"Let's see if I have it all...", said Wendell Parsons -- eminent
scholar, sociologist, criminologist, ethnohistorian, demographer -- as
he sifted through thick portfolios and manilla folders.
His home, a modest yet elegant one-story, three bedroom home located
not far from Butler University, was always tidy -- except his private study.
Always, the desk was piled high with papers; the shelves were stuffed with
journals and books. Actually the room had a comfortable ambiance with its
rich oak paneled walls, and the numerous paintings and photographs scattered
here and there. On a decidedly antique table stood an old Remington typewriter
that still worked. "You all can have your fancy computers but give
me the old typewriter every time," Wendell said more than once.
But today was hardly the time to reminisce; Wendell's former student
and colleague, Joseph Wood, had finally learned the truth behind Danisha's
sudden flight across time. Her medieval lover, Judge Claude Frollo, had
been pursuing a serial killer named Marcel Rougelot for more than a year.
This time, Rougelot, also known as "le Chameleon", had murdered a 15th
Century man named Bernard LaCroix, then fled through the pages of history
courtesy of Jehan Frollo. The Minister of Justice's brother had unwisely
told Marcel of Danisha, Fern, and of the transtemporal device. What worried
both Joe and Wendell was the fact that what they had suspected all along:
the truth about the LaCroix family. So Wendell, on this day, began to recount
to Joe the few facts he had collected on Marcel Rougelot, and the sudden
havoc this medieval serial killer may wreck upon the entire Wood family
-- and upon Judge Claude Frollo.
++++++++
Eighty-seven year old Wendell Parsons, a still-handsome man with an
evenly toned nut-brown complexion, short wavy gray hair and clipped mustache,
grew serious as he began. "Marcel Rougelot was born in Nantes, in 1459...Mother
was a Muriel Forester, an Englishwoman; she married a Renaud Rougelot in
the fall of 1458. The father died shortly before Marcel was born."
Joe listened intently as Professor Parsons continued, "Now Muriel,
recently widowed, moved back to England soon after Marcel was born. She
had no real family in France -- she lived with her brother, Martin, who
was in the employ of a Percival Quayleson."
By now Joseph Wood was more than curious; how did Wendell find out so much?
The elderly scholar smiled, saying, "Joseph, when the good judge requested
my help, I started doing a background check on this Rougelot fellow. Now,
Tony and Jacki were tremendous, assisting me with the time travel and all.
Minister Frollo even suggested that Fern Grigsby do some footwork for me."
"But what about Rougelot's criminal career?", asked Dr. Wood, "And
how did Claude Frollo get you involved?"
Wendell, sorting through his notes, continued, "Let me backtrack here."
Dr. Parsons took a deep breath then continued, "Muriel stayed on until
her death in 1475. The boy's maternal uncle, Martin, had schooled the boy
and was grooming Marcel for a life of domestic service when...Well, the
boy committed his first murder at age fifteen. Victim was Danforth Quayleson,
Percival's nephew."
The elderly scholar allowed Joseph a few minutes to fathom all this
newly acquired information -- Well, for Joe it was new information.
Dr. Wood was flabbergasted as Wendell continued about Marcel's flight to
France after the brutal murder of Danforth Quayleson. Soon afterwards,
a series of brutalized, mutilated bodies begin to show up in and around
Nantes. Of course, several citizens had expressed fears that they would
be murdered in their beds.
When their appeals finally reached His Majesty, Marcel Rougelot had
already brought his murderous rampage to Paris. The first victims were
prostitutes and beggars, but gradually, Marcel used his skills to gain
access to the more upscale citizens. That's when the King impressed upon
Frollo to bring 'le Chameleon' to justice.
"Joe, when the first bodies began turning up in and around Paris, the
King instructed Frollo to either apprehend this killer or resign his post
as Minister of Justice. Naturally, His Honor needed some outside help;
none of his spies could pin down this man. Yes, sir, Frollo was dealing
with a hardcore serial killer. That's when he asked Tony Terrell..."
Dr. Parsons further explained that, during a routine visit to 15th
Century Paris, Tony Terrell was asked by Judge Frollo, "How would your
21st Century criminologists handle such a case?" Frollo knew that such
things as forensic science, fingerprinting, and psychological profiles
never existed in his 15th Century world. Perhaps, thought Frollo, this
knowledge would finally help to capture 'le Chameleon'.
So Tony told Claude Frollo about Dr. Parsons, "A man who has studied
criminal behavior ever since the late 1930's. Your Grace, Dr. Parsons always
had a keen interest in nearly every major case: the Lindbergh kidnapping,
the Manson case, the torture murder of Sylvia Likens, Ted Bundy, Gacy...The
local police usually consult him whenever they're faced with a difficult
case."
