As Geocities is going dark on 10/26/09, I’ll be moving my content here, as it suits me. My first item of business is the birthday present I gave myself in 2005, which was playing with a Nigerian letter-writer by the nom-de-scam of Frank Mayaki. The entire text, with my comments (in blue italics), is as follows.
Obviously, Mr. Mayaki isn’t keeping up with the latest phishing news, or he’d have known in an instant that he is not only being strung along, but strung along with a used line. Nor does the fact that the email address from which Nicholas Finnegan’s missives originate has absolutely no resemblance to anything like “nfinnegan@yahoo.com”. Oh, and the complete absence of cluing into the fact that each of Nicholas Finnegan’s emails concludes with the following sigfile quote—
“I have yet to see any problem, however complicated, which, when looked at in the right way, did not become still more complicated.” — Poul Anderson
Anyway, without further ado, I present the following. My editorial comments are italicized and not included in the text of the emails.
From: Mr. Frank Mayaki
Date: Wed, 11 May 2005
Subject: From Mr Frank Mayaki
Mr Frank Mayaki
PLOT 645, RUE DE LATRILLE,
PORT BUET,
COTE D’ IVOIRE.
(00 225 0797 4311)
RELATIONSHIP,
[Looks like Frank hasn't quite got the hang of using a template.] Permit me to inform you of my desire of going into business relationship with you.I prayed over it and selected your name among other names due to its esteeming nature I can do business with you and by the recommendation , I must not hesitate to confide in you for this simple and sincere business .
I am Mr Frank Mayaki the only son of late Mr.and Mrs.John Mayaki. My father was a very wealthy cocoa merchant in Abidjan,the economic capital of Ivory coast,my father was poisoned to death by his business associates on one of their outings on a business trip .My mother died when I was a baby and since then my father took me and my younger sisthers so pecial,
After my mother’s death, my father married another woman who came to hate everything about me and my younger sisther,Linda.This hatred resuted as a result of the love our father had on us. Before the death of my father on November 2003 in a private hospital here in Abidjan he secretly called me on his bed side and told me about this money thirteen million us dollars (US$13M) he deposited with a private security company in Abidjan Cote d’Ivoire He said that during the deposition of the box containing the money in the security company, that the box was declared as family valuable properties not as money for security reasons that he used my name ,being his first child as the next of Kin in depositing of the box finally he gave me all the necessary documents Issued to him by the security company during the deposit of the box which will enable me to claim the box from the security company. The following are the documents: (i)Certificate of deposit (ii)Agreement of deposit (iii)Receipt of deposit payment. He warned that i should never let my step mother know about the deposit or she will become very mischievious and also explained to me that it was because of this wealth that he was poisoned by his business associates.
He went ahead to say that incase he could not survive, I should seek for a foreign partner in a country of my choice where i will transfer this money and use it for investment purpose such as real estate management or hotel management.
I am sincerely seeking your assistance in the following ways:
(1) To help us retrive the Box from the security company here in Abidjan to your country.
(2) To serve as a guardian of this fund since I am only 22 years.
(3) To make arrangement for my younger sisther and I to come over to your country for further our education and to secure a resident permit in your country.
Moreover, i am willing to offer you 20% of the total sum as compensation for your effort/input after retrive the Box from the security company here in Abidjan to your country.Furthermore, you indicate your interest towards assisting us as I believe that this transaction would be concluded within fourteen (14) days from the very day i hear positively from you.
I am expecting your urgent reply. you can call me immediately you recieve this mail.As soon as you send us mail please do notify us by calling us so that will go and see the mail because we stay very far in a hotel from where the internet is. Please do call us immediately we will be very glad to hear from you. Anticipating to hear from you immediately.
Thanks and God bless.
Best regards,
Mr Frank Mayaki
(00 225 0797 4311)
From: Nicholas Finnegan
Date: Wed, 11 May 2005
Subject: Re: From Mr Frank Mayaki
Sir,
Your offer intrigues me. By coincidence I have suddenly found myself in immediate need of a large amount of money. Please, will you be interested in accepting my assistance? I hope that I can be assured of confidentiality.
I await further details.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Finnegan
From: Mr. Frank Mayaki
Date: Wed, 11 May 2005
Subject: Message From Mr Frank Mayaki
Dear Nicholas Finnegan
I’m in receipt of your mail which is well noted. Many thanks for your swift response and your advice and encouragement. My word to you is that I won’t let you down and it will be a blessing to you and to your family.
There’s no risk involved in this transaction. This is a kind of personal inherittance from my late father. Sequel to this, I will be ready to forward to you the prove of the existence and availability of this consignment fund currently under the custody of a leading Security Company here in Abidjan Ivory Coast (VIGASSISTANCE SECURITIES S.A.R.L.) for your perusal and confirmation if you advise me with your private telephone and fax numbers for the transmission of these documents to you.
Please be informed that I and my sister Linda will like to finalise this transaction with you legally and legitimately to the last letter and I do hope you will not mind it that way. Sequel to this therefore, I will be going to meet with one of the famous Attorney here who will be drafting an investment agreement that will be between you and me and immediately the draft is out, I will advise it to you for your opinion on it before we can sign the original.
All the documents relating to the fund is there and speaks for it’self. With this I don’t think you will have problems in your country. Actually, an account will need to be opened on both sides where this money will be lodged but the most important thing to do now is to clear the consignment from the Security Company. The beneficiary of the consignment will have to be changed from the “Foreign Partner” my late father put it to your name and address.
All these things will manifest in the investment agreement coming up soon. Even the percentage I and my sister have assigned to you, you will find it in the investment agreement coming up soon.
Please help me accord this transaction with the due confidentiality it demands. I appreciate it if you will respond to me as soon as possible. Linda my sister sends her greetings.
May God Bless You while I expecting your immediate response.
Kind regards,
Mr Frank Mayaki
From: Nicholas Finnegan
Date: Thu, 12 May 2005
Subject: Re: Message From Mr Frank Mayaki
Dear Mr. Miyaki,
Thank you for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to assist you with this business deal. I apologize if my reply to you is somewhat long winded, but in the spirit of trust I feel it is only fair that you know something about me and my motivations. Please bear with me.
