He Opened A Matchmaking Agency In 18Th Century London [EN]: Chapter 29

29. The Predicted Murder

◈ Rupert Wilson, Barrister’s Office.

“…In summary, the size and nature of the carotid artery wound on the neck, the victims’ small stature and green irises, and the missing items like buttons or brooches attached to their clothing – we’ve found a surprising number of similarities between the victims.

Then, a matchmaking client came in by chance…”

Barrister Wilson and Maidstone Magistrate Rodney listened intently to Tae-oh’s story, their expressions serious.

“…That’s how I learned from the matchmaking client’s family that she attended the ball hosted by the Kent family.”

Wilson exclaimed in surprise.

“The Kent family? Are you referring to the Burns family? So, Sanderson’s matchmaking client attended the ball on the day Earl Burns was murdered?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Furthermore, I obtained statements from her younger sisters confirming that the client left the ballroom around the time Earl Burns was murdered. To verify this, I inquired with other attendees, and their accounts corroborated the sisters’ statements.”

“…”

“Therefore, I’ve identified Gavin Murray, the son of Baron August Murray, as a strong suspect in the nine murders that occurred over the past three years, as well as the murder of Francis Burns.”

Wilson questioned Tae-oh.

“Mr. Sanderson, even if he attended the ball and was briefly out of sight, isn’t the evidence too circumstantial to conclude he murdered Earl Burns? Besides, there’s no concrete evidence linking Gavin Murray to the previous nine murders.”

“That’s true. As you said, there’s a lack of definitive physical evidence. While I’m convinced Gavin Murray is the real culprit, it’s also true that we lack irrefutable proof.”

“But why is Mr. Sanderson so certain?”

“One of my long-standing interests and areas of study is the human mind and subconscious. I have developed my own criteria for identifying and assessing individuals with abnormal psychology. Using these criteria, I’ve identified Gavin Murray as a strong suspect.”

“I’m having trouble understanding your reasoning.”

“In short, I can recognize individuals who suffer from hidden mental illnesses. Gavin Murray exhibited mentally abnormal behavior, and when evaluated against my research criteria, he perfectly fits the profile of a serial killer – someone capable of committing serial murders.”

“The profile of a serial killer capable of committing serial murders?”

In 18th-century society, the concept of psychopathic serial killers was entirely absent.

The prevailing belief was that crimes stemmed from specific motives, making the existence of someone who simply enjoyed killing unimaginable at the time.

This perspective inevitably placed limitations on the investigative authorities in their pursuit of criminals.

“Think of it as a mental illness that manifests as a desire to kill. This person happened to live in an area where nine serial murders occurred, and he attended a ball hosted by the murdered Earl Burns. He also happened to sneak out at the time of the murder.

Aside from my chance encounter with him as a matchmaking client, everything else aligns too perfectly to be mere coincidence.”

Wilson and Rodney struggled to readily accept Tae-oh’s assertions.

However, the similarities between the victims in the nine murders and the Burns murder, as Tae-oh explained, were undeniable.

Rodney, who had handled numerous murder cases, spoke with deliberation.

“Hmm, as someone with over 30 years of experience in criminal cases, it’s difficult to dismiss. Frankly, I don’t fully grasp Mr. Sanderson’s criteria for identifying a killer, but I agree that the murders were likely committed by the same person.”

Wilson nodded, reviewing the records Tae-oh had compiled.

“I concur. It’s a very persuasive line of reasoning. It’s also remarkable that you developed this theory based on my records. And regarding the serial killer aspect you mentioned, perhaps because it’s Mr. Sanderson explaining it, I find it quite credible.

However… I’ve been informed that the Royal Tribunal has already decided to hang Baron Antony Burns.

Although the judgment of the noble jury, to be held in the Senate building in a few days, is technically required, it’s largely a formality. The prevailing sentiment favors hanging as the appropriate punishment.

It’s likely that once the decision is finalized, the hanging of Baron Burns will proceed without issue.”

“What? Hanging already?”

Tae-oh was taken aback. He hadn’t anticipated the hanging procedure moving so swiftly.

“Yes. Furthermore, using the murder victim records that Mr. Sanderson referenced – the ones I personally compiled – to exert legal influence would be difficult. It could easily be misconstrued as a cunning attempt to save Baron Antony Burns.”

Tae-oh had anticipated this.

In a society lacking strong physical evidence like CCTV, past document records could easily be dismissed as fabricated.

