Stalking Jack: The Hunt Begins... (Madeline Donovan Mysteries Book 1) by Madison Kent Read Free Book Online Page A

city. It was well known, even to foreign travelers, that the East End of the city was the unsavory part of London. Like most cities, in Chicago, it was the Northside that was the elite and the Southside's reputation was perpetuated by stories of crime. But though she had never given it a thought that she would traverse into the East End, now it was prominent in her thoughts and plans. She found herself already missing the English ladies she had met and would be glad to see them again.
     
    “Welcome to the Hotel George, Mum”, said a handsome young man, impeccably dressed out in black dress uniform with white bow tie.
    “I am Clinton, and I will be happy to be of service to you during your stay.”
    “Thank you, Clinton; I am Madeline Donovan from the States. It is good to be on land. I have just come from the SS City of New York .”
    “I heard it was her maiden voyage. How did you enjoy your crossing?”
    “We were fortunate to have had calm seas throughout our days. She was a lady, Clinton, a beauty that I will never forget. Of course, the news of your predator, the Ripper , was talked of nonstop by just about everyone. Do you have any news of an apprehension?”
    “There are several different newspapers that are available in the foyer that will have the latest, but to answer your question; there is only speculation and no arrests. I can tell you no one feels safe right now.”
    “Clinton, is it very far from here to Whitechapel?”
    “It’s about a thirty-minute cab ride, Mum, but I wouldn’t recommend you go there. It’s a bunch of savages what lives down there.”
    “I have heard some very unpleasant things, but I have friends who live there, and I mean to see them.”
    “The concierge will see that you have a Hansom called for you when you’re ready. They might even be able to arrange an escort.”
    “I’ll be all right. I will go directly to my friend’s front door. Thank you.”
     
    The hotel was adequate; the main lobby was decorative and spacious. However, the rooms were small but clean. The type of accommodations she would have on a trip had once been important to her, but now they were just a place to create a writing area where she could compile her thoughts in her general notebook and her journal. Her room number was 313, and for some reason, it gave her a start. She wasn’t superstitious, at least, she didn’t think so until she saw the room number, but she shrugged it off to Ripper mania.
    She would spend the rest of the day unpacking and reading the newspapers available so that she might know of any current information about Jack. She thought that it would be too soon to show up on Anna and Helen’s door this very afternoon, but she would go tomorrow, for she felt it was important to start the search for Mary Ann.
    Placing her family picture on the table near her bed, the room became softer and more a part of her. She began to add some of her possessions so that it did not feel so impersonal. She had gone down to a street vendor and ordered some simple fare to bring to her room for supper. She decided to have a long, hot bath and then delve into the newspaper reports. She managed to procure several newspapers and began taking notes about Martha Tabram. She had a separate notebook that she had started for Jack.
     
    August 18, 1888
    I’ve read the articles in the Star, The London Daily and others detailing the accounts of the stabbing of Martha and the reports are conflicting. The ranges run from 39 to 8 knife wounds. The brutality with which the stabbing occurred and the deliberate horror of the attacks leaves me cold in my thinking. I am not a doctor that deals with the mind, but what manner of demon could do this? Would it be enough just to be a misogynist to conflict such pain? There must be some other purpose.  It is also evident that the East End problems of crime, poverty, and general conditions are unacceptable to decent human existence. Although I am still determined to spend