Sherlock Holmes and the Father of Lies by C J Lutton

Author:C J Lutton [Lutton, C J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Spot On Publishing
Published: 2020-03-01T05:00:00+00:00

13

The Execution

“We're all set, Mr. Holmes,” said Wilson. ”If you will follow me, my men will escort you to the station.” He turned about and strode to the head of the column. Holmes followed, whilst Thaddeus and I fell in line behind him. Our Pretorian Guard posted themselves four on either side of us and two in the rear. We marched through the hotel and into the lobby, passing a throng of startled onlookers. Judging by the fear in their eyes, our group must have presented a formidable sight. One of Wilson's men came running in and hurried up to him. Our group came to an abrupt halt as the two of them conversed out of earshot. As if hearing a silent command, our guards turned their backs on us and anxiously faced the people who were milling about.

”What's going on, Holmes?” I whispered.

”I don't know. Judging from the nervous reactions of our escorts, whatever it is, it wasn't expected.”

Finally, with a nod to the courier, Wilson led us through the outer doors and into a waiting coach. It was unlike any conveyance I had ever seen. The body of the vehicle was entirely encased in armor plating. Instead of windows, there were narrow slits with rifle barrels protruding from them. On the top of the coach sat a revolving turret. I could barely make out the eyes of the man inside as he studied his new passengers. The driver sat forward of the observation turret. His seat was also enclosed in armor. The six horses were protected on their sides by two large panels of plating running the length of the team.

As we clambered in, we all started talking at once. Wilson stopped us short. ”This coach is compliments of the government of the United States. The President wanted to assure you that he takes your mission very seriously. He told me that I am personally responsible for your safety. I have just received word that a further attempt on your lives is highly probable. From here on in, my men will be with you, twenty—four hours a day. I'm not going to take any chances.”

”You may tell your President,” interrupted Holmes, ”that we appreciate his concerns, but we'll not proceed another step unless your men are withdrawn.”

Shocked by my friend's words, Wilson was about to object.

”It will do you no good to try to change my mind. It is made up,” Holmes said. Acknowledging that his manner appeared at the very least to be ungracious, Holmes continued, “We three are known to one another. I'm afraid that I cannot say the same for your men.”

”But, Mr. Holmes!”

”Pray, let me continue, Wilson,” Holmes said. “We are responsible for our own actions, and I will not be responsible for those of your men. Don't misunderstand me. I'm not questioning your men's integrity, but I do question their experience. We alone have seen what horrors Dracula is capable of. I cannot, and will not, expose you and your men to such depravity.

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