Session 4: New York Part 2

January 16, 1925

The group talks to the journalist Rebecca Shosenburg and learns more about the cult murders/disappearances that have actually been going on for 3 or 4 years, although never too close to the Juju House. Hilton Adams, the man awaiting execution on the 27th, had organized a group of locals to try to stop the murders. Rebecca makes arrangements for the group to meet his wife, MIlly, at the Lafayette Theater.

Regarding Jackson’s murder in particular, they learn that the name of one of his attackers was Iregi Kipkembi, and that the getaway car was a black Hudson (licence plate NYL7) reported stolen from a Mr. Thomas Witherspoon that afternoon.

They also do some research and learn that Roger Carlyle was a patient of Robert Huston; his records are being held at the Medical Affairs Board, so Len makes arrangements with his brother, a doctor, to try to get in to see them.

January 17, 1925

At Jackson’s funeral, the group meets Jackson’s editor and publisher, Jonah Kensington, as well as his attorney, Carlton Ramsay and his niece Willa. Mr. Ramsay tells the group that Jackson put aside a fund to be used to carry on his work, with Ramsay acting as an agent. They also learn more about the Carlyle Expedition from Jonah and through Jackson’s writings, including the fact that some members of the expedition seem to have survived, and Carlyle may have left some important books in his safe.

Afterwards, the group travels to Massachusetts and meets with Anthony Cowles, a visiting professor from Australia (planning to return home in 9 months). They learn about a potential bat cult worshipping the “father of all bats” in that country encountered by Arthur MacWhirr and his mining engineer Robert Mackenzie on an archaeological expedition. MacWhirr’s diary was left with a man named David Dodge in Sydney. Cowles mentions the whole thing reminds him of things he’s read about Cthulhu and the elder gods, and recommends the Ponape Scripture to learn more. The University of Sydney used to have a copy, but it was borrowed by a man named John Scott of Boston and never returned.

January 18, 1925

On the way back to New York, the group stops in Boston (to unsuccessfully look for John Scott and the Ponape Scripture) and Cambridge (to talk to a librarian about a book Jackson was looking for). The book turns out to be Africa’s Dark Sects, a copy of which vanished mysteriously from the library one day. With no further avenues to pursue, the group returns to New York.