I work as an anthropological researcher with Miskatonic University, in Arkham. Recently, in the course of researching the belief systems of some obscure Polynesian cultures, I came across some fragmentary references to a god “Cthulhu.” After more research, I found scattered references to Cthulhu in Egyptian, Mongolian, and several African cultures. I would ask you, since you are from Ivory Coast, if you’re familiar with the name Cthulhu, possibly pronounced something like “Kloo-loo.” If you are, I would appreciate it if you could send me any information.
My research eventually led me to a book held in the Miskatonic University library. “The Necronomicon” is a very old book, held in our rare books collection. It’s locked in its very own cabinet, and the librarian is loathe to lend the key to anyone. Only my position as university researcher allowed me to convince him to let me peruse this tome. It’s written in vulgar Latin, a translation of a more ancient Arabic book. The book contained several references to Cthulhu–in particular, in the odd couplet: “That is not dead which can eternal lie/And with strange aeons even death may die.” The mythos described in the book implies that long ago, Cthulhu was banished–or thought killed–to the underwater city R’lyeh, where he lies dreaming, awaiting followers to summon him again to our world. The book also mentioned a peculiar chant, rendered into our alphabet as “Cthulhu fhtagn R’lyeh,” used by his followers.
At this point, I had exhausted every reference at my disposal. But two weeks ago, I happened to travel to Innsmouth, MA, to do some research in the library there. There’s a church there that seems to be an offshoot of some brand of Episcopalianism, called “The Order of Dagon.” As I passed by, I heard from inside the church the selfsame chant I mentioned above. I waited outside for services to end, so that I could speak with some of the parishoners. Unfortunately, the few worshippers seem to have emerged from the back of the church. I tried to speak to the priest, but he was reticent to speak, claiming an engagement elsewhere. He locked up the church and shambled off to his car and sped away from the church. His appearance was odd–his eyebrows were nearly nonexistent, and his eyes seemed oddly protruding and unblinking. Although not an old man, the skin about his neck was peculiarly wrinkled. He spoke with the trace of an accent I couldn’t quite identify. Definitely a foreigner, but I couldn’t quite identify his origin.
After this discovery, I began researching churches throughout this country, and found several others with names similar to “The Grand Mystic Order of Dagon.” Apart from the names, I have found very little other information about them. Besides the one in Innsmouth I visited one in Kingsport and one in Norfolk, VA. I’m currently in Louisiana doing some research here on the Cthulhu or Dagon cult.
I think I’ve uncovered something quite interesting: a religion that appears to be active in today’s society, but manages to slip almost wholly under the radar. My assistant, Mr. Ward, is currently at work following up some leads with the “Church of Starry Wisdom” in Alexandria, VA. I think this is an incredible opportunity to study seldom seen belief modalities, and could result in my gaining tenure at Miskatonic University.
Unfortunately, Dr. Udo, the department chair, has tried to discourage me from this line of research. He has refused all departmental funding, and has tried to convince me to work on more traditional subjects. Thus, I have had to pay for travel for both myself and Mr. Ward out of my own pocket. I am currently on leave from the University and receiving no salary.
Thus, your kind offer of inclusion in this business deal could not come at a more fortuitous time. With the money I stand to receive, carrying my research forward should be no problem.
I hope you can see by my letter that I am an honest, motivated individual. Research is what drives me; not baser motives of greed. I have a small savings–about $30,000–that I am using for my research, a portion of which I would be willing to invest in this opportunity. If necessary, I’m willing to travel to Ivory Coast. I’ve never been there before, although as a graduate student I spent some time in Uganda and Rwanda.
Please excuse my long digression, but I feel it is important if we are to establish a measure of trust that you understand what an earnest individual I am, and what resources I have at my disposal. I promise you that future emails from me will be kept shorter and to the point.
Thank you most sincerely for your time,
Nicholas Finnegan
From: Mr. Frank Mayaki
Date: Thu, 12 May 2005
Subject: eXPEDITION OF THE INVESTMENT AGREEMENT FOR YOUR OPINION ON IT.
Dear Nicholas,
I’m in receipt of your detailed mail which is well noted. After going through this investment agreement, you will have a better understanding of my vision with you in the future and what can be done next.
Please I’m sorry this mail is a bit lengthy but it provides you with all the necessary details you might wish to know. I will give you the documents when I get your opinion on this investment agreement. These documents are too important to me and I will not want it to enter into a wrong hand. I have to call you and confirm before sending it accross to you if you advice me with your phone number.
Please have it on good note that you will not be doing anything illegal as I did promise you in my previous E-mail letter to you. This is the more reason why I contacted an Attorney to guide us in this transaction so that we don’t step on the toes of either of the Governments.
Please see as enclosed the text of the Investment agreement that will be between you and me for your opinion on it before we can sign the original copy on your arrival here.
You see Nicholas, I’m about to repose a huge amount of trust in your person as you can see in the investment agreement below and I do hope that it will not be betrayed.
I will need your opinion on this agreement as soon as possible to enable me give you the procedure to follow in clearing the consignment from the Security Company.
Please see the investment agreement below and get back to me without delay. I collected it from the Attorney this Afternoon. Please help me fill in the doted areas in the investment agreement to enable the Attorney prepare the original copies of this draft agreement.
May God Bless You.
Kind regards,
Mr.Frank Mayaki.
AGREEMENT
Know all parties by this present: This agreement document between two parties represented by their names and addresses as Messrs :
1. NAME : MR. FRANK MAYAKI
ADDRESS : PLOT 645, RUE DE LATRILLE PORT BUET, COTE D’ IVOIRE
TELEPHONE: 00 225 0797 4311
NATIONALITY : IVOIREEN
OCCUPATION : STUDENT.
AND
2. NAME : MR. NICHOLAS FINNEGAN
ADDRESS : …………………….
TELEPHONE:……………………..
NATIONALITY : ……………………….
OCCUPATION:…………………………….
MR.FRANK MAYAKI our client, here in after referred to as and presented in this agreement as the owner and the next of kin to the fund, $13mUSD only. Whereas MR. NICHOLAS FINNEGAN his partner, is here-in-after referred to as and presented in this agreement as the guardian and trustee of this fund.
