Vice in Valetta

Dear Father,

I arrived in Valetta on schedule and it was overall a pleasant journey. Since my arrival, however, events have taken an unexpected turn.

I'm afraid I am the bearer of sad news. Your concerns for Sir Godfrey were not without cause, I'm afraid. He has perished, in the line of duty, and I have now met those who were there with him and lived to tell the tale.

They are an unusual lot, not entirely the sort I would have expected in his company, particularly for so ... physically demanding a challenge. The Frenchman, Bastien, has certainly seen battle. But the others are older, more intellectual-types.. the sort that belong behind a desk, not in the trenches battling druglords.

And yet, they seem determined to carry on. No doubt driven by the loss of their own companions - a woman and a man, Grace and Howard. Grace has left behind very impressive notes and I am making a quick study of them. One day, perhaps, I'll bring you copies - I think you would find much of it fascinating.

The group claim, as well, to have five rare tomes which reveal much about many of the occult themes related to Sir Godfrey's case and concerns. There has been much deception practiced by these cultists amongst one another, and so it is no wonder that Sir Godfrey became mistaken in his interpretation that Nyarlathotep was connected somehow to their schemes. I only wish my arrival had not proven too late to warn him.

I have decided to stay awhile in Valetta, and join this misfit crew of investigators in finishing Sir Godfrey's work. It does seem they have the immediate threat "on the run" so to speak. They caused much trouble at the cult's central warehouse, and have either put to sleep or destroyed the source of their drug collection. Nectar, they call it. Without their source, the cult will be forced to regroup, before they can resume activity here or elsewhere.

The leadership of the cult, however, remains intact, and will no doubt reform if not dealt with. And so, we continue, to cut off the head. Valentin himself has vouched for the remaining members of the group, as well as the librarian, one Mr Sterling Lockhart, I contacted for your book (which, of course, is on its way to you even as I write this). He too was acquainted with Sir Godfrey, and has joined us to see through his final mission.

They have taken in the pair of us, into their group and into their confidences. We spoke for many hours of all they have seen and learned, and accomplished. This drug cult is active world-wide, it seems. They shut down a similar group in Los Angeles and have even been as far as Ethiopia in their quest (Howard, I understand, was their guide there, who - after seeing all he did - agreed to join them. A merry little eclectic group.)

I could tell you much and more, but I would be days in the writing of it, and time is now of the essence. (I know, I know, you hate that phrase.)

Otto, who seems to lead the group, despite his being quite German, which - in these times - is enough to make him rather suspect, has been contacted by the cult's "leader" (in name, if not in fact). The raid has left him in both a vulnerable position - or so he would have us believe - and has asked for a meeting, assistance even.

We have made contact, and a face-to-face encounter has been arranged. The leader, Montgomery Donovan, is likely under the control of his second and security head, Ms Dianna Hurtz, who keeps him on a tight leash - which makes any such meeting with Mr Donovan difficult.

I know Sir Godfrey, and his dealings, were of a great personal importance both to you and Professor Armitage, and I feel it would do his memory great dishonor to turn my back on his great undertaking. And, purely from a scientific viewpoint, we know now what the creature is not (the spell indeed having failed) - but we do not yet know what it is these cultists have contacted and summoned - and on more than one occasion.

I shall keep you informed of our progress, and hope you accept my apologies in not returning with trusting your tome to the mail services. Mr Lockhart assures me his shipping methods are tried and true (if you have received this letter, then we'll know he can be trusted).

Your devoted daughter,

Wilma Jane

* * *

Other notes:

Jane Miller's father, Arthur Miller, is good friends with Professor Armitage. Professor Armitage is now retired, and through him Arthur became a contact for Sir Godfrey, for whom he would periodically conduct research and consult. Lately this involved Avatars and Masks of Nyarlathotep.

My father was concerned that the coded letters he received from Sir Godfrey last included details of a rite to banish the mouths (presumed masks/avatars) of Nyarlathotep. However, my father believed the spell would not work, because he did not believe that what Sir Godrey faced was anything to do with Nyarlathotep. He sent me to contact/warn Sir G.

"Constantine" - the Private Investigator Otto hired to watch Donovan's townhouse. He sent his son to do the job.

Valentin has told us that Dianna is actively looking for "us" (Otto, Bastien, and Erik)

Erik has tried one of the spells from Un. Kulten; Otto has offered to look it over, so the two plan to join efforts.

Sir Godfrey was also known as Honest John.

Sterling Lockhart knows that Montgomery Donovan first came to Valetta in 1932.

Otto laid the rose on the bench. An old lady picked it up. "My employer, Mr Donovan, is very concerned. He wishes to met. He understands you cannot trust, but wishes to meet. The lady who works for him wishes him ill. He needs to protect his son in the hospital. Needs our help. Meet us this afternoon. At the grave of his wife, where he can be alone. Be careful not to be seen. His guards cannot be trusted. He will be at the grave alone, but his guards will take him there. Be there today, for tomorrow he will try to leave Valetta, before they hurt him or his son." (paraphrased)

We had only a 3-hour window until the meet and so split up. Bastien heads off and tries to find a tree to climb. Erik shows up dressed in black. Lockhart and Miller decide to act as mourners, dressing the part, and promenading through the cemetery. Otto will talk to MD.

Otto fails to vault the wall, however, wherein he could wait for Donovan in secrecy.....