J&L: Jagowl & Litepaw (9)

Hampstead Heath

Constable: "Ah, there you are Inspector, and not a moment too soon."

Quick: "Came as soon as I could Reggie. Oh, this is Miss Ellie Higson by the way."

Constable: "Charmed, m'lady. *whispers* Here Quick, won't your Missus be peeved if she finds out you're carrying on with a young one?"

Quick: "Reggie! That is not an appropriate way to address a superior officer."

Constable: "I meant nothing by it, I swear. Your secret is safe with me."

Ellie: "Oi! There's no 'secret' pal. I've come to help the inspector, cause I'm tied up in this case too."

Constable: "I just assumed, given you're both in cloaks. Discretion and all that."

Quick: "Never assume Reggie, if you want to make it as an officer of the law. Baseless assumptions make us all look bad. These cloaks are simply to keep out the worst of the chilling fog."

Ellie: "We hardly need to hide anyway, with this fog I can barely see your face."

Quick: "Which means we won't be able to see this roaming feline until it's too late."

Constable: "A number of teams from the Zoo are out patrolling areas of London with reported wild animal sightings, though most refuse to use their weapons until the weather clears."

Quick: "That could be a long time to wait."

*a not too distant roar*

Ellie: "Time we don't have. Run!"

*another roar, closer*

Quick: "It came from the North edge."

Constable: "Which way is North?"

Ellie: "This way you lummox. *whispers* Wouldn't be surprised if he was part gorilla."

*a roar, followed by pained cries*

Quick: "It's got someone! Hurry!"

Ellie: "There it is, standing over something."

Constable: "It's not something, it's someone!"

Quick: "Constable Davidson! Get away from him you beast!"

Ellie: "It's no use. It's too busy feeding to notice you."

Quick: "Oh yeah? He'll notice this."

*a gunshot, followed by two more in quick succession. The jaguar roars in pain*

Ellie: *Bull's-eye! Good shot Inspector."

Quick: "He felt it, but it wasn't a killshot. C'mon, we have to stay on its tail."

Ellie: "Can't have it escape again, and at least you can end its suffering."

Constable: "Go Inspector. I'll tend to Davidson."

*sounds of running and exertion*

Ellie: "Over here! It's slunk into this alley."

Quick: "Careful Ellie. You know what they say about cornered animals. I'll take point."

Ellie: "Right you are. Oh, I can't see a damn thing in this fog."

Quick: "It left us a trail of blood to follow at least."

*a low whimper*

Ellie: "Did you hear that? It's close, and in pain. I kind of feel bad for the creature. It's hurt people, but it's only acting on instinct, so far from its natural habitat."

Quick: "I see him, just over there. Licking his wounds. It's OK fella, easy now. Best to put you out of your misery."

*one final gunshot*

Quick: "I'm sorry, but I had to finish it. Poor beast. Wait, what are you lying on exactly?"

Ellie: "Clothes. A full set of clothing? What's that doing in an alleyway?"

Quick: "Partially ripped, though the threading would suggest something burst of these clothes, rather than being ripped by the cat's claws."

Ellie: "Wait a minute. That cravat, I'd recognize anywhere. There's only one man in London who'd wear lime green with pink spots. I'd bet my bar that that's Alfie Jones, one of my regulars. Oh Alfie, what's happened?"

Quick: "I have an awful feeling that I know the answer. What if Alfie was slipped the same thing we and the gentlemen were given? Maybe he was stumbling through this alleyway when he began to change,  he burst out of his clothes."

Ellie: "You don't mean, that Alfie was that big cat? We're both infected, and we've only partially changed. How could he turn into a cat?"

Quick: "Maybe he got a stronger dose. Maybe that's just the final stage of what we have. Either way, we'd best hope the Professor and Jago are having better luck with a cure, or London could be beset by a whole carnival of horrors."

