Part 1 - Star on the Shore
17
Aug 1921: Lazy smoke-rings cloud the air as Sean
O’Bannion puffs on his stogie while reading an old Springfield newspaper,
“There goes the easy money. So much for rigging baseball games. Now they’ve
appointed a commissioner of the league; Judge Kenesaw Landis. And to see
despite the acquittal of the ‘Black-Sox 8’ by the Chicago courts, HE’s banned
the boys for life. Guess I’ll have to find another source of income.” A knock
at the door interrupts his thoughts, “Boss, the team is here.” Four men and
two women entered his office:
Victoria
- Tori (Bill)
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Mob
accountant assigned to questionable businesses the mob suspects of cheating them or holding out. "Plain Jane" is rarely given a 2nd look which allows her to go about her business as needed. No prying eyes. She must be good at her work as she lives in luxury. Wealthy but never showing it. Unless you take notice of her expansive shoe collection!
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Homer
(Brian)
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Union
teamster/organizer. An occult skeptic...till he saw his own uncontrollable hand aim and kill his best friend Keryn while investigating that haunted house months ago. His beliefs shaken; now an urge...obsession to dig deeper.
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Matthew
(Denny)
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Occultist
and debunker.
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Jim
(Tony)
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Archaeologist
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Anne-Marie
Helene Molyneux (Shannan)
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Assistant librarian at MU.
Scion of a Franco-Américaine
furtrapper from New Hampshire and an Irish schoolmarm from the west of
Ireland. Her mother was a member of an Old-World witch-cult/secret
society, the Circle of Morrigan (which initiated only their daughters).
Growing up listening to her mother and grandmother's tales, Anne-Marie became
fascinated with folklore and the supernatural; now a college course specialty.
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Dr.
Pieter F.M. Van der Zyl
(Dominic)
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Psychiatrist
and psychoanalyst, born and raised in Paarl, Union of South Africa. Served
in the Great-War, wounded, time as a medic before residency. Now serves in
the MU College of Medicine as a resident psychiatrist.
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“Tori and Homer; remember that Boston church from your
last job? I’d secured a contract with Miskatonic University to protect that
church and its holdings as the historians cataloged its contents. Well, it was
robbed 10 days ago; a granite statue missing. 2 ft tall, 300 lbs, how the hell
someone got it outa there… The loss under my watch ain’t good for business. And
it don’t help that the museum curator Timothy Jennings is more worried about
the statues’ significance for some worldly calamity. I need you and your team
to investigate and recover the statue.”
Two Packard Touring cars pull up to the church ruins.
Questioning the current O’Bannion guard reveals the lone night guard (Sam
Penetek) on the night of the robbery had his throat cut. “Damn spooky. Two
parallel slashes equal depth. Ain’t no blade I’d ever heard of. Killed down in
the statue chamber.” Homer guides the team into the church ruins, toward the
cave-in he’d created months ago. A new ladder leading down into the basement.
Planking leading to a trapdoor where another ladder descends into a dirt floor
chamber. Individual flashlights (torches) sweep the 15x20ft room, dancing
across a 3ft tall pedestal standing in the middle of the room.
Professor Jim squawking, “You clumsy fools; watch your
steps. This still has historical significance.” Anna and Tori carefully move
toward the pedestal while the guard leads Dr. V to the murder scene. A flash of
light as Tori takes a picture of the pedestal and its rune carvings. “For those
seeking enlightenment. A set of numbers. Some strange runes.” Prof J estimating
the pedestal relatively new; even he unable to identify the carved language at
the bottom. Meanwhile Dr V finding arterial spray marks on the chamber walls
where Sam was killed, “The constant pattern implies he was attacked from
behind. The amount of blood indicates the slashes were simultaneous. Not two
separate blade swipes. As if claws.”
Scrap marks on the top of the pedestal imply the statue
was slid off. No impressions on the floor to imply it was knocked off then drug
away. Tori backtracks to the ladder; the rungs too weak to support the weight
of anyone climbing with the statue being hefted up. No tripod impression of the
upper floor to indicate a pulley system used to lift it. No rope burns on the
inside edges of the trapdoor to indicate the statue muscled up without use of a
pulley. “How the hell did they get it out of here?!”
