Turkish Delight
Garrie Hall

	While on holiday in the Balkans the investigators find that 
their well earned rest is not meant to be. As they leave their hotel 
they are greeted by a detachment of the local militia who ask them in 
no uncertain terms (despite the language barrier) to accompany them to 
the station.
	The conditions in the jail are inhuman and they are forced to 
stay in a rancid, overcrowded, cell with cut-throats and murderers for 
two days. Eventually they are questioned by the regional prosecutor 
regarding the disappearance of a local girl on the night they arrived 
in the area.
	Instructed not to leave the Balkans, the investigators are 
released without charge. However, during the 'interview' the following 
facts emerge:
	There have been several disappearances of young ladies in the 
Balkan area. The names and descriptions change, but the circumstances 
are familiar. Two girls have gone missing in Bulgaria, two in Serbia, 
three in Albania and five in Rumania. Each time the girl is beautiful 
and disappears at night without trace.
	The more superstitious locals are talking of supernatural 
goings on and the prosecutor is anxious to put an end to these rumours 
by making a quick arrest and conviction. As the investigators are the 
only foreigners in the area (and therefore easy scapegoats) he makes 
it plain that they are at the top of his list.
	Should the investigators look into the disappearances they 
will discover that the common denominator is a Turkish Circus on the 
return leg of a European Tour.

Possibilities
1       The Turks are using the girls as catalysts for a spell. The 
circus hypnotist turns their will to Hastur the Unspeakable and they 
form the coven of witches needed to call Him to the Nameless City.

2       The girls are sold as part of the white slave trade in Turkey. 
They are kidnapped in the closest countries to Turkey on the return 
journey so that minimum of care is needed. They are hypnotised and 
hidden in false compartments in the lion cages to prevent both their 
escape and discovery by inquisitive officials.

3       The circus has a freak show in which is featured a cannibal 
from Africa. His twisted keeper lets out his charge who has a taste 
for young female flesh.

Copyright (c) 1990 Garrie Hall