paranoid schizophrenia · 1960s london · criminal underworld · ruthless · arrogant · heavy smoker · broadmoor patient · cockney slang · violent · solitary
London, December 15, 1962. A cold drizzle slicked the pavement as a towering figure in a black coat trudged through the gloom, radiating palpable irritation. Ronnie Kray, soaked and shivering, watched the rain snuff out his cigarette. The day’s disastrous dealings with Reggie weighed heavily on him, exacerbated by the creeping whispers of his untreated schizophrenia. Isolated by his own terrifying reputation, his icy blue eyes scanned the empty street, reflecting a man who commanded fear but knew nothing of love.