SHATTERED the Titanic Affair

Mr. Barry J. Whyte stood at the edge of the entrance to the hospital ward; he carried a small briefcase. Inside the briefcase was a special letter from the US Secretary of the War, Mr. Henry L. Stimson, that gave him special powers in his investigation. He looked around for a moment until he saw a familiar face approach.

Whyte looked at his pocket watch whenever this tall, slender, dead fish-looking counterpart of his arrived. “Funny, NOT!” remarked Sir William Turnbull. Sir William Turnbull was a former Provost Marshall and had been present during the Boxer Rebellion and the Second Boer War. He took his instructions incredibly seriously and did not enjoy his American counterpart's attempts at humour.

Barry Whyte did enjoy poking at the British handled diplomatic matters, especially when national security or the military might be concerned. “Mr. Daniel Wittle is in the third bed on the right; he is about to be moved to the private room across the hall so that we might have a conversation with the man.”

Almost on cue, a gurney moved out of the ward; a blonde-haired man in his early twenties with a bandaged right leg and head bandage lay on it. A moment later, the nursing staff and orderly had completed their task. A middle-aged heavy-set nurse looked at Mr. Whyte sternly.

“Remember, I don’t care who you are, only ten minutes. The poor man may still die,” she said in a commanding tone.

“Sergeant Daniel Wittle, I am Sir William Turnbull with his Majesty’s Secret Service. This other chap is an American named Whyte; he is with the American War Department.” The two men went into the room, and Sir William closed the door to the room.

Daniel knew someone would be coming for him; he almost wished either the activity on the ship or the icy waters had taken his life only if the Chief Inspector or the American Major had lived. “Yes, sir,” he replied weakly.

“Come on, lad, I know you have quite a story to tell, and you are the only one left to tell it, I suspect.” Sir William said as he took the only chair in the room.

Barry Whyte wanted to smack that pompous arse but needed to hear what this young man had to say. He leaned close by on the wall with his notebook now in hand.

“We know all the bits up to you boarding the vessel in Southampton.”

Daniel thought back, his mind slowly drifting into the past. He remembered being called into the Liverpool office of Scotland Yard; a Chief Inspector Calihand wanted to see him. The Inspector wanted him for a special assignment as he had spent over nine months undercover on the Liverpool and London Docks recently. Daniel had also served in the Royal Navy briefly.

Before Daniel knew it, he was a crew member on the new luxury liner RMS Titanic on its maiden voyage to America. He would be working as a bartender to the rich and famous as he monitored certain passengers and crew on board the liner. He would not be alone; there would be three others he was working with, Inspector Hanover, a passenger, a British secret agent of some sort who would travel with the inspector as some younger relative. Finally, an American government agent would be joining them in France, but they did not know who that agent was.

During the first night before leaving port, he worked on making some friends amongst the staff. He boarded a day before the sailing and helped prepare the bar in the restaurant belonging to the famous Luigi Gatti. Below decks, he enjoyed talking to some of the room stewards, looking forward to some tips as they would travel back and forth between Europe and America.

Daniel stopped speaking for a moment and looked seriously at the two men in the room, “Bloody Hell, the cheap bastards left port with a fire,” he said in a raised voice, almost sitting upright.

Both men seemed surprised by this news, but neither dared show it. Interesting indeed, but not their area of enquiry. The ship sinking, a fire on board was not what they were concerned with.

Some of the cleaning staff complained how despite the luxurious appearance, all was not at palace standards. Some fittings were not up to standards, and some questioned other portions of the ship. Daniel mentioned talking to some engine room staff that talked of a small fire in the boiler room but just did not want to seem to go out. Everyone seemed to agree that a few voyages would investigate these issues with time once the ship did.

Sir William looked at Daniel, “Interesting lad, but let’s move on.’

As the Titanic prepared to leave port, he saw his first glimpses of the suspects on the vessel. 62-year-old William Stead, the famous journalist, editor and newspaperman, came into the La Carte Restaurant seeking a Brandy. The ship was just preparing to leave port, and William Stead seemed to have much on his mind and needed a quick small Brandy to move forward. As Luigi spoke to him, Daniel rushed a small Brandy to him.