The two parties with sound and perfect mind have today this….day Of….2005 entered into a binding agreement as follows :
That MR.FRANK MAYAKI of the above address has confirmed his ownership as the next of kin and his willingness to transfer by telegraphic wire to the overseas account of MR. NICHOLAS FINNEGAN the sum of $13mUSD after clearing the consignment from the Security Company before transferring of the funds to MR. NICHOLAS FINNEGAN’S nominated Bank account for the purpose of investment into a profitable venture in order to maximise profit under his care and trusteeship on behalf of MR.FRANK MAYAKI.
1. That the said fund was deposited by the late father of MR.FRANK MAYAKI who until his death was a cocoa merchant.
2. That MR.FRANK MAYAKI further agreed that 20% of the total sum shall immediately accrue to MR. NICHOLAS FINNEGAN for his assistance after the transfer of the said fund to his bank account number…….in the above reference bank while 20% of the returns from investment in the future shall also accrue to MR. NICHOLAS FINNEGAN for the management of the fund.
3. That following the temporary financial limitation on the part of MR. FRANK MAYAKI to pursue the clearance process from the Security Company prior to his access to the fund, MR. NICHOLAS FINNEGAN will have to assist in providing the needed finance on behalf of MR. FRANK MAYAKI to this Chambers to be able to conclude the process and to be refunded to him as soon as the fund is released from the Security company.
However, for this purpose 5% of the total sum has been agreed by MR. FRANK MAYAKI to be mapped out on impress basis to cover all expenses which he may have incurred before the transfer of the fund to his account while the remaining 75% shall be invested.
That MR. NICHOLAS FINNEGAN will arrange for the re-location of MR.FRANK MAYAKI to his country and to assist in obtaining him with a residence permit by virtue of his status as guardian and Trustee to the fund.
4. That the fund will be shared in the above given percentages as soon as it enters into the finance holding account of MR. NICHOLAS FINNEGAN as aforementioned.
5. That MR. NICHOLAS FINNEGAN from the date of reception of this fund into his finance holding account will manage the fund for MR.FRANK MAYAKI for a period of five years after which this relationship will be brought to an end unless otherwise renewed by a fresh agreement, but within this five years of the fund management, he is entitled to 20% of net profit of the total investment per annum.
Having read and understood the content of this agreement we the parties to it do hereby accept this deed which confirms with the existing legislation on trusteeship as binding agreement to both parties and in consequence therefore, we have today the ….of…..2005 put our hands and seals this deed.
MR. FRANK MAYAKI
(Owner and Next of Kin to the fund)
MR. NICHOLAS FINNEGAN
(Guardian and trustee of the fund)
Witness:Name/Address……
Occupation…………….
Signed and seal before me this …..day of……2005
JOHN DAVID HILL ESQ Principal Attorney (J.D.HILL & ASSOCIATES) ADVOCATE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF COTE D´IVOIRE.
From: Nicholas Finnegan
Date: Thu, 12 May 2005
Subject: Re: eXPEDITION OF THE INVESTMENT AGREEMENT FOR YOUR OPINION ON IT.
Dear Mr. Mayaki,
Thank you very much for your speedy reply, and your assurances. I am sure that a person seeking justice as your are would not wish to commit any illegal acts. Please convey my greetings and felicitations to your sister. How old did you say she was?
You have asked about my phone number; unfortunately, that is a more complicated question. I have an answering service that I use for receiving telephone messages: 1-317-232-6330. [This is the phone number for the Consumer Fraud division of the Indiana Attorney General's office, in case you're wondering.] Currently, I’m traveling doing research, and don’t have a fixed telephone number. I don’t own a cell phone, and usually find myself in a different hotel or friend’s house each night. Phone calls are therefore not secure for me. Thus, for next few weeks I have no fixed phone number, and you would do best to direct phone calls to my answering service.
I have received your contract, and will review the terms as soon as I can manage. I regret that may not be able to get back to you as soon as I had hoped, as a result of circumstances entirely beyond my control. You see, I am currently in the airport in Louisiana, awaiting a flight to Virginia. As I explained, Charles Ward, my associate is doing some research there. In his last email to me, he detailed plans to go undercover to the “Church of Starry Wisdom” for one of their services, as he was unsuccessful in getting any of the furtive parishioners to speak with him. I haven’t heard from him for two days now, which is exceedingly odd. Now, just last night I had a call from a Detective Sipowicz with the Alexandria police force, requesting me to come at once. He wouldn’t say what it was about, but I’m afraid that Mr. Ward may have gotten himself in trouble. So I must deal with this in the short term. I hope that you understand my concern for my colleague must be resolved as soon as possible, and of course that reading on airplanes, or indeed any kind of mechanical conveyance, tends to provoke extreme nausea. Please, I hope this causes you no difficulty. I shall endeavor to keep you abreast of the goings-on here. I assure you that I have not forgotten about you, or your lovely sister, Linda.
I hope you understand the importance of my research, and that I am relying upon you to help me with my investigation of this Cthulhu cult. It’s fascinating work. Before I was suddenly called away from here, I was interviewing a man named Nahum Gardner, who had in his possession a curious stone artefact. It’s an unsettling image of a tentacled, vaguely cephalepodic creature, with writing on the bottom that reminds me of something I’d seen once in the “Pnakotic Manuscript.” Nahum had traded for the statue once long ago on a sea voyage. He said the natives referred to it as “Kltoo-hoo,” which he felt might indeed refer to Cthulhu. He has lent the object to me, avowing a profound disgust for it, and seeming glad to be rid of it. He also gave me the name of some people to talk to back in Kingsport, MA.
So, my plan, after I sort out the problem in Alexandria, is to return to Arkham, where I can more receive and review the contract, and then continue my research in Kingsport. Thus, for the time being I will continue to communicate via email. Travel to Ivory Coast should not present a problem, as my schedule should allow it, and I can perhaps do some research there too. Indeed, the idea intrigues me, as I am looking forward very much to meeting you and your winsome sister, Linda. My passport is currently locked in a safe deposit box in Arkham, so I’ll have to wait until I can retrieve that to leave the United States.