Moreover, this was an era devoid of the concept of a mentally ill person who enjoys killing, such as a serial psychopath.

It was fundamentally impossible to make them understand that someone could commit ten serial murders purely for personal gratification, without any discernible motive.

Tae-oh asked Wilson.

“When exactly is His Majesty the King’s jury verdict scheduled?”

“In a week.”

“Hmm…”

It seemed clear that Gavin Murray would commit his eleventh murder, but there was no guarantee it would occur at the ball in Orpington.

However, based on the information gathered, the Duke of Manners was likely Gavin Murray’s target.

A psychopath often experiences severe depression after the intense excitement of killing subsides and reality sets in.

However, this depression isn’t caused by guilt, but by the feeling that their fantasy wasn’t fully realized. To alleviate this depression, they must embark on a new hunt.

There was now insufficient time or opportunity to save Baron Antony Burns through conventional means.

There wasn’t enough time to find conclusive evidence to persuade the noble jury.

Tae-oh, having made up his mind, spoke.

“The interval between the investigated crimes ranges from five months at the longest to two months at the shortest. Therefore, we can expect another serial murder to occur soon. If we can’t prove Baron Burns’ innocence through past records or evidence, we’ll have to save him using future evidence.”

Rodney and Wilson turned to Tae-oh, their eyes wide.

“What? Future… evidence?”

“I’m convinced that Gavin Murray will soon commit his eleventh murder. Therefore, we’ll lie in wait at the crime scene, arrest him in the act, and immediately search his residence to find the victims’ belongings he’s been hiding.”

Rodney, removing his gold-rimmed glasses, asked with surprise.

“No, when and where can we expect another murder to take place?”

“I believe it’s a kind of ‘predicted murder’.”

“Predicted… murder?”

Tae-oh nodded.

“Yes. Gavin Murray is acting according to specific symbols and meticulously crafted plans. In essence, it’s like a predicted murder.”

Psychopaths are characterized by strong impulsivity, but they exhibit meticulous planning when committing crimes.

While about half of murders committed by general criminals are planned, research indicates that over 90% of murders committed by psychopaths are premeditated.

“So, you’re suggesting we find this predicted murder in advance?”

“Yes, that’s right. Gavin Murray’s psychology and movements clearly indicate that a murder will occur soon. We need to anticipate this and apprehend him before he strikes.”

Wilson was taken aback.

“Huh, is that even possible? How can you be certain he’ll commit murder soon based solely on prediction?”

“I reiterate, Gavin Murray suffers from a mental illness. The actions of such individuals aren’t unpredictable; in fact, prediction is often easier than with ordinary people.

Gavin Murray has already traveled to attend the ball in the Orpington area. This is unusual for Gavin, who is typically easily bored and has a strong impulsive tendency. I believe he went there to commit murder.”

Wilson and Rodney were increasingly captivated by Tae-oh’s detailed explanations and persuasive arguments.

When he revealed that the target was Duke David Manners, who was staying in the Orpington area, Wilson reacted with great surprise.

“If it’s Duke David Manners, I know him well. As you mentioned, he does have green irises.

Furthermore, the Duke is very close to His Majesty the King. If Duke Manners were to suffer such a terrible fate, the royal family would likely be thrown into turmoil.”

Duke Manners was an English politician who had forged a deep friendship with King George III during their studies together in their youth.

He possessed extensive knowledge of economics, and George III often consulted him on matters of overseas economic policy.

“What do you think that fellow is doing in Orpington right now, Mr. Sanderson?”

“Gavin is likely observing the Duke’s movements and formulating his plans. He’s expected to monitor the Duke’s activities and commit the crime sometime in the evening during the ball.”

Rodney, stroking his chin, inquired.

“Are you truly certain that Gavin Murray is a serial killer, Mr. Sanderson?”

“Please trust me. There’s very little time left, for both Baron Burns and Duke Manners.”

“Magistrate Rodney, I believe we should heed Mr. Sanderson’s words. Doesn’t everything fit together too perfectly?”

Rodney had consistently been impressed by Tae-oh’s exceptional intellect and wisdom at the Intelligence Club.

“Hmm… I’m still uncertain, but given the urgency of the matter, I’ll trust Mr. Sanderson’s judgment. We should quickly dispatch the ‘Bow Street Runners’ to secretly observe Gavin Murray.”

