Jackal’s Journals – Journal 5
Entry #5.1 – March 2009
Contacted by Stone. Is in need of investigative expertise. Appears NovaStar Incorporated premises in Chicago have been burned to ground. Not surprisingly Stone wants to know why. Long list of suspects. There are plenty who despise him.
He has many enemies. Perhaps someone just couldn’t stand the endless deluge of pretentious slogans that are churned out of Stone Enterprises. Saw one read ‘Stone by Stone Regeneration Project ~ building a better future’. Can only assume this means building a better future for Stone. Otherwise not doing very good job. Perhaps will suggest ‘Kick over Stone and see what crawls out from under it’. Imagine this would not go down too well though.
Entry #5.2 – March 2009
Arrived in Chicago. Has been new development. Stone now also embroiled in Nova love-child scandal. Pregnant woman named Sebastienne claims he is father of her child. Can’t help wondering whether this is just another publicity stunt.
Cobalt and Storm Queen are here. Whitelaw looks good after recent ordeal. Not sure I like her new eyes though. Cobalt says he wants us to call him Marcus now. Find it suspicious how both of them keep showing up. Is probable they are acting on behalf of their respective agencies. Must be vigilant.
Entry #5.3 – March 2009
Stone appears to be distracted from arson investigation by possibility of fatherhood. Search for clues delayed in favour of trip to Swiss clinic for sperm viability test. Find prospect that Stone may be able to breed quite disturbing.
Entry #5.4 – March 2009
Plot thickens. FBI agents were waiting for Stone at airport. Served warrant. Stone now accused of insurance fraud. Allegations have been made that he torched his own building. All his U.S. assets have been seized.
If unknown adversaries are trying to keep Stone off balance then they are succeeding.
Entry #5.5 – March 2009
Was finally able to view remains of NovaStar offices. Fire started on second or third floor shortly after Stone’s secretary left the building. Spread quickly. Was professional job. Certain details are puzzling. Premises were not a damaging enough target. Attack made insufficient impact. Financial and material losses are minimal. Is also significant that effort was directed at ensuring there were no casualties. Perpetrator waited until secretary had vacated building before triggering blaze. There are also indications that a vagrant was moved on from rear of building by a negro wearing distinctive purple crumpled suit and wide-brimmed hat. As yet there are no clues as to the identity of this individual.
Focus of investigation has changed however. Sebastienne has been murdered, Stone arrested. Am proceeding to murder scene.
Entry #5.6 – March 2009
Limited evidence at Sebastienne’s apartment is almost certainly intended to incriminate Stone. Victim’s head was pulverised with superhuman force. Messy but effective. Police had already removed the body. Last call on mobile was to Stone’s number an hour before the murder. Would be too convenient if he was actually responsible. Perpetrator is seldom that obvious. Cannot discount possibility that, knowing this, Stone is attempting to confuse me by incriminating self. However, is improbable that he would choose to employ such a shallow deception knowing that it would fail. Ultimately, relentless pursuit of justice will lead to killer. Have established likelihood that victim knew her attacker. Though door to apartment appeared to have been kicked in from outside, closer inspection revealed damage was done with door already open.
Entry #5.7 – March 2009
Went to visit Stone in jail. Wanted to question him about whereabouts at time of murder and whether he had received call from Sebastienne’s mobile. Thought he might offer useful insight. Instead he was more concerned with whether I thought he was guilty than in whether he could make a positive contribution to the investigation. Conversation deteriorated after I told him he was still a suspect. As with any case, investigation would be conducted through logical reasoning and deduction. Was not personal. Process cannot be tainted by preconceptions. All possibilities have to be weighed equally and eliminated through the gathering of evidence. As yet I have no proof of his innocence. Stone did not like this answer. Was expecting favouritism. Said he thought I was a better friend than that. Was surprised. Find it hard to imagine why Stone would actually think he has friends. Once I might have considered him a worthy adversary. Now it seems that my respect was misplaced. Is no evidence of immense intellect at work. In response to his current predicament he seems to have spurned more constructive pursuits in favour of wallowing in self-pity and acting like a petulant child.
