Sherlock Academy by F.C. Shaw

Author:F.C. Shaw
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Future House Publishing
Published: 2016-06-09T16:56:45+00:00

Eighty Missing Holmes

“I apologize for being a few minutes delayed,” Professor Enches announced as he hurried into the classroom. His long legs took him to the front in barely six strides. “The disturbing events of last night had me detained. I will say no more. Tardiness is a form of poor etiquette. However, if it is due to imperative detective work, it is somewhat justified. If you are ever tardy due to a case, be sure to express that to your client, and apologize sincerely. Proceed to present the fruit of your tardiness, so they can see its justification. Understand?”

The students had learned it was unnecessary to answer his questions, which were frequently rhetorical. Expecting no answer, Professor Enches found his pipe in his pocket, scratched a match on his matchbook, and lit the pipe. After a few puffs, he nodded in satisfaction, then stared at his students for a few moments: a ritual he practiced every class period.

Remembering Mr. Crenshaw’s second letter in his pocket, Rollie raised his hand.

Professor Enches puffed on his pipe and nodded at Rollie, indicating permission to speak.

“I have another letter for you.”

Professor Enches coughed, took two strides over to Rollie, and took the letter from his outstretched hand. “Thank you, lad. Please see me after class.” He stuffed the envelope into his outer coat pocket and returned to the front. “Students, today we will discuss correct etiquette when interviewing a client of the opposite gender. If you are a male, then a client of the opposite gender would be a female, and vice versa. Now let’s suppose that a client enters your office and . . .”

Please see me after class . . .

Those words pounded in Rollie’s ears. Was he in trouble? For delivering Mr. Crenshaw’s letters? Surely not! Rollie wished Professor Enches’ lecture would hurry by, but of course it did not. Rollie found that whenever he anticipated something time slowed, making the wait unbearable. Yet whenever he reached that anticipated moment time sped up, ending the excitement too soon.

Class ended, students headed to lunch, and Rollie waited for Professor Enches. Cecily raised her eyebrows at Rollie, wondering what could be the matter this time. She ducked out the door. The professor stepped up to Rollie.

“Lad, I thank you for delivering Mr. Crenshaw’s and my correspondences. It’s very good of you.” Enches gave a little nod. “However, it is poor etiquette to interrupt class to deliver those letters to me in front of your peers. Besides, we don’t want to give the surprise party away, right?”

Rollie nodded. “Right, sir.”

“Of course not. Would you drop the letters on my desk before class commences?”

“Yes, sir, if that’s what you’d like.”

Professor Enches puffed and nodded. “Good lad. Dismissed.”

* * * *

Students filled the tables on the roof to eat their lunches and chat with their friends. Most conversations revolved around the attempted burglary. Rollie smiled gratefully at Cecily as he slid into a seat she had saved for him.

“In trouble again? That’s not like you,” Cecily commented between bites of her sandwich.

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