Deadly Communion

26

Amelia Lydgate sat in one of Landsteiners laboratories in the Institute of Pathology and Anatomy. Having rehydrated the crystals that she had scraped from Bathild Babel’s fingernails, she had mixed the resulting solution with samples of known blood types. The subsequent patterns of agglutination that she observed down the barrel of her microscope informed her that the man whom Bathild Babel had scratched before she died was a member of the group that Landsteiner had designated type-C.

As she leaned forward, Amelia felt her corset pinch. It reminded her of an article she had read in her Ladies’ Journal about the ‘new’ fashion. The author had advocated abandoning the standard two-piece and corset in favour of a loose gown affording complete freedom of movement. Now that more women were entering occupations that had previously been the exclusive province of men, the limitations of traditional clothing were becoming increasingly apparent. Straining over her microscope, Amelia couldn’t have agreed more. The wisdom of such reasoning was dramatised every time the stiff canvas that encased her body resisted her inclination and issued its creaky protests. The article had concluded with news of a fashion house on Bauernmarkt. Loose-fitting ‘reform dresses’ — as they were described — were made on the premises using fabric designs created by artists of the Vienna Secession. The prices, however, were quite prohibitive.

Amelia ignored her complaining corsetry, examined the slides one last time, and composed a note which she intended to send before attending her pathology class at the university.

Dear Inspector Rheinhardt,

I have completed the requisite procedures for the determination of blood type and can report that the sample I removed from beneath Fraulein Babel’s fingernails is classified as C. No assumptions can be made concerning the origin of the sample, but I consider it reasonable to suggest that the dried blood was connected with the performance of an action made in self-defence. I sincerely hope that this new piece of information will serve some useful purpose as your investigation proceeds. The occurrence of two identical murders must surely suggest that this fiend — for I cannot think of a more apposite term — will act on his unnatural impulses again. The nature of his degeneracy, which demonstrates such low regard for my sex, arouses a very particular disgust. If I possess such skills as might in any way help to ensure this foul creature’s apprehension, then please do not hesitate to request my further involvement. Indeed, I would be honoured to continue my association with the security office. I trust you will inform Professor Mathias of my findings in due course.

Yours sincerely,

Miss Amelia Lydgate