Hyde Page 6

  The home was still. My laboratory – no, Jekyll's laboratory – waited for my return. Yet as I reached for the ingredients, there was a knocking on the door to the dissecting-room. I heard the familiar voice of Poole call out.

  "Sir?" he called, "are you in there?"

  "One moment," I yelled back.

  "Who is that speaking?"

  "It is I, your master, Jekyll."

  I heard the doubt in his voice. "Doctor Jekyll? You are not the master. Your voice sounds different."

  "I said, one moment, blast you!"

  I mixed the drug, watched it foam and change in the flask, and swallowed it down. The change came again, quickly, tearing me apart as my bones grew and twisted and I retreated into the depths of Jekyll's mind. Once complete, I was a prisoner once again, but I drew those bars around me willingly. I no longer wished to be free. Better to live within the cloak of Jekyll for a change, bask in the love and affection they showed him and imagine it to be my own.

  Jekyll opened the door. Poole stood there, carrying a lamp that he held out to shine its light upon the room.

  "Sir?" he asked, looking past Jekyll. "I did not recognize your voice."

  "Yes," said Jekyll. "It was I. Why did you disturb me?"

  Poole looked at his master with doubt. "The chambermaid said she thought she saw someone coming in through the rear entrance of the laboratory."

  "That was me. I merely stepped out for a breath of fresh air."

  "Well, no, sir. She said it was someone shorter, thinner, younger. She suspected a prowler."

  "She was mistaken. It was only I. As you can see, there is no one else here."

  Poole looked around the small room, then nodded. "My apologies for disturbing you, sir."

  "Not at all. I appreciate your watchfulness."

  Poole held the lamp closer to Jekyll's face. "Sir, you seem to be bleeding."

  Jekyll touched his cheek and looked down at his fingers reddened with blood. "Yes. I fear I was a trifle careless with my experiments. One of my flasks burst from pressure and the shards struck me in the face. But I am none the worse for wear. Good night, Poole."

  "Good night, sir."

  Poole left. Jekyll locked up his laboratory and headed to his bedroom.

  As he walked, Jekyll whispered, "We must be more careful in the future, Hyde."

  It was the first time he had ever addressed me. And he called us "we." I agreed. I had been careless to allow myself to be spotted. I knew that what Jekyll and I shared could never be revealed. We were united in purpose now, him to preserving his life of sainthood, and I to my life of sin. It would only work if we were never discovered.

  Jekyll slept then, as did I.

  Chapter Seven - The Pursuit of Edward Hyde

  I AWAKENED the next morning in even more agony than I had the night before. My wounds had not entirely healed from the previous night, and fresh ones had been gained. Besides, Jekyll was older and not as resilient as I. We groaned as he climbed out of bed and limped into his morning routine. Poole seemed to notice the injuries, but said nothing.

  After Jekyll sat down to breakfast, Poole presented a card and said, "Sir, an Inspector Newcomen from Scotland Yard is here to see you."

  Jekyll took the card and studied it, then said, "Very well. I shall see him."

  Jekyll went out to the entrance hall, where a tall man in a long coat stood. His full beard and mustache bristled as he regarded Jekyll. Another man in a policeman's uniform stood with him.

  "Doctor Jekyll," said the man in the coat. "I am Inspector Janus Newcomen. Wondered if I could trouble you for a moment of your time."

  "Certainly. Something I can help you with?"

  Newcomen rubbed his fingers through his beard. "Several days ago, the son of an M.P. was attacked and severely injured. Christopher Carew, the son of Sir Danvers Carew."

  "Good heavens," said Jekyll, feigning surprise. "Is he well?"

  "We believe he will be, though he shall be healing for some time at the family's country estate. I am leading an investigation to find the man responsible for the attack. I understand that you are familiar with him."

  "Me? Whatever gave you that idea?"

  "Nurse at the hospital said you came and offered to pay Carew's medical expenses. Said you were an associate of the man who did it." Newcomen opened a notebook and flipped to a page. "She said you offered the name of Hyde. Edward Hyde."

