Sherlock Holmes 10 and the Secret Seven by Val Andrews

Author:Val Andrews [Andrews, Val]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780947533090
Google: bkgHAAAACAAJ
Amazon: 0947533095
Publisher: Breese Books
Published: 2001-08-14T21:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 5

Brother Healer Holds the Fort

My friend’s departure back to the relative peace and safety of Baker Street was not quite as simply accomplished as all that. He needed to go, I understood it, but he would have to step out of character in order to do it. We discussed all possibilities; wires from sick relatives, his expulsion by Prior Culthorpe, or even a staged arrest. Anything which would not reveal his real identity or his real occupation at Grimstone Priory. In the end, after discussion with Culthorpe, we decided that Holmes, in his guise as Brother Hive, should announce that he had changed his mind about life as a member of the Secret Seven. The others could make of this what they wished, but after the events of the past twelve hours it seemed logical and believable.

‘Brethren, I have a painful but rather important announcement to make.’

Culthorpe gained the attention of us all and then continued, ‘Brother Hive has decided to leave us: evidently life as a brother member of the Secret Seven does not entirely appeal to him after all. I feel sure that recent events have nothing to do with his decision, and I release him to resume life in the cruel outside world. You have my blessing, Brother; none of us wish you anything but well.’

There were grunts around the table; some of genuine concern for the brother who had proved unequal to his task, others with a tinge of irony.

Brother Shepherd asked, ‘May one enquire if there is to be another Brother Hive soon, for the bees will need to be tended as usual.’

Culthorpe answered, ‘I will renew my search for an experienced apiarist. Meanwhile, perhaps Brother Healer would take on his friend’s work, on a purely temporary basis of course.’

I could only nod dumbly and wonder how I would manage the bees, which I neither understood nor found particularly interesting. I was caught in a trap.

Brother Pisces grumbled, ‘Well, I hope whoever we get will be able to produce a decent jar of honey.’

Brother Orchard said, ‘Come, let us not judge our brother; may he find peace somewhere else. He has a talent with the bees, but evidently he has not the nerve to stand up to the tribulations he finds here at the moment. That is not his fault.’

Sherlock Holmes, in his role as Brother Hive, should at this point have been given an award for his brilliant theatrical performance. He rose unsteadily and spoke in a voice that shook with nervousness.

‘Brothers, I have failed you and I am full of anguish. I joined this brotherhood for the peace which I was assured it would bring me. Instead I found threats and manifestations which appeared to me to be of a supernatural nature. I must return to the comparative calm of the city.’

Culthorpe took Holmes to the station in his dogcart and I accompanied them; ostensibly to see my friend safely on his way but in fact so that the three of us could discuss matters pertinent and private.

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