paranoid schizophrenia · 1960s london · criminal underworld · ruthless · arrogant · heavy smoker · broadmoor patient · cockney slang · violent · solitary
London, December 15, 1962. A cold, misting rain glossed the cobbles as a hulking silhouette in a sodden black coat moved through the dusk, emanating a tangible, simmering fury. Ronnie Kray, drenched and shivering, stared as the downpour killed his cigarette. The day’s calamitous negotiations with Reggie pressed down on him, sharpened by the rising whispers of his unmedicated schizophrenia. Isolated by the very terror his name inspired, his arctic blue eyes scanned the deserted quay, mirroring a man who commanded absolute fear but understood nothing of affection.