Chapter 1- A Case is Brought Forth
"I don't think we have ever been so out of our depth in the whole history of the Force."
"You are asking for my help?"
"I am begging for it on behalf of Abberline and the whole of Scotland Yard!"
It was the 16th of September 1888, a cold dismal morning as I remember, accompanied with a dense peasouper fog that lingered through the streets of London. I sat and watched, in the warm comfort of 221b with a cup of tea at hand, the conversation between Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard and my good friend Sherlock Holmes that commenced before me.
"And why hasn't Abberline himself come to ask for my assistance? You, dear Lestrade, are not been given the case." Holmes said, as he puffed at his long, briar pipe that hung loosely from his lips. Lestrade wrung his hands together and sighed.
"Fredrick is a great man, but rivalry is his biggest trait. He won't ask for help because he sees it as a defeat. He does not know I am consulting you and to be honest, I would prefer it to stay that way." Lestrade replied quietly. There was a pause; Holmes continued to smoke and Lestrade continued to perch on the edge of my armchair like a sparrow on the wrong branch. I looked over at Holmes, who shot me a sideway glance with those sharp eyes.
"You have been interested in the case Holmes," I intercepted the silence, pointing toward a board that hung over the V.R. on the wall , mottled with various papers that were connected with string. "Surely you could offer your services in a more discreet manner. Perhaps Lestrade could acquire the files and interview with witnesses he can gain admittance for and you can make enquiries in Whitechapel by adopting one of your many characters.
Holmes smiled one of his enigmatic smiles that he reserved for those moments of delight, one that I had witnessed more often than others.
"Watson you are ahead of me by miles today!" He exclaimed with a clap of his hands, as he stood up and placed his pipe back on the mantelpiece before holding out a hand to Lestrade. "Always a pleasure Inspector. I want the pathologist and any other reports you can acquire. I myself, along with Watson, shall try and discover what we can from Whitechapel and its people. Goodbye."
They shook hands and Lestrade parted from us a moment later.
"Do you think you can solve this with two murders in, Holmes?" I asked him.
"Three murders, John," Holmes corrected, sitting back down and steepling his fingers and closing his eyes. "Perhaps even four if we count the murder of Emma Smith in April, but I very sure she can be eliminated. This man, who goes out and targets the most vulnerable of our city, is evolving with each victim he claims and I plan on stopping him."
When the absence of speech had indicated should take my leave, Holmes stopped me.
"I need to enquire on my behalf at any hospitals in the area about any possible organ trafficking that could be going on, especially in the trade of the female reproduction organs. And do not return until you have some information."
With a nod, I left the room and grabbed my hat and coat from the stand as I left 221b and headed out into the elements to complete the order I had been given.