Episode 7:Message from the Underworld
The Mystery Trio are currently working on a case. James had taken all the suspects in a room and had solved the mystery.
James: [clears itself] Um, so, gentlemen. The case has been solved.
Cassidy: What case?
James: Well, if I could give you my card, Madame?
Cassidy: [reads already] The three investigators. We take care of every case. Mystery Trio. First detective James Jones, second detective Matt Jones, research and archive Rob Jones.
Monre: Detectives, Mr Weston? – I thought the three boys were doing a holiday job in the office here.
Weston: I hired the boys because I fear that someone around me will pass on information to the competition.
Cassidy: [whispering] Oh... that can`t be.
Weston: And I was right. At noon today, the plans for our major construction project in Bonesborough were stolen. And the thief is here in this room.
Trimbi: Aha...
Weston: James Jones will tell you in a moment how he comes to this assumption.
Trimbi: And where is your second detective, er, this Matt? Is he searching the garbage cans for dangerous evidence?
James: Uh, all in his time, Miss Trimbi. Around twelve o'clock Mr Weston Junior, his father and I went into the meeting room to talk about the current status of my investigation. At that time, the blueprints were still in the top drawer of Mr Weston's desk. However, when we returned there an hour later, the plans were stolen.
Cassidy: And?
James: The cleaning lady had vacuumed the room in the morning. Nevertheless, we found a considerable number of clumps of earth, as well as a small red spot near the desk. The earth trail led across the room to the back door.
Monre: Then it was Mr Burke, the janitor. Definitely case. Take a look at his shoes. With the profile, he carries half a bed around with him.
Burke: But I was outside all the time! I... Uh... It wasn't me.
James: Well, Mr. Weston's secretary, Miss Cassidy, who was sitting in the annroom, should have seen Mr. Burke entering the room.
Cassidy: I left the room twice in the hour in question. Because I... had to go to the toilet.
James: Hm...
Monre: And that's when Mr. Burke crept in and stole the documents. The traces speak for themselves!
James: That's exactly what they do. But not in the way you think the clumps of earth are moist and have traces of fertilizer balls. Such soil is located in the plant tubs in the foyer. Mr. Burke, however, worked in the garden between the shrubs. The soil there is dry. Consequently, the earth does not come from the soles of his shoes, but was taken out of the buckets.
Trimbi: And? What does that tell you now?
James: Yes. The thief wanted to direct the suspicion to the caretaker. But I suspect the thief walked through the room without shoes. There is another indication of this. The blood stain. It was right in front of the desk. I examined the environment and found these stitching purposes here that must have fallen off the table. The thief stepped in during his act and unknowingly left the stain.
[a door squeaks]
Matt: There I am, guys
James: Ah...
Hunter: Hello.
James: Matt. And the Golden Guard!
Matt: I found the blueprints. They were hidden in the storage room.
James: Well, please. Um, and if I could ask everybody here now to take off all their shoes and socks?
Monre: What?
Burke: Huh?
James: Yes, you understood quite correctly, Mr. Monre.
Cassidy: But...
Trimbi: Weird.
Matt: Please take off.
All the suspects took off their shoes and socks.
Cassidy: And?
James: I would like to see all the soles of your feet.
Cassidy: [indignant] You're taking a lot out of it, boy.
James: Aha. This patch here speaks for itself.
Cassidy: What comes to mind to make this infamous claim?
James: [strict] Next time, you should be more careful when stealing valuable documents and paying attention to your feet, Miss Cassidy. Also, I would suggest that you disinfect the wound well.
Cassidy: [threatening] You'll regret it! You have no idea what you have done.
James: That's what they all say.
Hunter: I have to ask you, Miss Cassidy, to come to the Coven-Station.
Cassidy: Pah!
Hunter: Congratulations, guys. You have successfully solved another case in no time at all.
Mystery Trio: (laugs)
XXX
A few days later, the three boys were working in the junkyard when Hunter flew them into the yard on his staff.
James: Brothers, look. What does Hunter want here?
Rob: Does he have any news about our case?
Matt: After all, we have resolved the matter with the construction plans and put them on the record.
James: Yeah.
Hunter: Hey guys!
Matt: Hey
James: Hello
Rob: Hi
Hunter: So, I'm only here briefly because I wanted to tell you that the secretary, Miss Cassidy, finally admitted to stealing the blueprints.
Matt: Well, like i said it. The case is closed.
Hunter: Yes, for you. Unfortunately, Miss Cassidy does not want to betray her client. In addition, we had to hand over the case yesterday.
James: Aha.
Hunter: Yes Emperor Belos and the Coven Heads are now taking care of it.
Matt: What?
Rob: But, that was just a theft.
Hunter: Well, well, well, that's true, but the authorities are concerned about the client.
Rob: Oh.
Hunter: It seems that Miss Cassidy works for a crime syndicate from Bonesborough. If she were to testify, the coven might also come close to the masterminds. Maybe even to the man who is at the top. It is no longer about a few plans, but about numerous crimes.
Matt: How, worse than theft?
Hunter: In part, yes. Snails laundry, extortion, and fraud. Not to mention industrial espionage, drug trafficking and illegal trade.
Matt: Sounds like it's better not to mess with these criminals.
Hunter: Correct. Therefore, I ask you not to investigate further in this case. The matter is a bit too big for you.
James: For us, the case is closed with the transfer of Miss Cassidy anyway, Hunter.
Hunter: Well, it's very nice. Then I can now start my holiday with a good feeling. And you should close your detective office for a few days. So, the three of you, do it well! Byeeeee.
Mystery Trio: Yeah bye.
Matt: Hunter is right, we should really enjoy our holidays. The semester break will soon be over.
Maria: Hello. Hi kids!
Rob: Hey Mum.
Maria: Here. Here, these two letters that came earlier in the mail for you, James.
James: Aha.
Maria: Uh, and, if you've read them, you kids could help Totis clear the truck.
Matt: Sure.
James: Yes. Will be done, Mom.
Maria: Great. I take you at your word.
James: Yes. So, then let's read the letters.
James read the first letter and looked quite confused.
Matt: Well? What's up? Who is the letter from?
James: From an association that is committed to charitable causes.
Rob: And?
James: [confused] Someone registered me for the Bonesborough run.
Matt: Huh?
Rob: [laughing] What?
