Shadows in the Smoke S1E13 - "Consume Me, Body and Soul"

Shadows in the Smoke S1E13 – “Consume Me, Body and Soul”

Kim
Shadows in the Smoke is intended for mature audiences, and may contain material that some people find disturbing. Please see the episode description for content warnings, and listen with care.

[Shadows in the Smoke theme]

[Unsettling ambient tones]

Kim
Mr. Lloyd, having discovered this annotated copy of Grimm’s Fairy Tales, are you lingering in the studio of Sir Harlowe or are you going elsewhere?

Robert
Mr. Lloyd is going to look around the shop a little bit longer and see what he can find there.

Kim
Fantastic. What specifically are you looking for?

Robert
I’m going to look through the books and maybe see if I can’t find anything related to the demon threat. I mean, this is the home/shop of someone who’s very interested in the occult and the esoteric. Odds are he might have something that could help with that.

Kim
That’s an interesting bet. And one that Mr. John was also visiting Sir Harlowe to try to follow up on. I think this is going to be an Information Move with Reason as you’re looking through Sir Harlowe’s books. This is going to be at disadvantage, considering the Voice In Your Head that expressly does not want you to look up this information.

Robert
[Rolls dice] That is an eight.

[Gentle waves, birdsong]

Kim
Mr. John and Miss Douglas, the dancing lesson concluded, where are you all going for the rest of your day?

Natalia
Maesie is definitely going to revert back to her original plan for the day before Mr. John asked her for dancing lessons, and she’s going to go to Harlowe’s shop and look around.

T.
The recently discovered clue sets John’s mind back on this demon threat. And this vulnerability with Maesie also has him feeling in a mood, like he’s opened too much of his heart. And he is now going to see if he can rectify that with other parts of his body. He threatened in the first visit to Kilburn Abbey that he’s no stranger at corrupting Puritan girls. And I believe there is a nun who is trying to give up her ways as a lady of the evening that he wants to pull back toward the dark side.

Kim
Yeah.

T.
Can I dress as a priest?

Kim
Yeah, you can do whatever you want.

T.
Hooray. So there’s all these clothes and shoes that are discarded. I’m going to take a priest’s cassock and, uh…

Natalia
You’re just stealing people’s clothes!

T.
Yeah, fuck’em. I’m gonna beat tracks to this convent, donning the collar as I do.

Kim
[Laughs]

Natalia
Maesie just watches One Shot, pulling clothes from a pile and like running off.

Mr. John (T.)
Uh, if there’s nothing else Miss Douglas, I’ have, uh, something suddenly came up and I gotta go purify my soul. Bye.

Miss Douglas (Natalia)
Oh, alright. Um, you weren’t wearing that when you came—

Mr. John (T.)
And I won’t be wearing it when you see me again.

Kim
[Laughs]

Cassandra
Oh my god.

Miss Doulgas (Natalia)
Please be wearing clothes next time I see you, please.

Mr. John (T.)
No promises.

Miss Doulgas (Natalia)
Oh god.

Kim
[Laughs]

Miss Thanero, what about you? Your vulnerable scene now concluded, where are you going for the rest of your day?

Cassandra
Ena, having reigned in this shaken, unsettled feeling, is now feeling full, satiated, at the height of her prowess. And there’s definitely something going off in her mind regarding this new seamstress that has come onto the scene. So Ena’s going to go to the former modiste of Vittorio Clemenza, to see what has changed. And to meet, hopefully, Hazel Beaumont.

[A quiet street, birdsong]

Kim
Miss Thanero, you find yourself walking down the streets of Savile Row, an area of London that you know well, of course. These vibrant, bustling storefronts. Everywhere you look, this relentless display of luxury and excess. Very well to do gentlemen and ladies in the finest of clothes, walking down the street and loading packages into grand carriages.

I have a Paint the Scene for everyone here as Miss Thanero is walking towards Hazel Beaumont’s shop. They say a perfect fit make you feel like a new person. How do the wares on display in Savile Row tempt you to reinvent yourself, even assume a new identity?

T.
For all his rough and gruff demeanor, the one, maybe two suits that John owns and his well-worn shoes… There is an opulent, lacy, ruffly dandy’s poet shirt that, were it to fit just right, One Shot could begin to enjoy the affectations of a romantic.

Robert
With the idea that clothes make the man, Rabbit could easily see himself getting a new outfit and blending in with the height of society, dropping his accent for a more upper class one, and not worrying about all the little day-to-day things that he has to do.

Cassandra
Having lived at such a high level of wealth and wanting for nothing for most of her life, Ena would be drawn to a cart that would be laden with various types of cloaks, and she would go for something simple. Something to hide everything that she is, so she could disappear into a much simpler, unknown… Not powerless, but a less controlled existence. Something that could teach her something new that she does not know.

