Sherlock Holmes and The Black Widower by Kieran McMullen

Author:Kieran McMullen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Sherlock Holmes, mystery, crime, british crime, sherlock holmes novels
ISBN: 9781780925080
Publisher: Andrews UK Limited 2013
Published: 2013-09-04T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Stalemate

As he approached the desk at the Langham, Holmes was interrupted by Lestrade and another man. The stranger appeared to be 25 years of age, tall, dark hair and eyes, and a flat nose. He wore the suit of a prosperous business man, but he did not wear it well.

“Excuse me, Mr Holmes,” started Lestrade, “but this is...”

“Mr Colm Campbell, of course. May I speak with you alone, Lestrade? Excuse us, sir.”

“Now wait here, Mr Holmes.” piped in Campbell with a flick of his hand. “You don’t get to just brush me off like that. Sir Melville says I’m to be told what’s going on and I intend to find out! Tell him, Inspector.”

Holmes had never seen Lestrade in a fit of rage. He had seen the police official confused, dejected, and inspired, but never like this. Lestrade’s face was crimson and he seemed about to explode. Breathing deeply, he put a hand up in front of Campbell.

“Mr Holmes is a civilian, Mr Campbell, and neither Sir Melville nor anyone else can make him talk to you if he does not desire. If you will wait here a moment, I will be right back.”

Holmes put a hand on Lestrade’s shoulder. “It’s all right, Chief Inspector. Obviously, Sir Melville has become aware of my asking questions. As to you, Mr Campbell, I have nothing I wish to say to you or to the police at this time. Should that situation change, I assure you that, whatever I discover will be shared with the proper authorities. If they wish to inform you, that is their business.”

“We shall see about that, Mr Holmes!” Campbell cried in a loud voice. The assembled guests in the foyer watched a stormy departure.

“So, Lestrade, shall we sit in the smoking room for a moment?”

“Thank you, sir. I could use a bit of a relax. That toff is a little big for his britches, I think.”

The two detectives found seats at a table near the windows and sat quietly for a few minutes.

“I take it you still have nothing to report, Mr Holmes?”

“How did Sir Melville find out I was on the case?”

“I’m afraid that’s my fault, Mr Holmes. I was talking with Gregson and didn’t tell him not to say anything. I’m dreadfully sorry.”

“Well, it really doesn’t matter. To answer your first question, no. There is no evidence that Watson murdered anyone.” Holmes slowly took his cigarette case from his breast pocket. “But, there is also no evidence that he did not. We are still in a stalemate and that, of course, goes to Watson.”

“How much more is there to do?”

“Quite a bit, my friend. We’re fairly started but there is much more.” Holmes lighted his cigarette. “It seems there is a side to Watson that I never knew.”

Lestrade looked at Holmes a minute, question on his tongue, but again he chose not to speak. The two sat in silence.

“You want to ask me something, Lestrade. What is it?”

“It’s about the gambling. Now, I know the Doctor liked the ponies and I’ve been able to make some inquiries at his club, the Army-Navy.

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