Chapter 525 - The Apothecary Ⅴ (1/2)

The holding cells of the Auror's are dark and cold especially more so the interrogation cells. The interrogation cells house a cold iron chair with metal manacles and leg manacles to ensure that the prison does not escape. Seated in such a chair is the figure of One-eyed Joey, who has already been vicious interrogated by senior Auror's, and is now waiting in silence.

One-eyed Joey quivers with every sound especially those of footsteps. Everyone knew that the Auror's would at times purposefully step out and leave the criminal alone with an unregistered interrogator. And he had heard the tales, (and yes, they were mostly tall tales, but only mostly).

At long last footsteps are heard again as muffles voices can be heard outside of the stone walls of the interrogation chamber. Nervously licking his lips, One-eyed Joey rapidly blinks as he tries not to breathe. To his horror the metal door hinge lets out a loud screech to reveal a figure standing in the doorway.

One-eyed Joey blinks for a moment in puzzlement at spotting a short, plump wizard with enormous thick glasses. Still, One-eyed Joey is unable to laugh at seeing the burning like glint in the depths of the short, plump wizard. Wisely keeping silence, he intently watches the figure stride across the room before coming to a standing halt before him.

”One-eyed Joey is it?” Bob Ogden said, ”Or is that only your street name?”

One-eyed Joey shivers before hoarsely replying, ”I've already told ya, all I know. By Rowena's Head, I swear it's true!”

”I don't doubt that,” Ogden flatly replied, before restating his initial question, ”but please address my initial question.”

One-eyed Joey hesitates before replying, ”John Muskie, sir.”

”Well, Mr. Muskie, and might I be correct in assuming that you and your other two compatriots all work under the Potentate of London?” Ogden pointedly inquired.

One-eyed Joey hastily shakes his head and says, ”No, sir! The Potentate is not currently residing in London, he is off on personal business, sir! The Potentate would have never allowed it, sir!”

”I find that hard to believe, Mr. Muskie,” Ogden said as he clasped his hands behind his back and began to pace in front of the chained prisoner. ”You see I have several eyewitnesses, who placed you just outside of the Monarch Pub some weeks ago.”

”Yes, sir!” One-eyed Joey quickly replied trying to save his own skin. ”But t'was the bartender, who threw us out. The Potentate would have not been as lenient as his second-in-command.”

”Oh?” Ogden said in obvious surprise as he turned to stare at One-eyed Joey. ”And just where has the Potentate gone off too?”

”I don't know, sir,” One-eyed Joey desperately replied. ”But Floyd and Hyde are not happy with the boss's departure, sir.”

Ogden is still for a moment as he thinks on the present information. Without a doubt, Sanderson had left to deal with private business that he trusted no others with. But what could possibly be so important that he risked abandoning the underworld? It mattered not in the end, he had what he needed. And hopefully that would be enough to catch the tail of Sanderson.

Without a further word, Ogden departs abandoning One-eyed Joey to his personal terrors. Ogden had some unexpected raids to conduct, and he would be sure to find something on Sanderson. And even if he did not, Sanderson was gone, and would be unable to stop him.

*

Elsewhere at the edge of the murky, muddy bog the figure of Sweet-Tooth can be shivering at the chilly evening wind despite the fact that it was still summer. Rubbing his hands, he puffs on his hands to warm them up revealing his yellow stained teeth. ”Where'z Joey?” Sweet-Tooth muttered to himself. ”He should've already be 'ere!”

Sweet-Tooth begins to frown and mutters, ”Did he get caught? Nah!” Shaking his head as if dissuading himself of such thoughts, he pales as something occurs to him. ”Did he run off with our money?!”

Before Sweet-Tooth can begin to swear he sees the figure of One-eyed Joey making his way up the hill with a large pouch. ”What took you so long, ya bastard?” Sweet-Tooth swore as he waved his hand greedily at the bulging pouch.

”Had some trouble,” One-eyed Joey hoarsely replied as Sweet-Tooth nods his head in understanding.

Tilting his head at the door, Sweet-Tooth says, ”The boss is waiting for t'cha inside.”