Later the Italian restaurant owner would comment, “Newspapermen always too much on their minds, especially this one a real crusader.”

As the ship moved toward France to make its first of two stops, a man stopped by for a Bourbon, a light lunch. He would suddenly meet the second person he was to monitor, Major Archibald Butt, a veteran of the Spanish-American War and someone who had just spent a great deal of time in Europe. On his right, looking around the room, was his younger companion, a Captain Wiser, who had accompanied him on some of his European journeys. Sitting ton.

After moving away from the French coast, the Inspector quickly met with him in the restaurant as he poured him a Brandy. Daniel shared his observations and even mentioned the ship’s fire, though the inspector seemed to have little interest in such matters. The latest reports indicated that someone on the ship would sell information on military installations in the Caribbean and Central America.

Barry Whyte stopped writing in his notebook, “That would be the information my office provided.”

Sir William Turnbull looked up toward the American’s face with a scowl, “Excellent, don’t interrupt the lad.” He turned back toward Daniel and gave an almost fatherly look toward him. “Did you connect who the seller and buyer were?”

He struggled with his thoughts until his mind returned to the luncheon at the La Carte Restaurant on the RMS Titanic. It seemed everyone in First Class wanted an opportunity to dine at the private restaurant. Reservations filled quickly, and it seemed everyone wanted to be there. This gave him lots of opportunities to move around the front and the rear of the restaurant. He spent a great deal of time pouring and preparing drinks as Luigi had everyone working at double time.

Major Archibald Butt entered with the young Captain Wiser a little behind him. The Major sat down at his table as the captain excused himself for a moment. The captain appeared to make brief eye contact with a stout, bearded fellow with a pipe. The other man waited a moment and slowly moved toward the entrance to the restaurant. A few moments later, Daniel had managed to move his way toward the restaurant's entry.

In a low tone, Captain Wiser said, “No more delays tomorrow after breakfast. I will show you the documents; you have the cable set. Once I get confirmation from my bank, you get the stuff, and we are done.”

Daniel waited for a moment to talk to the waiter who looked after the stout, bearded gentleman's table. Captain Wiser gave a long hard stare at him before returning. The other man was about to say something but noticed Daniel cleaning a stain off the entrance. He nodded, looked around for a moment, then appeared to melt away into the lunch crowd in the doorway.

“Guy, who was that stout, bearded man,” Daniel cautiously asked in the kitchen.

“Why, did he give you a poor tip as well,” Guy the French waiter said in a disappointed tone?

"Pompous Arse bumped into me in the doorway.” Replied Daniel.

A busboy walked by the two men hearing what was said, “You two no nothing, that is Louie Cyclops Lewis.”

Guy spoke first as he slapped his hand out toward the youthful busboy, “How do you know this?”

“Saw a New York Paper with its face, part of something called the Five Points Gang.” The boy said as he pushed his hair back in place. “Cleared his table yesterday, think he has some caper on this boat going on,”

Daniel shook the younger man's shoulder, “Thanks for the tip, kid. I will stay clear of that one.”

“Louie Cyclops Lewis on board,” Inspector Hanover said as he scratched his chin. “We did a check on passengers. The man you said is our Mr. Lewis is registered under a slightly different name, Lorenza Alberto Caplin, owner of several meat vendors in New York State and New Jersey.”

Board, “Right, it is time for me to use a few of my special skills.” For the first time, Daniel met the British Agent that was on. The agent said as he twisted his knuckles. The agent looked at the other's facial expressions, “Come on, I am a professional took the major; the knuckles and punches are for police and mobsters.”

Inspector Hanover spoke very briefly to the Third Officer of the Titanic. Officer Pitman escorted the Inspector to see the ship’s captain. The Inspector had met several ship’s officers and commanders over his career with Scotland Yard. He was, however, impressed with Captain Edward Smith’s presence on the bridge.