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While searching for other clues (such as secret doors to
aid the theft), Dr. V kicks up a square of paper; a postcard image of a
sailboat docked next to a red barn. The name “Gabriel” written on the card.
Maybe lost by one of the thieves? And that’s when the rumble of a car arriving
breaks the search. Telegram for Matt from an astronomer (W.W. Campbell) from
MU. 9 days ago: while observing his telescope, a patron saw a star-like object
appear near the sun before falling to earth. The celestial body calculated to
have landed near the New England coastline. Anna suggesting a connection,
“Curious that was the day after the statue theft. Kinda coincides with Mr.
Jennings foreboding of a worldly calamity.” Most others scoffing at her
exaggeration; except Prof J scratching his chin.
They depart for the library. Prof J off to the geography
section while Anna and Tori go to the records department. Cultish search for
the use of the octopus-looking statue is a dead-end. However, they find records
and a picture of one Sam Rahn returning from Peru in 1912 with the statue in
his possession. “Notice the date…same day your Boston church burnt down. So
what prompted the police raid on the same day? Coincidence?” And that’s when
Prof J appears to announce, “As suspected, those were coordinates on the
pedestal. 42.66 by 70.62 plots out to Rockport, Massachusetts.” The ‘lite-bulb’
look on Matt’s face, “THAT’s where I remember the red barn. It’s a favorite of
painters and photographers alike.” A call to O’Bannion to report their findings
and to secure train tickets for tomorrow. Accommodations already arranged at
the Woods House B&B.
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As the train crests the rise before Rockport, as
described, they see the city engulfed in a thin fog. And hear distant rumble of
dynamite blasts to the north. As porters dump their luggage on the platform,
Matt buys a local paper: articles about the fog and missing people dominate the
local news. The disappearance of the school principle and a lawyer. And the
impact of a meteor weeks ago. About the same time the fog appeared. Disclaimers
about any link; the fog causing paint to peel but not a health hazard.
With luggage in hand, the team walks to the newspaper
office (the Rockport Report). A mid-30s man (Sean) sits behind the lone
desk, “Meteor? Yeah, fell thru a house up on the coastline near the quarry. Also reports of a star falling into the bay. Hey, you’re not another group of painters are you? Flocks of them began
arriving after the meteor but they all seem focused on our famous Red Barn.
20-40 year olds; I’d guess a college course…school project? In fact, most of
the reported missing folks were painters. They live in a tent city to the east
of the barn.”
The team climbs aboard the trolley enroute to the B&B
to check-in and for lunch. Hearing the hack and cough of a young boy, Dr. V
strikes up conversation with his mother (Rachel), “Almost a year now. Can’t
afford a doctor but everyone says its asthma. And this damn fog only makes it
worse. My husband Ray works at the quarry. He won’t admit it about to close but
I can’t wait. A chance to move outa this hell-hole and find relief for my son.”
Dr. V (thinking bronchitis) offering his service, “Free of charge. Just let me
settle and get some meds. If you’ll just give me your address.” Prof J making
note to go along as a chance to ask about the quarry.
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The Woods House if a 3 story structure complete with a
basement. Kids playing tag and hide-n-seek around the yard. A young woman
(Sarah Hickey) on the steps intercepts them, “Sorry, we’re all full. Oh, you
have reservations? You’re the Boston group?” An older black woman (Phillis) on
crutches emerges from the back of the house, “Sarah, get the boys to carry
their bags upstairs.” Anna, noticing her cooks’ apron and thick Caribbean
accent, offers help in the kitchen, “Oh I’d love to help. I’m always interested
in new recipes.” Which prompts Sarah to ask a favor, “In that case, if you
wouldn’t mind going to the butcher to order up some backstrap (the tastiest and most
prized cut of meat) for dinner.” As they settle their luggage
into their individual rooms, they can’t help but notice some rooms have a Red
Barn painting hanging on the wall. Others have generic coastal paintings of
lighthouses.
