultry walk. A man came over and offered her ordure’s and a Cognac cordial. She nibbled on the ordure and walked around with the Etched glass of Cognac. The corsage that she wore was where the surveillance miniature microphone was. Tom would be a few blocks away in a van that had high tech instruments to pick up the sound.


Reggie heard a all too recognizable laugh. He looked around and there was Cromwell dressed in a tuxedo with Miss Bapson on his arm. She had a red dress that left not too much to the imagination and was giggling over something a man was saying to them. Reggie worked his way over and said hello. He took Cromwell’s hand and shook it.” Thank you for a delightful evening at your Club sir.” When he stepped back he took a picture with his miniature camera disguised as a Union button. Reggie had used the camera in the past and Scotland Yard was all too eager to put film in it for him.” You have an interest in the Knights Templers Mr. Crump, that’s what these gatherings are about.” My wife showed an interest and since we were invited I guess I am.” Reggie noticed the red sash around Cromwell’s waist. The man Cromwell was talking to introduced himself.” Good evening I am Philip Coleman of the Phil’s Steakhouse chain.” He also had a red sash around his waste which led Reggie to believe the people with the sashes were All part of this Knights Templers disguised as the Hampshire Gentleman’s Club.


Within minutes most of the guest arrived. Reggie figured there were forty guest and twenty had the red sashes around their waist. There were several guest of dubious character by the looks of them. The doorman arrived in the room and this time with a staff with mysterious symbols etched in it. He pounded the staff on the floor and announced the entrance of De’Molay. Molay had six men with him and they all wore purple sashes. There was applause from the thong. He went to the front of the room just under the tapestry with the Knights Templers emblem. ”Welcome my friends to the Hampshire Gentleman’s Club.” Reggie saw Kate making her way to the front.” It is good to see fellow members and Initiates. There are some new people here that have been invited by me and I welcome them.” “Let me explain about the Club.” My distant relative was Jacques De’Molay who at the age of twenty one joined the Knights Templers. The year was twelve hundred and twenty eight. Noblemen and Princes joined the Templers who were sanctioned by the Catholic Church. They participated in the Crusades and were known for their ferocity and valor. The other men you see with me are descendents of the order also. Jacques was a grand master of the order and met his death through treachery of people eager to claim his wealth. Jacques defied King Philip and stood up for his fellow knights, and for that was put to the stake. Considerable wealth was hidden away with artifacts passed on through the centuries. Finding other descendants I decided to start the club after I purchased this land in Hampshire and had this Grande Manor. We decided to let in other people we chose. Those members are Templers but not being of the blood wear the red sashes. Powerful men in industry and business have taken the oath of the templar. We have initiates who though not Templers help us in our endeavors, doing some of the leg work you might say. I have a room filled with Templers memorabilia, past down through the years to myself and my fellow Templers you see with the purple sashes. We have silently helped numerous charities and enterprises having a hard time in these trying times. Now if you all will follow me I will take you to the Templar room.. He walked straight to Kate and took her hand and kissed it.” My dear Catherine you look ravishing.” “Are you here alone?” When she told him Reggie was somewhere in the room he looked displeased for a second, but she noticed.


There was a door in the rear of the room on the right side. Kate had her arm in the counts and was led through the door followed by everyone else. The room they were in was small but in the end was a great door as used in a cathedral. The Count reached in his pocket and took out a large key that fit in the doors lock. It made an audible clack sound as it was unlocked. He pushed it open and walked Kate into the room. It was an enormous room, larger then the room he had given his speech. It had the atmosphere and look of a room you would find in a castle festooned with wonderful tapestries running from the ceiling to the floor. A long table made of an expensive wood was in the center of the room and chairs that kike everything in the room looked like it came from the thirteenth century .surrounding the room were glass cases with various artifacts in them. All the men with the red sashes and the woman who were with them stood beside the various cases. “Just go to a case and the Templar will tell you about the artifact within.” Kate saw Reggie out of the corner of her eye and he was inspecting every part of the room. There were shields, swords, daggers, helmets everywhere and in the cases there were various scrolls and lots of jewelry. The Count looked at Kate and told her.” There is another room I only show to special people Catherine.” “Come with me.

