The Web Weaver by Sam Siciliano

Author:Sam Siciliano [Siciliano, Sam]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction, Mystery & Detective, Historical, Traditional British
ISBN: 9780857686985
Publisher: Titan Books (UK)
Published: 2012-01-10T05:00:00+00:00

Ten

While we were sitting in the Turkish bath, the steam permeating our cold weary frames, Holmes appeared to doze. I was sleepy myself and closed my eyes.

“It might be worth the risk.”

I gave a start, and then realized he had spoken. “What did you say?”

“I said it might be worth the risk. There is an unsavory fellow I have dealt with in the past, one Mortimer ‘Ratty’ Grace. He has been involved in every type of vice—cracksmen, pickpockets, fake revivalist preachers, and various swindlers—but his specialty now is prostitution. He owns several brothels. He might know something about the recent outbreak of blackmail and the mysterious Angels.”

I gave my head a shake. “He sounds like a thoroughly despicable specimen of humanity.”

“Oh, he is—although considering him human may be something of a compliment.” He frowned slightly and stared at me through the steamy air. “We are not on the best of terms. I have frustrated certain schemes of his, but I also saved the life of his... friend, Moley.”

“Moley? Moley? And Ratty? They sound as if they are characters in a children’s story book.”

Holmes smiled. “Hardly. One would not allow children anywhere near these two creatures.” He closed his eyes and sat back.

“Well?”

He did not open his eyes. “‘Well’ what?”

“Are you going to arrange to meet with Ratty and Moley?”

“I am.”

“But what of the risk you mentioned?”

“I shall take it.”

Not being by nature one who relishes danger and adventure, I hesitated. “Do you want me to accompany you?”

Sherlock’s dark eyebrows sank, a half-inch vertical line appearing on either side of the bridge of his nose. “Ratty favors a certain decrepit tavern in Underton, the worst rookery in London, and he holds a man’s life very cheap.”

I swallowed, my mouth suddenly dry despite the hot moist air. “Then I doubt you will want to venture into the lion’s den alone.”

Holmes was quiet for a moment. At last he opened his eyes. “No, I would not wish to go alone.”

“I shall come with you.”

“As I have said, the risk is considerable. Speak with Michelle before you hazard your life.”

“Knowing her, if I do, she will wish to accompany us.”

Holmes frown deepened. “Absolutely not.”

“Do you think I would allow such a thing? I shall make some excuse and come with you.”

Holmes opened his mouth, and then closed it. Finally, he said, “I should be grateful for your company, but do not feel obliged. Should you change your mind I shall certainly understand.” He closed his eyes again and let his head rest back against the tiles.

“Will it be safer for two people to visit Ratty than for one?”

“Undoubtedly.”

“Then I shall come.”

Holmes said nothing, and I closed my own eyes and tried—in vain—to regain the warm, easy comfort I had felt earlier.

“Thank you, Henry.”

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