The Ripper

By Kori Hunt and Zane Hunt

Inspector Abberline and Sergeant Mudgett have had many difficult cases in their ten years as partners at Scotland Yard, but none as baffling as the Ripper case. The pair had no idea just how involved the case would turn out to be, nor were they prepared for staff of the Royal Crown to be implicated. The pressure from the police hierarchy was building. A suspect had to be named.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 28, 2017
• ISBN: 9781546222507

Kori Hunt

Zane Hunt was born and raised in Glendale, Arizona. He is currently fifty-six years of age and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado with his wife, Teresa. Kori Hunt was born in Carrollton, Texas and raised in the Denver Metro area of Colorado. She is thirty-one years of age and lives in happiness with her dog and rat

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© 2018 Kori Hunt and Zane Hunt. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 12/27/2017

ISBN: 978-1-5462-2251-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-2250-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017919524

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Reference: The London Daily News

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Afterward

Next

A Note From The Authors:

The Future…

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to thank our family for the continuous support in making this book possible, and their patience for having to listen to us read and edit it over and over and over.

I keep on hearing the police have caught me but they won’t fix me just yet. I have laughed when they look so clever and talk about being on the right track. … My knife’s so nice and sharp I want to get to work right away if I get a chance.

Good luck.

Yours truly

Jack the Ripper

REFERENCE: THE LONDON DAILY NEWS

Daily News

8 August 1888

Supposed Whitechapel Murder

Martha Tabram

Daily News

1 September 1888

Brutal Murder in Whitechapel

Mary Ann Nichols

Daily News

10 September 1888

The Fourth Whitechapel Murder

Annie Chapman

Daily News

1 October 1888

More Murders

Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes

Daily News

10 November 1888

Another Whitechapel Horror

Mary Jane Kelly

PROLOGUE

Whitechapel, East London, England - 1878

Not many places in Whitechapel housed well-to-do families, but it was an ideal location for Walton Gull and his career as a defense attorney. The house was in walking distance of the jail, so it made it quite easy for him to see his clients day or night. He and his family lived in a house nestled in a small portion of Whitechapel that was strictly for the upper and upper-middle classes. It was no lavish mansion, but it was a lovely home, equipped with all the amenities money could buy. That night, with the moon shining down on the large oak tree in the front yard, it looked a place of happiness and contentment.

The Gull family was sitting around the table, having just eaten, as the servants cleaned up the table after the family’s evening meal. Walton sat at the head of the table, his wife, Winifred across from him. Winifred, a beautiful socialite, was involved with several women’s organizations. The fact that she was fond of the drink was kept an in-house secret.

On Walton’s left side sat a strapping young Charles, the eldest of the Gull children. He was a typical fifteen-year-old boy who spent most of his free time caring after his sister. He had big plans as he got older, namely following in his father’s footsteps to study law.

On Walton’s right side sat the very vision of young beauty, quite obviously taking after her mother. Emelia, aged twelve years, had no qualms of her status in life, though she took quite a fancy to her Uncle William’s profession as a physician, though she chose not to mention that out loud.

In the center of the table was a vase filled with roses; something that Winifred always insisted upon as they were her favorite flower. Emelia, too, enjoyed them and never a day went by that they did not have fresh roses, filling the air with the wonderful scent, giving Emelia a sense of home.

The butler approached Walton’s left side, offering the man a bottle. Would you care for a brandy, sir?

Walton checked his time piece. No, not tonight. I need to go see a client. There is a big case coming up and I need as many details as I can get.

The agitation on Winifred’s face was clear, though her tone was sugary-sweet. You have to go out again?

Walton did not even give her the courtesy of a glance as he responded. Someone has to support the family, dear.

The support is just fine. A large smile, resembling much more of a snarl, fixated on Winifred’s face. What our children need is for their father to stay home a few evenings.

Finally, Walton looked up. Why must you do this every time I have to work? Do you not understand that I do this for all of us? I will not have this same argument every day. This discussion is over. He got up from the table and went to the foyer. He adorned his coat, hat, and ascot before heading out the door and down the street.

