He Opened A Matchmaking Agency In 18Th Century London [EN]: Chapter 30

30. Bow Street Runners

◈ London, Bow Street, Magistrate’s Office.

Early morning. Tae-oh, accompanied by Rupert Wilson, a barrister, visited the Brown Magistrate’s Office in ‘Bow Street’.

The purpose was to enlist the help of the ‘Bow Street Runners,’ also known simply as ‘Runners,’ in apprehending Gavin Murray.

The ‘Runners’ were adept at observing and monitoring criminal activities. They functioned as a specialized, covert investigation agency, gathering evidence, arresting criminals, and delivering them for trial. Evidence and testimonies secured by the Runners during investigations carried significant weight in court.

For Tae-oh, who was under immense time pressure, their assistance was crucial. To mobilize this organization, the approval of Richard Brown, the chief magistrate of the ‘Runners,’ was absolutely necessary.

*

After listening to Sir Wilson’s lengthy explanation, Magistrate Brown tilted his head, a frown deepening on his face.

“I’m struggling to follow your reasoning, Sir Wilson. You’re suggesting that, despite a lack of concrete evidence, Gavin Murray has murdered over ten people, including the Earl of Burns, and is poised to commit another murder. Therefore, we should apprehend him preemptively? With all due respect, isn’t that a rather significant leap of faith?”

Observing the magistrate’s displeasure, Tae-oh stepped forward.

“The life of Antony Burns hangs in the balance. He faces execution within days based on the jury’s verdict. If the Earl is wrongly accused, surely there’s no matter more pressing than uncovering the truth?”

Magistrate Brown retorted, his tone gruff.

“A false accusation? I’ve reviewed the case myself, and the Earl of Burns’ guilt seems rather evident, wouldn’t you agree?”

“No, I disagree. My investigation has revealed at least nine murder cases strikingly similar to that of the Earl of Burns, all occurring within the past three years. I am convinced that these nine murders, along with the Earl of Burns’ case, were perpetrated by the same individual.

Furthermore, it has been definitively established that the Earl of Burns, the accused, was elsewhere when those nine murders took place. And at the time of the Earl’s murder…”

Magistrate Brown, visibly frustrated, waved his hand, cutting him off mid-sentence.

“Hold on, hold on. You’ve been making some rather outlandish claims. Even if you’re acting at the Countess of Burns’ request, isn’t this a bit far-fetched? What you’re suggesting hinges on irrefutable proof that all these acts were committed by the same person.”

“······.”

“To forcibly link nine unsolved cases without any solid evidence and declare them the work of a single perpetrator, expecting us to simply accept it? And to then claim this individual even murdered the Earl of Burns? Honestly.

What do you propose to do if you stir up such a case, already plagued by negative public sentiment, with such unsubstantiated claims and end up discredited?”

Tae-oh carefully studied Magistrate Richard Brown, who was now openly complaining.

From their initial encounter, the magistrate had subtly displayed contempt, evident in the downturned corners of his mouth.

Contempt encompasses a spectrum of emotions, but it typically surfaces when one perceives the other as inferior.

Magistrate Brown, upon realizing Tae-oh’s relatively low status despite being in the company of Sir Wilson, frequently exhibited these subtle, contemptuous expressions.

It was as if he was revealing a hidden sentiment of, ‘Why should I heed the words of someone like you?’

When attempting to persuade someone who places great importance on status, there is no better card to play than high ‘status’ itself.

Tae-oh resolved to leverage that card.

“My motivations extend beyond merely clearing the Earl of Burns’ unjust accusation.”

“?”

“As Sir Wilson mentioned, this individual intends to kill another person, and I have a strong suspicion as to who that person is.”

“…Who?”

“The killer’s next target is… Duke David Manners.”

“What?”

At that moment, Magistrate Brown’s jaw visibly dropped, and his eyebrows shot up in surprise. The change in demeanor was immediate.

It worked.

The status of Duke Manners, a close confidant of King George III, was sufficient to capture Magistrate Brown’s undivided attention.

“What did you just say? Did you mention Duke David Manners?”

“Yes, that’s correct. I am convinced that he will be the killer’s next target.”

Lord Brown, who had been consistently passive, straightened his posture and leaned forward, displaying active interest for the first time.

However, he remained skeptical of Tae-oh’s reasoning.