I am endeavoring to maintain confidentiality in this matter, although it’s making me somewhat paranoid. I’m typing this email on my laptop, and I’m sitting in a quiet corner, making sure no one can see my screen. There’s a fellow in a dark, formless overcoat that I thought was watching me before, but I think I’m imagining things. Like last night, I thought I was being followed back to my hotel by two shambling forms that I couldn’t quite make out in the fog. Yes, this deal is definitely making me overly paranoid. Plus I didn’t sleep well last night–I had disturbing dreams of dark abysses, cyclopian ruins, and an odd piping sound that seems to envelop me. Perhaps I’ve been working too hard lately. It will be good to be rich soon.
In the mean time, I hope you can keep your spirits up, and focus on your school work. I wish you good luck in your studies. Perhaps you would be interested in transferring to Miskatonic University? What is your current course of study, and would you be interested in changing to a focus in my department? Good student assistants are difficult to recruit these days.
My flight will be departing soon. Time to send this email. Thank you again, and please convey my fondest affection to your charming sister, Linda.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Finnegan
From: Mr. Frank Mayaki
Date: Fri, 13 May 2005
Subject: Happy Weekend
Dear Nicholas ,
We will begin by taking a look at some of the principle future of the transaction analysis. Everybody has different destiny and investment objectives. Some conservative, others speculative. It does not matter what time frame one works in–daily,yearly or more. Destiny reflect human action, [I always thought it was the other way around, but hey, everyone's entitled to an opinion.] and people tend to make the same mistakes. Human nature is more or less constant. Fortunately, these constant emotional swings keep reappearing in the transaction.
With the advert of this Application and the subsequent submission to the security company, it is now possible to come up with some pretty sophisticated conclusion of the transaction. Don’t use complexity as a crutch. Keep things as simple as possible. My experience is that people often use complexity as a substitude for not thinking. For this reason, it’s of paramont importance to stick with simplicity, and I’ve tried to do that in this transaction. This transaction can do a lot for you if you have patience, discipline and objectivity to apply the basic priniciples. Much delay makes the discussions and transaction less cumbersome. It is important for you to understand that by this transaction, you should look ahead, anticipate future developments, and take action to compromise with the security company.
Different people have different attitudes towards the same anticipated development. [So true!] At this point of emotional activity, and the submission of the Application form, you should have already factored today’s headline into the transaction and begin to anticipate tomorrow’s headlines. This is all well and good. But it would be of little use except for the fact that transaction moves in trends, and once a trend begins it tends to perpetuate.
I am scared by your delay to contact the security company for notification. I wish you the best of the weekend and a nice liturgical sunday service.
Thanks and regards,
Frank Mayaki.
From: Nicholas Finnegan
Date: Sat, 14 May 2005
Subject: Re: Happy Weekend
Dear Frank,
Please excuse my not writing earlier. I hope this message will explain why, and will remove any fears in your mind about your choice in me as partner. I arrived in Alexandria yesterday afternoon and met with Det. Sipowicz. My associate, Charles Dexter Ward, has always been a brash young man, and I feared he might have been involved in a fight. Alas, the reason I was called here was that his body was found floating in the Potomac River. Frank, I can hardly bear to type these words, for I cannot help but feel that I was somehow responsible. I was called to identify the body, as Mr. Ward had no immediate relatives. I have seen bodies before, but never that of a friend. Although the sight was terrible, I could not tear my eyes away. His face betrayed a look of unutterable horror, as though he’d stared into the bowels of hell itself. His skin was pale, and bore a number of curious circular wounds, that the Detective could not explain.
I spent most of yesterday and today speaking with Det. Sipowicz about our research and what Charles was doing in Alexandria. I gave him the address of the Church of Starry Wisdom. He sent another detective there to check it out, but when he returned, he said the address led to an abandoned warehouse on the Potomac waterfront. No one there has heard of this Church, and Charles’s notes appear to be missing, so I don’t know where we was researching. Frank, as you can imagine I am highly upset by this. I will spend the rest of today with Det. Sipowicz, and maybe tomorrow too. Then hopefully I can travel back to Arkham and arrange to send you the contract information this weekend. I understand well what you say about destiny and its curious relationship to investment objectives.
Frank, I have continued to maintain confidentiality as to our business plan. I mentioned nothing to Det. Sipowicz about it, or about you, as I feel it has no bearing on the case and is not relevant. I intend to continue withholding this information from the police, as it is none of their business.
I will write to you tomorrow and let you know how things are going. Thanks to you and your sister for keeping me and the late Mr. Ward in your prayers. I have to go now and meet with the detective some more, and afterwards maybe I can get some sleep. I didn’t sleep well again last night, as I was again troubled by dreams in which I first thought I was flying, then realized I was FLOATING through water in an unilluminable void. I have a memory of seeing something which jarred me awake, and kept me from going back to sleep. I suppose now I’ll sleep even more fitfully now that Charles’ death weighs upon me.
Again, I apologize for not being able to fulfill my end of things as well as you would wish. Please understand that I continue to be enthused and eager about our business deal and will conclude it as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Finnegan
From: Mr. Frank Mayaki
Date: Tue, 16 May 2005
Subject: Respond to this please
Dear Nicholas,
I have been on to your mail and the contents are well understood accordingly. [Somehow, I doubt it.] Extend my solidarity sympathy to the family of the deceased. I know that this will not effect you concentration in the transaction. [Full points for perseverance, Frank.] So how are you healthwise? I know all is well as could be expected of it. I have since been waiting for your subsequent mail as to enable me determine the next line of action.
I have to bring in this mail in case you have not resume from your temprary absent from home.
I will appreciate it a priviledge if you could write me in details and brief into your intentions and intent to accord this transaction to the best of it in you earliest possible time.
I wait for your reply.
Regards,
Frank Mayaki.
From: Nicholas Finnegan
Date: Tue, 16 May 2005
Subject: Re: Respond to this please
Dear Frank,
Thanks to you and your dear sister for your thoughts for Mr. Ward. How is your sister, Linda? I am very concerned for her, given the amount of stress and hardship that must weigh heavily on a young girl’s shoulders. Rest assured that I am telling the detectives nothing of our business venture. Det. Sipowicz asked me today about my future travel plans in case there are any new developments in the case, but I told him only that I would be returning to Massachussetts and that I might be traveling abroad to do research, possibly to Africa, but he made no further inquiries. That was this morning–he took me to breakfast to finalize a few points and bring me up to speed on the investigation. He has concluded with me, and I plan to go back to Arkham tomorrow morning, as I have one more thing I want to do here in Alexandria. For now, I’m in the Holiday Inn in Alexandria, and don’t recall the number off the top of my head (I’m writing you on my laptop in a park down by the water). I don’t trust the phones there for security, anyway.