  From my prison in Jekyll's mind, I cursed his stupidity. Jekyll had exposed us merely to salve his wretched conscience.

  I felt the shock and fear of Jekyll as well, but he managed to keep his voice even. "Ah, yes, I am familiar with Mister Hyde, but only in passing."

  Newcomen set his pen to his notebook as he asked, "What is your affiliation with Hyde?"

  "He was once a patient of mine," said Jekyll with impressive speed. "Very briefly, several months ago. He suffered from severe mental illness. That happens to be a specialty of mine. He wished to be treated for some spells that he endured. I prescribed some physics, and I never saw him again. That's all. As I said, only in passing."

  "I see." Newcomen studied Jekyll with narrowing eyes. "Yet you felt the need to pay for his crimes."

  "Yes. I blame myself in some ways, though perhaps I shouldn't. His condition leads him to acts of startling brutality. The drugs I prescribed helped him a time, but I was unable to cure him. I regret not being able to cure his condition permanently, blame myself for his outbursts. I have my shortcomings."

  "Indeed." Newcomen wrote carefully. "But how did you know it was Hyde that injured Carew?"

  "I wasn't entirely sure, but I suspected it. It seemed his style of work."

  "When did you last see him?"

  "Several months ago when he last came to me and I was forced to abandon his case. Haven't seen him since."

  "And where can we find Mister Hyde?"

  "I'm afraid I couldn't say. I never visited his home. He came to my office and I treated him there."

  Newcomen folded his notebook shut. "Doctor Jekyll, while I appreciate your candor, your answers leave me with the impression that there is something you've not shared with us. I find one fact in particular most troubling. You claim that you have not seen Hyde in months, yet your chambermaid described a man fitting Hyde's description entering the back entrance of your home last night."

  I cursed the chambermaid and her impudent curiosity. Had I been free to do so, I would have gone straight away and throttled her. So it seemed just as well that I could not.

  Jekyll maintained his calm demeanor as he said, "She was mistaken. My butler Poole advised me of her impression, but it was myself that entered my home last night. With the poor lighting and the fog, she no doubt mistook me for someone else."

  "With all due respect, doctor, I find it doubtful that a man of your stature could be mistaken for a dwarf such as Hyde."

  "I have no other explanation to give. As I said, Hyde has not been here in months."

  "Very well. Thank you for your time, doctor. If you should see Hyde again or can think of any other aid to our investigation, I encourage you to share it with us."

  "Of course. And if I can be of any further assistance, let me know. And please express my condolences to the Carew family."

  Inspector Newcomen bowed and left the room, followed by the policeman. Once gone, Jekyll sank into a chair, all bravery vanished.

  "Good Lord," he whispered, "what have I brought down upon us? We must be more careful."

  Jekyll rose to stand at the window and watch the inspector leave. Once they were gone, he called for his butler. When Poole came, Jekyll said, "Poole, I wish you to convey an instruction to the staff. Edward Hyde is an associate of mine. He is to have full access to this home and everything in it. I wish him to be treated as if he were the master of the house in my stead. Is that understood?"

  I could see the confusion on Poole's face, but he managed to maintain his composure as he said, "Yes, sir."

  "Good. I will be in my stu
dy." Jekyll headed into his study where he closed the door and sat down at his writing desk. He put pen to paper and began to write.

  It quickly became apparent what he was writing; a will specifying that in the event of Jekyll's unexplained absence or disappearance for a period of over three months, all his possessions should go to Edward Hyde. The will would allow me to essentially take his place.

  I knew immediately why he wrote it. Jekyll was preparing for the possibility of allowing me to take his place permanently. It seemed wise.

  Once finished, Jekyll sealed the envelope and gave it to Poole with instructions to send it to his lawyer, Utterson. Having taken care of the document, Jekyll retreated to his laboratory, where he mixed the drug to trigger the change. As he brought the flask to his lips, Jekyll whispered, "We must be separate, you and I, Hyde. You must have your own possessions as I have mine."