Matt: You should take part in the run? That's ten kilometers, James.
Rob: Yes, that, that must be a prank.
James: Yes, I... I thought so at first, but here it says ,[horrified] that the donation snails for registration has already been outweighed.
Matt: What?
Rob: Say, and this, the second letter?
James: [moves paper, reads already] To James Jones, aka Sherlock Holmes. Sender Moriarty.
Matt: Who is that?
James: [opens the second letter] I would say it comes from the Napoleon of crime.
Matt: [confused] From Napoleon? Who is that?
James: This is the name Sherlock Holmes gave to his opponent, Professor Moriarty, in the famous human stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. [unfolds the letter and reads]
Rob: Mhm. Yes, and? [impatient] Farther!
James: Yes, I... Ui! I'm afraid we have a new client.
Matt: [annoyed] Great! What does he write?
James: Oh, come on. Let's go to our headquarters.
Matt: Alright.
The mystery trio went to the headquarters, Bounty greeted the three with his chirping. James sat on the chair in front of the desk. Matt and Rob made themselves comfortable on the couch.
Rob: Oh, you always make it exciting, James.
James: Yeah.
Matt: Yes. Now read already.
James: Yes. Listen to this. [reads] Dear Holmes, congratulations on your latest masterpiece of deduction. It's unfortunate that your work has negatively impacted my business. I usually make eliminate my opponents directly. But in this case, I see the possibility of cooperation. – Mhm. – To make it short, I would like to use your services as a private detective. I have just been sent an encrypted message that I would have liked to have deciphered in favor of a friend. It is enclosed with this letter. Just so much; the embassy was found in a university. Just think of it as a little riddle from one student to another. Please solve this riddle with your two Watsons immediately. So that you do not come up with wrong thoughts, I have taken the liberty of causing you some inconvenience. With every day that passes without result, I will increasingly take action. You don't know my methods yet, but I can assure you that you don't want me as an enemy. I am keeping an eye on you. Best regards, Professor James Moriarty. P. S.: I wish you a pleasant run.
Rob: Puh...
Matt: What does that mean?
James: This Moriarty wants me to solve a riddle for him. Me, I... I'm afraid he wants to test me and see how dangerous I am to him.
Matt: Yes, but... But why?
James: Because we supposedly got in his way in our last case.
Rob: So, our mysterious letter writer compares you to Sherlock Holmes, and...
James: Yeah...
Rob: ... he does not sign with his real name, but names himself after Holmes' best-known opponent Professor James Moriarty.
Matt: Yes, and what about the message we are supposed to decipher?
James: Before we move on to the next document, we should check what this letter and envelope tell us. What do you conclude from the available documents, Rob?
Rob: Show me. [gets the letter handed out] Yes, I would say...
James: Here, the envelope.
Rob: ... Thank you. Expensive paper, well, probably handmade.
James: Aha.
Rob: The stamp belongs to such a special edition of famous racehorses.
Matt: Aha.
Rob: This Moriarty doesn't seem to be exactly poor.
James: Well, he's rich enough to sign me up for a hundred snails at a charity run. We can only assume that he is behind it.
Matt: Yes, but why does Moriarty want you to run? What's in it for him?
James: He wants to put me under pressure.
Rob: Yes, then he seems to know you well. Such a race is especially for you the absolute horror.
Matt: [laughs] Yeah.
James: He may call himself Moriarty, but in the end we will find out who he really is.
Rob: So, I guess it has something to do with our blueprint case.
Matt: How do you come up with that?
James: In the letter, he talks about my latest masterpiece and reminds you of what Hunter said. The attempt to steal the blueprints was commissioned by an underworld boss from Bonesborough.
Rob: Exactly.
Matt: Oh. And that's supposed to be our Moriarty?
James: It would fit. Arthur Conan Doyles Moriarty is none other than the head of the London underworld. The most powerful crime boss of his time. You don't have to understand this is human stuff.
Rob: Yes, exactly. Ahm, James, what is his riddle?
James: Well, wait... [unfolds paper] That's what we have here. [reads already] My good Holmes. The night descends over my house and I fear the shadows it brings. With a heavy heart, I climb into my cab to leave my home in the apple forever. But don't worry. The Queen of the Borough will watch over me. Think of the long journey and greet the woman of your heart in my language from me. But before that, remember our crazy beginning. Not the day and not the moon will tell you. Think ahead. But don't forget; you only need three. Infinity stands, but it does not help you. The real name says it all. Between CARD, so, capitalize and COPP – as a whole, the last one gives you the hint. Now I have to hurry, my good Holmes. Warm greetings W. -Hm... That's it.
Matt: Another letter to Sherlock Holmes.
James: Yes, but this one is not addressed to me. It, there has to be a real person behind it.
Rob: So, I understand the letter like this, this W, yes, he has to flee and give Holmes another, an important hint. Maybe the hiding place of a treasure, a code word or an address.
Matt: Yes, and then the apple. He says that the apple is his home.
James: Yeah.
Matt: Perhaps this refers to Stomachtroit. The city is also called the "Big Apple".
Rob: Yes, that's right, Matt.
Matt: So, this W. certainly wants to express that he has to flee from Stomachtroit. To the place where the Queen of the Borough watches.
Rob: So that's easy. Borough, Bonesborough.
Matt: Man, Rob, yes it is! The guy fled from Stomachtroit to Bonesborough.
Rob: Mhm.
Matt: But the rest is unfortunately quite confused.
James: The Riddle deals with the master detective Sherlock Holmes.
Rob: Yeah.
James: So we should learn more about him. I'm going to call Prof. Barrister in a moment.
Matt: Prof. Barrister? That's Hexside's history teacher right?
James: Exactly, Matt!
XXX
The next morning, the three detectives drove to the nearby Hexside school. Their old teacher, Prof. Barrister, had been able to put them in touch. So it was that James, Matt and Rob finally knocked on the door of Professor Jane Heathcliff in the Department of Human and Witch Literature.
Jane: [from her office] Come in!
[the door opens squeaky]
Jane: Oh, are you the guys Henry announced?
James: That's the way it is, Madame. I'm James Jones and these are my two fellow detectives...
Matt: Matt Jones
Rob: Yeah, and Rob Jones.
Jane: Alright, sit down.
Matt: Thank you.