The Inspector knew that the captain had been given some information about a possible spy or traitor on board his vessel. There were American and British police and officials on board making quiet enquiries on his ship. Like most captains, he was not impressed with having skullduggery on his vessel, but the thought of a traitor to the British Empire was even worse.

The captain agreed to assist the Inspector in quietly taking the two men into custody. The idea of an American mobster under a false name on his vessel could give the White Star Line a bad name and, even worse, affect the quality of passengers.

“Captain, I know this is a luxury liner, but a little shorter of a voyage will make it easier to keep these gentlemen under lock and key.” Said the Inspector.

Captain Smith looked out over the North Atlantic, “You know, Inspector, the North Atlantic is an unforgiving Mistress. Now she is quiet and seems to have no surprises; I’ll see about a little extra speed at least later at night,”

One of the Masters’ at Arms, Thomas King, met with the Inspector and the British Agent on E Deck at his office. It was decided that the first person to be taken into custody would be the American captain. The British Agent would then have him taken to the cargo hold to be interviewed.

‘I will need a few items, a cot to have Captain Wiser placed on, one steel bucket and two large candles.” the agent said. “Also, have a Mr. Peter Mattison brought down to the cargo hold.

Thomas King and Inspector Hanover stared at the agent for a moment. “Oh, that is the American Secretary of War agent on board. Nice fellow, great Chess Player.”

Daniel asked Captain Wiser to go to the Purser’s Office as he entered the restaurant for an early dinner. Once the captain was gone, Daniel met with the other Master at Arms, Henry Bailey. The two men asked the major to come with them at once as it was a matter of National Security.

“Wait a moment,” said Whyte, “What was the Major’s reaction to all this?”

Daniel looked over at the man with the notebook, so much was to happen in the next few hours, and he wanted to know about some officer’s reaction. They took the major to "E" Deck, where Captain Wiser was busy protesting as handcuffs were placed on him.

“What is the meaning of this,” the Major said in a blustery angry tone.

The Inspector showed his identification, “I am Inspector Hanover with Scotland Yard, the two master’s at Arms you know already. The young man serving you on your voyage at mealtimes is Sergeant Wittle, also of Scotland Yard. The other man present is Mr. Randolph Thule with his Majesty’s government.”

“Titles alright, but what is going on!” the major responded.

“Captain Wiser is under arrest for espionage, theft of government documents and selling secrets to foreign powers. “Stated the Inspector. The Inspector looked up and down the major, “For the moment, you are not under arrest or suspicious.”

“I should say not!” the major hissed angrily.

“We have proof, and the captain is going down into the hold to make a statement.” Added the Inspector.

Three men went to the cargo hold with the captain. One of the Master at Arms led the way while Daniel and a crewman followed. The British Agent Thule seemed to have disappeared during the conversation. The Inspector stayed behind to get a statement from the other American officer as the other Sergeant at Arms resumed other duties.

Two crewmen stood near the cargo hold door waiting, “Two mad little bastards are already inside,” said one of them to the Master at Arms.

“That will be all for now,” said the Master At Arms.

Captain Wiser, “I demand to speak to my Major,” grunted the captain several times. “You cannot hold me here!”

Captain Wiser tried to bolt for the closing door, but a figure from the darkness grabbed him and tossed him toward the cot. The British Agent Thule was no longer in a proper suit and time but instead worn a wrapping that looked like it belonged to a Butcher. He also had thick gloves like those that someone in the Ship’s Engine Room might wear when working around the coal.

This man had blonde hair, was well shaven and spoke with a Texan accent, “Texan Ranger by birth, government agent by trade, he laughed. I hate traitors!” he laughed out.

The captain had chosen to remove his jacket and shirt or leave them on. Thule looked around the room, “Gentlemen, I shall not raise a hand to this man, but in my experience, everyone talks in about one and a half minutes. Longest hold outlasted nearly five minutes.”

After a moment, the captain continued his protests but removed his dinner jacket and shirt. He was tied to the cot, both hands and feet. The British Agent Thule asked for the metal bucket to be placed on his chest.

“Now, Captain Wiser, what were you selling to a New York Gangster?” the agent asked politely.

