Redchapel
By Mike Resnick, first published in Asimov's Science Fiction
Before his presidency, Theodore Roosevelt is hired by the British to solve the identity of Jack the Ripper.
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Plot Summary
Before his presidency, Theodore Roosevelt is tasked by John Hughes, a British policeman, to determine the identity of Jack the Ripper. There have been a series of murders in White Chapel, a destitute area in England filled with impoverished people. The Ripper has targeted the area because they only kill prostitutes. Roosevelt agrees to the job and goes to White Chapel. He talks to the locals and meets with prostitutes and Irma, a devout Christian midwife who also performs abortions. During his reconnaissance, the Ripper kills a prostitute and a witness watches The Ripper flee the crime scene. Roosevelt interviews the witness and the witness describes the murderer as highly athletic. When Roosevelt inspects the murdered victim, he discovers that an organ is missing. This discovery leads him to conclude that the Ripper is strong and knows anatomy. The case goes cold until the final murder happens. The scene is gruesome, and Roosevelt is shocked that nobody saw the murderer leave since they must have been covered in blood. However, the conundrum of how the murderer could leave the crime scene unnoticed despite being covered in blood leads to Roosevelt solving the case. Roosevelt realizes that only the midwife can walk around with blood due to her occupation. Additionally, she is strong and knows anatomy. Roosevelt confronts the midwife, and she confesses to the murders. She explains that the prostitutes are unholy and must die. The midwife then tries to kill Roosevelt, forcing Roosevelt to kill her in self-defense. With the case finally solved, Roosevelt then returns to America to campaign for his presidency.