Reality

The moment I reached the 'Englischer Hof, and saw Mr. Steiler's unconcerned face, I knew I had been tricked. He answered my panicked questions, and my heart dropped down into my feet as I realized there was no ill Englishwoman. Immediately I turned around and raced back up the mountain, shouting for him to notify the police.

I had been tired when I reached the village, but now all fatigue left me as I ran at top speed, wild thoughts spinning out of control in my mind. By the time I reached the spot I left him I was limping severely and completely out of breath. But Holmes was not there.

I shouted for him, but moments later, I found his alpenstock and cigarette case. And then I saw the note. My heart again sinking within me, I read the last words from my dearest friend. I searched distractedly, finding only the signs of a scuffle and two sets of footprints leading to the edge. It was obvious what had happened. They'd gone over the falls.

I sank to the ground in disbelief, barely registering that the police had arrived and were assessing the situation. Grief clouding my mind, I prayed this wasn't true, but in my heart I knew it was so. Holmes was gone and he wasn't coming back.


A/N: This is out of sequence, but I've got several short fics that I'd like to post and sort of get out of my system so I can think about something else. I hope everyone will enjoy them.