[the door is closed squeaky, the boys sit down]
James: Um, as Prof. Barrister has probably already told you, we are looking for information about the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Of course, I myself know that these are fictional detective stories from the late 19th and early 20th centuries from the human world. Nevertheless, I fear that my knowledge on this subject is not sufficient to solve the case we are currently dealing with.
Jane: Yes, Henry has already warned me that you are on the trail of a big mystery.
Rob: Well, something like that, Madame.
Jane: So, um, I collect everything that is published about Holmes. For example, there is an essay that deals with the question of whether the breaks in the time structure of the stories are intentional or whether they are mistakes of the author.
James: Aha.
Jane: And here I have a text that deals with the biography of Holmes.
[Paper is being handed over]
James: Thank you.
Matt: Yes... Yes, it sounds, uh, very interesting.
Jane: Yes, it's really very interesting. Especially since the author of this essay has mysteriously disappeared.
Matt: Oh... Disappeared? How so?
Jane: Oh, unfortunately I don't know much about the matter. A colleague from Stomachtroit told me.
Matt: Aha...
James: Stomachtroit?
Jane: Yes. It is a student who wanted to write his doctoral thesis on Sherlock Holmes with my colleague. But then he suddenly disappeared without leaving a trace.
Rob: Weird...
Jane: Well, it happens that students can't stand the pressure to perform and at some point pack their things. Maybe it was the same in this case.
James: Can we take the artikel with us?
Jane: I can copy it to you.
James: Thank you, Madame.
Jane: Here is an overview of the cases of Sherlock Holmes.
[Paper is being handed over]
James: Aha.
Jane: A total of four novels and 56 short stories. [Matt laughs in amazement] It's easy to lose track of things.
Matt: Yeah.
Jane: Fortunately, we scientists have a system of abbreviations. Convenient, what?
Rob: Yes, very convenient.
Jane: And this is a work that deals with Professor Moriarty.
Matt: Oh. That... that was the opponent of Sherlock Holmes. He called him the "Napoleon of crime."
Jane: That's right. Moriarty is, in a sense, the dark counterpart to Sherlock Holmes. But he only appears in two stories. Otherwise, he will only be mentioned. And yet. Moriarty is the man who killed Sherlock Holmes.
Matt: Oh... This is new to me now.
James: Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty fought a duel at the Swiss Reichenbach Falls in the story "The Last Problem". They fell down the waterfall and both died.
Rob: Mhm.
Jane: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wanted to turn to other stories. And that's why he let his main character die. But the readers didn't like that. They wrote Doyle angry letters that he should bring their sweetheart detective back.
Matt: [slightly stuttering] But the... he was dead.
Jane: At some point, Doyle wrote stories about Holmes again, simply declaring that he had survived the fight at the waterfall.
Rob: Yes, then Sherlock Holmes was really lucky that he had such nice readers.
Jane: That's right, otherwise there would be fewer stories of him and Dr. Watson.
XXX
When the three boys were on their way home again. That's when James had discovered something.
James: Hach... This is a strange coincidence.
Matt: What are you talking about?
James: From the fact that we get a letter in which a student named W. says that he has to flee From Stomachtroit. And now we learn that in a university in Stomachtroit a student has disappeared. And someone who deals with exactly the same topic as our mysterious letter disc.
Rob: Yes. Sherlock Holmes.
James: Mhm. Exactly. I think in this case we are actually dealing with the missing literature student. Uh... wait.
Matt: What are you looking for?
James: Here. That's the essay.
Rob: Yeah.
James: The student's name is Lester Price. What a pity. No name with a W.
Matt: And what do you think of the possibility that the W could stand for Watson?
James: Great idea, Matt.
Rob: Well, but this one, this Lester, could still be behind the mysterious message. He had to leave Stomachtroit in a hurry and left another student the message that we are now supposed to decipher.
James: It is definitely advisable to learn more about this Lester Price.
XXX
When the Mystery Trio came to the headquarters, Rob saw the voicemail light up at the Crystal Ball.
Rob: Ah, the voicemail is lighting up.
James: Then let's hear, Rob.
[Beep, announcement "A message")
Moriarty: [from the tape, threatening] Dear Sherlock Holmes, I see that you have not yet reached a solution. Very sad.
Rob: [whispering] What?
Moriarty: I also have to say that you are not complying with my conditions. Your research should be based solely on the Riddle, not on my identity. I take it out of my mind to react accordingly.
(Beeping, announcement "End of the first message"]
Matt: Oh... He certainly won't sign you up for the next marathon, James. Moriarty will grab one of us and then help us Titan.
Rob: Wait a minute. He knows we want to investigate him? That means he overheed us.
Maria: [from the background] No. I will never allow that to happen!
Matt: Mom, outside, James. Something is wrong.
James: Yes. Come on!
The boys left the center and ran outside, they saw Totis was handcuffed by a coven guard.
Maria: So... so, you can't do that! It...
Coven Guard: Madame!
Maria: It must be a mistake.
Rob: [whispering] Two Coven Guards.
James: [whispering] Yes. [talking normally] Dad? Mom, what's going on?
Maria: They want to arrest your father!
Coven Guard: Enough! We're taking him now!
Mystery Trio: What?!
Coven Guard: You will only make it worse if you don't come now.
Maria: But... but that's absurd! My husband has done nothing wrong. Really not!
Coven Guard: Mr Jones has stolen goods hidden in the junkyard.
Maria: Bullshit!
Coven Guard: Dealing with stolen goods is considered receiving stolen goods and is punishable by conformatorium.
James: Listen, my father buys up old goods and antiques legally from private sellers. He would never intentionally buy stolen goods.
Totis: Exactly!
Coven Guard: There can hardly be any question of old goods and junk in this case, boy. Here. Look at this gem.
Totis: I have never seen this box before, I swear.
Coven Guard: This stone was stolen from a private collection in Bonesborough six months ago. It is the valuable blue carbuncle from Titans Foot
Totis: [Desperately] Now believe me! I did not buy this piece. Nor did I steal it. Really.
Coven Guard: Don't even try to lie to us. We got a sure hint that the thief of this carbuncle here just visited you and offered you the piece.
Maria: No! Well, it can't be, you must be mistaken!
Coven Guard: There are even proof photos.
James: Photos can be faked so easily these days. Please call the Golden Guard. He will confirm that we are...
Coven Guard: [laughing] The Golden Guard is on vacation. And now come on, Mr. Jones!