Still not sleeping well; I continue to dream of deep unplumbed abysses, of eldritch amorphous shapes playing blasphemous piping tunes, and hideous cyclopian ruins of black basalt deep below a sunless sea. And always the feeling of being watched. Mr. Ward’s death is obviously a great burden upon me, and is producing these unsettling imaginings. Even at breakfast this morning with Andy Sipowicz I felt these odd intrusions into my reality. The man sitting at the next table provoked profound feelings of dread–something in his repellant visage seemingly familiar and alien at the same time, and the feeling lingered even after he left. Maybe I am working to hard, as I have these feelings more and more often. It will be good to come to Ivory Coast and relax. The hospitality of African people speaks for itself, as you yourself have shown by including me in this deal.
I must go now. I’m currently reading the one small notebook that Mr. Ward left behind. Det. Sipowicz gave them to me, as he says they appear to be research notes only and have to bearing on the case. Not sure what they all mean; he mentions a “shining trapezohedron” whatever that is, and names like Azathoth, Shub-Niggurath, and Yuggoth. He also mentions Nyarlathotep, which I recall from the Necronomicon. There’s only one section written in full sentences. I can’t make out all of it, but he writes of a “byakhee” and something about being bound by light, and then there’s a mention of the “watcher in darkness”. I don’t understand, and it makes my head throb. After tonight I should learn more. Will write you tomorrow from Arkham.
Yours truly,
Nicholas
From: Mr Frank Mayaki
Date: Wed, 18 May 2005
Subject: From Frank
Dear Nicholas,
To be candid I am happy over your delight in this transaction and your subsequent zeal to give me and my sister a solace in this regard. I have seen your plight in this transaction and become convienced that your are indeed a God sent to us to relax this uncertainties in our life. Since you promised to write by tomorow let us hope that your will be in contact with the security company aswell so that details on how to retrieve the consignment will be given to you before your arrival here.
Efforts are beeing expected of you to help us accord the transaction. I know you will be kind enough to compromise with us in sending the Text Application to the security company for attention. [My goodness, Frank is a determined young man, isn't he?]
I have to hear from you as you promised before jumping into conclusions.
Thanks and best regard,
Frank Mayaki.
From: Nicholas Finnegan
Date: Wed, 18 May 2005
Subject: Re: From Frank
Dear Frank,
Just a quick message; waiting for my plane back to Arkham. No point in wasting your time telling you what happened here yesterday; i’m not sure i believe it myself. know now what charles meant by “shining trapezohedron.” we thought it was just a simple religion. damnable cult. might be more truth than i thought in the Necronomicon. saw one of the detectives make the Voorish sign, can they be in it?
can’t do anything with the form at the moment as I am having difficulty concentrating. should have it by Thursday latest.
didn’t sleep last night. kept the lights on. charles must have done that too, for the byakhee, but it was the Other that got him. no that’s nonsense. my head is swimming from lack of sleep. that damnable piping sound–Azatoth and his amorphous idiot flute players? will rest on the plane.
thank you for your help and concern, i hope to have things wrapped up soon and then i meet you and Linda in Ivory Coast.
Yours ever,
Nicholas
From: Nicholas Finnegan
Date: Wed, 18 May 2005
Subject: More information about my investigation
Dear Frank,
Thanks to both you and your sister for your kind wishes and thoughtful prayers in my time of need. You have no idea how it makes me feel knowing there are people such as you in the world. I sincerely hope I can find some way to reward you for what you’re doing to me.
My apologies too if my last email was rambling–the effects of lack of sleep no doubt. I slept well on the plane, and had troubled dreams only once–I thought I saw a queer shadow that passed across the window next to me. I feel much better now that I’ve left Alexandria and am back in Arkham–it was good to get out of there. You see, on Tuesday afternoon I went to the address at which Mr. Ward had claimed the Starry Wisdom church was located. It was indeed a warehouse–empty by the looks of it. I snuck in through a broken window and looked around. My investigation yielded nothing until I went upstairs. Atop the warehouse was a largish room filled with chairs and a curious wide sort of lectern at the front almost like an altar. I could gain no clue here, but as I was about to leave I spied a small box hidden in a corner. Inside as an odd, bluish piece of angular glass. It looked like a cheap facsimile of a jewel. I stared at it for a long while, my mind thinking in its sleep-addled muddleness of what Mr. Ward had written of a “shining trapezohedron” and its connection to the legends of the Old Ones. Clearly nonsense, and yet as I gazed into it, I started to have terrible visions. Wide unilluminable spaces, furtive shapes shifting across my view, and then suddenly it seemed as if I was no longer in the room, but floating. And then, most disturbingly, I felt as if I were no longer gazing at the glass, but that IT WAS GAZING BACK AT ME. I felt a cold presence enveloping me, and cried out. At that instant my attention snapped back into the room, and I found myself upon the floor. I had apparently fainted, and had hurt my arm somehow in the fall, as there several small wounds where I must have hit my arm against something. I felt delirious and very afraid. I pocketed the glass and ran out of the warehouse. I had intended to give it to the detective, but then I remembered two things. First, you told me to be circumspect in relation to my research. Second was something from Mr. Ward’s notes, or maybe that accursed Necronomicon. Something about the “Watcher in Darkness” and the gateways used by the Old Ones and how it’s best not to let Them know of your presence. I tell you, the study of mythology does not combine well with sleeplessness and stress. I was utterly terrified, and stayed in my room with the lights on passing a sleepless night.
I suspect that the dank, dusty, moldy warehouse reacted badly with my allergies and caused me to hallucinate and faint. It’s amazing the way a good rest can give you a fresh perspective. The “shining trapezohedron” is nothing more than a badly cut chunk of glass or crystal, and sits on my desk. I shall most likely throw it out.
Sorry to bore you with this nonsense; I just didn’t want you worrying as to my state of mind. Everything is on track for me to go to the bank tomorrow to retrieve my passport. I suppose I shall have to look at flights to Ivory Coast. Where is the closest airport? I shall buy my tickets in advance to take advantage of the cheap airfare.