The Count led her to another room which looked like an ordinary sitting room. He went to a bookcase and removed a book. There was a lever behind the book when which he pulled it a panel slid open on the wall next to the bookcase. “Come my dear, there is something I want to show you.” He led her down a spiral staircase that the walls were made of stone. They came out in an anti chamber that looked right out of a thirteenth century movie. ”This is where the Templars have their meetings, may I call you Kate?”
Kate looked around and there were great shield on the wall with the insignia of the templar order. There was a royal chair at the front of the room and behind it a large painting. The Count told her in was Jacques De’Molay, painted by an artist of the time. She looked at the tapestry’s that were more elegant then the ones upstairs.” Wait here Kate I want to show you something. He went into a small room and when he came back he was dressed in the uniform of a Templar complete with a large broad sword. “Count .why are you showing me all this?” Kate was sure no one out of his tight little circle had been allowed here. He walked over and held her hand.” My dear Kate, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid my eyes on. “I have been successful in all matters except one.” I would like you to share in my victories.” He held her hand and kissed it. You could not become a Templar but share as the other wives in wealth beyond your imagination. She tried to back away but he held her hand tightly.” But Count I am married.” “He had a sinister look “That is easily dealt with.” He reached for a leather string that was around his neck and when he pulled it out it had a heart made of stone attached to it.” This is what we Templars wear to remind us that to be a templar your heart must be that of stone. There is never a compromise on our will and what we want. She knew the man was insane and had to get out of there but he held her fast. “In time you will learn Kate and understand what we are all about.” There was a canvas that was frightening. It was a picture of Baphomet. He took her in front of it. “I have asked the great one Baphomet to send one such as you to join me in my quest to fulfill the Templars destiny in this world and the next.” She tried to pull away again.” Kate please do not resist.” You have seen too much and just can’t leave. She hoped the wire she was wearing would alert Tom out in the van. He pulled her closer to the picture of the deity and began to kiss her. She kneed him where it would count but to no avail. Reggie had found the open panel and rushed in the room. “Let go of her you freak.” The Count pushed her into a corner and stood in front of her. He drew the broadsword.” “Fate and the great Baphomet have brought her to me and here she shall stay.” Reggie looked to the wall and took down a sword. Reggie had taken fencing in college and was quite accomplished. But this was a broadsword and a lot heavier and awkward.” Count you really need to see a shrink, but if you do not release my wife.” He pointed the sword at the Count. He heard a noise behind him and then darkness.



Vincent the bodyguard had come in behind Reggie having followed him down the stairwell. He hit him on the head with a blackjack. When he woke up he was on a type of alter and his clothes were gone. He was shackled hand and foot to it. The room was cold and must have been below the one he found Kate in. The men with the purple sashes were standing behind him and above them was a tapestry with the image of Behomet and strange writing. The men with the red sashes were also in the room accompanied by the woman who had come with them. He heard the pretentious giggle of Cromwell’s blonde bimbo. The room was lit by torches on the wall. Vincent came over to and he was dressed in a dark robe like a monk would wear. He had a large curved knife with an ornate handle with what appeared to be a snake image curled around it. He heard Kate’s voice.” Let me go you loser.” There dressed in the appearance of a high priest was The Count. He had Kate who was now dressed in what he thought a harem woman would have worn held by two creeps in ceremonial dress. The Count, stood in front of the alter. “True Believers in the God Behomet and preservation of the Templar tradition behold a sacrifice of a non believer.” This will be witnessed by the woman slave we will call Hahira. When Behomet teaches her the way of the Templar she will stand by my side.”” He started a chant and then bellowed. “Oh great one Behomet, Blessed be.” We offer this unbeliever’s body to the guardian of the gate for sacrifice.” We take his heart an offer it to you Behomet for in it you will find his soul. Kate was trembling and began to cry. “Let him go Count and I will serve you.” The Count pointed to her and yelled “Quiet Hahira or be punished. The people in the crowd started chanting in low voices. The Count turned towards the Alter.” Prepare yourself unbeliever as soon you will be at the gate looking into the eyes of the beast. He nodded to Vincent. Vincent raised the knife above his head and had a wild look in his eyes. There was a loud crack. Vincent’s head was half blown off and his lifeless body fell to the ground. Kate turned and there were several men from Scotland Yards special flying squad all in black combat uniforms. There faces were obscured with black masks. They were heavily armed. Tom was behind them. The lead man in the outfit yelled.” Everyone, get down on the ground!” Tom went over to Kate and told her.” Sorry Kate for being late for the party but we couldn’t hear you down here.” “I made the decision to call in the flying squad and it looks like just in time.” Kate kissed him on the cheek. Reggie still manacled “I hate to break this all up but I am freezing, get me the hell off this thing.” Kate went over to the Count and demanded the keys. She unlocked Reggie and pulled a tapestry off the wall for him to cover him with. She then walked over to the Count” Count Armand De’Molay I am inspector Catherine Baldwin of Scotland Yard.” I am putting you under arrest for Murder, Kidnapping along with your cohorts.” The flying squad put plastic ties around all the Counts follower’s wrist behind there backs and led them off. Reggie looked at Kate’s sparse apparel and asked. “Kate can we keep that?” he then winked. Later that evening Kate and Reggie were in their sitting room. Reggie was smoking his pipe and Kate was savoring a small cordial of Midleton Irish Whiskey which was very rare. “I hear Mrs. Cromwell is satisfied her husband is in jail and not only does she take over his estate but now can divorce him.” “Kate there was a tidy bonus in it for me; I say we take a vacation.” Kate thought.” Honey maybe a sea cruise.” Reggie thought of the coldness of the room with the alter.” Anywhere warm!” Reggie Winked “Lets go to bed Hahira!” Kate laughed. They met at the door and embraced. “I love you Reggie……

NOTE: The above is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, places or events is entirely coincidental. The following is the sole intellectual property of the author (unless otherwise noted) and should not be distributed or altered without permission of the author. The author does not necessarily support or condone the actions or opinions of the characters