Natalia
Maesie is accustomed to owning very little, and all that she owns being very simple and comfortable. But when she walks Savile Row, she does see the grand collections of frilly, pretty dresses and jewelry, and the nice slippers and shoes. And it does cross her mind to be someone that someone else takes care of.

Kim
Miss Thanero, you arrive at what used to be Vittorio Clemenza’s modiste, now transformed. The name outside now says Mistress Beaumont. The windows are covered in veils and scarves. The door has a silver plate, inscribed upon which says, “Appointments Only.”

Cassandra
Ena looks at this sign and rolls her eyes. This woman is new on the scene. Deigning to only take appointments feels very arrogant for someone so new in this area. And knowing the little bit of information that we already have, I think this triggers even more alarm bells for Ena as to who this woman, this seamstress, might be.

Ena is absolutely not accustomed to being shut out of any room or any fine place in London, so she huffs and raps very sharply on the door.

Kim
Miss Thanero, as you are doing so, you’re hearing the strains of conversation from two individuals that are walking down Savile Row in your direction. It is a gentleman and a lady.

The lady is statuesque. She is tall—taller than you—wearing a corset and shawl. Very extravagant jewelry, and very, like, heavy, colored eyeshadow. She is holding a silver cigarette holder in her hand, posed very dramatically as she is sashaying down this street.

Walking next to her, you almost smell him before you see him. He has seemingly bathed himself in very heavy cologne. He is wearing a clearly very nice suit that is extremely ill-fitting on him. Seems as though he paid outrageously for it, but could not pay to have it tailored. He has a somewhat woeful expression as he is trying to keep up with the chattering young socialite who is on his arm.

The Socialite (Kim)
And she hadn’t even heard of the symbolists. I mean, can you imagine? I said, darling, if it doesn’t have the power to utterly consume me, body and soul, then what’s the point?

Kim
She spies you, and sort of titters a bit of laughter.

The Socialite (Kim)
Well darling, you’re not going to be able to have an appointment with Miss Beaumont that way.

Cassandra
Ena looks her up and down, not the least bit amused at this laughter that this girl has laughed at her.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
Well darling, based on this extravagant outfit that you’re wearing, I assume that you know how to get an appointment. Please do consider sharing with me. I’m just dying to get in.

The Socialite (Kim)
What is your name, fair creature?

Kim
She extends her hand.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
Sylvia Bellerose.

Cassandra
Ena takes it and shakes it firmly.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
Ena Thanero.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
Why Miss Thanero, I daresay you’re correct. I do happen to have an appointment with Miss Beaumont. However, the information on how to get one, I would be happy to share with my friends. But if I understand correctly, Miss Thanero, you are not very kind to those who consider you to be friend. I did hear what you did to Dame Margaret Teasdale, and I do not wish to be another casualty left in your wake.

Cassandra
Ena smiles a sickly sweet smile.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
My dearest Sylvia, I can only assume a woman of your culture would absolutely understand that Dame Margaret Teasdale had to be put in her place. We just couldn’t have her running that mouth all over London. The rest of us have suffered enough.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
They’re very pretty words, Miss Thanero, but I can’t say that I can trust you. I do not wish to have my reputation sullied.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
Well, trust is earned, is it not? How about you and I go to lunch, and maybe we can se if some trust blossoms?

Kim
Miss Thanero, make the Day Move with Presence.

Cassandra
[Rolls dice] That is a 7 plus my Presence of 3. That is a 10.

Kim
Sylvia regards you, and I think regards the gentleman at her side that she has clearly grown rather bored of at this point.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
Well, Miss Thanero, I must say I am feeling a little bit famished. And starved for good company.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
Well my darling Sylvia, could I interest you in something a little off the beaten path to satiate your hunger?

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
I myself am always drawn to the unique, Miss Thanero.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
And based on how you are dressed, you have immaculate taste. I have a little spot called Tyrnavos-upon-Thames that I would love to introduce you to. It’s very exclusive, and only for the highest quality of humanity.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
And you have membership to this club?

Cassandra
Ena reaches into her pocket and holds out the gold token.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
Why yes of course, darling. I am Ena Thanero, after all.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
Well, this was a lovely promenade, Vincent. But I shall see you later, perhaps.

Kim
And she links arms with you.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
Off we go, Miss Thanero.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
Yes. Off we go, indeed. My carriage is just around the corner.

Kim
Mr. Lloyd.

[Unsettling ambient tones]

Kim
Now Sir Harlowe, as we’ve said, was a famed occultist and specific expert on fae lore. But his interests were broad. And in a book, Mr. Lloyd, you find an old, barely legible letter tucked into a book of demonology, detailing the ingredients and steps needed to conduct a demonic binding spell. That is a Clue for the Demon of Kilburn Abbey, and you can add that letter to your Personal Quarters.

Robert
Ooh.