I must go now. There’s a storm coming, and I had a computer destroyed by lightning several years ago. Looking forward to a good night of rest.
Yours,
Nicholas
From: Frank Mayaki
Date: Thu, 19 May 2005
Subject: Re: More information about my investigation
Dear brother Nicholas,
There are many thing we do not understand because we have never been there. You understand my situation and that of my sister here. Could you tell me why you are delaying in submitting the form to the security company?. They should be aware of your coming and they are to meet you up at the Airport on arrive. But you have never written them as I observed when I visited today. Brother, since you have our interest at heart, submit this form now. [One track mind, our boy. Way to stay on message!]
I do remember that you promised not to send me a lenght mail again but you have been doing so consistently. [Looks like Frank isn't enjoying this nearly as much as I am.]
I look up your reply.
Frank Mayaki.
From: Nicholas Finnegan
Date: Thu, 19 May 2005
Subject: Re: More information about my investigation
Dear Frank,
I apologize again for troubling you with the strange goings-on here; I cannot begin to explain my state of mind but I certainly did not mean to impose my difficulties upon your or your dear sister, Linda. Here is the information, without further delay:
2. NAME : MR. NICHOLAS FINNEGAN
ADDRESS : ….200 Portland Street, Boston MA 02114…………………
TELEPHONE:…(617) 727-8400…………………..
NATIONALITY : …USA…………………….
OCCUPATION:…..Researcher………………………..
[Contact information is for the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, Consumer Fraud Division. Have fun, kids.]
Please note that I have listed my attorney’s Boston office, in order to make the information available to my representation, Mr. Tom Reilly [a. k. a. the Massachusetts Attorney General], as well. Another reason for this is that I am planning to change residences soon; I think I was followed home from the airport yesterday. That reminds me, can you please send me information as to whom I should expect to meet at the airport when I arrive in Ivory Coast?
Fortunately, once I got home yesterday, I was feeling quite good, and I attributed most of what I’d seen–thought I’d seen–to an overactive, sleep-deprived imagination and an allergic reaction. But last night was the worst by far; very little sleep for me.
There was an awful thunderstorm. I was in bed, trying to sleep, and in between thunder crashes I thought I heard odd noises. It was quite windy, but I thought I heard a fumbling at my door and each of the windows downstairs. I got up, and peeped out, but saw nothing. Then I heard it again…this time a fumbling at the window latches ON THE SECOND FLOOR. I threw open the shade and again saw nothing, but suddenly there was another crash of lightning, and down below in the trees I saw a hunched shambling form. It filled me with dread and I quickly drew the shade again. At that moment I spied the piece of glass I’d brought back with me. The crystal seemed to be glowing, slightly, with an odd unearthly color. I looked at it, gazed into it, and again found my mind wandering to deep eldritch spaces.
There are some things that should not be put into words–that are best left unspoken of. I will not describe everything I saw there, but suffice it to say I saw Him dreaming in His deep watery abode. I saw a gigantic eye slowly open and gaze at me. There were other things, too. I wasn’t sure what they were, but when I started from my dreamy gaze into the crystal, and after I had thrown it away from me, I consulted the xerox copies I’d made from the Necronomicon. What I learned was terrible and confirmed my worst fears. I think I know what Charles died of. Tell me, Frank, have you ever heard tell of a shoggoth?
My plans have changed. This morning, as soon as it opens, I’ll head to the bank and pick up my passport. I will send you the completed form in a separate email, and cc a copy to your lawyer if you will provide me with his email address. I will be leaving the country as quickly as I can. I think this Cthulhu cult is rather more than a simple religion. I believe they think I’ve learned too much. And indeed I probably have. More even that I’ve told you as I would not wish to endanger your safety…or sanity.
The weather is predicting another storm tonight. I pray the power stays on tonight as it did last night. I would not want to be left in the darkness. The byakhee–the Watcher in Darkness–is held at bay by the light. They know where I am now. Must have been probing last night. Damnable Necronomicon. I burned the copies and all my notes. Will throw the Cthulhu statue in the Miskatonic River today on the way to the bank. No, perhaps not the river. Somewhere on land. I have to plan my escape from here so that They can’t find me. Have deleted your previous emails too. Can’t be too careful. They’re everywhere. Probably following me for a while now until they were sure. Taking the trapezohedron must have been the last straw. Must destroy it too.
I ramble. I must get dressed and be off to the bank. Will write you later today. Thank you again for your patience and your understanding. Rest assured I will come to Ivory Coast as soon as possible to escort you and your charming sister back to the United States. Have you considered applying to any specific universities here?
Yours,
Nicholas
From: Frank Mayaki
Date: Sat, 21 May 2005
Subject: From Frank
Dear Nicholas,
Thank you for your mail and the sentiment therein. I appreciate your encouragement and you candid zeal to meet with us here for percfection. I will be waiting to receive the completed form as you promised and below the in the form is the e-mail contact of the lawyer. Incase you didn’t find it here is the e-mail of the lawyer: jdhillinc@justice.com contact person- John D.Hill Esq.
I will be discussing with the security company on our readiness to make the retrieval of the consignment on your arrival. This will help us to know how much you will be coming down with.
As soon as I am through with them by monday or so,I will get you posted. It will be during my conversations with the Lawyer and the security company respectively that I can tell you who will be meeting you at the Airport.
Thanks,
Frank Mayaki.
From: Nicholas Finnegan
Date: Mon, 23 May 2005
Subject: Re: From Frank
Dear Frank,
I’m so confused. Everything is going to hell. At least I was able to send you your information —please let me know if it doesn’t arrive; I think the government may be intercepting my email.. Went to my bank this morning, and tried to retrieve my passport. I had a hard time doing it. The bank president–it’s a small bank–wanted to personally handle it. He kept asking me questions. I guess with all the terrorist activity recently they’re trying to keep track of international travel—damn the USA Patriot Act; this is America! Will have to write to my Congressman and complain. Anyway, I didn’t tell him—the bank manager, I mean—about you or our deal, but he kept looking at me funny. He really is the most repellant person; I’d met him before but never noticed his odd batrachian features. His eyes bulge out in a most disconcerting way and he hardly ever blinks. It took a long while to fill out the paperwork and answer his questions. But it gets even stranger. After I completed the paperwork, I discovered that my passport was missing. Like I said, it was in my safe deposit box, but when I went to my box, it wasn’t there. I don’t understand. The only other thing in the box was some curious jewelry left me by my grandmother, and it was still there. Only the passport was gone. The bank denies any culpability and says I must not have had it in there in the first place.