Captain Wiser looked up,” Nothing go to Hell,”

“Alright, Captain Wiser, one other question for you, where are the documents hidden. My colleagues did find some incriminating items but not the papers I am interested in,” he asked once more, very politely.

Captain Wiser cried out, “I want to see my major! So go to Hell, you English Bastard!”

The British Agent smiled slightly, “Now the bucket is on your chest for a particular reason.” Thule slowly reached into a bag that was at his feet. “Did I tell any of you,” as he looked around the room? “I love working on ships” At that moment, he pulled a rat out of the sachet at his feet. “It is so easy to find these cute little fellows, great interrogators on the planets.”

He held the rat up so that the captain could see it. “Now I give you a choice, in a more this rat is going into the bucket. Now I can add hot wax onto your chest or whirl it around the bucket first.”

Captain Wiser moaned, “Your all-mad stop him!”

“I could also just put the rat into the bucket just on its own, mind you; then I bang the bucket, and the little fellow gets really irritated and digs through your flesh quicker.” Whisper Thule to the captain.

The captain cried out for help. The British Agent lifted the bucket and jammed the rat under the bucket, and held the bucket down. The captain yelled out upon feeling the rat moving around on his chest.

“Alright, Captain, where are the other papers, and who is your contact.” Said Thule in a commanding, almost disturbed tone.

Daniel walked to the hatchway door and went into the hall. A few minutes later, Daniel saw the Inspector and the major approaching. The Major insisted upon entering the Cargo Hold. Daniel escorted them passed several crates and one Renault automobile. Daniel was relieved to see Captain Wiser sitting upright with a flask of brandy at his lips.

The British Agent looked to the new arrivals, “Bravo, perfect timing Inspector.” The American agent shook the shoulder of the captain. “Captain Wiser, inform your commander what you just told me.”

The captain looked over toward his commander, his mentor and friend. He was in a great deal of discomfort, “You must understand,”

“Need I get my friend once more!” the agent snarled.

Captain Wiser looked shocked, “No, no! Major, I have been selling documents and items as you travelled through Europe. But not to foreign governments!”

“What?” the major exclaimed.

I had debts, family gambling and had nearly paid it in full.”

The major walked up to the captain and removed a towel from his stomach. He saw claw and bite marks, “You tortured this officer.”

“Excuse me, major, Sergeant Wittle can you tell me the time,” said the British Agent.

“It is 9:00 p.m. or 2100 Hours, sir,” Daniel replied.

Inspector Hanover looked at the others, “Tomorrow morning, your captain will have the opportunity to redeem himself by handing some documents to his associate.”

The Master of Arms spoke, “Glad I don’t run a fowl of your lot. I will get two reliable men to get the captain to a guarded location and the ship’s surgeon to see him.”

The Inspector tipped his hat, “Good plan, so we will have this sorted out by lunchtime tomorrow, and dinner on April 13th is on me, gentlemen.

Daniel followed as the Master of Arms took the prisoner to a room just off his office. Daniel was very familiar with this deck as most of the crew slept on this deck. A guard was placed on the outside of the door. The others had all gone to the upper decks to send messages and go to the Smoking Lounge for a Brandy and a good cigar.

Daniel would spend a little time with the captain till the surgeon had finished with him. Dr. William O’Loughlin was a career doctor on vessels of every sort and kind. He loved the ocean liners and seemed well-liked by everyone he met. He knew immediately what type of bites and scratched these were and wanted to protest at the treatment of this man. The Master at Arms let him know the captain was aware of the situation and would inform him of all the details in the morning.

Daniel was moving up the stairs towards the Smoking Lounge when he felt movement while on the stairs. He moved up to the Smoking Lounge to find the Inspector, Major and the American Agent.

“They were just sipping Brandy?” asked Sir Turnbull.

“Well,” said Daniel.

The documents that the captain had were now in the hands of the British Agent who was placing them inside a safe onboard the vessel. A message had gone out that all was well to the British Foreign Officer and the US Secretary of War. All seemed to be playing out very well till a crew member in the lounge approached Daniel.