Maria: No! Well... well, I won't let you!
Coven Guard: (sternly) No resistance to the Emperor's Coven, Madame! One more step closer and you can join your husband in the Conformatorium right away!
Totis: Don't worry, Maria.
Matt: But…
Totis: The misunderstanding will surely be cleared up soon.
Coven Guard: And now get in the car!
The two Coven Guards drove off with the innocent Totis. Maria had tears in her eyes. The three boys looked sadly after the car.
Maria: [crying] Oh, Totis…
Rob: [desperately reassuring] Mom. Mom, calm down.
Maria: Yeah, sweetheart…
Rob: Shall we get you a glass of water?
Maria: [uneasily] No, no, no. It's all right. How, how could this happen? It must be some conspiracy! A conspiracy! Maybe the competition.
James: We're going to find out, Mom.
Maria: Yeah…
James: After all, we are detectives…
XXX
After Maria returned to the house, completely upset, the Mystery Trio looked at each other, concerned.
James: Brothers. Whoever this Moriarty is, he must be quite influential. Not only did he have hot stolen goods hidden in the junkyard, but he also hired fake witnesses that the coven believes wholeheartedly.
Matt: And he put together fake evidence.
James: Moriarty wanted to warn us.
Rob: Yes, and for this warning he invested a precious stone. I'm sure one of his men stole it. And now Moriarty has put the stone in our junkyard, James.
James: Mhm.
Matt: But how does Moriarty know what we've been talking about?
James I'm afraid he's bugged us.
Rob: You think?
James: Yes, and there's only one explanation. He must have bugged our headquarter.
Rob: Oh no…
Matt: I don't like that at all. What are we going to do now?
James: First, we search our trailer for a listening device and then we take another look at the riddletext.
Rob: Yes, and how do we proceed at the headquarters?
James: We're about to pretend we're going to deal with the Riddle.
Rob: Aha.
James: If we have listeners, they will think their safe.
Matt: Hm... What if we find a bug? Do we break it or what?
James: No. No, no. We position the thing in our laboratory. And sometimes then we go in and talk. That way, no one suspects anything.
Matt: Ah.
Rob: Oh, I see. I see, yes. Yeah, sure, if we destroy the bug, then Moriarty knows we've got him figured out.
James: Mhm.
Matt: But then we also have to carry Bounty's cage to the lab.
Rob: Yeah.
Matt: Because without his chirping, he finds out immediately.
Rob: Mhm.
James:
James: I see you're thinking along. All right, brothers. Let's go bug hunting.
XXX
Before long, Rob had tracked down the first bug behind the dusty back wall of the bookshelf. It was no bigger than an orange seed. Four more were behind a picture frame, under the mailbox from the Crystal Ball, in the outside pocket of Rob's backpack, and one in Matt's Grudby jacket. James moved the bugs and Bounty's cage into the next room, then added the alarm clock.
James: So, Guys. And now it's time to work. I promised Mom I'd finally get the sawed-off branches off the bushes.
Matt: [surprised] R... Really?
James: Yes, really. Come on!
The three boys left the headquarters and went into the yard.
Rob: [whispering] Man! That's something.
James: [whispering] So Moriarty was actually listening in on us.
Rob: Yeah.
James: And we can assume that there are more listening devices. Check your clothes and shoes tonight. There could also be devices hidden in Matt's Abonimation Car and rooms. And for our meetings, we need to meet somewhere else. Headquarters is not secure at this time.
Matt: Oh, another place? Which one do you have in mind?
James: We will go and hold our meeting tomorrow morning at nine o'clock at the Owl House.
Matt: Aha.
Rob: Do Luz and Eda know about that?
James: No, I'll call Luz today and tell about our case. Moriarty knows our current hiding place, but he can't possibly think we're meeting at a criminal witch's house. And also we have Hooty on our side.
Rob: Aha
James: We're not going with Matt's car. And we have to be careful not to be followed.
Matt: Sure.
James: Until then, I will try to call Luz from a secure scroll. And still call in Stomachtroit.
Matt: Mhm, and what is a "safe scroll"?
James: I'll explain that to you tomorrow. Right now, I'm going to take care of Mom. So, take care of yourselves.
Rob: I'm gonna help you, James.
Matt: Yes, I'm must go now to a Grudby Training.
Rob: Yes, have fun. Take care!
Matt: I try to have fun, but with Boscha ehhh. Oh, so late already. I have to hurry.
James: See you later!
Matt ran out of the junkyard down the street. The road in the forest, he went towards Hexside, when then suddenly two Abonimation Cars stop in front of Matt. Two male witches got out and went towards Matt.
Matt: What do they want?
They went to Matt and grabbed him.
Matt: [screaming] Stop. Stop, don't! Don't!
The one got a potion, and drops it on a rag, and pressed that on Matt's mouth. Then he lost consciousness.
XXX
When Rob arrived at the Owl House promptly at nine o'clock the next morning, Luz welcomed him and took him to the living room where James and Matt were already impatiently waiting for him on the couch.
Luz: So have fun with your new case guys! And please do not die.
King: Hey you! I have a case for you. François wants to murder me protect me!
James: W-what? I am very sorry, but we will not solve a case that is not a case. We are busy with a special case here right now
King: Yeah, yeah you just don't have enough brain!
James: That's naughty. little dog.
King: DOG?!
Luz: Okay thats enough King, come with me in the kitchen… good luck guys. Edaaaaa!
Luz disappeared from the living room, and things got serious again.
Rob: Oh man, this little one is really cute.
Matt: Yes, he is, but it doesn't matter now. We have a lot to tell you.
Rob: Yeah, then tell.
Matt: I was followed by a car very close to the junkyard last night.
Rob: Aha.
Matt: Two masked witches stopped me and then drugged me with a potion.
James: Hm.
Rob: What?!
Matt: Yeah. A little later I woke up in the same place.
Rob: What? Well, they probably planted a bug on you. Or a message.
Matt: No, there was nothing there. I searched all my things thoroughly, several times.
Rob: That's strange. It doesn't make any sense at all. So, what do you have to report, James?
James I called Coven Chief Napkins last night from a scroll cell and asked for his help.
Rob: Help? I see. What kind?
James: Have him call Stomachtroit for us and inquire about this missing Lester Price.