I must tell you my suspicions: I think the bank president may be a member of the Cthulhu cult. I think he took the passport to prevent me from escaping the country. Not sure how he knew my plans. My email is secure and I change my password daily. The only other one that knows I’m planning on leaving the country is Det. Sipowicz. I remember telling him as we were having breakfast in the restaurant, and there was an odd man there. I think he overheard and passed the information on. They’re definitely on to me. I dare not go to the police. Only one way to fight this thing. I am on my way to the library to have another look at that accursed Necronomicon. Have to face this thing head on. Best to destroy this Necronomicon, I think. Too dangerous. Gateway to the Old Ones? They say god is above all things, but I have read in the Necronomicon about Hatheg-Kla. There are Others to worry about.
Have to run to the library. Storm clouds are gathering in more ways than one. Let me know when you and your lawyer receive the information.
Yours,
Nicholas
From: Frank Mayaki
Date: Tue, 24 May 2005
Subject: From Frank and Linda
Dear Nicholas,
Thank God for this early information you detailed in your mail.That has strenghten me and linda to determine the direction of the transaction. I am not marveled by any circumstances because it is spelt out in the bible that there is always a collapse at the point of success but we shall be overcomers. [Always the optimist, Frank. I love that---don't ever change.]
You can forget about travel down here but the best shall come out of it all.
I know that this is a transaction that will bring us together into an everlasting relationship due to it’s swift nature. There is nothing to be boarded about because I have been discusing with the security company management on how we can go about the transaction and have it sent to you over there.
Happily, though we will continue our discussion by tomorrow,I observed some promising consistent. I will be here to monitor the effectiveness of the transaction.We might be true by the grace of God to accomplish our aim. Be inform that I have submitted your information to the security company [And isn't someone in for a surprise?] and also disclose my intention to transfer the beneficiary to your name and address.
I know that God is committed to his command,he must see us through his sovereignty.
I will wait to hear from you while I will be waiting for tomorrow’s outcome from the security company.
Thanks and God bless,
Frank.
From: Nicholas Finnegan
Date: Tue, 24 May 2005
Subject: Re: From Frank and Linda
Frank–
i don’t know who to turn to. shouldn’t have looked in the Necronomicon–forbidden knowledge. couldn’t find a way to keep the byakhee at bay; am sure they’re coming for me. bad storms again tonight, i’m not sure if the power will hold. every light is turned on in the house, thank god for the streetlights outside.
i know now what the trapezohedron is. should have left it alone, as I saw too deep. Worst thing is that It saw me–He sees out of the stone. Threw the damnable thing away, there’s probably no way to destroy it. I’ve learned too much about the cult and worse still i know what they plan–how they will awaken Him. The Old Ones can return only when the stars are right, and they nearly are. don’t know how to stop them, but they aim to make sure i can’t meddle.
they won’t launch an attack during the day, but now that it’s night i’m sure they’ll try for me. damn spawn of cthulhu. as long as the power stays on i’m safe from the Watcher.
promise me that when you and Linda receive your investment income, you will see what you can do to continue my investigation into this cult. Perhaps someone in your government can talk to someone in our government? They have to be stopped before it’s too late–before he awakes. maybe you can use some of my share to help investigate. i’m not sure i’ll live to see it.
this storm is the remnant of the tropical depression that hit the south coast of the US last week. it hit Louisiana first. I just learned today that Nahum Gardner, whom i was interviewing there, was lost in the storm. seems suspicious.
lightning is coming closer now. i’ve gone to battery power on the laptop in case the power dies, want to be able to send this. typing as fast as i can
don’t worry, i’ve destroyed all our emails so you should be safe. nevertheless keep looking out for these guys. many of them have the same queer facial features–bulging eyes, protruding lips, a flabby appearance and shambling gait. you can tell if they make the voorish sign–the right hand makes a
oh god power is flickering that last lightning blast was close
just lost power
i looked out of the window the streetlights are out, all is dark except for the flash of lightning
it’s over for me the Watcher in Darkness comes eyes of flame enormous wings terriblweirhvknewqnffnord
Alas, poor Nicholas shall write no more, I fear. But just to make sure that Frank gets the point, I sent the following message from another address.
From: Greg Medevoy
Date: Wed, 25 May 2005
Subject: Finnegan Investigation
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am a detective with the Arkham, MA police force. I am investigating the break-in of Mr. Nicholas Finnegan’s residence, and the subsequent disappearance of Mr. Finnegan. Last night, neighbors heard a tremendous crash from his house. Thinking it had been hit by lightning, they investigated, and found damage to the upper story of the house. Police responded and discovered a large amount of blood in the upstairs bedroom, but no sign of Mr. Finnegan.
An examination of his computer, found turned on, showed that he had recently sent email to this address. I would be interested in any information you could provide on this case. Why was Mr. Finnegan writing to you? Who are you and where are you located? All information provided will be kept strictly confidential.
Thank you,
Greg
=========================
Detective Greg Medevoy
Arkham, MA Police Dept.
(911) 867 5309
Obviously, Frank missed the point. Persistent, yes. Attentive, not so much.
From: Frank Mayaki
Date: Wed, 25 May 2005
Subject: From Frank and Linda
Dear Nicholas,
Happily the security company has finally accepted in principle to contact you and to do the best to transfer the consignment to your designated contact point over there.
So all I am pleading to you is that you should comply with them and act accordingly since you have our interest at heart.
There is nothing to be worried about the investment of the funds.The most important thing now is for us to have the funds transfered to you for a safer attention. And for me and my sister to leave this war zone to a better quiet country like yours.
Thanks and be expecting tohear from the security company shortly.
Frank Mayaki.