Kim
But Mr. Lloyd, as you are turning the pages of this old tome and turning this letter over in your hands, you feel tiny legs on your hands and arms as spiders…

[Spiders chitter and scuttle]

Kim
hundreds of tiny spiders, start pouring out from the spine of this book.

Robert
Rabbit is actually like weirdly comfortable around insects and spiders and whatnot. So what he does is he just stands perfectly still in this moment and allows them to crawl over him.

Kim
Mr. Lloyd, as you are standing perfectly still, you’re starting to feel little bits of thread wind about your body as the spiders are working to cocoon you. This will be a Night Move. What are you afraid will happen if you fail?

Robert
Rabbit is afraid that he will be bound into a cocoon, much like Richard Harlowe was, and then used as a bargaining chip in the courts of the Fae.

Kim
Mr. Lloyd, it’s worse than that. You will be bound and delivered to Mistress Beaumont who, with the beguiling power of the Fae, will reintroduce you to the Fae court as her consort. This is a Night Move with Composure.

Robert
[Rolls dice] With my Composure of 0, that is an 11.

Kim
I’m going to stay with you for a moment, because I would like you to describe what Miss Douglas sees as she is arriving at the flat of Sir Richard Harlowe.

Robert
She sees Rabbit standing there, holding a book open, and just like a cloud of spiders walking all over him. He very carefully picks up what appears to be the largest one out of the book, holds it up to his mouth, and whispers something to it, and then sets it back down and it scurries away. And all the spiders join it, leaving him, going back off into their dark corners.

Natalia
Maesie just stands in the doorway for a second in just, like, abject horror at what is happening.

Miss Douglas (Natalia)
Rabbit, are you alright? There was like a lot of spiders on you like a second ago.

Mr. Lloyd (Robert)
Huh? Oh, no, I’m fine. Sorry, didn’t hear you come in.

Miss Douglas (Natalia)
Yeah, you were covered in spiders. I’m not surprised. Seemed a little busy.

Mr. Lloyd (Robert)
I think it was a little warning, maybe? Left by the person that did this. Maybe a little gift? But don’t worry about them. They’re not an issue right now.

Miss Douglas (Natalia)
Good. Yeah. I do not… I guess it was my own fault for coming to the spider-silk shop, thinking there would not be spiders. But I don’t know.

Mr. Lloyd (Robert)
Well, it should be fairly spider-free at this point. Fairly.

Miss Douglas (Natalia)
You say that as if you were not just covered in spiders not two seconds ago.

Mr. Lloyd (Robert)
Yeah, but they’re gone.

Miss Douglas (Natalia)
But for how long?

Natalia
And Maesie just sort of walks away from that with her skin crawling. Like…

Miss Douglas (Natalia)
It’s alright. They’re just like crabs, but from the land. It’s alright.

Natalia
And she starts inspecting the silk that is all over the place, here. Because her initial instinct upon hearing about the silk was to come and see if she could use some of this to fix her pelt. So I do think she wants to, like, inspect the properties of the silk.

Kim
Why don’t you make an Information Move with Reason, please?

Natalia
[Rolls dice] It’s only a 7.

[Quiet church bells]

Kim
Mr. John, disguised, heading to the local convent that is close to Kilburn Abbey. Tell me the name of this nun that you know?

T.
This is Charlotte McGowan.

Kim
She is a novice in this nunnery. Very young, very pretty. And she sees you walk into this convent, disguised, knowing you from a previous life of hers… And I think there’s just a look of confusion on her face.

Mr. John (T.)
Good afternoon, Charlotte.

Charlotte McGowan (Kim)
You are very curiously attired, Mr. John. Why are you dressed in such a way?

Mr. John (T.)
Since the last I parted your company, Charlotte, my thoughts have been filled with nothing but you and your decision to take your holy vows. And, uh, I saw fit to turn over a new leaf.

Charlotte McGowan (Kim)
Oh! Have you entered the monastery?

Mr. John (T.)
Uh, not this one, no. No, I, uh.. They’re still trying to place me. But I did, uh, get my confirmation and I let them dunk me in the water.

Charlotte McGowan (Kim)
Oh, sir, I’m so very proud of you!

Mr. John (T.)
Well it’s all thanks to you, my dear. Your past way sand the sins we committed together? Uh, I feel like they’re still stained on me. I feel like I might never be clean of them. But I’m hoping that a place as historical and storied as Kilburn might be able to purify me. And of course, I come prepared to purchase indulgences.

Charlotte McGowan (Kim)
Well sir, I am honored that my decision to step into the light helped lead you to salvation.

Mr. John (T.)
Leads me there, certainly. But I fear I’m not all the way there. I think though that this priory, it’s got the last remaining clues that I need. And I’ve been talked to by holy men before, and I like to read their words.

