The Great Detective by Gary Lovisi

Author:Gary Lovisi
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Sherlock Holmes, British mystery, historical mystery, mystery, short stories
ISBN: 9781434447593
Publisher: Wildside Press LLC
Published: 2013-02-28T00:00:00+00:00

A MEMO FROM INSPECTOR LESTRADE, by Marvin Kaye

Those who have faithfully read Dr. Watson’s many accounts of Mr. Holmes’ adventures and exploits may wonder that I begin this piece with a reference to Dr. Watson as my old friend. My appearances, of course, in various of his compositions are restricted to the details of those investigations. But in my ongoing involvement with Holmes, I swiftly apperceived Dr. Watson as one of the kindest gentlemen I have ever met. In the earlier years, we had no occasion to interact socially, but when I learned that Sherlock Holmes had supposedly died at Reichenbach Falls, I paid Dr. Watson a visit to offer my condolences. Both touched and grateful, he poured us two generous measures of brandy and proposed a toast. I lifted my glass and with heart-felt sympathy drank to Holmes’ memory.

It is true that Holmes was a trial to me at times, but for all his unorthodox modes of investigation, his ratiocinative abilities were formidable, and I freely acknowledge (at least now) that it was a privilege to work with him. But work, you see, always defined our relationship, whereas Dr. Watson’s affability, humor, and his skill as a raconteur made him a splendid companion to sit by a fireside and share a wee dram with.

I saw less of the doctor after the astonishing return of Sherlock Holmes, but on one occasion, all three of us were brought together when I sought assistance on a purely personal matter. I am grateful to have this opportunity to tell about it, and to thank Mr. Holmes through the aegis of this public forum.

* * * *

The year prior to my retirement was less demanding than I was accustomed to; I was relegated to a desk job, and a younger officer was assigned to duties that I suspected were now considered too taxing for my accumulated years. My wife, at least, was pleased, and for two reasons: first, I was less at risk; second, my hours were now much more regular, which resulted in my being able to spend more time at home.

It was this second reason that prompted me to seek membership in the Nonpareil Club. This was a gentleman’s establishment a short distance from Holmes’ Baker Street quarters. The geographic proximity proved fortuitous, though that never would have occurred to me had not the club extended its hospitality to one Colonel Barton P. Upwood, a person who soon earned the disfavor of the rest of the members, myself included, though I had not sought to cultivate his acquaintance. But his presence in our sacrosanct “quiet chamber” swiftly disturbed all of its denizens.

Do not be misled; what I refer to as the “quiet chamber” was the Nonpareil’s main room. Our club is not very large. It has a few private parlors devoted to whatever business might prompt members to reserve their use for a designated time, and the upstairs floor offers a few modest suites designed for overnight stays.

The central chamber of the

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