Was predictable that eventually Stone would resort to throwing a huge tantrum in order to demonstrate his god-like superiority over the mere mortals who were trying to contain him. So I hung around, anticipating trouble.
At 02:07 in the afternoon a streak of purple energy tore through the upper storeys of the precinct building and rocketed into the sky. Was outside in street. Stood and watched as ever-diminishing dot that was J.J. Stone ascended toward higher levels of Earth’s atmosphere. Within seconds a group of figures were streaking after him from strategic locations across the city. Watched their progress as they began to converge. The rapidly receding dots became pinholes, barely distinguishable against brightness of sky. Then passed beyond capabilities of human vision and were gone. Moments later there was a tiny blink of light. Like a distant star winking out. I waited for something more, but the show was apparently over. As spectacle it had been somewhat of a let down. Had expected it to last longer, and for there to be more substantial fireworks. Still, seemed likely that Stone had been dealt with. Was probably for the best. He had become dangerously unpredictable. Is no telling what he might have done.
Entry #5.8 – March 2009
The individual who masterminded Stone’s demise is still at large, and trail is beginning to grow cold. Actions during next few hours will be critical.
Left Cobalt and Storm Queen after brief encounter outside precinct house. Meeting only confirmed that they have no investigative aptitude. If anything they will be a hindrance. Returned to Sebastienne’s apartment to question building super. Said Sebastienne worked as exotic dancer and prostitute. Had numerous male visitors. However in recent months clientele consisted of only two men. Negro in purple crumpled suit, platform shoes and wide brimmed hat. And stocky white-guy with close-cropped hair and business suit. Was no doubt that first description matched suspect at scene of NovaStar Incorporated arson.
Also obtained address of club where Sebastienne performed. She may have talked to someone there. Super believes one of the other dancers was a friend of hers.
Is time to go amongst criminal fraternity and ask some questions. Prime suspect’s attire could not be more distinctive. Someone knows something.
Entry #5.9 – March 2009
Has been long evening. Passage through Chicago underworld is slow. Is fortunate that I enjoy my work or I would tire of dealing with these degenerates. A less diligent individual would surely have given up by now.
Entry #5.10 – March 2009
Eventually perseverance was rewarded. Chain of whispers led to information broker named Fat Louis. A man of some reputation in his field.
When I arrived was apparent that I was expected. Fat Louis had small army of gun-toting goons maintaining vigil in his office. Was good sign. Indicated that he was well informed. Thought perhaps trip would be worthwhile.
Could probably have taken the goons without any difficulty but is always prudent to be cautious. Backed off and set remote charge on fuse-box. If an edge was needed, darkness would be my ally.
Then walked in. A large amount of firepower was rapidly trained in my direction.
“Looking for Fat Louis.”, I said to fat guy behind desk. “Guess that must be you”
Fat Louis smiled. Was soon discussing profitability of information exchange. What he would require in payment for his services. Was normal for such meetings. I pointed out his error. Negotiation was irrelevant. He was a crook and I was a vigilante. I had not come to deal. Fat Louis was less than receptive to idea that this was not a typical business transaction however. Became rapidly apparent that he thought he had the upper hand. Attempted to convince him otherwise, but sadly he was hard-of-understanding in this regard. Conversation grew tiresome. Fat Louis’s misconception over who had the advantage seemed to be affecting his judgement. Decided to remove the impediment.
Hit remote trigger. Lights flickered. Went out. Dived and rolled toward centre of room. Goons opened fire where I’d been standing. Were too slow. Drew twin Colts and fired. Two goons went down. Was in amongst them by then. Let fear do the rest. They killed each other. Slowly guns grew silent. One by one. Took survivors down myself. Then recommenced negotiations with Fat Louis. Was more co-operative in light of revised circumstances.
Six hours later had name and address. Vinny d’Pimp, Flat 6a, 1583 Fulton.
Briefly doubted veracity of information due to somewhat comic epithet. However short conversation with Fat Louis convinced me that he was sincere. I do not believe he would be that stupid.