“Well… Countess Burns and Magistrate Rodney made requests, and Sir Wilson personally brought you here, so there must be a valid reason. However, I must confess, I remain unconvinced.

To suggest that a killer who has already murdered nine people, including the Earl of Burns, is now targeting Duke Manners… What evidence supports such a claim?”

Sir Wilson swiftly interjected.

“Magistrate, do you recall the individual praised by Admiral Bentham and Professor Adam Smith? He made an appearance at the Intelligence Club last year and has become a topic of conversation among London’s intellectuals…”

“Yes? Ah, yes. A young man of exceptional intelligence. But why bring him up now? Could it be…?”

Sir Wilson placed his arm around Tae-oh’s shoulder and nodded.

“Indeed. This is the very person Professor Smith lauded so highly. Theo Sanderson.”

Magistrate Brown, who held Adam Smith in high regard, had been hearing the name Theo Sanderson directly from Professor Smith’s lips since the previous year.

“Ah, really? This person is… that person?”

Magistrate Brown appeared slightly taken aback.

“Yes, that’s right.”

Magistrate Brown, his expression noticeably softer, spoke again.

“Well, that explains it. The name did sound familiar. Hmm… In that case, could you elaborate on the basis for Mr. Sanderson’s strong conviction?”

“Of course.”

Tae-oh spread out the meticulously organized data summarizing the case and began a detailed explanation.

*

“…If we disregard the coincidence of the suspect becoming my client, all evidence points to Gavin Murray as a serial killer.”

“But how can you be so certain that Gavin Murray intends to kill Duke Manners this time?”

“I happened to visit Gavin Murray’s residence and learned that he would be attending a ball in Orpington. This is a deviation from his usual behavior. He never acts without a clear motive. I am convinced that the ultimate purpose of this unusual activity is the murder of Duke Manners.”

Tae-oh’s rather lengthy explanation of the case concluded.

Magistrate Brown stared intently at the organized data, his hands clasped beneath his chin.

After a moment, he sighed softly and spoke.

“Well, Mr. Sanderson’s reasoning appears plausible. If the facts are indeed as presented, I cannot dismiss Gavin Murray as a suspect.”

Sensing the shift in Magistrate Brown’s demeanor, Sir Wilson quickly intervened.

“Magistrate, the data compiled by Mr. Sanderson is derived from the two hundred or so murder cases I have personally documented. I assure you, it is an objective analysis, free from any manipulation.”

“Hmm, is that so?”

“Yes. Therefore, your prompt action is required. If something terrible befalls Duke Manners, and it later emerges that you disregarded our warnings, what will the consequences be? You are well aware of His Majesty’s affection for Duke Manners.”

Magistrate Brown swallowed hard, hesitated briefly, and then addressed Tae-oh.

“If there is anything I can do to assist, what immediate steps should I take?”

“Firstly, we require support to deploy the ‘Runners’ organization for covert surveillance and, if necessary, arrest him at the opportune moment.

Given the current lack of definitive evidence, the most effective approach is to raid the scene of the crime and apprehend him in the act.”

Sir Wilson added his support.

“Magistrate! We must mobilize as many ‘Runners’ as possible and dispatch them to the Orpington area immediately. Time is of the essence. We must inform Duke Manners of this threat and devise a comprehensive arrest plan.”

Magistrate Brown’s eyes narrowed.

“Hmm…”

Theo Sanderson had earned the praise of the brilliant scholar Adam Smith, and Rupert Wilson, a barrister renowned for his legal acumen, had personally brought him here.

He reasoned that initiating an investigation based on the recommendations of such individuals carried minimal risk of punishment.

Even if it were deemed an overzealous investigation, the worst-case scenario would likely be a mere reprimand.

However, if he disregarded Sanderson’s warnings and Duke Manners were to be murdered, his position as magistrate, and perhaps even his life, could be in jeopardy.

Who was David Manners?

Wasn’t he a key figure, closely connected to King George III and at the pinnacle of power?

Magistrate Brown nodded, as if having reached a decision, and spoke.

“Very well. Given Sir Wilson’s strong advocacy, I see no reason to abstain. I will order the Runners team to mobilize immediately.”

“Ah! Thank you.”

◈ Bow Street Runners Office

Tae-oh and Sir Wilson, having secured permission from Brown, the chief magistrate of the ‘Runners’ organization, hurried to the ‘Runners’ office on Bow Street in Covent Garden.