Exasperated, Winifred stood up from the table and snatched up a bottle of wine before storming up the stairs to her room, not even saying goodnight to the children. As she left, the servants gave each other a knowing glance. The arguments were frequent, and neither was quite sure they believed their master was actually going to work. As it were, such things were not spoken of in front of the family, so they kept the matter quiet; although, quite frequently, they discussed the issue between themselves.

Charles sighed and stood up, motioning for Emelia to do the same. As they departed the table, Emelia piped up, He really is going to work, isn’t he? She turned to the servants. What do you think?

The servants, having known Emelia and Charles all the children’s lives, had gotten quite close with them over the years. Knowing that Walton and Winifred were gone from the home frequently, the servants often gave the children instruction. As such, they acted as surrogate parents, trying their best to do right by Charles and Emelia.

The maid, Mary, looked almost sternly at Emelia and bent down close to her. We do not speak of such things, love. Your father is the man of the house and you will do well to remember that.

Emelia looked down, feeling disappointed. Yes ma’am.

The two bid goodnight to the servants and made their way up the English oak steps, heading for their separate rooms. Charles walked his sister to her room and closed the door once she had entered, then went to his own room. He shut the door and leaned heavily against it, sighing once again. His parents always fought and it was always a concern to him if they even loved each other anymore. They certainly didn’t act like it. He shook his head and pushed himself away from the door, preparing to change into his night clothes.

As he was doing this, a knock came on his door and young Emelia let herself in. She closed the door and copied Charles, leaning against it. They fight a lot.

Yes, Charles responded, pulling his shirt over his head, but it is only because Father works so much to support us. Remember what Miss Mary said.

Emelia chewed on her lip for a moment, a habit she had picked up that her mother constantly chastised her for. What if he is doing something else?

Charles froze for a moment, his brow dipping down in confusion. Like what?

Emelia looked down at her stocking feet, mumbling, I’m not sure, but if he’s not working, I would like to go find out what he is doing. She looked up at Charles, hopeful. Want to go?

No, Charles replied firmly. It is time for bed.

Emelia’s face fell in disappointment, but she nodded in agreement and left her brother’s room, going back to her own. Charles continued getting ready for bed, washing his face as his mother instructed, and was just getting ready to lay down when he heard a strange scraping sound. He went over to his window and looked out, trying to spot the source of the noise. Just then, his eyes widened and he quickly redressed. After getting his shoes on, he slid his window open and climbed out, using the lattice to get down to the ground, which was soft and damp with the fog in the air: a typical night in fall-time England. He darted his gaze around, then spotted a shadow walking down the street, and he quickly hurried after.

ONE

CHAPTER

1.

Ten Years Later

August 7th

On the carriage ride from the ship yards to the newly-purchased home, Thomas and Emelia Bond were having a playful discussion about what the home looked like, as Emelia had not yet seen it. Thomas had bought it as a wedding gift just before their honeymoon.

There is a surprise within the surprise, my dear, Thomas said with a smile.

Looking excited, Emelia asked, What is it?

When we arrive, Thomas said, tapping the tip of her nose, you will see.

The carriage came to a slow stop and the driver opened the door for the occupants. Thomas stepped out first, and then held his hand out to help Emelia down. Emelia looked around with an expression of happiness. Is this the surprise?

Thomas stood next to her with a look of pride. Welcome home, my dear.

The house that Thomas had bought for his new bride was one of good taste. Though it was small, it was a beautiful gem in the upper-middle class section of the Whitechapel district. There were several rose bushes lining the walkway leading up to the house, at which Emelia noticed immediately. The roses are beautiful, darling.

Thomas grinned and took Emelia’s arm, starting to lead her up the walkway. I know how much you love roses. I thought you would enjoy being able to tend to these.

As they neared the entrance of the house, Emelia took note of the porch, where pillars designed with intricate carvings stood on either side of the door. The front door itself was adorned with beveled glass on the top half, and at the bottom had a carving of the Bond and Gull coat of arms. At the side of the house sat a gardening shed, already filled with equipment to tend to their flowers.

Emelia looked a little surprised. I do not believe this door came with the house, did it, darling?

Thomas chuckled. Correct you are, my dear. He pulled a key out of his pocket. Your father thought it would be a nice wedding gift.