When I was barely older than you, I was docked in Illinois, where I met a holy man – of a blasphemous order, I know now – but a new American religion. He was a Mormon. They had all sorts of garments they made us put on and such.

And well, I don’t know if you know about these kinds of creatures, being from a frigid clime such as this, but there are spiders. They’re called fiddlebacks. And they hide in linens and dark places. And part of the, I suppose you’d call it the hazing of joining this here church, was to put on the funny underwear. I did, and well darn if that spider didn’t bite me right in my credentials. They were venomous things, you see. Deadly poison.

There were no doctor in this settlement, being as new as it was. So I asked the man, preaching these words to me – a fellow by the name of Joe – to suck out the venom there. Which he did. He did me that favor. He may not have saved my soul, but he did save my body, as I undid my trousers right there and  he put his mouth to my nethers and took that venom into his own mouth. Consequently now in, I think, vulnerability or gratitude, he showed me the very documents – these plates made of gold on which his religion was written.

I feel like there might be writings here in Kilburn that I could peruse that might do more to convince me than his did.

Kim
[Incredulous] Okay, Mr. John, this sounds like a Tall Tale to me.

T.
God’s honest truth.

Kim
[Laughs] Well regardless, please go ahead and roll plus Presence, please.

T.
[Rolls dice] 10 + 1 is 11.

Kim
Alright. So on a 10+, they fall for your charms and do as you wish or reveal a Clue, your choice.

T.
I have more I would like to do with this character. So I would like her to take me to the place, and I’ll investigate there with my own eyes.

Kim
Charlotte reaches for your hand, and then as she does so she blushes and drops it. That was so forward of her.

Charlotte McGowan (Kim)
Oh my! What a story! I’m so happy that you’re alright! Oh, how good of that man to save you.

Mr. John (T.)
I believe it was the Lord working through him to keep me alive long enough to meet you. A woman of the true faith.

Charlotte McGowan (Kim)
I see that your vows have not tempered your pretty words, Mr. John.

Mr. John (T.)
Nor have they tempered your very pretty face.

Charlotte McGowan (Kim)
Well, you said that there was perhaps something you were interested in reading within the Abbey, correct?

Mr. John (T.)
It’s got a long history. I believe it should have a library or an archive, something like that.

Charlotte McGowan (Kim)
Yes, there is the Abbey Archive. I could escort you there, if you’d like.

Mr. John (T.)
If you didn’t, I’d just be blind, blundering around, and who knows what worse mistakes I could get up to. I’d be grateful for the guidance.

Charlotte McGowan (Kim)
Fantastic. Let us go together, then.

T.
I nod, and allow her to lead the way.

Kim
Let’s pick back up with Miss Thanero. I want to hear about this club.

[A fireplace crackles, and a Chopin nocturne plays]

Cassandra
Tyrnavos-upon-Thames. You cannot find it on a regular map in London, but those who need to find it find their way there. It is nestled beneath the crumbling arches of a forgotten abandoned theatre in Southwark. And the entrance is a wrought iron gate that is partially sunk into the riverbank of the Thames. And it is covered in green moss, but also something darker, almost oozy in a way. Inside, it is lit entirely by candles. It is very dark, it’s very luxurious. All of the tables have a circular velvet curtain around them to block out any unwanted conversation or stop you from being overheard. The floor is black, it’s veined marble, and the veins are silver. And the ceiling of the club looks like a twinkling night sky.

Kim
Miss Thanero, you and Miss Sylvia Bellerose enter this secluded space. There is a dining room that you enter into that is richly decorated. There are all manner of trophies and artifacts on the wall – these fantastic beasts, these rare pieces of art, relics from forgotten civilizations.

I have a Paint the Scene for you all, here. What revered artifacts have been stolen away from their homelands to be demeaned as mere decorations?

Natalia
There is a collection of hundreds of gold and silver and bronze burial masks that originally were interred kings and queens of ancient civilizations that were subsequently dug up. The bodies discarded. Simply so that they could be displayed here on the wall.

T.
The club itself, despite its name, is not upon the Thames, but the building itself actually runs under the river. And water drips down the pillars to irrigate plants that were once in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Robert
There is a corner where, under a light, an obsidian statue carved in the Mayan style depicts a woman with wings and claws.

Cassandra
So as you enter Tyrnavos-upon-Thames, there is a beautiful entrance stand where you might find an attendant. It is never staffed. But displayed on this black marble countertop is an Antikythera device.

Kim
Miss Thanero, you and Miss Bellerose pass all of these treasures as you move to sit at a little table. Far off in this dining room in a corner, you spy out of the corner of your eye an elderly bachelor who is dining alone this afternoon. Just gazing vacantly out into space as each course of fine food is placed before him, and then removed, untouched by him.

But Miss Bellerose is chattering wildly, in awe as she is sitting at this table.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
Well, I’ve never seen such a fantastic place! So you go here often, Miss Thanero?

