"Blasted idiots," Holmes cried out, throwing a book on the floor, "this so-called mystery writer is nothing but a blasted fool with one pint too many." I winced, that book was of my favorite mystery books, and I had recommended Holmes to read it. I didn't think he would truly read it.
"Crimes and crime solving are completely different branches of science," he began, "one can not approach both of them by employing the same methodology. One deals with the covering up of the truth while the other is set to uncover the truth," he paused, "let me tell you, Watson, not even I, the Great Sherlock Holmes, can commit the perfect crime."
I was saved from responding by a swift knock to the door. It was Lestrade.
"Do you know what happened?" Lestrade asked excitedly.
Holmes paused for a second before replying, "I know nothing. Beside the fact that you had been up since early morning, the fact that you were chasing a thief with a mocking or patronizing attitude that had just stolen something valuable either from the government or someone who had great influence over them, I know nothing. Yes, of course, you had been chasing him, undoubtedly failed, and that is why you are here."
Lestrade was dumbstruck, "True! The situation right now is pretty grave. Yet, spare one moment and humor me: how did you deduce that?"
Holmes let out a tired chuckle, "I see my power of observation and deduction still amazes you. Very well, let us start from the beginning. Your trousers are filthy, wet, and muddy, yet your shirt is free from such putrid matter with an incorrectly buttoned button. This showed me that you had been up and about with a clean uniform and had dressed with haste or had been half asleep; in this case it is safe to assume it is a combination of both. The uneven marks of mud patterns on your trousers showed me that you had been running and chasing after somebody. Now, let us think, what would require an officer of the Scotland Yard to be up and running at the middle of the night. It would either be murder or thievery from someone influential. I quickly eliminated the former because your pistol is fully loaded. You would have fired if you were chasing a murderer. I did a bit of guesswork on the last bit. It would take some time for the news to reach you yet you had a chance to pursue the thief. Either the person in question had left behind something or wanted the chance to gloat. Seeing that this person is cunning enough to steal from someone influential I opted for the latter." This was a defining moment Holmes for we would find out that in near future he was wrong… a grave mistake.
Lestrade threw his hands up, "That blasted thief left us a piece of red herring and led us right to a trap. He made a complete mockery out of us!'
Holmes nodded, almost sympathetically, "I had an encounter with such an individual; you would find him in my index under L. No? Very well, pray continue."
Lestrade took out a pad and started to read, "The robbery happened around two-fifty in the morning. Mr. Gregory Wilson, the victim and the greatest donor to the London police force, awoken by the noise, found that all his deeds, properties and an heirloom diamond were all gone. He notified the police at three-twenty and I was there by four-fifteen."
Holmes held up his hand, "Pause my good man, does this Mr. Wilson own any pets?"
Lestrade looked baffled, "Umm… yes actually, two bloodhounds."
Holmes waved his hand motioning for him to continue.
"It was then when I found my red herring. Beside the safe was a scrape piece paper. It was a hastily scrawled receipt for very particular brand of French wine. Mr. Wilson did not own such a brand and denied of ever buying that brand. That brand was so particular that only two shops in all of London carries it. One was located near the country and the other was inside a major hotel in the centre of this city. "
"No doubt you went to nearest one, the hotel?"
"Indeed, we did. The clerk recognized the receipt immediately. Apparently this gentleman demanded a receipt. When the clerk was unable to find a piece of paper, the gentleman tore off a scrape of paper and asked the charges to be written on there."
"Allow me to guess, the clerk pointed you the right room but the subject escaped out window. You and your men gave little chase and the subject disappear shortly after without a trace."
Lestrade nodded, slightly embarrassed, "He turned around into a corner and just vanished."
Holmes closed his eyes for a moment before asking, "Does Mr. Wilson have any guards at his house?"
"No, he actually told us that he felt pretty safe in his house,"
Holmes closed his eyes again, deep in thought. After about 3 minutes later he opened his eyes, full of energy and sparkle.
"Mr. Wilson either orchestrated this burglary, or lied about it, or was warned before hand. You must find out which of this is true. Also, obtain a warrant to investigate the deeds and properties Mr. Wilson owns. Oh yes, find out the origin of the heirloom diamond. Do not waste time trying to find the thief right now!"
Our guest looked mystified, "May I ask how you came to this conclusion?"
"Just do as I say, I will explain in due time."
My first Holmes Fanfic, plz review, next chapter will be longer...