They located William Townsend, the head of the Runners’ detective squad, presented him with the magistrate’s signed authorization to commence the investigation, and provided a concise overview of the case.

Townsend, the squad leader, possessed neatly combed chestnut hair, a strong jawline, and firmly set lips, which, combined with his cold demeanor, created an aura of compelling charisma.

While Tae-oh had heard rumors of this secret investigation organization, he harbored low expectations, considering the era’s limitations. (The 18th century was known for its less sophisticated policing methods.)

However, upon meeting Squad Leader Townsend, he felt a sense of trust for some reason.

‘His eyes betray almost no emotion, and his facial expressions remain remarkably consistent. This is not a natural disposition but rather a carefully cultivated facade. Yet, beneath the surface, I sense a capacity for warmth, indicating a remarkable degree of self-control. He will be invaluable in apprehending criminals and gathering evidence and testimonies.’

Humans are social creatures, their survival dependent on communication. Facial expressions have evolved to facilitate this, appearing in a multitude of forms.

Townsend, the leader of the Runners, appeared to have honed his mind and body for identifying and confronting enemies or criminals through years of police work.

His resolute expression suggested minimal emotional fluctuation in most situations, inspiring confidence that he would make sound decisions, even under pressure.

Squad Leader Townsend, after meticulously reviewing the case data compiled by Tae-oh, repeatedly nodded, expressing his surprise.

“To have identified Gavin Murray’s nine murders amidst so many case records is truly remarkable.”

It was the first time Squad Leader Townsend had displayed even a hint of a smile.

As a detective squad leader who had handled countless criminal cases, the smile was a natural response, born from an intuitive sense that Gavin Murray was indeed the culprit.

Tae-oh sighed in relief at the sight of such a capable detective squad leader.

He had been concerned that Townsend might be hesitant to act due to insufficient evidence or a lack of trust.

‘That’s a relief. He’s a very perceptive individual.’

The squad leader, having set aside the case data, reverted to his usual cold demeanor and continued.

“I concur with Mr. Sanderson’s assessment that a hasty approach could jeopardize the investigation. If he has evaded capture for over nine murders, he is likely far more meticulous than we realize.

Although time is limited, we must assemble a team and initiate surveillance discreetly.”

Clack-

The squad leader, covering the data compiled by Tae-oh, rose from his seat.

“Since the magistrate’s investigation order has been issued, let’s proceed to our office and meet the team members. We have a total of eight members, but three are currently deployed, leaving five of us, including myself. Given the limited time, we must formulate a plan and depart for the scene immediately.”

*

Squad Leader Townsend, exiting his office, opened the middle door on the right and entered.

“This is it. Come in.”

Thump-

The office was filled with a pungent aroma of ink and musty paper.

A large wooden table occupied the center of the room, covered in towering stacks of documents.

Files and ledgers containing records of past cases, categorized by date, lined the walls.

The sheer volume of material underscored the prevalence of crime in London.

Townsend summoned the team members.

“Everyone, gather around. An urgent investigation order has been issued by the magistrate.”

Once the team members had assembled, Squad Leader Townsend provided a concise briefing on the investigation.

“…Our team will be focusing on a suspect named Gavin Murray and initiating surveillance. You have been assigned to assist in this endeavor. One of you will remain on standby in the office, while the remaining four, including myself, will depart for the Orpington area today. Please keep this in mind.”

“Yes, understood.”

Squad Leader Townsend, having finished addressing the team, turned to Tae-oh.

“Sir Wilson, Mr. Sanderson, I need to file a report with the Metropolitan Police. I will return shortly. In the meantime, please introduce yourselves to our detectives.”

“Yes, Squad Leader.”

As Squad Leader Townsend departed, a veteran detective approached and greeted them.

“Hello, I’m Detective Hill.”

Sir Wilson and Tae-oh returned the greeting, and the other detectives followed suit.

“I’m Detective Gray.”

“I’m Detective Collingwood.”

◈ Orpington, Duke David Manners’ Mansion.

Tae-oh, accompanied by Squad Leader Townsend, Daniel Hill, Edward Gray, and Ian Collingwood, drove for several hours and arrived at Duke David Manners’ mansion in Orpington.

“We’ve arrived!”

