Chapter 4
Sherlock was first in the flat. He sprinted up the stairs in the entry way rather quick and started bobbing about the apartment. I slowly walked up the stairs behind John. I noticed a red book on the floor and picked it up. I held in my arms and continued up the stairs.
"Big fan of origami?" I said rhetorically. I picked up the folded paper item lying in the center of the room and examined it. Black paper, some kind of flower. I stored it in my bag.
"Mmm" Was all Sherlock had to add to that conversation. I rolled my eyes slightly and continued to sweep the room for clues. Sherlock looked out of the living room window and smirked.
"Four floors up" I heard him whisper
"Hmm?" I said half listening
"That's why they think they're safe" he whispered again to him self. "put a chain across the door, bolt it shut, they think they're impregnable." I looked at him intently then, putting the pieces together in my head.
"They don't reckon for one second there's another way in" he said glancing quickly around the room. "We're dealing with a killer who can climb" he mentioned to Dimmock.
"Of course⦠the bank, Van Coons apartment, and now here. All were high above the ground and no one would think scaling a wall would be the first thing that would come to the killer's mind. At least not Van Coon or Lukis" I chuckled and received a disapproving look from John. Sherlock finished explaining to Dimmock what he and I had already put together in our heads. Our killer could climb and that's how he was getting in, windows, and balconies.
"I have to find out what connects these two men" Sherlock added. "There. In your hand, that book."
"Hmm? Here" I pointed out. "A book from West Kensington Library" I handed it over and Sherlock flipped it open and with instant determination he walked out of the flat.
"I guess that's it. Thank you inspector." I said as I rushed after Sherlock.
Why was I following this mad man? I chased after him." Sherlock! Wait!" I shouted from behind him. He slowed his pace and I caught up to him. He stopped and turned towards me. I expected him to say something but he stood silent.
"Who are you?" I commanded. With precision in his voice he said plainly
"Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective." And with obvious hesitation he questioned me "Who are you?"
"Tabitha Meyers, Detective." I paused. I was confused because we had done this already. "Consulting detective? That's genius. Do you mind if I use that? I always considered myself a private detective but I'm not necessarily for hire." He smiled politely which I took as a kind of a "Do I have a choice?" response from Sherlock.
"Look, it's obvious that my presence bothers you, but I'm finishing this case. We can go our separate ways afterwards." I declared. He gave me a kind sort of apologetic face and opened his mouth to speak but before he could John came up behind us to interject.
"To the library then?" John spoke. Sherlock walked away to catch us a cab. I noticed myself staring when I heard John speak to me again.
"He's threatened by you. He won't admit it though. He's curious, and likes you. Stick around if you can bare it." He smiled and walked away towards Sherlock and I found myself dumbfounded by this man. Sherlock Holmes. We squeezed into the cab and I dared not look at him. I took a deep breath in and he turned to look at me. He smelled good, not what I would expect him to smell like. It was an earthy smell, a deep cedar or pine but sweet like morning dew. I tried not to give away the satisfaction on my face. I had a feeling I wasn't very successful at it. I saw him begin to open his mouth and I shuddered at what I imagined he would say, what he actually said surprised me even more.
"Wouyoulicomefertea?" he said in a rush, it was all jumbled and I wasn't able to make out the words. I openly laughed and saw a smile form on a face that was already a deep shade of pink.
"What?" I said bluntly with a chuckle. He cleared his throat and sat up straighter. He spoke slowly and decisive.
"After, would you like to come to mine for a cup of tea?" I felt John shift in his seat beside me, no doubt he was feeling uncomfortable from Sherlock and mine's conversation. Although I had to admit so was I.
"Sure. Only if we can compare notes." I insisted. He squinted his eyes as he made up his mind.
"Hmm. Fine. Deal." I thought I saw him smile as he looked out the window.