Rob: Well, that's an excellent idea, James. And? Will that make Napkins for us?
James: Yes. At least in terms of research. He will come to us today at sixteen o'clock in the junkyard.
Matt: Tell me, isn't that a little dangerous?
James: I think Napkins will come up with something.
Rob: Uh, do you guys mind if I present my research findings? [rummages]
James: And?
Rob: So, as Professor Heathcliff explained to us yesterday, there is, uh, a shortcut for every Sherlock Holmes story.
James: Yeah.
Matt: Hm.
Rob: So, for example, "Abbey Grange" become and "Wisteria Lodge" W I ST. "Wisteria Lodge" W I ST.
James: Aha.
Matt: And, what help is this knowlegde?
Rob: Take a look at W's message, friends. Here, Yes. W. writes: "...between CARD and COPP, on the whole, the last one gives you the clue."
Matt: Oh…
James: You mean that with the abbreviations for the Holmes titles is the solution to CARD and COPP?
Rob: I'm quite sure of that. CARD, yes, stands for the case "The Cardboard Box" and COPP, that's the abbreviation for "The Copper Beeches". And between CARD and COPP there is another case, namely CHAS - "Charles August Milvert".
Matt: Hm…
James: The title is a name.
Rob: Quite right. And yet W. writes: "The right name is program." He also writes that "the last one gives the clue."
James: Yeah.
Rob: Either he means the last letter or he means the last name.
Matt: Yeah, yeah, yeah.
James: So just "M" or "Milverton". But I rather assume the name. Because then we have ideally a city and a name. Then the rest of the message could refer to a street and a house number.
Matt: Yes, exactly! W. gives his friend a hint on how to find him.
Rob: I know the story by Charles August Milverton.
James And?
Rob: The case revolves around a blackmailer who is eventually murdered by one of his victims. Incidentally, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle used a real-life blackmailer of the time as a model for the character of Milverton.
James: Uh, let me think for a second, brothers.
Rob: Mhm.
James: So W. names Bonesborough and Milverton in his letter. And then he talks about a way...
Rob: "Think of the long way," if I may quote that.
Matt: Huh, yeah, yeah, but what's with "the woman of the heart" and "the language of Watson"?
Rob: Yes, this could be a girlfriend of the real recipient.
James: Or, again, it's a person from the Sherlock Holmes stories.
Rob: Yes, well, Sherlock Holmes was single all his life, but he had an antagonist who at least impressed him a lot. Her name was "Irene Adler." Holmes adored her because she was the only woman who could ever defeat him.
Matt: [teasing] Hmm... I guess every master detective falls for an "Irene Adler" at some point in their career, right?
Rob: (laughing) Exactly!
James: But, if the letter writer does indeed mean Irene Adler, that is not yet an indication of a street. At least I am not aware that there is an Irene Adler street in Bonesborough.
Matt: Yes. There's also the matter of Watson.
James: Hm... Wait a minute. The language of Holmes is English.
Rob: Yeah.
James: Irene is a given name that also occurs in English, but possibly "Adler" has a special meaning.
Rob: Yes, there was also something about this in an essay by Professor Heathcliff. And it's here... [clears throat] although Irene Adler is an American, her name is supposed to be German, so [pronounces German] Adler, yes? And "Adler" translates to "eagle."
Matt: Eagle…
Rob: Yes.
Matt: Eagle, that could be Eagle Street in Bonesborough. Well, that's a really long way, because Eagle Street runs for several blocks.
James: Yes, but that must be the solution.
Rob: Then we now have the complete address. Mr. Milverton on Eagle Street in Bonesborough
James: Uh, not quite yet. The house number is missing.
Rob: Yes, that will probably be part of the riddle then, um, wait a minute, the riddle, the riddle, the riddle... Here: "But first think of our crazy beginning. Not the day nor the moon will tell you. Think further. But do not forget, you need only three. The infinity stands, but it does not help you."
James: Hm... I, uh... I could imagine that you need a date for the solution. Just the date of the crazy beginning and from that you have to cross out all digits except three. Then you have the house number where Milverton lives.
Rob: According to the text, you can cross out the day and the... the moon as well... hm... yes.
Matt: Hm... Is that... is this perhaps an allusion to "month"? Well, because you can also say moon to month.
Rob: Yeah, yeah. Then the day and month are omitted. Only one year remains, four digits. If one refers to Holmes, the year 1881 could be meant. That's when Holmes and Watson met.
James: Well, but it could also have been 1854, the year Holmes was born. I only wonder why W. speaks here of a "crazy beginning".
Rob: Hm... I wonder what the "Infinity stands" is all about.
James: Hmm... If you turn the number eight by ninety degrees so that it lies, it is the mathematical symbol for infinity.
Rob: Yeah.
James: W. writes: "Infinity stands... ...but it doesn't help you." I think that we can therefore delete the eight.
Rob: Yes, but which of the many eights should we delete, James? One of the ones from 1881 or the one from 1854.
Matt: Yes. Exactly.
Rob: And who knows how many other Holmes beginnings there are. We'll never find Milverton like this.
James: Yes, you can find a house number in another way. For what are Scroll books existing?
Matt: Does it have one here? I mean who still uses a scroll book. Eda certainly doesn't.
Rob: (laughs)
Matt: We can research that in an Internet café.
Rob: Great idea.
Matt: And if there's anyone by the name of Milverton on Eagle Street, let's ask him what this is all about, shall we? By the way, I borrowed a friend's Abonimation car. We can drive into town undetected.
Suddenly they saw the whole Owl Family standing by the door to the kitchen. Eda with a cup of Apple Blood, Luz and King. All three were listening to the Mystery Trio.
Eda: You were right Luz, they are really good. They are more competent than the coven.
Luz: Sorry, but we were listening. And we were all amazed by your detective work.
King: You guys are to dangerous to be alive!
James: Um yeah thanks, but we gotta go! (whispering) Come on guys!
Luz: Bye Guys!
XXX
In an Internet cafe in Bonesborough, the Mystery Trio actually found what they were looking for. There was a Jamie Milverton listed at 162 Eagle Street. A short time later James, Rob and Matt stood in front of the house and rang the doorbell.
Rob: Quite an old house. The garden is overgrown and the paint is peeling from the porch.
James: Yes, but we're in the right place. Milverton is on the doorbell.