The imposing stone building and meticulously landscaped gardens reflected Duke Manners’ power and prestige.

Its scale dwarfed any other noble residence he had encountered.

The interior, accessed via a grand staircase, featured high ceilings and walls adorned with mythological scenes, creating an atmosphere of both grandeur and reverence.

Rare porcelain from China and expensive French Sevres vases were strategically placed throughout the hallway, enhancing the home’s luxurious ambiance.

“Just one more floor.”

Each level revealed numerous rooms, including a powder room (a room for applying white powder to wigs) that surpassed the reception rooms of most noble houses.

The butler, leading Tae-oh and the detective squad, stopped before an ornately decorated door.

The Duke’s family crest was prominently displayed in gold leaf at the center of the heavy door, and the intricate carvings surrounding it conveyed a sense of history and importance.

Knock knock knock.

The butler announced their arrival with a knock, and the Duke’s dignified voice granted them entry.

The heavy door slid open smoothly, revealing a luxurious and sophisticated reception room.

Duke David Manners, a man of small but sturdy build, possessed an intelligent demeanor, with bright silver hair and piercing green eyes.

After exchanging greetings with the detectives, Duke Manners accepted the letter from Magistrate Richard Brown, which Squad Leader Townsend presented.

“Your Grace, this is a letter from the Magistrate of Bow Street, London.”

“Ah, I see.”

The Duke’s expression grew increasingly serious as he read Magistrate Richard Brown’s letter.

He cleared his throat, unable to conceal his unease.

“Hum, hum.”

Having finished reading the letter, the Duke addressed Squad Leader Townsend.

“Why would the son of Baron Murray harbor such animosity towards me? We have no particular connection…”

The Duke had been greeted by the son of Baron Murray a few days prior, but he did not recall his face clearly.

Knowing the Murray family only by reputation, he had simply acknowledged the greeting upon learning his identity.

The Duke, unable to identify any potential cause for resentment, was both perplexed and displeased.

Tae-oh addressed the Duke.

“Your Grace, have you been following the same route for your walks for the past two days?”

The Duke, his expression questioning, nodded.

“Indeed. I’ve been feeling unwell, so I’ve been taking a walk each evening, primarily within our garden, which offers relative privacy, and the plant greenhouse adjacent to the garden. Why do you ask?”

There was no time for a lengthy explanation.

It was evident that Gavin Murray was observing Duke Manners’ movements as he took his evening walk at sunset.

However, if he were to deviate from his routine, it could arouse suspicion and prompt Murray to alter his plans.

Squad Leader Townsend explained the situation.

“We believe that Gavin Murray is currently attempting to ascertain Your Grace’s movements in order to formulate a plan.”

“A plan to murder me, as he did with Earl Burns?”

“We find it unsettling, but that is our belief.”

“What could possibly be the reason?”

“We speculate that the son of Baron Murray suffers from a condition that compels him to kill.”

“Are there individuals afflicted with such a diabolical disease?”

An ordinary nobleman might have reacted with alarm, demanding the immediate apprehension of the would-be assassin.

However, Duke Manners, known for his prudence and ability to assess situations, quickly grasped the necessary course of action and responded calmly.

“Hmm… As it stands, we have only strong suspicions, lacking any concrete evidence. We must catch him in the act to exonerate Earl Burns from his wrongful conviction.”

Squad Leader Townsend elaborated on Duke Manners’ statement.

“Precisely. Therefore, if Your Grace proceeds with your evening walk as usual, we will monitor the surroundings and closely observe Gavin Murray’s movements.

He is likely to initiate his plan during the ball, to establish an alibi.

As today is the day before the ball, and the promenade is heavily populated, it is unlikely that he will attempt the crime. However, even if he does make a move, we will intervene. Rest assured.

From tomorrow until the conclusion of the ball in five days, our detective will impersonate Your Grace on the promenade to lure him in.”

Duke Manners nodded.

“Very well. I have been deeply troubled by the Earl of Burns’ case and have secretly suspected that Antony Burns was wrongly accused.

If the true perpetrator is indeed planning an attack, he will be sensitive to even the slightest deviations from routine. Therefore, I will take my walk at the same time as yesterday.”

Tae-oh and the detectives were impressed by Duke Manners’ composure and judicious response.

Thanks to his cooperation, they were able to commence the operation without delay.