Disclaimer: I do not own Sherlock Holmes. That right belongs to the Conan Dolye Estate.
Sherlock Holmes and the Terrible 5
I recall a case back in March of 1897 that amazes me to this day. It was a cold and dreary day. We were sitting in our rooms at 221B Backer Street after breakfast when Mrs. Hudson came in with a telegram for Holmes. " Well Watson, what do we have here? A telegram from Scotland , What do you make of this?"
Dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes we are in dire need of your assistance. I have heard of your name through Tobias Gregson. There have been three murders done in the past three weeks all and all of the of them have the same signature, however there is little in common with the victims. Please come and you will not be disappointed.
Sincerely,
Jon Mcarthy Chief Inspector at Edinburg
"Well Holmes what do you plan to do? I say you have been bored as of late. He does know Tobias."
"Yes I could use a change of scenery. Watson, pack at once. We shall take the soonest train possible. Mrs. Hudson we are leaving for Edinburg."
I began packing as soon as possible. I packed at least a weeks worth of clothes for me and Holmes. We were soon on our way in a cab at the fastest possible speed to the station at Reading.
"Holmes have you seen or heard any news about these murders up in Edinburg?"
" I have read some tidbits in the London Times. There have been three women murdered, one an aristocrat, one a working class wife, and the third a very poor woman. Each one of them was killed in the very same way however. Each was stabbed in the back with some sort of knife. There were no bruises on the body."
"So each of them was attacked from behind? What about the purses? Were they taken?"
"No they were not taken. Robbery was ruled out. The women were taken by surprise. However they were all killed around the same time at night, 9 pm. Each week it seems there is another one killed according to the Edinburg police. I have no other data until I receive the preliminary reports from the police.
By the way Watson did you remember to bring your service revolver?"
"Yes I did. I always pack it now when we go out on a case."
The rest of the journey I kept silent while Holmes smoked his pipe tobacco and thought about the musings of the case. I wondered what kind of sick man would seemingly pick random women and kill them at night with no motive. The sound of the train set my mind at ease however and I eventually fell asleep.
End of Chapter one