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
Oh yes. I’m a very, very frequent patron of this establishment. I know many of the other patrons very well.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
It does seem as though you are just the set to know. Perhaps my worries about Dame Teasdale were misplaced.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
I very much appreciate that apology. She just grew so tiresome. I was bored of having her constantly around, chattering away non-stop.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
Well, dear Miss Thanero, I hope that you will not be bored with me.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
Darling, I don’t see how I could be. Come along now.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
So, tell me, what is your interest in Mistress Beaumont?

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
Well, I myself am quite the collector of avant-garde fashion. And seeing you on the street, and knowing that you have already been to see Miss Beaumont, I just had to get the information for myself. I love having beautiful things.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
Well, I have not yet had the pleasure of an appointment from Mistress Beaumont herself. I do, however, know some of her assistants well.

Kim
And she sort of flashes her eyebrows a little bit and taps her cigarette holder.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
Quite well, actually. One might say.

Cassandra
Ena signals to a passing waiter. Puts two fingers up in the air and just mouths the words, “Stygian Smoke.”

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
Oh my darling, now before we get into all of this juicy gossip, let’s get a drink shall we?

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
Absolutely, Miss Thanero. As long as you’re paying.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
Darling, I wouldn’t have it any other way. You are my guest today, so you will want for nothing.

[Unsettling ambient tones]

Kim
Let’s pick back up in the flat of Sir Harlowe. Miss Douglas, as you are investigating this silver thread that is everywhere in this flat, you’re finding little things caught amongst the tangled pieces of thread. Little bits of cloth, little bits of paper. A glove, held aloft in the air. But one item does catch your notice. It is a bill. Plucking it out of the air, you find that it is a bill for a very expensive suit. Very expensive. Written on this bill in flowing, spidery letters is a handwritten note that says, “Nothing worthwhile is without cost, and the price must be paid.”

That is a Clue for The Spider Silk Seamstress.

Miss Douglas, I am curious to know how you’re feeling in this space, given everything that you just saw happen with Mr. Lloyd. Being in the same room as the body of Sir Harlowe… Just what is going through your mind right now?

Natalia
Having just seen Rabbit covered in spiders after presumably, you know, inspecting and looking around and touching stuff, Maesie is worried to touch anything in here. But she knows she has to, so it’s just hesitation and a little bit of, like, fear and worry.

Kim
Sure. Go ahead and take the Condition: Hesitant.

Natalia
Having inspected the silk, can I now use some of it to repair my pelt?

Kim
Yes, of course you can! So I would love for you to describe how you use some of this silvery thread to repair your damaged coat.

Natalia
Maesie pulls out the pelt, which so far has just been repaired with the gold thread that she got from Vittorio Clemenza. And she lays it out as best she can on sort of one of the cleaner surfaces here, and starts collecting silk with like a pencil, to try and sort of wind it up into like a little ball. And then seeing how sticky it is, just sort of tries to use it to like glue pieces back, overlapping. Obviously the pelt is never going to look as it used to. And so this is sort of a mishmash repair that she’s attempting on her own, with a magical substance that she has come across. So she’s sort of gluing pieces together as best she can.

Kim
Alright, go ahead and check one of the boxes on Severed From the Sea.

Robert
Rabbit does stand and watch her repair the pelt for a moment with interest. This is something he hasn’t seen before. This is a type of magic that is not in his wheelhouse. But ultimately, he just got a very clear sign that the fae are still very active and very present in this location.

[Mystical tones]

Robert
And so I think that gets pushed out of his mind, as does the threat of the demon that rests within him. And he brings his fingers to his mouth and whistles, and from the shadows of the bookstore, Cait appears.

Natalia
Maesie screams.

Robert
And hops up onto one of the tables.

Miss Douglas (Natalia)
Good Lord Jesus, what is that?

Mr. Lloyd (Robert)
That’s just Cait. Just my cat, you know?

Miss Douglas (Natalia)
Since when do you have a cat?

Mr. Lloyd (Robert)
Well I mean, I’ve had him since I was little. But he’s just found his way back here. And to be fair, I don’t really have a cat. Technically, I think he has me. But that’s neither here nor there.

Miss Douglas (Natalia)
He’s never been in the house!

Mr. Lloyd (Robert)
No. No, he’s been in the house. He’s very quiet. You wouldn’t see him unless he wanted to be seen.

Miss Douglas (Natalia)
Oh so he’s very, like, stoic.

Mr. Lloyd (Robert)
Most of the time, yeah.

Natalia
Maesie tries to pet him.

Robert
Cait smells Maesie’s hand as she reaches out to sort of give him a scritch, and just full-on headbutts himself into her and starts rubbing up against her hand and arm.

[Cait purrs]

Miss Douglas (Natalia)
Oh, he’s not stoic at all! He’s so sweet!