(**Bow Street Runners** – *A group belonging to the police station established in 1753, the first secret detective organization in England consisting of 6 to 8 people. These members carried a unique cane, with a crown decoration on top, and carried their official identification inside, performing secret detective work. They were called by this name because they could be seen on Bow Street in London, where the court was located at the time.*)

Tae-oh, well aware of their capabilities, was delighted.

“Ah, is that possible? If we can deploy that secret organization, we can achieve the fastest results.”

“Yes, I’ll contact them immediately today.”

“Thank you, Magistrate Rodney.”

*

As they were leaving Wilson’s office, Rodney called out to Tae-oh.

“Mr. Sanderson, if you have time, would you like to accompany me to Newgate Prison now?”

“Newgate Prison?”

“Yes, I’m going to visit Baron Burns.”

Rodney had believed in Baron Burns’ guilt until now.

But after meeting Tae-oh today, his conviction had wavered.

“Yes, that’s excellent. I wanted to see the Baron and offer him some encouragement.”

If they failed to expose Gavin Murray, this might be their last chance to speak with Baron Burns.

“Shall we travel in my carriage?”

“Yes.”

Rodney escorted Tae-oh to his carriage, and they set off for Newgate Prison.

*

Clatter. Clatter.

Benedict Rodney spoke with a troubled expression.

“Alexander Burns, the father of the murdered Earl Francis Burns, was like a father to me.”

Rodney’s father had died in an accident when he was young.

At the time, Alexander Burns had not only cared for Rodney’s family in place of his deceased father but had also willingly become their benefactor.

Consequently, Rodney and his siblings regarded Alexander Burns as their father figure and were close to his son, Earl Francis Burns, and his family, like brothers.

“If the real culprit emerges late, as Mr. Sanderson suggests, and we fail to save Baron Antony Burns, I don’t think I’ll be able to face Alexander Burns, even after death.”

The old gentleman’s face, as he spoke in a trembling voice, was etched with worry about the potential consequences.

Tae-oh’s heart also sank.

“Alexander Burns will understand Magistrate Rodney’s sincerity better than anyone else. And I believe there’s still time to save Baron Antony Burns. If we do our best until the end, we’ll achieve a positive outcome.”

Rodney, with a determined expression, nodded silently.

◈ Newgate Prison

Squeak-

As soon as the entrance to Newgate opened and they went inside, a large gallows where executions would be carried out caught their eye.

It was presumed that it had been taken out for use by Baron Antony Burns and several other death row inmates.

Rodney looked at the gallows in front of him and had a painful expression as if he had brought it himself.

“Follow me, my lords.”

As the gatekeeper led them to the prison, a small, chubby guide soon greeted the two. It was the same person they had seen last time.

Clang-

“Hehe~ Follow me.”

The terrible stench and stuffy air were still overwhelming.

The screams of the inmates, echoing from here and there as they climbed the dark and dim stairs, mingled with the sounds of rats and insects, creating an unpleasant atmosphere.

Clank-

The door opened, revealing Baron Antony Burns, huddled in the deepest corner of the prison.

Skinny body, disheveled hair and beard, lifeless eyes…

He had transformed into a completely different person in just a few weeks.

Rodney, surprised, grasped the Baron’s emaciated hand, tears welling up in his eyes.

“Baron Burns… I have no words. I’m simply sorry that I couldn’t be of more help.”

Baron Antony Burns assumed they had come to bid him a final farewell before his execution.

“No… Even if the Magistrate had actively defended me, I wouldn’t have been able to escape the murder charge. So, you mustn’t blame yourself. I’m grateful that you came to visit me before I die.

And… I swear to God, although the Magistrate may not believe it… I never harmed the Earl. I wanted to ensure you knew this before I die.”

Baron Burns didn’t resent Rodney for failing to actively defend him.

But his voice was filled with profound despair.

Rather than the fear of impending death, the fact that he had become a dishonorable murderer who killed his uncle for the title of Earl and for money, tarnishing the family’s honor, was unbearable.

The Baron stared at the windowless wall of the prison, his eyes vacant.

“The gallows to hang me must already be prepared, right? And the crowds will be eagerly awaiting my execution…”

In late 18th-century England, a public hanging was held for anyone sentenced to death, regardless of their social standing.

In an era with limited entertainment, hangings in London were considered a more captivating spectacle for citizens than the circus.