Emelia, looking visibly stunned, placed a hand over her heart. It certainly is an elaborate gift.

Thomas had been sliding the key into the lock, but stopped and turned to face his new wife. Do you think it is too much?

Seeming to snap out of her shocked daze, Emelia focused her attention from the door to Thomas and gave him a smile. Of course not. It’s a wonderful gift.

Thomas had been feeling a little nervous, but at Emelia’s approval, he smiled and finished unlocking the door.

If you don’t mind my asking, Emelia said, looking toward the street. Why did you choose this location?

Straightening himself up, Thomas answered, Quite simply, it’s close to hospital and not far from Charles.

At the mention of her brother, Emelia smiled and looked back toward Thomas, rubbing his back gently, as he liked. You think of everything.

I do try, Thomas grinned. Now, I believe we should go in and get some rest. My final exam with your uncle is tomorrow.

2.

The Next Day

Centered in the heart of London was an old, decaying auditorium, designed for medical instruction. There were five rows set up in a stair-step fashion forming a half-circle, where the students could watch the proceedings. A rail separated the observers from the main floor, where the instructor performed the agendum for the day. On the walls, there was a portrait of the Queen, along with photos of prominent surgeons who had taught previously at university. Among them hung a portrait of Dr. William Gull, who was the current physician to the royal family.

Dr. Gull, an older gentleman who had quite a bit of difficulty getting around, spent many years caring for the Queen Victoria, and particularly her son, Prince Albert Victor. He was dedicated, bringing honor to his family name through his work. He was a sophisticated man, tailored only in the finest suits, and his black leather shoes were always shined. He spent most of his time at his home or in the Palace, but as of late, he was instructing his protégé, Dr. Thomas Bond.

Thomas had been spending his time at university to become a surgeon, following in William’s footsteps. On a very important day in the auditorium, Thomas stood at an operating table in the center of the room, performing his first solo autopsy, which would signal the completion for his surgeon license to accompany his medical degree. Around the table, there were several buckets on the floor, placed there to hold collected body parts from each undertaking. William stood off to the side, watching his student with a look of pride. There were several other doctors in the room, standing behind the railing, watching the operation. With them were Inspector Frederick Abberline and Sergeant David Mudgett from Scotland Yard, along with Thomas’ wife Emelia and her brother Charles.

Charles was a towering lad, looking the spitting image of his father. His brown hair was slicked back and his mustache was always neatly trimmed. Though he dressed up often due to his work, for that night’s occasion, he was in his finest. Emelia was done up just as much. Her dark red hair was covered by a large hat, and her dress was of the finest silk and lace. Of course, Emelia always did prefer fashion in her every day wear.

Thomas lifted his glove-covered hands from the cadaver, pulling out the lungs. And after extracting the lungs, we can clearly see that the cancer poison has spread, overtaking most of the lung tissue. This, we believe, is the cause of death. He placed the lungs in a bucket nearby. At this, the surrounding audience burst into applause for the performance.

Thomas removed his bloodied apron and elbow-length gloves, revealing his crisp white shirt, fine trousers, and freshly shined black shoes. An orderly standing at the side handed Thomas a nice suit coat, and as he put it on, the galley of doctors started moving down the steps to congratulate him. Emelia and Charles fought to push their way through the crowd. Upon breaking through the group of doctors, Emelia and Charles reached the center of the room and Emelia embraced Thomas. A winning performance, darling! You are going to make a fine surgeon.

Thank you, my dear, Thomas replied, smiling broadly. I can now give you the life you deserve. His attention turned to another doctor who had approached him, shaking his hand. Thomas, feeling at the height of his glory, was receptive to all the praise of the day. At the back of the auditorium stood Abberline and Mudgett, waiting for the room to clear, so they might take their turn in giving their praise to the up and coming surgeon.