J&L: Jagowl & Litepaw (8)

St. Bart's Mortuary

Litefoot: "*groaning* Ugh, where am I? Falling asleep on the job eh, George? What next, talking to yourself? Gustav! No, he's long gone, and Jago is still out for the count. How long was I asleep? A solid hour if that wall-clock if anything to go by."

Jago: "Oh, my aching head... I've had worse mornings after nights before though not by much of a margin."

Litefoot: "It's no mere alcohol induced haze I'm afraid. We've been drugged by my alleged apprentice."

Jago: "Who was also my leading act. That cove Julian isn't going to get away this time."

Litefoot: "Priorities Henry. Let's worry about curing you first. Then we can focus on stopping this Julian. And finding you a new star performer."

Jago: "Well, it's not just me that needs curing, is it?"

Litefoot: "What?"

Jago: "You mean you haven't...? Oh corks!"

Litefoot: "Henry, what aren't you telling me?"

Jago: "It's... best if you just look in a mirror. Here, take this surgical tray, seems plenty reflective."

Litefoot: "Good heavens! Are those whiskers?"

Jago: "I'm personally more concerned about your slit pupils and pointed ears."

Litefoot: "And the downy fur adorning my face! I'm a feline! What has that Julian done?"

Jago: "Welcome to the club, Litefoot. Or should that be Litepaw?"

Litefoot: "Not for long, if I've any say in the matter. Come along, we've got a circus owner to confront."

Jago: "We should inform Ellie on our way, that one of her staff is a no good lying cove, in case Julian tries anything."

Litefoot: "The Red Tavern is between here and Kensington, after all. You don't believe she could be in danger though? Surely 'Jim' will disappear now that his identity has been revealed."

Jago: "Probably, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. The thoughts of that cunning creep infiltrating our Ellie's sanctum of salubriation is enough to make my skin crawl."

Litefoot: "Very well. I'll fetch our cloaks. We'll need to be concealed to travel London in our current state."

***
The Red Tavern
***

Litefoot: "Ellie, please open up. It's us!"

Ellie: "Sorry Professor. We're closed, I've told you already."

Jago: "It's about your man Jim. He's not who he says he is, he's dangerous!"

Ellie: "Oh, don't I know it."

Litefoot: "Has he hurt you?"

Ellie: "I dunno what he's done exactly, but it's embarrassing. I can't let you two see me like this. Go away."

Litefoot: "Ellie... We might be able to help..."

Jago: "It can't be any worse than what he's done to us!  Thanks to his machinations, I'm festooned with feathers while Litefoot here is fast forming feline features."

Litefoot: "He's turning people into hybrid creations, part human, part beast. Is this what's happened to you?"

Ellie: "Shoulda known you two would be involved. Alright, you can come in, but you gotta promise not to laugh."

Litefoot: "Never, my dear. We are upstanding gentlemen of honour and refinement."

*door creaks open*

Ellie: "Is that so? Then why is Jago trying to hide a smile beneath his beak?"

Jago: "I'm sorry Ellie. It's just, I've thought of a name for you in your current state."

Ellie: "I have a feeling I know what you're thinking, but if you ever utter that name at me Mr. J, so help me God I'll ram my boot so far up your..."

Litefoot: "Ahem. If I may, we should get around to discussing the matter at hand. Henry, I'd suggest getting over any porcine puns you might be formulating. If you wish to ever drink here again."

Jago: "My deepest apologies, Ellie."

Ellie: "That's alright Mr. J. No harm done. I'm sure a snout and a curly tail looks amusing from where you're sat. It's just, I had enough of being called 'Pigson' in me school days."

Litefoot: "So, to surmise what we know about thus far, 'Jim' or Julian as he prefers to be called has been watching us three for some time, in a number of disguises, for the unknown reasons."

Jago: "He's made a deal with a circus owner, Mr. Sydney Lambert, to develop some kind of animalistic affliction, which he has given to us as a sort of test."

Ellie: "The fun never stops with you two, does it? Is there any way to fix us?"

Litefoot: "Supposedly, a cure does exist, and we intend to confront Mr. Lambert about the possibility of attaining such a cure presently."