Matt: Yeah, but no one opens. And now?
A neighbor went to the three detectives.
Neighbor: What do you three want from Jamie?
James: [in a firm voice] Um, we were going to visit a friend who lives here, madame.
Neighbor: No one lives with Jamie. He moved into a housing complex for seniors a few weeks ago and now wants to sell the house.
Rob: Aha.
James: And the house is not sublet?
Neighbor: No, I would know. The day before yesterday I was cleaning for Jamie. The house should at least be in good condition inside when the realtor comes with the prospective buyers.
James: Strange. We were so sure that our friend lives here.
Neighbor: There really is no one in or out here. I would notice that after all.
Rob: Yes, then I think we were mistaken, madame. Thank you.
Neighbor: Well. Your friend will have given you the wrong address.
James: Well, let's go again, brothers. Yes, and thanks for the information.
Neighbor: No problem.
The neighbor walked back to her house, across the street in front of the Milverton house
James: There is only one Milverton on Eagle Street and then it is the wrong house.
Matt: Or he secretly lives in the basement and the neighbor did not notice.
James: Well, she didn't look like she didn't notice anything, on the contrary.
Rob: So, I'm afraid now we'll have to solve this riddle with the year after all.
James: Even a good detective must except failures.
The mystery trio got into Matt's friend's car afterwards and drove off.
James: So.
Rob: So, where do we go now?
Matt: Hm. How about I drive you to somewhere a little nicer? Like to the mall with our friends, or the Market, or... - [dejectedly] Oh, no.
Rob: Whats wrong, Matt?
Matt: Do not turn around! We are being followed.
Rob: [horrified] What?
Matt: And the sight of the car looks very familiar. Those are the two bastards who drugged me yesterday.
James: Then we drive straight to the junkyard. After all, we still have an appointment.
XXX
When the mystery trio reached the junkyard with the car, the pursuers turned and drove away. The three got out of the car and walked in the yard. Towards the house
Matt: Oh, I don't understand it. First they attach themselves to our verses and then they just go.
Rob: Hm…
James: They lull themselves into a sense of security, Matt and, and assume that they can eavesdrop on our every word via the bugs here.
Rob: Ah there comes mum out of the house.
James: Uh, Mom, is there any news from Dad yet?
Maria: [Desperately] Hach, the lawyer said it wouldn't look good. Now we have no choice but to wait.
Matt: I'm really worried about Dad.
Maria: Me to, sweetheart.
James: [reassuringly] As soon as the Golden Guard is back from vacation, he'll take care of Dad and, and then he'll be released quickly, I'm sure.
Rob: I think so too.
Maria: Oh, I hope so. So, I don't even know how we're going to do the junkyard without him.
James: Oh, we are here now. We gonna take care.
Maria: [depressed] Yeah…
James: I suggest you lie down on the couch for an hour and we'll take over for the time the junkyard.
Matt: Yeah.
Maria: Oh, yeah. Oh, that might be a good idea. Yes, thank you. And see you later.
James: Yes.
Mystery Trio: See you later!
Maria went into the house to get some rest.
Rob: [quietly] Say, James, did you forget we have a case?
James: [softly] Not at all, Rob. But I thought it best to let our mom disappear from the scene. Look who's coming up the road!
Rob: You mean the guy with the shorts, the colorful shirt and the banshees cap?
James: Yeahy
Rob: [dumbfounded] Bu... but that's... but that's...
Matt: [surprised] Coven Chief Napkins.
Napkins walked into the junkyard and walks toward the three boys.
Napkins: Um, am I in the right place, at the Utility Center ?
James: Sure thing, sir.
Napkins: I... [clears throat] urgently need a flower vase. It's supposed to be a gift for a friend. Uh, can you maybe help me with that?
James: Oh, but of course, sir. If you would come with me, please?
They walked to the workshop.
James: There. I think you'll like this one.
Napkins: Oh, yes, yes, yes, it's really very beautiful. How much is the noble thing?
James: For you, only five snails.
Napkins: Deal!
Napkins gave James five snails.
James: Do you still want me to wrap it?
Napkins: No, no, no, don't bother, young witchling. I'll take them like this. So, thank you very much and have a nice day.
James: Good bye.
Matt: Have a nice day!
Rob: Good bye!
Napkins: Byeee
When Napkins had left the premises, James pretended to make a conscientious note of the new income in the cash book. In reality, however, he read the message that the chief had inconspicuously slid across the counter.
Napkins: Dear James, As promised, I called Stomachtroit today and made some inquiries. Lester Price was indeed a student at a university. During the semester breaks, he supplemented his snails with small detective jobs. Then, six weeks ago, he disappeared without a trace. His friends said that he had been acting strangely shortly before. He seemed nervous. When a fellow student went to visit him, his room was empty. No one could explain what had happened. Looking at the facts, I think Lester Price must have observed something that got him into trouble. It must have been serious enough to make him give up his whole previous life. Should you find Price, you could put him and yourselves in big danger. Please be careful. -Napkins
James closed the letter and looked shocked.
James: [horrified] Oh... Oh man!
Matt: Are you okay, James?
James: I give you the afternoon off. Meet with friends and have fun. I need time for myself.
Matt: But you can't. We have to solve the case, for Mom.
James: Yes, yes, I can, I... I want to think in peace.
Rob: But we have to do something!
James: You guys want to help? You can go through all the data related to Sherlock Holmes cases and a beginning.
Matt: Yes, and then what?
James: I can't be more specific. Please, leave me alone, I'm going to my room.
Rob: All right. Come, Matt.
Matt: Hmm, well then. Good. See you later, James.
James: Yeah…
Late that evening, James was still engrossed in Professor Heathcliff's papers in his room. His two brothers were already asleep. Just now he read the information about the case "Charles August Milverton".
James: (reading) The art dealer Charles August Howell served as a model for Doyle's Milverton. Just like the literary character, the real-life Howell is also a blackmailer. - [talking quietly to himself] What was that again? Lester Price had written, "The real name is program." By that he could only have meant the real name of Charles August Milverton. Someone familiar with the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle must know that the real name of the Milverton character is Howell.