Mudgett, a larger than average, somewhat intimidating-looking man in his late forties with slumping posture, was never dressed to impress. He wore a single-breasted, well-worn woolen coat. He had dark faded woolen trousers and well-worn boots. He was usually clean-shaven, but for the time of day, there was slight stubble. He was a somewhat educated man, who aged through his career on the police force. Abberline, on the other hand, was almost the opposite. He was in his mid-fifties, his salt-and-pepper hair starting to show more. He was well-groomed and very well dressed. His suit, though not high-end, was well taken care of. He was extremely well-mannered, having to deal with the public. In essence, he was the face of Scotland Yard. He had many vices, including fine art, fine scotch, and listened to the classics whenever possible. Mudgett’s only vices, as it seemed to Abberline, was smoking cigarettes and scaring the pants off of suspects when he stood up straight to show how intimidating he could be.

Slowly, the people in the auditorium trickled out, allowing Abberline and Mudgett to approach Thomas. Doctor Bond, that was splendid. Abberline stuck out his hand, shaking Thomas’. It was clear that Abberline had taken quite a fancy to Thomas, admiring his obvious detailed skill before he ever saw him work, since he was taught by the Queen’s doctor, Abberline’s good friend William. He had attended many of William’s autopsies in the past to learn, so that he could apply more knowledge to his police trade. Before taking his turn to congratulate the new doctor, Mudgett took special care to not step in a nearby bucket of blood, grimacing as he went by.

Inspector! Sergeant! How wonderful you could make it. Thomas turned to his wife and placed an arm around her waist. I would like to introduce you to my lovely wife, Emelia. He then turned to the man standing next to her. And this is her brother, Charles.

That moment, the orderlies for the building entered the room and began cleaning up the area. They placed the cadaver on a rolling table and left, getting ready to prepare it for burial. As that happened, Mudgett stole a glance at Emelia, though he kept his face neutral.

Emelia, smiling kindly at the men in the room, turned her attention toward Abberline and Mudgett. Darling, we have met the Inspector and Sergeant before.

Oh? Thomas asked. How so?

Charles smiled. Thanks to our father, we have known these gentlemen for some time. His eyes narrowed at Mudgett, who was still looking at Emelia.

Not noticing, Emelia turned her attention back to the men. Would you like to join us at our home for dinner?

Mudgett gave her a look of gratitude, but apologetic. Thank you for your gracious offer, Mrs. Bond, but I am afraid I have important matters to attend to.

Abberline nodded his head in agreement. I have to depart, as well, but thank you for the offer. Perhaps some other time.

Emelia gave them a slight nod. Of course, ever busy. Do remember that the offer will always stand.

At that time, William approached them, a large smile on his face. Regarding Thomas, he said, I see you are reveling in your success.

Thomas chuckled. All too true, good doctor.

William, turning his attention to Abberline, shook his hand. Inspector, it is wonderful to see you again.

Thomas, though he looked a bit confused, smiled. How do you two know each other?

Oh, Abberline said, I have known Dr. Gull for many years now.

Yes, William agreed. We have worked several times in the past and he always comes to see my autopsies, as well as the work my students do. He patted Abberline’s shoulder. He’s become a dear friend.

We are going to celebrate Thomas’ success, Emelia said, smiling. Would you care to join us, Uncle?

Ah, my dear, William said apologetically. You know I would love to, but I have a prior engagement. He moved to leave. Good day.

Turning to her husband, Emelia asked, Darling, are we ready?

Yes, Thomas replied. I believe we are all finished here.

Emelia smiled and looked toward her brother. You know you are more than welcome to come celebrate with us.

Putting on his hat, Charles said, I think I will accept. That cook of yours is wonderful.

Emelia took Thomas’ arm as they started for the door. You might think of getting one of your own.

And pass up fine meals with my sister? Charles laughed. I think not.

As the three left, Mudgett kept his gaze on Emelia, but continued to say nothing while they departed.

Noticing his partner’s stare, Abberline sighed to himself and cleared his throat, gaining Mudgett’s attention. I know what I’m doing here, but what purpose do you have for this one occasion? A light blush crept up on Mudgett’s face, causing Abberline to chuckle. I didn’t know you were capable of blushing.

Mudgett frowned, I’m not.

Still laughing to himself, Abberline shook his head and started for the door. I believe we have work to do, Sergeant.

Of course, Inspector. Mudgett slipped his hands into his coat pockets, stole one last glance at Emelia, and followed Abberline out of the room.

3.

In the entryway, the floor was chosen by Thomas: English oak like in Emelia’s childhood home. There was a table off to the right with a