The mysterious death of Lord Reginald: The Night Rose

The day had not improved and still cloudy skies ruled over the firmament and dawned over the city.

But no bad weather was going to slow Elizabeth down as she reached the steps of the Night Rose with nothing more than sheer will, smiling to herself as her skirt ruffled gently in the wind as she ascended towards the door.

While she moved towards her goal she could see the metropolitan police guardian at the perimeter, apparently, the commotion had drawn people around the city to gather near the place hoping to get a glimpse of the body or a simple piece of information that would make for great gossip

"Elizabeth" a voice called her making her stop at the steps, it was familiar and friendly, she turned to the owner of that warm brassy baritone voice and was greeted by the charming smile of Henry Lewis.

He was a handsome brunette gentleman, with brown eyes and a considerably tall stature, a slender yet athletic physique. But most importantly a friend from childhood.

They walked to each other and met in the middle "What is a woman like you doing in a place like this?" Henry resumed with an unchangeable tone.

Elizabeth smiled back at him with a playful disposition "well Henry….you know me a strange occurrence gets me all intrigued, would it be me if it was any other way?" 

The brunette gentleman chuckled softly "I don't think It would." He offered his hand and she placed her on top of his for a respectful kiss, as the formality ended had resumed conversation "you do know this is a mostly gentlemen's club…and the scene of a crime. Don't you?"  

 "Well…" her spirited smile didn't dwindle "It helps that you are here." 

Both of them recognized why the other was here because they were here for the same thing.

"Then pray tell me, how you think I can help you? because I don’t think I can." he said, turning forward and giving a step upwards.

"You know the chief policeman, and from what I know you are no stranger to these parts," she said as she joined him.

"Then I guess there is one more thing for me to do then" he said looking at her with a friendly disposition "what am I going to say to get what you want?" It was clear both of them were there for the same reason.

Elizabeth gave a low-sounding squeal of joy as they approached the policemen at the door of one of the most infamous places in London.

They were greeted with unfriendly and neutral attitudes from the constables at the door" move along, the nightclub is closed and this is the scene of a crime."

Henry gave a quick yet knowingly look back at Elizabeth before uttering the words "I am here at the discretion of the Chief of Police Mr Chanely; so it would be wise to let us through."

The two policemen looked at each other and made way for them to go inside the massive building.

As soon as they crossed the threshold they were greeted by the image of a decadent interior filled up with furniture and commodities fit for the rich and powerful, the curtains were closed and the lights were distributed to the point you could see enough to walk through it and dark enough to hide your actions.

it was clear that no ‘respectable’ place or that pious person would attend, if the minister of Elizabeth’s church would see this he would call it a ‘Den of Sin’ and if her mother would…she would just pass out.

One thing was for sure: it was filled to the brim with many detectives questioning patrons about the events of the night before.

Among them was the chief of police Mr Chaney, with his big brown beard and unfriendly face, he had spotted them quickly and was heading in their direction with a hostile look and strong pace.

Both of them were a little bit intimidated by him even though he was not as competent as people believed him to be.

And with an unflinching expression, he uttered a harsh scoff, "this is unusual…" the tone was uncomfortable "you might be aware, that this is the scene of a crime, and visitors are not allowed…even if they use my name to get through the door." 

Henry smiled coyly, a smile that Elizabeth recognized as the one when her friend found a perfect excuse.

 "Sorry for the lie, I wanted to secure passage so I can assess the loss of my investment" the words came on flooding and with confidence if they were true "and as you might be aware that I have a stake in the establishment…as for miss Carter, she is a scholar on theology being taught in theology and she was sent here by the Minister to see if the crime pertains as part of the church." 

Mr Chanley was reluctantly sold on young Henry’s story, he was a smooth talker after all  "all right, you can stay here and see your assessment with the solicitor for the case, as for you miss Carter..." he gave a cold and hardened glance "you will be allowed to see the merits of the church in this matter, but be warned…there is no foul play from the mystic or the profane here."

Chanley gestured with his hands to one of the nearby policemen that were standing near to join them.

 "Trainee Kent will escort you through the building and see that you don’t get into any trouble" after saying this he left them mumbling something along the lines of 'supernatural?…nonsense!!!" to continue with his investigation.

The man who was left in front of Henry and Elizabeth was clearly of African descent, tall, with a dimpled chin, brown eyes, a kind look and a strong build.

Elizabeth extended her hand towards him "Elizabeth Carter, nice to meet you." she said being polite and kind, the man held her gloved hand and kissed it as a sign of respect.

while he composed himself he gently said in a warm tone "I am happy to be of service".

Henry laughed softly, finding the scene ironic, from which he got an elbow to the ribs from Elizabeth. 

The young lord then spoke directly to his companion "I'll see what information I can get from the solicitor." he then left her side and walked out of view.