Entry #5.11 – March 2009
Checked out Vinny’s residence. Was locked up tight. Windows blacked-out. No sign of life. Could have gone in alone but continued to err on side of caution. Called Cobalt. Did not really want Teragen patsy interfering with investigation but ability to see through walls was an advantage that could not be ignored. Regretted decision almost immediately. He arrived with Whitelaw and some smarmy French guy in tow. Smarmy guy introduced himself as Yves Saint-Claire. Something to do with DeVries public relations. Cobalt is a fool. Saint-Claire cannot be trusted. Will have to watch him closely. Is certain that he will attempt to conceal any details that might reflect badly upon his employers. Is complication that could have been avoided.
Wasn’t much left to cover up at Vinny’s apartment however. By time we arrived Vinny had already had a visitor. Someone who had tidied up a loose end by putting three .22 calibre slugs in Vinny’s chest. He wasn’t going to be of much use now that his guts were soaked into the fabric of the chair. Searched the apartment. Found a thousand dollars in bills and similar street-value of drugs stashed in toilet cistern. Nothing else of note. Departed whilst others were discussing whether or not to call police. Will make better progress without them. They will only slow me down.
Entry #5.12 – March 2009
Made additional enquiries regarding Vinny’s movements during recent months. Although description is somewhat vague, is significant that on a number of occasions he has been seen with a white-guy who has short brown hair and wears a suit. Matches description of other man who visited Sebastienne at her apartment. No one seems to be able to identify this second individual however.
Have come to night-club where Sebastienne worked to seek out dancer reported to be her friend. Will be here when club opens. Must ensure this girl is not another loose end.
Entry #5.13 – March 2009
Watched final moments of day. Vast metropolis spinning from under sun’s scrutiny. For short time urban landscape became twilight battleground where shadows fought to supplant the light. A primeval drama was enacted. Has played since Earth’s conception. Darkness seeped from cracks and hollows. Welled out of deep places where it had been banished during day. Spread through city streets. Gained momentum as rival’s most precious talisman was devoured by gaping jaws of glass and steel. Overwhelmed by dark deluge, last remnants of light were forced ever higher. Besieged atop lofty sky-scraping citadels. For a time they shone brightly amidst the growing gloom. But inexorably advancing darkness engulfed them and one by one they winked out.
Entered club not long after last light departed. Obtained useful information from Sebastienne’s friend. Dancer named Felicity Croft. In last four months Sebastienne has been making money doing escort work for DeVries. Was Vinny d’Pimp who set up the deal. A few more pieces of puzzle slot into place.
Stench of DeVries involvement grows ever stronger. The unidentified second man is key. Must take steps to find him.
Entry #5.14 – March 2009
Before continuing, ensured Felicity would be out of harm’s way. Gave her money from Vinny’s apartment. Told her it would be safer if she took her child and stayed out of town for a few days. Escorted them to train station.
As they departed snow began falling from heaven. Stood on platform. Watched train pull away.
Is something about her. Many would condemn erotic entertainment as less than reputable vocation. Perhaps even label this woman a whore. Is mistake not to look deeper. Appearances are misleading. Might discover she is more than she seems.
Am reminded of story. Something read long ago. Said that once there were angels. Beautiful, bright, shining angels. But that one day something had gone wrong. Instead of having a choice between good and evil the angels were forced to choose the lesser of two evils. And it had broken them. And they had become human.
Entry #5.15 – March 2009
Returned to hunt for killer. At Cobalt’s behest waited for others in gutted remains of NovaStar Incorporated premises. Had been arranged for Utopian and DeVries Novas to perform psychometric scans of certain key locations. Remain sceptical of such methods. Information obtained is only as reliable as source.
Saint-Claire is still involved. Even seems to be in charge of investigation now. Find it hard to understand how others are taken in. Can they not smell the sickly stench of insincerity and lies upon his breath?
Scans substantiated belief that Vinny was Sebastienne’s killer. Indicated that sledgehammer was used to give impression of superhuman attacker. Is plausible. Convenient since Vinny is dead. Leaves important questions unanswered however.
Find it suspicious that no useful information was obtained regarding identity of Vinny’s assassin.
Entry #5.16 – March 2009
For time being decided to allow Saint-Claire some latitude. Anticipated his attempts at deception might provide useful intelligence. Would be indicative of avenues of investigation worth pursuing.