From: Frank Mayaki
Date: Thu, 26 May 2005
Subject: Re: Finnegan Investigation
Dear Greg,
I wish to tell you that the seperation and disappearance of Mr.Nicholas is terrible and unspeakeable in this regard.
You said you run into his computer and got some of his personal informations and subsequently wrote me. Then what else do you want from me as a dectetive. Give me details. Be informed that I have not meet nor seen Mr.Nicholas physically though we have been in communication for a while.
Upon hearing from you in details, I will diclose to you all my dealing with him.
Talk later.
Regards,
Frank.
Let’s see what we can get Frank to “diclose” to Greg.
From: Greg Medevoy
Date: Thu, 26 May 2005
Subject: Re: Finnegan Investigation
Dear Sir,
The Arkham Police Department and I thank you for your timely response and cooperation.
Could you please provide the following information:
Why was Mr. Finnegan writing to you?
How long have you been in contact with Mr. Finnegan?
What is the nature of your relationship with Mr. Finnegan?
Where are you located?
Thank you,
Greg
=================
Detective Greg Medevoy
Arkham, MA Police Dept.
(911) 867-5309
From: Frank Mayaki
Date: Fri, 27 May 2005
Subject: Re: Finnegan Investigation
Dear Sir,
I am scared and confused about your person and traits. Why have you be communicating me through Mr.Finnegan’s mail box instead of yours. Did you kill him otherwise he should have been writing from his hide out. In as much as you are using his mailbox, you would have gone through all our previous mails and certain questions wouldn’t have arise. How did you come about his mail Id and the pass world.
Till I hear from you.
Frank.
I guess Frank doesn’t feel very forthcoming—what a surprise.
From: Greg Medevoy
Date: Fri, 27 May 2005
Subject: Re: Finnegan Investigation
Dear Sir,
Do not imagine that you are in a position to question police procedure. Please answer the questions, or I will be forced to move this investigation up my chain of command.
Thank you,
Greg
=================
Detective Greg Medevoy
Arkham, MA Police Dept.
(911) 867-5309
Oddly enough, no word from Frank in two days. Usually he’s so prompt about writing back. I’ll give it a week, and then come at it from another direction.
***********
Time to poke Frank and see if he jumps, I think
From: Willow Rosenberg
Date: Wed, 1 June 2005
Subject: Nicholas Finnegan
Dear Mr. Mayaki:
My name is Willow Rosenberg. Please allow me to explain why I am writing to you. I work with the Computer Lab at Miskatonic University in Arkham, MA, where I was contacted recently by a Detective Greg Medevoy, regarding a laptop computer belonging to Nicholas Finnegan. I didn’t know Mr. Finnegan personally, but I had seen him now and again around our campus, and I was greatly surprised when Detective Medevoy informed me of his disappearance. There was no mention of it in any of the local newspapers.
In the past, I have worked closely with the Arkham Police Department, as my particular skill lies in what could be described as “forensic computer technology,” and this is why they have gotten in touch with me at this time. I have the knowledge and ability to dig very deeply within the file structure of any computer, and retrieve items that the computer ’s owner may be unaware of, that is, histories of web pages visited, e-mail correspondences, etc. If you can imagine, a history of almost every keystroke ever made on a computer exists somewhere within the computer itself. Det. Medevoy indicated to me that he hoped I could find any information which could shed some light on Nicholas Finnegan’s vanishing. This is what led me to contact you.
I have read the correspondences between you and Mr. Finnegan. Despite his assertions that he had deleted several e-mail letters between the two of you, I was able to search through several deeply embedded registry entries in Mr. Finnegan’s computer and virtually re-construct, or “re-animate,” if you prefer, almost the entire sequence of e-mail writings between the two of you – only a few e-mails are missing, mostly the ones you sent to him, as these did not actually “originate” from his computer. I have not yet informed Detective Medevoy of what I have found, because I could hardly believe it myself, and wished to contact you first. Having spent some time now here in Arkham, I have of course heard “whispers” about the town of some of the things Mr. Finnegan shared with you, but every small fishing town along the East coast of this country probably has their own version of these tales, which I felt (previously) meant nothing more than to increase the allure to tourists. Now I am not so sure. As an outsider, or “flat-lander” as we are called here, there is a lot that is not shared outside of local circles, but I have begun to notice people fitting the descriptions Mr. Finnegan gave to you in his letters – bulging eyes, sallow appearance, unusually wrinkled skin around the neck areas. I guess that these people have always been around me, but it is only now that I have actually noticed them – a probable result of reading Finnegan’s e-mails to you. I cannot imagine that these people would actually be increasing in numbers.
I eagerly look forward to finding out more about this. It would have to be on my own – I am not entirely sure of the abilities of the Arkham Police Department in the resolution of these matters, and I am beginning to hear some stories within my department of several of these disappearances prior to Mr. Finnegan, yet none have them seem to have been solved, and Arkham seems unwilling to enlist the aid of any Federal law enforcement agencies. I am fortunate, in some respect, in that I am able to travel rather freely: my computer abilities are in great demand, and what is essentially a hobby for me could be a very lucrative career, if I found such a thing to be necessary. My work at Miskatonic is pretty much in an advisory capacity, and with the recent decrease in University endowments, they would be unable to afford my salary were they forced to actually hire me, so I can come and go at my leisure. Believe it or not, I am able to write off my time spent at Miskatonic as charitable contributions! At the very least, I might drive down to Alexandria this weekend and see if I can pick up any threads of the story down there.
I know that Detective Medevoy will be expecting to hear something from me very soon, and I’m not sure how long I will be able to put him off while I have a chance to look around on my own. I’m not sure exactly what is that I hope to discuss with you, but I find the whole thing intriguing. I would also be curious to know if any other correspondence took place between the two of you beyond the confines of his e-mail account. I know that the two of you were discussing some sort of business transaction, but my interest in this is purely within the realm of these “secret societies” that Mr. Finnegan seems to have uncovered, and which may have unwittingly contributed to his disappearance and perhaps even to his death.
Sincerely,
Willow Rosenberg
Computer Support Services, Miskatonic University
Frank never replied to either Detective Medevoy or to Willow Rosenberg. Like poor Nicholas and Charles, he has yet to be heard from again. However, if you care to try, Frank (and presumably his lovely sister Linda) can be reached at fm05ca@yahoo.fr.