December 31

From Hades Lord of the Dead: Burn after reading.

It was a cold winter night. The street lamps glowed through the thick fog, orderly golden beacons, standing like soldiers at attention in disappearing rows. Somewhere in the distance, church bells tolled the evening hour. Their mournful tones echoed distant memories of times past.

From an upstairs window the silhouette of a slender violin player could be seen. His shadow was faintly swaying to the rhythm of the bow across his strings. Unseen by those outside, Watson sat in his chair by the fire, reading. His brow furrowed in concentration as he read the carefully penned lines on a recent letter addressed to Sherlock Holmes:

Dear Mr Holmes

It is with great hesitancy that I pen these words. I trust you will appreciate the delicate and sensitive nature of my situation and treat it with the utmost discretion. I simply cannot continue in this fear that permeates my every hour these past few days. It is unbearable and yet, in light of the circumstances, which I will outline for you at my visit, I am sure you will understand why I have not consulted the police. It is matter outside their realm I am afraid.

I fear, that even you, with such a reputation as you possess, will be unable to assist and yet, you are my last hope. Please, I beg you, allow me to lay my desperate case before you. I shall explain all when I arrive at the first train tomorrow in London. However, for the moment, suffice it to say that I am a doomed man. My brother, as you most certainly have read about in the recent papers, unfortunately passed away under unexplained circumstances. The police, who investigated his death, determined he died alone. There was no sign of an intruder or violence. His clothing caught fire while he was asleep by the fireplace and the unfortunate housekeeper discovered his charred remains in the morning. His chair remained intact. It was deemed an accident. But, Holmes, I cannot conceive he was that careless. I know my brother and he was careful. He never drank. He would never allow himself to fall asleep next to such flames. Besides, it makes no sense in my study of physics that his body should be so burnt, the flames so hot as to transform his bones into ash, while his chair remained barely scathed. I cannot understand it. I fear something otherworldly caused his downfall and now I fear the same fate awaits me. Please, if you can find any kindness in your heart, be available for me to consult you tomorrow at 10 o'clock.

Yours truly,

Mr I.B. Embers

Watson rubbed the letter and the envelope between his fingers. The paper was heavy and expensive, the watermark of the highest quality. He recalled reading about the case of an unfortunate man who passed away in a fire at his residence. Some of the more sensational papers call it spontaneous combustion.

As he contemplated Mr Ember's desperate letter, he wondered what could possibly cause the man to believe he was next. It sounded fantastical. Perhaps the man was a lunatic although the expensive monogrammed stationary would argue otherwise. He shrugged and settled deeper into his chair by the fire. Tomorrow all would be answered.

The violin's music came to a halt and the only sound was the crackling of the glowing embers. "Well, Watson, I perceive by your bewildered expression that you've read our potential client's letter."

"Yes, I have."

"And did you see the post script on the other side?"

Watson turned over the letter and read:

If you value my life, burn this after reading

"Strong words. The man is clearly a troubled soul."

"There are some points that may prove most interesting," Holmes smiled enigmatically.

Watson held the envelope and letter and nodded.

At last, Holmes raised his bow. "Let us honour our client's wishes. The least we can do is report we have followed his initial directions. I pray tomorrow shall shed more light upon the issue."

The haunting melody of Auld Lang Syne melted into the air as Holmes whiled away the hours until their client could arrive in the morning.

~o~

A/N: Many thanks to everyone who sent their encouraging and insightful reviews. Each one means so much. I wish I could express how much I am inspired by all your feedback.

Special thanks to everyone who submitted prompts for my December Challenge:

mrspencil 1, 19

Domina Temporise 2, 8, 20, 21, 23

Winter Winks 221 3, 7, 30

cjnwriter 4, 11

W.Y. Traveller 5, 6, 14, 27

PowerOfPens 9, 26

V Tsuion 10, 15

Michael JG Meathook 12, 24

BookRookie12 chapters 13, 22, 28

Wordwielder 16

HoldMyCoat 17

ThatSassyCaptain 18

Book girl fan 25, 29

Hades Lord of the Dead 31

Happy New Year!

May your muses be inspired and your writing pen free in 2020.