Claude Frollo had Tony bring Wendell Parsons to the 15th Century in
hopes of shedding some light on Rougelot's personality, habits, and motives
for murder. His Grace had no time to lose, as by the previous November,
yet another body was discovered on the banks of the Seine. This time, the
unfortunate victim was a Parisian socialite named Colette Bouchard, Hubert
d'Arcy's sister-in-law. The murders were now hitting close to home, and
His Majesty was growing impatient. "Frollo", the King warned His Grace,
"it is only a matter of time before this man spreads his murderous rampage
into my Court. Find Marcel Rougelot or your days as Minister of Justice
are over! It is plain that your attempts to bring this man to justice have
failed. If one more life is ended at Rougelot's hands..."
Joseph Wood ran his fingers through his short gray hair; he couldn't
believe what Wendell was telling him. "Damn, Wendell! Nisha told me that
Claude had been unusually secretive...The poor man's job is on the line,
and it's all...Wendell, when you told me about Bernard LaCroix..."
"Don't worry, Joe. All that would have panned out for real, with or
without Nisha's presence in medieval France. The LaCroix family's future
would be secure. It's Minister Frollo's future that'd be in jeopardy."
As Wendell went on to explain what Claude Frollo would have actually faced upon the discovery of Bernard LaCroix' body, Joe recalled Claude's morning message, and it was not good.
My dear Joseph,
We are safe. Danisha however has been through a most trying ordeal.
I now fully realize what your ancestors endured...Nisha herself nearly
fell victim to that horrible Charles Woodbridge, but I saved her from what
could have been the worst trauma a woman can experience. I also met your
great grandfather, Silas, whilst he was en route to his freedom. I was
highly impressed with this remarkable boy.
At this moment we are in Chicago, June 1937. We are staying with
Josiah Warfield's grandson and his family. But it is Danisha's current
state that truly distresses me -- She has slept very little since our arrival,
the result of terrible nightmares...I am sending her home within the week.
There is no need to expose her to any more danger. Tell my precious that
I love her, and that I have not forgotten to bring that special treat once
I return. I will remain in touch.
Claude Frollo
Joe was still listening to Wendell's reports on Rougelot, on the LaCroix family, on Claude Frollo's most difficult case..
Chicago 1937...That's when Eula and Wendell...Where did Claude say they were staying? Warfield...Hey, that's Senovia
and Walt...! I wonder if they'll run into -- what was her name? Sunny Rathbord...Both
Wendell and Eula knew her; Sunny used to frequent La Tulipe Noire.
Many whites, as well as the upper-class blacks went there...Then things
got ugly the night of the 22nd, when Joe Louis won his title...As Wendell
recalled, it was Jubilation followed by tragedy...
********************
When Marcel Rougelot made a hasty exit through yet another time portal,
he thought, at least he'd be free of Frollo's pursuit. Marcel had made
sure that the Minister of Justice would be so distraught over Danisha Wood's
sudden 'disappearance' that all efforts to track down 'le Chameleon' would
cease. At least, by Marcel's thinking, Claude Frollo would have to make
a choice: Save his lady's life or risk facing an angry monarch.
Marcel Rougelot was quite aware of the pressure placed upon Claude
Frollo, and Marcel was determined to win -- at any cost. So what if His
Majesty strips Frollo of his duties; so what if Frollo is publicly disgraced.
And what did Marcel care if the soon-to-be former Judge Frollo spent the
rest of his life in shame and dishonor. All Marcel Rougelot could do was
bide his time, and hope that Frollo and his band of spies would never find
him.
Actually Marcel became intrigued with his new surroundings -- But he was so overwhelmed! The sheer size of Chicago, its tall buildings, the likes of which Marcel had never before seen. The traffic -- those things, those 'automobiles, streetcars, and the El' -- was what really blew Marcel's mind. The man was completely floored when he strolled along the lakefront -- He had never before seen such a beautiful water prospect! It's almost like the sea -- so vast, so blue...Why it rivals the Channel...
Upon arriving in 1937 Chicago, Marcel Rougelot needed money and new
clothes. What he was wearing was hardly thing for this mid-20th Century
metropolis; so he ditched the collar, cravat, and hat. He began making
inquiries about places that bought "old coins and other artifacts". The
few 19th Century coins and that pistol certainly came in handy; the price
they fetched was just enough for some inexpensive yet serviceable clothes,
food, and the first month's rent on a dingy apartment near the Loop. He
had more than enough to exploit Chicago's transit system; he would have
to know how to use the El and streetcar if he intended to stay for an extended
time.
And that's what Marcel did those first three days since he fled to
this Midwest metropolis -- He made it his point to learn much about this
city, and of this era.
For three days, Marcel, playing the "I'm new in
your city" bit to the hilt, explored all facets of life in a 1930's metropolis.
He learned how to get around town using the streetcar and "El"; he quickly
picked up on the various areas of town. Marcel spent an entire day in a
movie theater. What an experience! Paintings that move! The people talk,
sing, and dance! Why didn't Jehan tell me about this?
Marcel haunted record stores, imbibing the music unique to this period.
Jazz,
blues, swing...
But Marcel needed a job; his funds were quickly dwindling. So, on this
morning, he bought a morning Tribune, flipped to the back pages
and began to search for employment. Being a man of the 1400s, Marcel knew
nothing about operating motor vehicles, elevators, factory machinery...