Ellie: "But why would either of them make this disease in the first place? There must be easier ways to assault the pair of you."

Jago: "Apparently this has been a bit of a pet project for Mr. Lambert for some time. He's dreamed of merging man and beast, which he uses in his circus freakshows."

Ellie: "So what's the plan to confront him then? Send for Quick and raid his premises?"

Litefoot: "A tad blunt, we need Lambert to talk. If we show up alone, we have a better chance of engaging him in civil discourse."

Jago: "Perhaps this is best suited to the constabulary, George. We're hardly at our physical peak in these beastly bodies. Besides..."

*door bursts open*

Ellie: "Inspector?!"

Quick: "Sorry to barge in like this Miss Higson, but I've been looking for the gentlemen all morning and this is the only other place I could think to find them. It's an urgent matter."

Litefoot: "Well, you've found us now. And I can certainly see why."

Quick: "I woke up this morning covered in spikes. Damn near ripped my uniform in two getting dressed. Thought you were the best person to see about my sudden change into a hedgehog."

Litefoot: "From the length of the spines, I'd say it's more akin to a porcupine, but point taken. As you can see, we are all similarly affected, in our own way."

Quick: "Chin up, Quill. We'll soon have this mess sorted out. Actually we were hoping you'd accompany us to apprehend the criminal behind all this."

Quick: "No can do, Jago. I'm needed over on the green. We've been getting reports all morning of large animals roaming the streets. In the general vicinity of this part of town in fact."

Ellie: "You're on duty? Looking like a walking pincushion?"

Quick: "I have a duty of obligation to serve and protect the people. I'm not going to let something like this get in the way of my job. Especially as I'd bet strange beasts on the streets are likely tied to whatever caused my condition."

Litefoot: "Spoken like a true knight of the realm. But I'm afraid Jago and I cannot offer any assistance. Assuming the events are connected, our confrontation of Lambert may be the only thing that can cure us, and stop whatever is stalking the streets. And if it turns out to just be a mere issue of wild animals, London Zoo would be better suited to containing it than us two."

Quick: "Best of luck then, for all our sakes."

J&L: Jagowl & Litepaw (7)

St. Bart's Mortuary

Gustav: "Tea, tea for everyone!"

Litefoot: "Much obliged."

Jago: "Ta. Now, if I may encourage a diagnosis, Gustav. Can you shed any light on my feathery formation?"

Gustav: "I have seen this before, in fact. Or at least something similar. It is a form of virus, whose function is to rewrite the very building blocks of your bodies composition."

Jago: "But can I be cured? I don't want to spend my waning years atop a belfry, snatching at mice with my toes."

Gustav: "Indeed it can. One need only consume the antivirus, and the effects will be reversed. Provided of course that the transformation is not complete. Once your cells have been fully altered, you will be trapped within your new body."

Jago: "Corks."

Litefoot: "How do we obtain this antivirus? What is it?"

Gustav: "In good time, Professor. All in good time. How is that tea?"

Litefoot: "A little sweet for my liking, but perfectly fine. Just what the junior doctor ordered, eh? *chuckles*"

Gustav: "Drink up."

Litefoot: "Say, you have quite the wealth of experience about this virus. Where did you encounter it before?"

Gustav: "Ah. You see, I have something of a confession to make. This virus is not naturally occurring. It is the product of advanced scientific research and experimentation, that has fallen into the wrong hands."

Jago: "Whose hands might they be?"

Gustav: "Mine. No, no, don't get up or make a scene. Hush now."

Litefoot: "I can't feel my legs."

Jago: "I'm locked solid!"

Gustav: "A paralytic, dissolved in your tea, disguised by copious amounts of sugar.  Don't fear, it'll wear off within the hour. You see, I merely wanted to have a chat with you two, without things getting ugly."

Jago: "You'll pay for this, you cove!"

Gustav: "Please spare me the bravado, Henry. I can see right through your bluster, and right now you are powerless. I could kill you with the slightest effort."

Litefoot: "Then go ahead!"

