Chapter 24:
Redemption: Plus another attempted break-in, in the offing.
Could there be an opportunity after you die to make good the sins you may have committed during your life?
Professor James Hudson was especially intrigued by this. He was a specialist in the Regency Period. He estimated that Old Slippery had killed up to 25. maybe more. Many of these were in duels. Some were down to honour. A number seemed very cold-blooded. His behaviour as a ghost showed that he still had a very quick temper that could turn very violent, very quickly. However, all the violent episodes at the Bull now seemed to be concerning protecting his descendants and young ladies. He was quick to spot those taking advantage of the meetings. A robbery attempt at the Bull was brought to a swift end due to Slippery's intervention.
The professor said that all of this was consistent with the historical record of the highwayman.
Yes, he was a highwayman and did rob stagecoaches. However, as stated, the record did show that he had a chivalrous and gallant attitude at times.
So, why was he chosen for this very critical role as a link between the committee and the 'Supreme Being', whatever form the 'Supreme Being' took? Was this an example of redemption?
Plus, was the ghost's redemption to open this channel of communication?
The religious members of the committee had also been pondering this. Could this be a way of Slippery Jake making amends for the serious crimes and sins he had committed? If so why him? Could it be that the special set of circumstances presented at the Bull made this possible? There could well be other spirits out there that could have done this job?
Professor James Hudson told everyone that everything that was happening here now was unique. There were signs that Slippery Jake had shown great kindness to people. He was also very loyal. However, the nature of his crimes were pretty extreme. It could be the coming together of different circumstances, those that have been recorded in this story, had led to the role that Old Slippery now had?
He wants to make amends for what he did. He also feels great loyalty to his decedents such as the Detective Chief Inspector, Amelia Smith, and Sid the landlord. He has pretty strong paternal feelings regarding all of them. He is impressed with the qualities and sincerity of the committee members. Again, this seemed to the best way contact could be made with the Supreme Being via Slippery Jake, strange as it may seem. It is pretty strange. Professor James Hudson could find no obvious clues in Slippery's life to explain this apart from his intense loyalty to certain people. He had to 'right a wrong'. His reactions were often pretty extreme, especially with the results of duel to the death when he obviously always won. His actions as a highwayman were altogether different and were quite often at times, totally ruthless.
So why was Slippery Jake given this critical role? What is the particular special set of circumstances that came together focused on The Rt Hon Higginbottom and the members of the committee at the Bull Public House at this particular time and space?
This was something that was puzzling all the committee members. Maybe they were also part of a grand design or purpose? Everyone had a special contribution to make.
Each major religion had it's own 'take' on redemption. This was something Old Slippery started to develop a real interest in. He leaned forward in his ornate chair and stroked his small wispy beard that was still there. There was his imperious manner, with a glint in his eye. He knew full well what this discussion was all about him. Part of him still hankered for and loved being the centre of attention. There was another segment of his personality that fully took on board the responsibility that had been given to him. He could remain in Hell or a Limbo for eternity. Old Slippery was betwixt and between. This is what he was as a ghost. He felt that he had somehow to make up for the wrongs, many wrongs, of his life. This seemed to be a unique opportunity. Plus, like the committee, he had been puzzled why this responsibility had fallen on him? However, he was in this position. It was his responsibility. He was here to redeem himself, he also felt a duty now to help the whole human race.
Yes, he knew his old evil character was just beneath the surface. He was quick to react: to overreact.
However, things never go cleanly in a straight line. There was something that the Detective Chief Inspector had be aware of for some time. When he was aware of something so was Old Slippery.
The 'underworld' still thought there was a fortune to be had at the Bull Public House. Their collective consensus was that the threat of the so-called ghost, was overrated, or in fact a lie.
Through various informants and contacts, the Detective Chief Inspector had learnt about this renewed interest. He had a pretty good idea of who the gangs were plus the individuals involved. He knew their modus operandi. He had told Sid and Beryl. The two young detectives knew as did their young wives. Security had been further improved. However, it was only a matter of time before a break-in was attempted again. Plus of course, Old Slippery was very well appraised about everything.
There was no doubting the seriousness of this. An organized gang had been operating in West London for quite a while. They specialized in antiques. The Detective Chief Inspector was more than aware who the antique shops were that 'fenced' the antiques as well. This was via a number of antique shops across London. Evidence was mounting up. Old Slippery's sword was too much of a temptation. Although the movie of the highwayman was now in full production, the media interest in the Bull Public House had died down. The Detective Chief Inspector knew how these people thought. It was only a matter of time before they would try again. This could be very soon.