After dropping their luggage, the group walks to the
trolley stop. Anna and Matt first off headed for the butcher shop. Then round
the corner where Dr. V and Prof J. get off for their long walk north to the
pharmacy near the quarry. Homer and Tori last to exit headed for the Red Barn.
A+M:
the butcher cuts the meat as ordered. Anna asking for shrimp to add to the menu
but the butcher offering lobster instead. “If you come back in a few days, one
of the locals has promised delivery of some deer venison.”
Since they are near, the pair stop at the police station. Matt introducing himself to Deputy Wild who directs them to Chief Stoddard, “We’re investigating a Boston theft where we found a postcard of your Red Barn. Just wanted to let you know of our presence. I can’t help but ask about all the reported missing folk.” The chief assuring him, “Transients; they probably just up and left being bored from all that painting nonsense. As for the few missing locals; yeah, I’m still investigating. The barn? Over 100 years old. Owned by Adam Alexander who lives there. Also owns a local fishing company. Gotta warn ya, he’s a gruff ole coot…don’t like them painters and others crossing onto his property.”
Since they are near, the pair stop at the police station. Matt introducing himself to Deputy Wild who directs them to Chief Stoddard, “We’re investigating a Boston theft where we found a postcard of your Red Barn. Just wanted to let you know of our presence. I can’t help but ask about all the reported missing folk.” The chief assuring him, “Transients; they probably just up and left being bored from all that painting nonsense. As for the few missing locals; yeah, I’m still investigating. The barn? Over 100 years old. Owned by Adam Alexander who lives there. Also owns a local fishing company. Gotta warn ya, he’s a gruff ole coot…don’t like them painters and others crossing onto his property.”
V+J:
Another dynamite blast (now louder) shakes the ground as they approach the
pharmacy. The bell above the door dingles as they enter; Steven Drake the
proprietor. Dr. V striking up conversation in his British twang, “I’m a doctor
just in from Boston. Treating one of your locals. Bronchitis from the sound of
it.
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Here’s a prescription for some laudanum and cough syrup.” As Steven turns
to prepare the order, the professor joins the conversation, “So close to the
quarry; do you get many customers from there?” Steven responds over his
shoulder, “Foreigners; spics. I can’t understand those Italians so I just leave
it to the foreman to deal or them.” Jim prods more, “What about all those
missing people reported in the paper?” Steven stops his work, obviously ruffled,
with a queer glance at the British doctor, “Lawyer just up the road went missing; he didn't work for the quarry if that's what you're thinking. People disappear at night. I
suspect a Jack-the-Ripper type. Probably people sticking their noses too deep.”
And that’s when the bell above the door jingles. Steven focusing on the new
arrival, “Neal, another accident? What do you need this time?” V+J taking their
cue to leave.
While waiting for the foreman to leave, they use the time
to search the nearby shack when the meteor reportedly struck. A basketball size
hole in the roof; a baseball size hole in the floor. Evidence of a squatter now
long gone. They return to the pharmacy when they see Neal leave. “So you were
saying about being too nosy.” Steven hesitant to divulge but then relents, “I
saw the early accidents. Twernt no mining accident, them parallel cuts. I
mistakenly asked too many questions. Got my shop busted up. Learned quick to
just do as the foreman orders. The quarry? Nearest dig abandoned years ago;
already filled with water. They now concentrate their blasting at the other 2
sites. But you didn’t hear that from me.”
As V+J return toward town, they can’t help but stop at
the nearby water-filled quarry. Curious to find footprints leading into the
water. But no exit signs. “It’s time to check on my patient.” Referencing the
city map obtained at the train station, they make their way to Rachel and Ray’s
house. Dr. V explains the medication and its dosage, “As prescribed. Finish it
all even if you feel better. Hopefully you’ll be cured once the meds are gone.”
Meanwhile the Prof takes the opportunity to talk with Ray. “The meteor shack?