James was annoyed that he couldn't go online so easily. He had secured the Crystal Ball, but it could well be that Moriarty had sent specialists after him. Therefore, there was only one solution. He slipped out of the house to an old shack that stood behind the junkyard. In it he had hidden his secret, an Abonimation motorcycle. James had bought it a short time ago, but Maria had immediately forbidden him to ride it because she didn't trust the rickety vehicle. Nobody except him knew that it was still there. Probably not even Moriarty. James pushed the machine out of the shed, sped off and headed for the nearest Internet cafe. James was in an internet cafe, at a Crystal Ball
James: [quietly to himself] Like this. [keystrokes] First, the white pages. Oh... Speed it up! Come on! Oh, finally. Yeah, man! There he is. Edward Howell. 199 Eagle Street, Bonesborough. [still quietly, gleefully] There you go! I'll get on that student's nerves immediately!
XXX
From the cafe it was not far to Eagle Street. It didn't take James ten minutes to stop in front of a small house. [Motorcycle stops] There was a light on in the house. Instead of ringing the doorbell, the first detective walked around the house. He first wanted to get an overview and later through a window. Suddenly, he heard a noise behind him. He turned around and got a thick book from an unknown person against his head. James fell and lost consciousness. A while later, James woke up on a couch. His head ached and in front of him stood a young witch, he had black hair and was thin, he also had red eyes, he had a thick book in his hand and looked nervous.
James: [groaning] Ohh... My head...
Lester Price: (angry) Hey! Hey! What were you doing in my garden? Come on, talk!
James: Oah... Let me... just... stand up. [gasping] Geez... I, uh... I... I wanted to see you...
Lester: Huh?
James: You're Lester Price, right? And, hey, would you mind putting that book down? The Stomachtroit Encyclopedia of British and Witch Literary History Volume Eight... Heavy reading material. It really blew me away.
Lester: What, what, what do you want from me?
James: Take it easy. My brothers and I run a detective agency. Just recently we solved a case and angered the head of a crime syndicate, of all people. He put pressure on us and gave us an assignment.
Lester: Oh, let me guess - you should find me!
James: Exactly.
Lester: Oh shit!
James: The crime boss's men intercepted the note you wrote to your friend. They knew the trail led to Bonesborough, but that's as far as they got, and that's where we came in.
Lester: [loud] Oh, great! They've been monitoring you with bugs and trackers the whole time. And in five minutes, they're gonna be here and they're gonna fuck us both up!
James: No, no, no, no, I... I wasn't followed and... and there's no tracker either. I, I searched all my stuff and I searched it thoroughly.
Lester: Searched thoroughly?
James: Yes!
Lester: In Stomachtroit, they implanted a tracker in a witch's arm.
James: [shocked whisper] What?
Lester: That was very quick. Implanted. And they already knew where he was staying.
James: [tries to reassure] Oh, I'm not a amateur.
Lester: Oh... hach... wait a minute, wait a minute. I'd better call Coven Service anyway, OK?
James: Wait, wait, wait, the Boiling Isles Coven Service? So you didn't escape from Stomachtroit on your own, but with the help of a Coven witness protection program?
Lester: Yes. Yes, it is. I did some investigating during the semester break. Uh, harmless stuff.
James: Yeah?
Lester: I should pursue a husband to check whether he was not cheating to his wife. And he was not.
James: But?
Lester: Instead, he had dirt on him elsewhere. He worked for George Damian, Luca Postelli, a Stomachtroit underworld boss.
James: Aha.
Lester: And instead of tell to the coven, I kept investigating. But then I was busted.
James: And after that, you approached the coven officials in charge of secret witness protection programs and promised to testify against this Luca Postelli if they would keep you safe in return.
Lester: Yes, yes, it was like that.
James: Aha…
Lester: I had to leave Stomachtroit immediately, got a new name an ID and a new address.
James: Oh, as far as I know, the witness protection program prohibits you from giving out your new address.
Lester: Yeah.
James: But you left a coded message for your friend in the University.
Lester: Sherlock Holmes is not just a friend, but my boyfriend.
James: Aha…
Lester: I didn't have a chance to say goodbye to him because he was on a study trip when it all happened.
James: Ah... big mistake. He never got the message. Instead, the underworld of Bonesborough is after you.
Lester: I know. I am in the worst place to hide right now.
James: What do you mean?
Lester: I, uh, I... I, I was in a pub the other day.
James: Yeah
Lester: A crystal ball hung above the counter. And there was a program about Palismen sports. And that's when I saw him.
James: Who?
Lester: A man who did business with Luca Postelli in Stomachtroit.
James: Aha.
Lester: As far as I know, he's the big boss.
James: Oh…
Lester: My investigation revealed that he is not from Stomachtroit, but I had no idea he lived in Bonesborough of all places.
James: Do you know his name?
Lester: No. No, Luca Postelli always called him just "The Dagger".
James: The Dagger…
Lester: It's like he's not allowed to say the name himself. All I know is that it has to do with horse racing and palismen racing and he is not from Stomachtroit.
James: And what does he look like?
Lester: He is i think in his mid-60s, has gray hair and is in a wheelchair.
James: I wouldn't be surprised if our Moriarty and Luca Postelli's dubious business partner, "The Dagger" is one and the same person. The stamp with the racehorse already speaks for it.
Lester: Moriarty?
James: Mhm.
Lester: But not the one, the opponent of Sherlock Holmes?
James: Whoever he is - this Witch wants to prevent you from testifying against him.
Lester: I am going to talk to Coven Service tonight. With luck, they'll get me to another city by the fastest route. And you should also get to safety quickly before he eliminates you and your brothers!
James: I will do that. I do have one question, though. What year are you referring to in your message to Holmes? That was the only thing we couldn't figure out.
Lester: Well, to the year when my boyfriend and I solved our first case together. We were still kids back then and felt like real master detectives. Just like our great role model Sherlock Holmes.
James: (laughs) Yes, of course we couldn't know that.
XXX
At five in the morning, James woke Rob and Matt from their beds and instructed them to come with him immediately. Half an hour later, his brothers were standing on the porch. Both looked quite sleepy.
Matt: [yawns] Uh, James. I thought it was a joke at first when you stormed into my room and waked me up.
Maria: Well, you three? What are you up to so early in the morning?
Rob: Yes, I would also like to know.
James: Oh, Mom, I promised... I promised Matt the other day that I would cut his hair and...
Maria: What?
James: ... now we finally have time to do so.
Matt: Hm...
James: Come, brothers. Now it's time for hairdressing.