Consequently, when news of a hanging was announced, thousands, even tens of thousands, of people would gather in front of the prison.

Furthermore, most of those hanged were heinous criminals, such as murderers or rapists, so the public would relieve their stress by hurling insults and curses, even throwing stones, sometimes causing serious injuries or even death before the hanging.

Baron Burns continued to speak, as if chanting.

“Perhaps countless people will spit on me, throw stones, and insult me and my family. And the executioner will mock me, teasing whether or not to kick the chair I’m standing on. Ugh.”

The executioner would deliberately create a precarious scene, and when the tension reached its peak, he would forcefully kick the chair the prisoner was standing on.

Then, the highlight of the hanging, the ‘Strangler’s dance’, would begin.

When the chair supporting the feet disappeared, the prisoner would struggle with the noose around their neck, an appearance known as the ‘Strangler’s dance’ because it resembled dancing.

By skillfully adjusting the noose, the executioner wouldn’t kill the prisoner instantly, prolonging this dance of death for a short period of three minutes, or as long as fifteen minutes.

The longer the dance, the more enthusiastic the crowd became.

“When I struggle and turn pale with pain, people will cheer and rejoice… Will anyone grab my flailing feet then? Oh… God. If only God could pull my feet and end my life quickly…”

When someone struggled on the gallows, pulling their legs down with force would hasten their death and reduce the time spent in pain.

Therefore, the family or friends of the condemned would often bribe the executioner to grab and pull the legs of the struggling prisoner.

Baron Burns asked Rodney, as if begging.

“Can Magistrate Rodney claim my body? Is that why you came to tell me that? I can’t be buried in the Kent family’s cemetery, but please have mercy on me and bury me in a place that isn’t cold. If you do that for me, I won’t ask for anything more…”

Even after execution and death, it wasn’t over.

A struggle would ensue between the death row inmate’s family and the assistants of surgeons who needed corpses for dissection practice, each vying for possession of the body.

Baron Burns, having witnessed such scenes countless times, was suffering, worrying about what would happen even after his death.

Tae-oh discerned countless subtle emotions on the Baron’s face as he poured out his desperate words.

‘His emotions are completely collapsing. His extremely anxious mind is already imagining himself on the gallows, experiencing similar pain as if it were real.’

In Baron Burns’ emotional state, it was easy to make rash decisions.

He might believe he was making a rational and reasonable judgment, but negative thoughts fueled by anxiety were undermining his vulnerable inner emotions, leading him toward extreme choices.

It seemed that hope was needed to alleviate Baron Burns’ anxiety about the future, even if only slightly.

Otherwise, there was a risk he might take his own life before reaching the gallows.

Tae-oh grasped Baron Burns’ face tightly with both hands and said.

“Baron, pull yourself together and listen to me carefully.”

“…?”

“We’re not here today for a final farewell. We’re here to deliver very good news.”

Baron Burns’ eyes widened.

“Good… news? What good news could there be for me, who will soon be executed?”

“We’ve found the real culprit who killed Earl Burns.”

Baron Burns was momentarily stunned by Tae-oh’s words.

Then, for the first time, strength returned to his eyes, which had been vacant.

He straightened his upper body and asked.

“What… what does that mean? Is it true? Did you really, really find the person who killed the Earl?”

Tae-oh nodded vigorously.

They hadn’t apprehended him yet, but it was certain that Gavin Murray was the real culprit. And they would definitely catch him.

“Re… really, Magistrate Rodney?”

When the Baron turned his head toward Rodney with an incredulous expression, Rodney smiled and nodded.

In fact, Rodney largely agreed with Tae-oh’s reasoning, but he remained skeptical about the claim that Gavin Murray was the real culprit.

However, he understood Tae-oh’s intention to give hope to Baron Burns and played along.

The Baron, momentarily filled with joy at the unexpected good news, soon reverted to his somber demeanor.

“But why am I still trapped here? You said you found the culprit… who is the culprit?”

“A certain procedure is required. Six days. No later than six days, you’ll be taking a walk along the fields of Maidstone village, where your favorite flowers are blooming. So, please wait a little while, imagining that scene.”

The Baron was showing expectations again at Tae-oh’s words.

“Ah… Mr. Sanderson, if that could really happen, if such a day could truly come to me…”

Hope can transform even someone on the brink of death.

His eyes, which had lost their light in endless despair, regained their vitality and began to sparkle little by little.