seymoure

Chapter 7

“Collier Paige”

The Sussex News, April 19, 1898

“Officials of the Police Department were called to the Hotel Vane after midnight this morning to find the body of one Collier Paige. Paige, a writer, was found to be dead of uncertain causes. Detectives were summoned by had no comment on the cause of death.”

The Sussex News, April 20, 1898
“The Coroner has released a report on the recent death of noted writer Collier Paige, found in a disheveled hotel room. The finding is that the 45 year old man was the victim of a homicide. His body was inflicted with multiple wounds, any of which could have resulted in death.

Chief Inspector Clayton Steward said of the incident, ‘Well, I must admit the individual in question looked a bit like he was drawn through a meat grinder from the waist down. His face and chest looked like he was flogged for several hours. I have personally never witnessed anything like it. You are not writing this down, are you?’

Few clues were found on the scene, and no suspects have been questioned. But the investigation is going forward. No inspectors have been assigned to follow this case exclusively.

Police had no further comment.

For an obituary of Collier Paige, Arts Columnist Daniel Bandan will be submitting one for tomorrow’s edition.”

The Sussex News, April 21, 1898

“The World of Art
by Daniel Bandan

Collier Paige, a writer of my own personal acquaintance, was recently murdered in a horrendous and terrifying way. Reeling from this monstrous murder it falls on yours truly to try to chronicle the legacy of my friend.

Collier was known for his early works like 'Lunameire' and 'Solemn Breath.' These were archetypal expressions of the 'Lyrical Parlor Romances' that were so popular in the last decade. Paige was very much in demand for his readings from his works and created a great many friends in the art community.

His liaisons with the rich and powerful were almost legendary. A tall, thin and imposing figure, his dark violet eyes and jet black hair made him the focus of any room he was in. It was rare to see him not encircled by lovely women, most of whom were looking back at him with open adoration.

His personal life took a turn after his attempt to publish a mystery novel called 'Beacon Street.' It was not received well, although it was reviewed with bright tones.

Then came an attempt to write a political thriller called 'Mr. Tripp,' and this, also was not successful. The reviews were tepid at best.

It was at this time that Collier dropped out of the art community. None of us saw him for months at a time.

It was rumoured that the man had fallen in with a darker crowd than we had known him to be involved with, and hoped that those reports were wrong.

At a Christmas party two years ago Collier re-appeared and announced he had a new book coming out. Since his contract with his former publisher had been cancelled after 'Mr. Tripp,' this novel would be self published.

On further question we found the book would be called 'Amatothax: Return of the Masters.' His description was not what anyone expected, but most of his fans and friends were happy to learn he was writing again.

'Amotothax: Return of the Masters' was released and even I must admit it was impossible to read. The mythos within was so convoluted, the characters were totally unsympathetic, and within the first two chapters children were sacrificed to ‘ancient gods.’ Unacceptable at the best of times. No one could devine what the purpose of such a book might be, or why any sane man would right such a work.

After writing a review I never saw Collier Paige again. Most of us didn’t.

There was talk about his writing another book, something with less symbolism and more humanity. The book was called 'The Hacksaw, The Rose & The Parthanon Parrot.' It was a promising title (though most of his friends admitted that they did not know what a 'hacksaw' was), and hope was high that we might see the return of Paige.

Then, three days ago, the company that published Paige’s last book was the sight of a devastating fire. The book was on the presses during the disaster. There was talk that one box of books had been bound and sent, but those 50 books have not been found by anyone known to me.

Then Collier Paige was killed.

It is a sad day to those who knew him. It is a horrendous day for anyone who has any humanity in them, because no one should die in that fashion.

We will remember the young man, the bright potential that was Collier Paige. The world of art has lost one of its young princes.

Paige leaves no family, but many friends.”