No,
nothing with machines...But, perhaps, a servant...
And that's what he found as his eyes scanned the classified, Marcel
Rougelot smiled when he read an advertisement for a butler's assistant.
Ah...I
can do that...sort of footman to this Monsieur Edward Rathbord...My uncle
was in service; there's nothing to it really.
It wasn't long before Marcel found himself on a northbound streetcar,
and phony references in hand. I hope M. Rathbord won't investigate
these references...I was up half the night writing these...That's another
thing I learned; Uncle showed me how to fake another's handwriting...Perhaps
M. Rathbord will be impressed that I used to work for the great d'Arcy
family...
He wore the best suit he could afford: just a simple brown jacket and
trousers, white shirt, brown tie, and a hat that seemed too large for his
head. Marcel wasn't a handsome man; he was of medium height and build,
and had a plain everyday face. His abundant dark brown hair was neatly
combed into a flattering style suitable for the time period. Despite his
natty appearance, Marcel Rougelot was a jangle of nerves; he knew that
Claude Frollo soon would catch up with him. So this time, Marcel made sure
to lose himself in this 'Chicago'; he even changed his name. There is
no way I'll hang for murder...Why I can stay here, and stop this transtemporal
nonsense. Then, when things settle down, I can figure out how to
return to my own time...I want to see old Frollo get what's coming to him,
for I know all about the King's ultimatum: Frollo has to either arrest
me or lose his own head!
With ample, well-chosen lies and side-steps, Marcel got the job, but
was completely unprepared for the tasks facing him. He had to learn how
to operate the radio, the phonograph, and everything else that ran with
electricity; that was an experience in itself. Who was this sorcerer
named "Edison"?
Marcel had to learn how to make 'cocktails' because he was expected
to tend bar. Cocktails...We've never had such things...These 20th Century
people seem to like these...Blending spirits with juice and bitters and...UGH!
All of that mixed together! The 'bar' is nice...Ice is already prepared...this
'refrigerator' to keep things cold...Running water! How ingenious! I like
the house...elegant, spacious...just like this city...one could get lost
in here...
On this particular evening, Marcel was presently mixing cocktails for
his new employer's daughter and her friends. His mind must have been elsewhere
for his reverie soon was interrupted by a giggly female voice. She looked
at him with big hazel eyes and said, "Excuse me, but if you're making Manhattans,
you have to use whiskey, not gin."
The lady laughed at this new man's ineptness, but she wasn't angry;
in fact, this man intrigued her. Sunny Rathbord flashed Marcel a smile
and said, "I trust my father hasn't loaded you with too much work, but
jobs and good help are hard to find."
She lit a cigarette then introduced herself. "I'm Sunny Rathbord, and
your name?" Marcel, pouring whiskey and vermouth into a sterling silver
shaker, returned the smile, replying, "Martin, Mlle. Rathbord. Martin Forester."
++++++++
What have I done? Why did I ever allow her to accompany me? She
knew the risks, and she nearly lost her life. Charles Woodbridge would
have died anyway; I just saved Walter Warfield's grandfather from a horrible
fate. Besides, what Charles did to Danisha is even more reprehensible!
How DARE he look at, let alone touch, this woman. I'll never forget the
sight that greeted me when I entered that cabin...Charles sprawled on top
of her, straddling her like the worst common...And Nisha, valiantly defending
her honor...That damned Rougelot! When I get my hands on him...! I shall
personally enjoy watching him die, watching him suffer, the way he made
Danisha suffer. She does not deserve all this, not ever...
My mind is made up; Danisha is to go home before the week is out.
She will understand; it is for her own good, and for....
"Umm, Claude...?"
Claude Frollo, sitting at Danisha's bedside, sponged her hot forehead with cool water while she struggled with yet another sleepless night. She wasn't the same since they -- Claude and Nisha -- had successfully fled 1859 Tennessee and landed in 1937 Chicago. After three days of diligent tracking Marcel Rougelot had been finally tracked to this city, this time period. But exactly where Marcel was hiding was another nagging question. Claude Frollo had sent the McMullens home, retaining only Fern as the Minister of Justice worried that Rougelot had now recognized his 21st Century spies.
Claude was confident this time, for he had enlisted Vixen, his 22nd FSM, to help flush out 'le Chameleon'. Ah, the magic of radio, coupled by a timely comment from Danisha, would, in time, finally blow Marcel Rougelot's cover.
But at what price?
The medieval magistrate was about to learn much about his new surroundings.
Oh, he had been to Chicago before, with Danisha. But that was in the 1990's
then into the 21st Century. This city of the 1930's was something entirely
different -- at least for Danisha and the Warfields.
"Claude! Claude!"
His Grace's contemplation was shattered the moment Nisha screamed his
name; she awoke in tears.
COMING UP:
Bronzeville...Claude Frollo tells Danisha everything...A case of Mistaken
Identity...La Tulipe Noire...
Copyright ©1999 by FrolloFreak®