Mr. Lloyd (Robert)
Ah, look at that. He like you.

Miss Doulgas (Natalia)
Oh, I like him. He’s so sweet. Oh, hello!

Natalia
Just like scratching him all over.

Robert
The loudest purr you have ever heard in your life emits from this very large tomcat.

Natalia
Maesie has never seen a cat this big. She’s maybe seen like cats around London that are like the scrawny little street cats. And this is… she’s like trying to hold him in her arms, because he’s so fluffy and beautiful, and just like… I am at peace.

Mr. Lloyd (Robert)
Sorry to interrupt for just a moment, Cait. But I do have a favor to ask you.

Robert
And Rabbit reaches around through a couple of his pockets and finds a card, and literally holds it in front of Cait, who takes it into his mouth. And Rabbit says…

Mr. Lloyd (Robert)
Right, there. See if you can’t find the lady who did all this. And send my regards, would you?

Robert
And Cait takes the card, hops off the table, looks back at Rabbit, looks back at Maesie, looks back at Rabbit one more time, and then jumps out the door.

Miss Douglas (Natalia)
Bye, cat!

Kim
Am I allowed to know what was on the card?

Robert
It looks like a playing card or a tarot card. Just a kind of unremarkable card.

Kim
Oh, so like Mr. Lloyd’s calling card, so to speak.

Robert
Effectively, yeah.

Kim
Let’s go to the Archive of Kilburn Abbey.

[Stuffy, ambient tones]

Kim
Mr. John, Charlotte leads you into this very poorly lit, surprisingly disorganized space. There is very thick carpet that muffles your footsteps. As you enter, you catch just a whiff of mold. And underneath that, a bit of blood and sweat.

I have a Paint the Scene for you all, here. This room has been used for rituals in the past. How do you know this?

T.
I think going to the blood, there’s the votive candles that you see in any good chapel, but there’s also disciplines – which are basically like seven-tailed whips used for self-flagellation.

Robert
There are several dark reddish brown stains on the floor that are clearly not wine, that it appears as though someone has tried to scrub out several times, but they never quite leave.

Natalia
Against one of the walls is a very ornate cabinet that, if the doors were opened, inside there would be a velvet pillow, on which rests a gilded, beautifully decorated knife that carries the air of ritualistic cutting.

Cassandra
We see a pewter basin with a big crack in it and a matching pitcher. But instead of water, the bowl is stained red, as if from blood. Or maybe wine.

Mr. John (T.)
Charlote darlin’, would you close the door and keep a lookout? I don’t want anybody asking prying questions about what it is I’m trying to do. I’d hate to think that they think I’m not already saved.

Charlotte McGowan (Kim)
Yes, of course, sir. I will keep watch.

Mr. John (T.)
But in here, if you like. This room gives me the heeby-jeebies.

Charlotte McGowan (Kim)
Don’t tell me you’re afraid of the dark, sir.

Mr. John (T.)
Not at all, miss. I’m bricky as the next man. But I’m nervous of what I might do, left to my own devices.

Charlotte McGowan (Kim)
Well, I’m happy to keep watch. Both on you and the door.

Mr. John (T.)
Watch carefully.

T.
I want to look for any record of this girl. I feel like it’s like the Watergate tapes. Like, these men thought they were all-powerful. I’m sure they have some sort of written allusion to what they did.

Kim
Go ahead and make an Information Move with Reason, please.

T.
It’s another 6+4 is 10. I’d like to bump it up and get a Mastermind Clue.

Kim
Okay. So are you using a Mask of the Past, a Mask of the Future, or we still have the Threat-specific mask, the Mask of Sacrilege available.

T.
I’ll use a Mask of the Past.

Kim
All right, T. Go ahead and read your prompt, and let’s hear your Mask.

T.
Narrate a flashback to your youth, showing what an arrogant, willful brat you were.

[A quiet, stuffy cellar]

T.
We hear the sound of breaking glass and a cascade of gold as a young Augustus Hutchinson drops a bottle of champagne on a rough-cut stone stair.

“Whoopsie-daisy,” he says, beaming stupid and red-faced at the boy standing with him in his parents’ wine cellar, whose own expression is a blend of mock horror and the thrill of first teenage drunkenness.

Augustus shrugs and drops the other bottle he is holding willfully. “Clumsy you.”

“Oh Augie, you’re an absolute beast.”

The textile tycoon’s son grins like a cat who ate the canary. “But don’t worry, old sport. Being kept in the dark all this while, these bottles will have bred. There’s many more where that came from.”

He assays his way back to the rack and feigning at having taste, selects another bottle from the shelf, gripping it by the neck and sliding it solely from its hole.

“Still, we shouldn’t let them go to waste like that.”

“Your father may own half of Savannah, but that bottle probably costs more than my father makes in a month.”

