The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes--The Gentleman Burglar by Sam Siciliano

Author:Sam Siciliano
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags:  
Publisher: Titan

* * *

Lupin withdrew a key from his pocket and unlocked the door to his rooms. He pushed it open and extended an arm. “After you, Doctor.”

I stepped inside, and he followed. He had picked up his mail, and he glanced briefly at two envelopes. “I think I recognize this writing.” He eagerly tore it open. As he scanned the words, his mouth formed a smile. “Ah, excellent!”

“What is it?”

He handed it over, and I read the brief note: I must see you about an urgent matter. I hope you will be home at three o’clock. Yours sincerely, Angelique.

I shook my head. “The two of you are playing with fire. This is most indiscreet.”

“It is, isn’t it? How delightful! She has never come here before. It’s not like her to breach the rules of decorum. It must be something important. You will have to leave us alone for that time.”

I felt myself frowning. “I am not so sure about that.”

“Come now, Doctor! I have the highest respect for her. Indeed, my intentions are most honorable. As I’ve said, twenty-five is a good age at which to marry.”

“All the same…”

Someone knocked at the door. “Isidore?” It was a woman’s voice.

“Good Lord,” I murmured.

Lupin looked at the clock. “It’s only two—she’s an hour early! Quick.” He took my arm and guided me across the cluttered sitting room toward a door. “You can hide in the bedroom.”

“Are you serious?”

“You said you didn’t want to leave us alone!” The room was in a certain disarray, the bed unmade. He pulled off the frock coat, then quickly stepped out of one pair of trousers and into another, and grabbed his usual worn brown coat.

I stared at him, frowning. “The mustache—don’t forget the mustache.”

“Blast it! You’re right.” He went to a mirror with a basin below, splashed water on his hands, then wet the mustache, and soon pulled away half of it. A tearing sound was accompanied by a muted yelp. The rest soon followed, and then he put the towel in the water and wiped vigorously at his upper lip. “That hurt. Remember—stay quiet.”

He went quickly through the door, closing it behind him. I gave a great sigh and shook my head. I looked around the room, grabbed a chair near a desk, set it near the door, and sat down.

“There you are—oh, I’m so glad you are here! I was so afraid.” Angelique’s voice was easy to make out, only slightly muted by the door.

“Calm yourself, my dear. What is the matter?” Lupin’s voice had the higher pitch and the slight wobble of Beautrelet.

“What’s wrong with your upper lip?”

“I… I scraped it shaving. Now what is it that you have to tell me, and why have you come so early?”

“I’m afraid my uncle found out I was planning to see you. My maid has been spying for him, and I was foolish enough to trust her and confide in her. He was furious. He is sending some thugs to give you a good thrashing, as he put it.

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