  We transformed and I assumed control, knowing what I needed to do. I gathered funds from the safe, then left the home through the rear entrance, making sure not to be seen by that troublesome chambermaid. Then I came around to the front door, which I battered with my fist.

  Poole answered and raised an eyebrow at my appearance. His revulsion was not nearly as pronounced as others I encountered. He is indeed an efficient manservant. "May I help you, sir?"

  "I believe so," I said. "My name is Edward Hyde. I'm a friend of Doctor Jekyll. I believe your master has given instructions should I appear."

  "Of course." Poole stepped aside. "Please come in, Mister Hyde."

  "Thank you." I walked into the entrance hall, carrying myself with authority. "I should like a drink. Jekyll's finest port. And a meal. I am quite famished."

  "As you wish, sir." Poole left and returned with a glass of wine that I swallowed in one gulp and returned with an order that it be refilled. I settled into a fine chair and let Poole observe me slip a book of considerable value into my coat. Poole did nothing at the theft, but merely refilled my glass. The only flaws in his behaviour were the glances I could see out of the corners of my eyes, regarding me with silent wonder, no doubt curious as to what hold I had on poor Jekyll to allow such a thing as myself such power over him.

  Within the hour and four glasses later, Poole escorted me to the dining room where I enjoyed a well-prepared meal. Afterwards, I went upstairs to go through Jekyll's clothes and find something more in my size. I found a suit from when Jekyll had been several pounds lighter and years younger that still hung loose on my frame, but seemed less comical than my current garb. I changed and as I left, caught a glimpse of the chambermaid lighting candles. I gave her a desiring look that she recoiled from. How I wished to take her roughly then as punishment for what she had done to me, but did not. I was satisfied that Jekyll's orders to his servants would be carried out, but did not wish to test its limits. I left the home.

  The morning fog hung heavy over the buildings around me, allowing a feeble light to shine through. It was the first time I had felt sunlight on my body and I basked in its rays for a moment.

  As I passed a church, a flood of men, women, and children came pouring out, chattering excitedly to each other. They took no note of me, of course, and I was wont to pass them by without a glance until I heard a vaguely familiar voice coming from inside.

  Out from the church came an older man in a fine suit. He had one arm around the shoulders of a beautiful woman his age in fancy dress. Holding her hand was a young woman with blonde curls. The three of them descended the steps of the church as the crowd burst into applause. The old man waved his hand in acceptance of the praise.

  "Bless you, Sir Carew," called out one woman.

  Sir Danvers Carew. He was the man whose patronage Jekyll sought, and whose son I had injured. I paused to watch him from the relative safety of the crowd.

  Carew held up a hand to calm the crowd as he called out, "Rest assured, my friends. It is my pledge as your representative in the House of Lords to rid this fair city of the scourge of opium. I shall not rest until the Chinaman and his wicked poison have been banished from England's shores."

  The crowd exploded into another round of applause. Carew waved as if scooping the cheers from the air onto his old grey head. He continued his speech in earnest as if he stood at a podium rather than a set of stairs. His wife's smile beamed in admiration for him, but I noted Carew's daughter's smile waned slightly and I caught her large blue eyes rolling towards the clouds for a moment.

  She was a pretty young thing, slender and lithe. Though she masked it well, I could see her impatience with her father's grandiose speeches and posturing. This was a woman who longed to see the world, but lay bound to his coat-strings. How I longed to be the one who would free her from his bondage. Her eyes fell in my direction and paused, perhaps because I was the only one in the crowd not focused on her father. I smiled and winked, letting her know that she was not the only one who saw her father with contempt. Yet her shoulders trembled in a shiver and she quickly looked away. I would find no alliance here.

  As Carew finished his declaration, the vicar of the church came out to shake Carew's hand. "Would that all our representatives in government were upstanding moral citizens such as yourself. Thank you for favoring us with your presence, sir. "

  Carew shook the hand with vigour. "Not at all, Father. Thank you for allowing me to attend your services. It is my pleasure to be among the people of this great empire. My wife and daughter appreciate your kindness and hospitality."