Augie sways a bit, and his grin takes on cruelty’s glint. “You’re absolutely right. Lap it up.”

[A more sinister tone creeps in]

T.
The poor boy seems confused. “What do you mean?”

“You said we shouldn’t waste it. Get on your knees and slurp it from where it’s puddling there.”

“What, like an animal?”

“Precisely.”

“Come on now, Augie, are you serious? I’m not about to—”

“Do it, or I’ll tell my father that your father is responsible for his missing shipment of satin.”

“But you’re the one whose idea it was to burn—”

“Do you think that matters? It’ll be your word against mine, and who do you think my father will believe? Then yours will be out of a job, and you’ll never even know what wine like this tastes like again. So on your knees.”

The poor boy, less than thrilled now, does as he’s told, and gingerly laps at the pool of champagne.

“Now now, get a proper draft. That’s good stuff, there.”

“Augie, there’s broken glass.”

“You’re right. We should get you something fresh.”

And with no choice, the boy presses his lips to the stone floor.

“Hold still,” Augustus orders. Then, twisting the wire cage off his new bottle and pressing his thumb to the cork, he shakes it, closes one eye, and aims.

With a pop, the cork rockets through the air, and the poor boy cries out, “You shot me!”

Augustus pours the champagne onto the floor in front of him.

“But—”

“Drink, or the next thing you feel will be that bottle’s jagged edge.”

The cellar goes quiet, save for the sound of the boy’s attempts to stifle his sobs, and the pathetic lapping of his tongue against the cobbles.

“Sounds like you’re getting low. Allow me to top you off.” Augustus unbuttons his trousers. “Let’s see if your palate is sophisticated enough to distinguish between the vintages.”

[A fireplace crackles, and a Chopin nocturne plays]

Kim
Miss Thanero. First of all, describe the cocktail that you and Miss Bellerose are drinking.

Cassandra
The cocktail has an amber quality to it, but it almost seems darker, with like hints of red. And there’s a smoked top on it. And when it’s presented, it is presented under glass. And it definitely burns going down. And I’m going to say, would leave your tongue silver for a day.

Kim
I love that. Miss Bellerose holds her glass up to you.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
To new friends.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
Cheers, my darling.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
Cheers.

Cassandra
Ena drinks this very quickly. She is accustomed to it. It’s a regular staple when she comes here, for her to get this drink. So for her, that burning sensation doesn’t really register. But she watches Sylvia to enjoy a potential reaction.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
[Sputtering coughs] It is quite strong for the middle of the day!

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
Yes, darling. But just give it ten minutes and you’ll feel divine.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
[Swallows, sighs] It is a very curious flavor. Quite exotic.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
Yes, exotic is a great word for it. It almost has a hint of metal to it.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
So, drinks in hand. Let’s gossip.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
Oh darling, I am so ready. Do tell me all about these lovely assistants that you happen to be acquainted with.

Kim
Go ahead and make the Information Move with Presence, please.

Cassandra
That is an 8, plus my Presence of 3. So that is an 11.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
Well, my rendezvous was only with one of Miss Beaumont’s assistants. Although they are twins, so I suppose they could have switched places and I wouldn’t have any idea. They’re called the Sisters Sendulla. They are quite mysterious.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
They must be, with a name like that.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
Oh yes. They are always seen together. Only at night, the oddest thing.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
So how did you happen upon them? What were you up to, out late in the odd hours?

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
[Laughs] Well, I do fancy myself a bit of an occultist, Miss Thanero. Drawn as I am to the strange and unusual.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
Well, you must absolutely see about getting a membership here then, darling. This is right up your alley.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
I encountered the sisters at a séance.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
And who were you trying to contact, my love?

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
It hardly matters. I’m inclined to believe that the woman was a fraud, but it was a fun evening out. But the Sisters Sendulla, quite the sight. Always veiled, the two of them. Black lave and elbow gloves. Even when we had our time in private, they were veiled all the same.

They are very particular, the sisters. Very taken with beauty. Very set on dressing their models.

I’ll be honest, they got a bit clingy for my tastes. I’m not one to revisit an encounter. But they were very odd indeed, and I do have them to thank for my appointment with Miss Beaumont. Though I can’t say that I would be interested in having another encounter with the Sisters Sendulla.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
Well, that could be terribly awkward, with them working in the shop. Are you sure you wish to keep your appointment, or would you maybe consider giving it to me?

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
Oh, well… I suppose you and I are approximately the same size. If you perhaps went under my name… I do want the garment, though.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
Oh darling, of course. I wouldn’t dream of keeping it.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
I daresay the Sisters Sendulla will know that you are using my name.

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
Well, perhaps I can tell them you’ve fallen ill, and we just couldn’t bear wasting their time.

Sylvia Bellerose (Kim)
Well, that is an idea indeed! Oh Miss Thanero, you are quite the clever one, aren’t you?