Gustav: "But that is not my intention. Not yet. This affliction, this virus, is not my brainchild, it is Mr. Lambert's. But once I caught wind of his desires, I ingratiated myself with him. I helped him perfect his 'plague of evolution' or whatever he calls it. Wants to usher in a new age of human potential, bless him. He's like a child with a box of matches, a blunt instrument with an even blunter mind. Whereas I'm Moriarty. I'm a force of chaos, cunning beyond compare. I only helped the fool because I saw in him an opportunity to introduce myself to you two."

Litefoot: "There are easier ways to get our notice you know. You didn't have to help a madman spread a plague."

Gustav: "Oh, I'm well aware. I've been following you for weeks without raising suspicion. You've only know Gustav a few days, but *Irish brogue* how long have you known Jim?"

Jago: "You're Jim? Blast it all, I was took preoccupied with this malady to notice the resemblance."

Gustav: "How ironic. For the Impresario seasoned in disguise and subterfuge to be fooled so easily."

Jago: "I can tell one thing though. You do remind me of another rum character. That impeccable imitator headlining my New Regency. You're Ivan too, aren't you?"

Gustav: "At last, the penny drops. You got me, although you really haven't."

Litefoot: "We still haven't seen your true identity, have we?"

Gustav: "Of course not, but for the sake of clarity, you may call me Julian"

Jago: "Gustav. Julian. Whatever your name is. What's your game here, eh?"

Julian: "Simple. I want to give you both a case. Stop Mr. Lambert before he attempts any wide scale transmission of his pet virus. I had to ensure you'd be infected too of course, to provide something of an incentive."

Litefoot: "But why?  And what happens if we fail?"

Julian: "If you succeed, I've gotten to see how you function first hand. If you fail, you will become undone as London fails to chaos. Either way, my goal is achieved. Now, I'd love to stay and chat, but I've got dash. Things to do, revenge to plot, that sort of thing. Oh, and I've added a soporific to your beverages also. Sweet Dreams, my infernal investigators. Soon, you'll have nothing but nightmares."

J&L: Jagowl & Litepaw (6)

Home of George Litefoot

*frantic banging on a door*

Litefoot: "What the devil? Who could that be, at this hour? It's three in the morning! Some drunken wastrel no doubt. He'll soon tire and move on, with any luck."

*knocking continues insistently*

Litefoot: *shouting* "Come now, please desist from hammering upon my door or I shall be forced to alert the authorities. You are trespassing upon privately owned property, and at a most unreasonable hour to boot."

Jago: "George?! Is that any way to speak to a friend?"

Litefoot: "Perhaps, when said friend arrives upon my doorstep unannounced in the dead of night."

Jago: "I apologize most profusely for my conduct. I offer you my most sincere expiations, but this is a matter that couldn't wait until first light. Say, could you open this door? I feel a bit, exposed, standing out here."

Litefoot: "Of course, of course. Just allow me to slip on a dressing gown. It doesn't become a gentleman to greet a visitor in a nightshirt and cap."

Jago: *quietly* "OK Henry, keep your cool. There's probably some medical explanation for this... if anything can help it's the cogent & considered consultation of Professor Litefoot. Though I doubt even he has seen anything quite like..."

*A bolt is drawn back before the door creaks open*

Litefoot: "Come inside, Henry. You'll catch your death out there. At least you wrapped yourself up quite thoroughly, I can't even make out your face beneath that hood and cape."

Jago: "I had no choice really. Couldn't be seen walking the streets without such opaque obscuring attire."

Litefoot: "Why ever not? Oh Henry, you're not in financial difficulties again are you? What thuggish member of the criminal classes is coming for you now?"

Jago: "This is no mere problem of pecuniary peril, Professor. I'm afraid I've been inflicted by some terrible curse, a malign malady manifesting as some monstrous metamorphosis."

Litefoot: "Whatever do you mean? You'd best take off that cloak so I can examine you."

Jago: "Don't say I didn't warn you."