  The vicar's smile turned to a frown. "And I'm sure I speak for all of us when we express our condolences for the unfortunate attack on your son Christopher. I hope he is well."

  Carew's smile seemed to darken as he spoke. "He is improving, that much I can say."

  "We were all shocked to hear of such a brutal assault on one we hold in such high regards. Has the perpetrator been brought to justice?"

  "Not yet, but I am assured by Scotland Yard that they have one of their finest men working on the case. I shall see the brute behind bars, rest assured."

  The crowd expressed agreement, some calling out for the head of Christopher's attacker. Little did they realise that he stood among their midst. I felt a trifle of discomfort knowing that this mob would likely tear me apart, should I be discovered. At the same time, a part of me welcomed the chance to pummel the self-righteous lot that surrounded me.

  Carew's smile returned as he descended the church stairs to a coach waiting in the street. I watched Carew and seethed with anger. I admit, a part of me did envy him. Carew stood there at the church, showered with love and adoration. He had wealth, power, and a family at his side. And what had I? Nothing but prostitutes and drink. The thought turned bitter in my mind and I longed to chase such thoughts from my mind.

  I turned away and stalked off through London, more determined than ever to bathe my sorrows in sin. I hailed a cab and gave it directions.

  My first step was to a fine tailor. I had grown weary of swimming in Jekyll's togs. As I entered the shop, I said to the tailor, "I shall require three of your finest suits as well as all other accessories."

  "Yes, sir," said the tailor as he took up his measuring tape.

  The tailor showed reluctance towards touching my body, but I advised him, "Your job is to conceal my deformity and make it beautiful. Think of it as a challenge."

  The tailor merely nodded and began taking his measurements.

  With the order placed, I next rode the cab to Soho to find lodgings. The previous night had proven that it would not do to be seen that frequently in Jekyll's home. It would be better to find my own living space. I knew I would be spending much of my time in the Soho area, so having a home there would also expedite things.

  Pungent smoke hung over the dismal streets that almost blotted out the sun. Were it not for the gas-lamps burning, it should be almost impossible to see clearly. Mud and slime coated the cobblestones. Packs of children huddled in doors, watching those who went by and begging for change. Men and women walked the streets, clad
in foul clothes caked in dirt.

  I found a home skulking among dismal shops and gin palaces that would suit my purposes. A sign advertised rooms for rent. I rapped on the door and an older woman with a wrinkled and somewhat crooked face answered.

  She regarded me for a moment in silence. I waited for the look of scorn and repulsion that appeared on all who beheld me, but I did not arrive. Instead, she gazed at me evenly, then asked, "Do I know you?"

  "Not at all," I said. "I have come for a room."

  "Certainly. Come right in."

  The old woman stepped aside to allow me entrance. Her home was shabby, but maintained. As she led the way down the hall to the rooms, I asked, "What is your name, my good woman?"

  "Roma Grey, sir," she said. "And you'll find little good in me. May I ask yours?"

  "Edward Hyde."

  She displayed her rooms, all empty. They were small but well-suited for my purposes. The windows faced a brick wall in an alley, giving me adequate privacy. The area was close to pubs and dress houses where I could find drink and willing partners. I had even spied an opium den.

  "I shall take two rooms," I said and handed her a handful of bank notes. "This should be adequate, I should think."

  "More than adequate, sir." Grey slipped the notes into her dress and continued to stare at me.

  I finally asked, "Do I repulse you?"

  "No," she said. "In fact, I find you quite familiar."

  "Well, I shall pay you extra to find my face unfamiliar. And I expect discretion as well as a distinct lack of curiosity. You may find my habits peculiar, perhaps even offensive, but they are mine and none of your affair."

  "Fear not, Mister Hyde. I have lived this long by minding my own affairs."

  "Well, care for my affairs well, and you shall spend the remainder of your days in comfort."

  "Thank you, sir."

  I handed her more money. "My first request is for you to acquire me furnishings. I leave their exact nature to you, but they must be luxurious and in good taste. And I need a closet stocked with fine wines. I expect to have these rooms well-furnished when I return here tonight."