Miss Thanero (Cassandra)
I like to think I can be calculating when it calls for it.

Kim
She finishes her drink and catches the waiter’s eye and flashes two fingers, in much the same way that you did. And the cloches are placed on your table. And Miss Thanero, when you raise to lift your dome off the platter, inside is not a Stygian Smoke. It is a sealed jar, containing spider husks, bundled herbs, and a small patch of human skin.

A Veiled Figure (Kim)
Bon appetit, madam.

Kim
Says a veiled voice. And yet when you turn, there is no one there.

That is a Clue for the Spider Silk Seamstress.

Let’s close out our day within the archives of Kilburn Abbey.

[Stuffy, ambient tones]

Kim
Mr. John, you are making your way through the extremely disorganized archives within Kilburn Abbey. It takes quite some time. I think you’re in there for at least an hour, pouring over records, most of which are of no interest to you. But two documents catch your eye. One of which is a slip of paper that looks to be possibly centuries old, talking about a failed exorcism that was performed on a orphan girl. This report continues, saying that as a result of this, the girl did unfortunately die.

That is a Clue for the Demon of Kilburn Abbey.

[The Lady in Sapphire’s theme starts playing]

Kim
The other bit of information you find here I think is of little note to Mr. John, but is a Mastermind Clue for those of us above the table.

You find a slip of paper denoting that the deed to the land upon which Kilburn Abbey stands belongs to a Mrs. Theodora Brathwaite. That is a Mastermind Clue.

T.
Does the deed include the terms of the sale? Like did she purchase it outright? Was it a gift for some reason?

Kim
It says that she purchased it in the late 1840s.

T.
John reads this over, the long hours of reading in a dark room not something he is accustomed to, and wearing on his eyes and his patience. The smell of blood and sweat seeping into his limbic system, and irritating something a little bit less than human about him. And with this smoking gun of what to him looks like either a murder or an attempt to cover up the binding of this demon, just mutters to himself…

Mr. John (T.)
Oh Mary, this London’s a wonderful sight.

T.
And he rounds on Charlotte.

Mr. John (T.)
I gotta save you, girl.

Charlotte McGowan (Kim)
From what, Mr. John?

Mr. John (T.)
This church. There ain’t nothing here for you. They’re gonna take whatever they can from you, and then hang you out to dry.

Charlotte McGowan (Kim)
I had heard rumors of this place.

Mr. John (T.)
But you came here anyway.

Charlotte McGowan (Kim)
Yes, because I knew that you’d protect me, Mr. John.

Mr. John (T.)
Did you, now?

Charlotte McGowan (Kim)
I’d hoped.

Mr. John (T.)
So you went and got thee to a nunnery in order to lure me into the belly of the beast, so that I might play the knight and save you, huh?

Charlotte McGowan (Kim)
I… I assure you, I did not… It was not my attempt to tempt you, Mr. John.

Mr. John (T.)
Well, you really can’t take the harlot out of Charlotte, can you?

Charlotte McGowan (Kim)
[Laughs nervously] There goes those pretty words, again.

T.
John grabs the golden knife off of its pillow and brings the blade to the hem of her habit, at the base of her throat.

Mr. John (T.)
Careful you don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Kim
There is a darkening of Charlotte’s expression.

Charlotte McGowan (Kim)
I assure you, sir. Though I have taken my vows, my appetite is still strong.

Mr. John (T.)
You’re not the only one here who has a hunger.

T.
And he takes the knife and, without marring her flesh in the slightest, cuts her habit, exposing her body.

Mr. John (T.)
I know from personal experience you take pleasures in pain.

T.
And he drops the knife and picks up one of the disciplines.

Mr. John (T.)
Shall we return to our wicked ways?

Kim
Give me my sin again.

T.
John takes up another discipline and begins to florentine her back, causing it to redden as blood flushes to the area.

Kim
As the blood begins to well on her back, Charlotte turns to face you, biting her lip ever so slightly.

Mr. John (T.)
You said something about appetites.

Kim
Charlotte smiles at you, and sinks to her knees in front of you.

Charlote McGowan (Kim)
I’d like to get a closer look at that scar.

Kim
As she unbuttons your trousers.

Mr. John (T.)
Body of Christ.

T.
And grips her head rather tightly, as he gives into this very carnal aspect of his nature.

[Shadows in the Smoke theme]

Kim
Shadows in the Smoke is a Kitten Marlowe production. This episode was edited and produced by Kim Dalton, and featured a theme song by Jake Pierle. You can find out more about us by visiting KittenMarlowe.com, signing up for our newsletter, or following us on socials. For Discord access, an exclusive behind the scenes show, and more, visit Patreon.com/KittenMarlowe and join the best people we know, our Kitten Marlowe patrons, in supporting artist-driven storytelling. Thanks for listening.