“First, we are crew, not permitted here off duty,” said the Steward, “Second,” he whispered in Daniel's ear, “I just hear we hit an iceberg. They are checking the damage.”

After Steward left, Daniel spoke to his little group in the corner of the room. As shocking as it seemed, the Inspector said he did not think all was well the way a ship’s officer had disappeared a few moments earlier. Upon reflection, it was decided to be cautious and be ready to move the prisoner if things grew worse.

A Steward entered the lounge, “Gentleman, please come out on deck immediately!” he said in a loud, shaken voice.

At that moment, the British Agent arrived, “Gents, it seems our evening just got complicated.”

Daniel went down to “E” Deck; he was shocked to discover the lower deck where the Third-Class Passengers were located was being locked. He asked one of the fleeing room stewards, “Orders First Class off first, Second Class then if time Third Class.”

Daniel did not find the guard at his post; the ship was sinking, and he remembered his training regarding sinking ships/ Reason would soon be replaced by fear, then panic, then murderous rage to survive. He found one of the Master at Arms leaving his office, and the officer handed him a revolver. “Panic will come soon enough. Good luck, sergeant.”

Daniel freed his prisoner and asked if he wished to redeem himself and assist in unlocking a door to the Third Class; to his delight, he assisted. “Stand Back!” he yelled as he fired a shot at the lock on the gate. A few moments later, their feet felt some water at the bottom of the stairs at the gate.

Captain Wiser looked at him, “Good job, now let’s move it,” he said as the gate was ripped apart by a mob of frightened passengers.

As Daniel moved up the ship's stairs, he could suddenly hear music playing somewhere on the decks. He arrived back up near the Smoking Lounge, but none of his team were there. He looked around but somehow had lost sight of Captain Wiser in confusion. Daniel moved around the deck, looking for Captain Wiser. A young room steward handed him a life jacket.

He went to “B” deck and found the restaurant owner sitting at a listing table having a glass of wine. “We have to go!” Daniel told him.

“I was told you were a sergeant in Scotland Yard a few moments ago,” Luigi said with a grin. “Have a drink with me,”

Daniel sat and downed several glasses of wine as he encouraged the restaurant owner to leave. A moment later, he felt something heavy hit him from behind. The ship was starting to move. He could see a young child crying moving around the deck. He took the child into his arms and then handed the child to a dishwasher.

He awakes to see Captain Wiser standing over him. “Alright, Sergeant, you tied me down; now I tie you down!” He was now on the deck of the sinking vessel.

Daniel passed once more for a moment and found himself attached to several deck chairs; he could sit up and see as he slipped down a deck and into the water filled with luggage, deck chairs, people and bodies. Daniel used part of a deck umbrella as a paddle to try to move away from the sinking doomed ship. He could see Guy, the waiter, swimming toward him. He held the umbrella out to bring him closer.

A moment later, he would blackout once more as the lights of the Titanic went out.

“Stay awake, my friend!” Guy yelled at him. “You are not going to die next to me!”

“Did you see any of the team or captain Wiser again?” said Mr. Whyte as he closed his notebook.

“I awoke on the Mackay-Bennet, lucky, I guess. No, I never saw any of them again.”

“Curious, the French waiter,” said Sir William Turnbull.

“He died just after we were transferred to the Carpathia.”

“Pity, Sergeant Daniel Wittle, you are not to talk of these events with anyone else. Officially no espionage occurred, or documents were stolen. Just another waste of the crown’s money.” Sir William replied.

“As you English say, Capital idea, old man.” Said Mr. Whyte with a halfway grin.

After the two men left his room, an orderly entered the room; he checked Daniel’s bed, “We will leave you here overnight more comfortable.”

Daniel knew the voice looked up to see Agent Thule, “Cannot kill an Agent of the Crown that easily. But you never saw the likes tonight, but maybe in a few weeks on the way home.” Thule smiled and disappeared into the ward.

Author's Notes

A great deal of research went into this story. Many characters' names are created but many background characters any events follow the historical record of the RMS Titanic.