*Rustling of cloth as the cape is removed*

Litefoot: "My word! This is some kind of trick. Must be, and in poor taste at that. You came all the way here at this hour just to show off a costume?"

Jago: "This is no costume. I've been bursting out in feathers all evening."

Litefoot: "But it's ridiculous! Impossible. You're covered, head to toe in tawny feathers. Your eyes appear recessed, sunken into your unnaturally rounded face. Your normally red complexioned nose is yellowed, curved and sharpened into what I can only describe as a beak."

Jago: "Not to mention my arms, that are rapidly becoming wings! At this rate, I'll be called Henry Gordon Jagowl by daybreak."

Litefoot: "At least you'll be able to make yourself a star attraction on the stage. People will flock to see the remarkable bird man."

Jago: "Dash it all George, this is no time for levity. What's happening to me, and more pertinently, can it be reversed?"

Litefoot: "I wish I could answer you, old friend, but this is somewhat beyond me. I doubt it's even of this Earth."

Jago: "So I'm just the hapless victim of an alien disease, hopeless doomed to spend my waning days in an aviary?"

Litefoot: "I'll do what I can Henry. But I'll need to run some tests. Grab your coat, we're going to my lab."

Jago: "Don't you have any medical supplies here? I don't relish the thought of spending more time in public, looking like this."

Litefoot: "The mortuary is secluded, and possesses more useful equipment. Besides, we hardly want Mrs. Hudson to see you in this state. Just give me a few moments to get dressed."

St. Bart's Mortuary

Litefoot: "Here we are, none the worse for wear."

Jago: "Speak for yourself. Oh, the stress of skulking about has really ruffled my feathers. Er, no pun intended."

Litefoot: "Hmm, where to even begin?"

Jago: "Whoot could be behind this anyway? I mean hoot. Who!"

Litefoot: "Curious, whatever is causing your physical alterations is also affecting your vocal chords."

Jago: "All the more reason to get to work before I'm too busy chirping to talk back."

Litefoot: "Indeed. And to answer your question, I'd be leaning towards Mr Lambert as the culprit. You saw those poor unfortunate people in his carnival freak show. The chap with eagle vision and the boy with lobster arms. Somehow, he's spreading animalistic traits onto humans, for use in his ghoulish displays."

Jago: "I for one won't be a performing monkey for that twisted cove. Mark my words."

Litefoot: "Not if I have any say in the matter..."

*A door swings open, as Gustav bursts in, whistling*

Gustav: "Oh! Excuse me, Professor. I didn't expect to see you here so early."

Litefoot: "Nor I you, frankly. What are you doing here?"

Gustav: "I merely sought to arrive so as to perform a few menial tasks before official hours. Disinfecting instruments and the like. I wish to make up for yesterday's absence."

Litefoot: "Well, as you can see, I'm somewhat indisposed at present, so..."

Gustav: "Don't worry. I'll keep your secret. Gentleman caller, late night, I'm not one to judge, though the bird costume is original."

Litefoot: "Whatever it is that you are insinuating, is a fabrication. You don't understand. This is a friend of mine, who is unwell, and... *sigh* No point in avoiding the truth. You've seen too much. He's been afflicted with some kind of malady, causing a transmogrification into some form of hybrid."

Gustav: "Like an avian flu?"

Jago: "This is no time for jokes boy. My very fate hangs in the balance."

Gustav: "Sorry. Look, I actually majored in exotic diseases, I'll see if I can't help diagnose your friend. But first, I think we all need a cup of tea."

Litefoot: "I hardly think this is the time."

Gustav: "I shall brew it, Professor. I know what it's like, treating a friend. But that bond can cloud your judgement. A good cup should lend us fresh perspective. Back in a jiffy."

Jago: "So, that's your shady apprentice, eh? He seems a nice lad."

Litefoot: "True, though I can't shake the feeling that his reason for being here is flimsy."

Jago: "Beggars can't be choosers. If he can shed any insight on my condition, it'll be worth it."

Litefoot: "I hope you're right."