Betty Jones used to live there. Hasn’t been seen since. No signs of her being
killed by the meteor; she just up and gone. The missing lawyer? His office is
up by the quarry but he didn’t work for them. The water-quarry? Filled in
around 1876. We used to go swimming there all the time growing up. But lately,
folks go in but never come out. Stay away if you’re smart. Especially at
night!”
H+T: Homer
and Tori ride the trolley past the cemetery then onto Main Street (Clothing
Store, VFW, Library, Café, Universal Church, Art Association, Bakery, and Warf)
before getting off at the corner to walk toward the Red Barn. Where they see a
gathering of painters smoking and talking. Tori takes out her camera to fit in,
“So what brought you here?” Most glance at her plain looks then return to their
conversation. Except for one, “An uncontrollable urge struck me over a-week
ago. Closed out my bank account and jumped on the train. Been here since.” Tori
glancing at his painting; unlike the others painting the barn, this canvas
depicts a spooky underground tunnel. Andrew noticing the quizzical look, “Yeah,
lately I’ve been painting my dreams.” Tori begins to wander the grounds
noticing the more unkempt the painter’s hair (sleep deprivation?), the more
morbid the scenes. No longer the barn but rather monsters and eerie star-filled
skies.
CRAIG O'CASEY
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HOMER'S PURCHASE
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As Tori seems engaged, Homer backtracks to the Art Association building. The
placard on the side admitting its establishment only months ago. Craig O’Casey
proprietor. Homer enters to find expected scenes of the barn, lighthouses, and
sailboats. Craig approaching his newest (only) customer, “Fortuitous these
painters showed up. Me, I paint my dreams. You want to see?” Led into the back
room, Homer shutters (SAN check) at the startling collection of monsters, alien
planets, and strange star clusters. Drawn to one particular monster painting,
Homer asks, “How much?” Craig seems giddy (his first sale) holding the $5 bill
as Homer exits with the wrapped painting.
Tori soon realizes Homer’s absence. As she searches the
street she can’t help but notice the elder gentleman soldier decked out in his
Great-War uniform (complete with Victoria Cross medal). Head down, counting his
steps as he walks a straight line away from the barn. Stopping just short of
the Universal Church. Tori just able to make out his grumbled comment, “So
there it is.” The soldier turning to then enter the nearby VFW.
It’s near dinner time when all rejoin at the B&B. To
compare notes. With Sarah filling some gaps, “The old soldier? That’s Colonel
Scott Hall. Great War hero. He started and owns the VFW. The quarry? Owned by
the Rahn family.” All do a double-take at the name recognition of the purchaser
of the missing Peru statue. Remembering their mention of the water-filled
quarry, Sarah excitedly delved into the story of her great-grandfather Henri Woods, for whom the B&B named after, “It all began 11 April, 1877 with the
killing of Charles Gilman…”
Henri N. Woods, a
prominent lawyer and civic leader in Rockport in the latter half of the 19th
century. Defense lawyer in a notorious 1877 Rockport murder case involving
two traveling salesmen (Albert Joy and Charles H. Gilman).
Charles out
selling sewing machine attachments while Albert hung out at the station. Then
both rejoining before heading toward a nearby reservoir. A half hour later,
Joy was seen returning, alone. He acting normal, even stopping at a restaurant
to order oyster stew. He then returned to the station and boarded the train
that was set to leave at 1:30. As he waited for it to depart, voices suddenly
started screaming, “A dead man has been found in the reservoir.” Upon hearing
that news, Joy exclaimed, “My God! It is my chum.”
Police quickly
arrested Joy, who professed his innocence, saying he left Gilman at the
reservoir while he went to get food. With Henri Woods as his defense
attorney, Joy was put on trial in Salem on July 9, 1877, for the murder of
Gilman. After a four-day trial, the jury returned a verdict a guilty. He was
sentenced to be hanged, but four days before the scheduled hanging, the
governor issued a reprieve. A few weeks later, the governor commuted his
sentence to life in prison.
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