Tactic led to DeVries agency where Saint-Claire wished to question Stone’s old manager Bill Myers. Then to Canada to meet nova called Brick. The path Saint-Claire followed was not clear. Could only deduce he knew more than he had revealed.
Upon return from Canada, Saint-Claire declared DeVries investigation concluded. He admitted culpability in concealing pertinent information. Told us that psychometric scan had identified Myers as Vinny’s killer. In spite of this he assured us of Myers innocence. Said mental scan had established Myers had no recollection of murder. His superiors believe findings are sufficient confirmation that DeVries are not involved.
Testimony is worthless. Has no substance. If anything decision to terminate the inquiry at this point is an indication of guilt.
Entry #5.17 – March 2009
Was glad to be rid of Saint-Claire’s duplicitous influence. Meant return to more disciplined investigation. Made enquiries into Myers background. Was fortunate. Sources indicated subject was focus of Directive surveillance. Requested details of Myers whereabouts during key periods. Waited for response.
Entry #5.18 – March 2009
One of Cobalt’s associates arrived to offer assistance. Calls himself Bolt. Something to do with electricity. Is arrogant and opinionated. Am unable to determine in what capacity he expects to be of use. Don’t think he’d spot a clue if it walked in and pissed up his leg.
On plus side Cobalt and Storm Queen have located security camera with view outside Vinny’s apartment block. Am impressed. Colleagues have actually turned up something useful. Is about time.
Review of tape showed Vinny and Myers arrived together. Minutes later Myers left alone. Walked down street. Paused at black limousine parked on corner. Talked to someone inside. Then moved away. Number plate of limousine was not visible.
Made excuses and left others to pursue more profitable avenues of enquiry. Contacted usual source. Was convinced critical information could be obtained from records of Myers surveillance. Was correct. Directive provided registration of vehicle filmed by security camera. Owner identified as woman named Jessica. Accessed file. Indicated subject is nova. Has powerful empathic control capabilities. Brick and Strobe are known associates. Frequently used as hired muscle. Appears DeVries Agency has been compromised at highest level. Is likely that Myers was working under Jessica’s influence. Brick also stated that she is a close friend of Anna DeVries. Pieces of puzzle fall into place. Is almost complete.
Entry #5.19 – March 2009
Informed others of conclusions. Reaction was disappointing. Bolt effused upon futility of continuing further. Believes efforts have been wasted. Does not approve of pursuing a course of action that may lead to confrontation with DeVries.
Said Sebastienne was just another dead hooker and nobody cares. Not even the baselines. He’s wrong… Jackal cares.
Became clear others were prepared to concede defeat. Collectively they decided to abdicate responsibility by sending an anonymous tip to the Directive. Afterward they convinced themselves they had done all they could. Perhaps it helps them sleep at night. Said nothing. Let them make their own choices. Jackal won’t allow guilty to go unpunished.
Entry #5.20 – March 2009
Before group dispersed Jo Whitelaw asked to talk with me in private. Was soon apparent she wanted to take me into her confidence regarding concerns that she had been compromised by an unknown agency. Listened to her account of recent interrogation. Managed not to laugh. Is ironic. Find it inconceivable that she would choose to trust me with this information. Perhaps her decision was precipitated by the frank and open approach I have demonstrated when we have worked together in the past. Seems unlikely.
Is not clear what she expects from me. Said I would look into it. Imagine exchange was somewhat of a let down for her. Particularly since it was subsequently discovered that the room was bugged.
Entry #5.21 – March 2009
Have received word that Herman Shultz has been abducted from Directive custody in London by four as yet unidentified novas. Will remain vigilant. Opportunity to correct earlier oversight may soon present itself.
Entry #5.22 – March 2009
Cancer within DeVries Agency has been excised.
Whoso sheddeth man’s blood,
by man shall his blood be shed(GENESIS 9:6)
Is convenient for Novas to believe abstract forces compel them to do the things they do. Is Superiority that makes them amoral. Is Power that corrupts them. Is Taint that turns them into monsters. They want to believe they are not to blame for what they have become. But they are. Their actions are not imposed. Is vanity that motivates them. They have bartered away their humanity so they may masquerade as gods.
