Sherlock & Dracula: Imperial by Kev Freeman

Author:Kev Freeman [Freeman, Kev]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-08-26T00:00:00+00:00

19. The Consideration

A staccato patter of paws echoed as they leaped down the staircase, a gallop landing every third step until Prince appeared at their foot, halting to glance upwards towards his master, who by the time the dog had hit the floor was only a third of the way down. Following closely behind Quincey were Hopkins and his Sergeant.

“Ah, Quincey has gathered you. Perfect.” Said Holmes. Passing a sideways glance toward Sergeant Jones.

“Yes, the boy appeared with some urgency. He said he couldn’t provide any information until I had spoken to you directly. So, I’m curious, Holmes. What is it?”

Hopkins froze as he caught sight of the overturned cask.

“You found a second?” Hopkins said, his eyes focused on the bony clenched fist extending from the end of the barrel. The incumbent appeared as though they had punched through the end of the cask in a determined effort to escape. This visual is a juxtaposition to reality. He knew the victim was dead from the pallor of the taught skin before the cask had been sealed.

“We have an adjoining mystery, Detective. One from which I have deducted some interesting findings, but I will leave the scene to your capable hands and the manual you carry about your person to aid your investigation.” Holmes said in a sarcastic tone.

“You think it is connected to the scene at Camden Place,” Hopkins said, ignoring the jab and attempting to offer Holmes an opportunity to open his thoughts to public inspection.

“I have no doubt the two are connected. These are the remains of another with similarities that run parallel to the first. As you will observe, we have identified this victim as a young girl. The same girl Quincey met this morning before we visited Camden Place. She named herself Florence and claimed she was searching for her younger brother, who had disappeared from St. Michael’s orphanage.”

“Her brother?”

“Yes, there is the primary connection. However, this thread is not the only matter that lies before us, Hopkins. I pray that you indulge with me before commencing your mental construct and before your physical examination of what we have here. The information I will provide will lead you to focus on the foundation of these events.”

Holmes gestured for Hopkins to join him at the side of the cask. The police detective stuttered on his heels before moving towards the upturned container. Clements stepped backward and held the lamp at shoulder height with his arm outstretched to its fullest extent. At the same time, Quincey and the dog moved as a pair to the wall suspected of being rebuilt, the boy touched the cold stone, and the dog sniffed at the damp limestone surface.

“Of course, Holmes, I would appreciate your consideration of the matter before I do so. If you would grant me your insight.” Hopkins said.

Meanwhile, outside of this discussion, the Sergeant peered over Hopkins’ shoulder, then stepped towards the bed. He paid little attention to the scene before us, more interested in the space where Marie had been last seen.

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