A Study in Amber by P J Humphrey

Author:P J Humphrey [Humphrey, P J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: san francisco, sherlock holmes, amateur female sleuth
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

“Who are you?” I didn’t look behind me, but my legs had turned to jelly.

“I just want what belongs to me. I want my backpack.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Ever since childhood, I’d denied knowing anything I was asked about in case I were the guilty party. Which was probable in my overly-curious youth.

“I know you have my cell phone and I’d left it in my backpack, so that means you have it, too.”

Smart man, but I don’t give in easily. “What makes you so sure I have your cell phone?”

His tone had become gruff and serious. “Because I put a GPS in it and I tracked it to you.”

A GPS in his phone? I knew that to be possible, so I’d have to admit I had it. Sooner or later.

“I don’t have your backpack.” I resisted the urge to turn, but I raised my voice. “The building landlord took it and is going to give it to the police.”

“Damn!” He paused. “Keep your back turned and spread out your arms so I can see.”

I stalled a moment. I opened my poncho with both hands, hoping the folds of the thing, along with the darkness, would conceal the phone in my hand. No such luck.

He grabbed my arm and snatched the phone away. “I was right. This is mine.”

I played dumb. “I don’t believe you. Who are you, anyway?”

No answer.

“How did you come to leave it in that flat?” Still no answer, and I didn’t move. I’m cowardly that way. But then I heard running footsteps. I turned in time to catch only a glimpse of a man sprinting down the street. Damn!

I returned to the house and climbed the stairs to my apartment. Holmes looked anxious, but Tessa wasn’t there.

Reading my mind, Holmes said, “Your grandmother has retired for the night, but I shall remain if you have something of interest to report.”

As briefly as I could, I described what had happened, how the murderer forced me to return his phone and then disappeared again. I glanced at my watch. “Its almost midnight. Why don’t we retire and I’ll tell you more about it in the morning?”

He stared upward for a moment and clasped his hands behind his back. “Very well. I suspect you know you will lose the wager we have made, and that is why you are in no hurry to explain. Tell Mrs. Hudson I will have tea in the morning. Good night.”

He disappeared through the doorway into the hall and soon I heard the door of the guest bedroom close.

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