Maria: [laughs] Oh, you three...
Maria went back to the house and the Mystery Trio to the workshop.
Rob: [confused] Oh, what, what, what?
James: So. Uh, want music?
James went to the human radio on the table and turned on music. James then picked up a knife and tweezers.
Rob: Tell me, James, what are you doing?
James: Well...
Rob: Why do you need that, the knife, the, these tweezers there and the... the patches?
James: Matt– When you were drugged the other day, you probably had a tracker implanted in you.
Matt: What?
James: Go ahead, take off your T-shirt.
Matt: [restless] You... you're joking, aren't you? Well, if you want to...
Matt takes off his T-shirt
James: Let's see. Ah... There, on the right shoulder.
Rob: Oh my Titan!
James: A small wound, hardly larger than an insect bite.
Matt: Right...
Rob: Oh shame. That's why they found us so easily in Bonesborough...
James: Exactly.
Rob: ... they were Matt's trackers on the verses all the time, that can`t be!
Matt: Once again I got this misfortune.
James: Mhm. We all had misfortune when we solved this case with the construction plans. Otherwise Moriarty would never have become aware of us.
Matt: But it has to be my shoulder.
James: By the way, I solved the Riddle last night and paid Lester Price a visit.
Rob: Huh?
Matt: What?
James: Lester Price is in a witness protection program because he testifies against a Stomachtroit gangster boss, who in turn works for our Moriarty of all people. No wonder Moriarty wants to eliminate Price.
Rob: Well. So then we can't just give him Price's address, that would be his death sentence.
Matt: Hm, we have no choice but to go into a witness protection program ourselves. Or to get Moriarty.
James: I'll try. Are you with me?
Matt: Sure.
Rob: Sure. So, James. And now?
James: Now we take care of the tracker. Sit down, Matt!
Matt: [frightened] Uh... I... I'm scared, James. That... that certainly hurts terribly!
James: Here, bite in this wooden spoon and think of something beautiful.
Matt: Aha... Ah! Careful! Caution!
James got to Matt's shoulder, he stabbed the knife in the flesh, but with the finest caution. Matt had pulled the wooden spoon out of his mouth again.
James: Wait a minute...
Rob: Ouch...! Oh... that...
Matt: Aahh...!
It took ten minutes for James to hold out the tweezers to his brothers. A small, black object jammed between the grippers.
James: Congratulations. It's a tracker.
Matt: Oh...
Rob laughs.
Matt: [facilitated] I will call him Edward.
James put a plaster on Matt's wound.
James: Now Moriarty can no longer locate us. So we can take a close look at this guy without a warning.
Rob: Do you have any idea where he lives?
James: Yeah. I researched this right after my visit to Lester Price in the Internet café.
Rob: Aha.
James: The main suspect is called Grey, breeds racehorses and palismens, he has been in a wheelchair since a riding accident.
Matt: And how do we proceed?
James: First of all, I call Napkins and tell him that we have more interesting vases for him, which he absolutely has to look at here.
Rob: And why do you actually order him to the junkyard, James?
James: Mom will secretly hand him a letter from us.
Rob: Aha.
Matt: Hm. And what does the letter say?
James: I'll explain this to you on the way to Mr. Grey, brothers. Come on.
Rob and Matt: Alright.
XXX
When the taxi driver dropped the three detectives off at the gate of Mr. Grey's property in the morning and they got out, they were visibly impressed.
Matt: Ohah. The guy must have much snails. One might assume that a lord lives here.
Rob: Yeah.
James: Mhm. I am not intimidated by this. All ready, Rob? Did you turn on the watch I gave you?
Rob: Yes. Yes, yes, everything ready.
James: All right, Rob. From now on, we will record every word.
Rob: Yeah.
The mystery trio went to the front door of the manor. They rang the bell and a butler opened it.
Butler: [noble] Yes, please?
James: Um, we want to visit Mr Grey.
Butler: Do you have an appointment?
James: Not yet, but I'm sure Mr Grey has an interest in receiving us. Here is our card.
Butler: Detektives... Hm. Then please enter.
Matt: Thank you.
Rob: Thanks.
Butler: Along here, please.
The three followed the butler through the big house. They then stood in front of a door. The butler knocked at the door.
Grey: [behind the door] Come in.
The four went to Grey's study room. And saw a slightly older man on a wheelchair.
Butler: Sir, here are three detectives you want to speak.
Grey: Ah, the gentlemen detectives. Come closer.
Grey sat behind a desk, the three came closer but they didn't sit down.
James: Good afternoon, Mr Grey. Or would you prefer me to talk to you as Mr Moriarty?
Grey: Grey, Moriarty, Mr Dagger, it doesn`t really matter. Well, you'll surely know where Lester Price is right now. And you will tell me.
James: I wouldn't assume that, sir. I have come here to ask you to clarify the matter with my father. I also want my participation in the race to be cancelled.
Grey: Yes, I am happy to undo everything. But of course not without a small consideration. [demanding] The address of Lester Price.
James: I already said that I would not betray Price. And I know you play an important role in the Bonesborough underworld.
Grey: Well, you have something I want. And you want your life to go back to normal. That is why I will make you an offer. Compete in a duel against me. If you win, your father will be released. If I win, please provide me with the address immediately.
James: How do you come to the conclusion that I could go into such a game?
Rob: Yeah!
Grey: Because it's not a game, but my full seriousness. Not to say deadly serious.
Rob: What?
Grey: The only choice I leave you is that of the weapons.
Matt and Rob are frightened
James: The only weapon I use is my mind.
Grey: I was expecting this answer. With pleasure I will play the duel on the intellectual level.
Grey took a handbell and let it ring.
Butler: Your wish, sir?
Grey: Get Rodrigez and his men. The three gentlemen here and I have a small argument that we will have in the garden.
Butler: Alright, sir.
Grey: And you follow me, please.
Grey cycled outside with the wheelchair with the Mystery Trio. The garden was huge. They saw a fake waterfall with a bridge. There was a table in front of the bridge.
Grey: As a true Sherlock Holmes, you should like this gigantic waterfall. From the granite boulders, the not boiling water plunges ten meters into the depths. I can control this with a pump. Especially for you I have the strongest flow degree set.
Matt: (ironic) Very impressive.
Grey: The old bridge is a gem, but unfortunately rotten. But now to you, Holmes. If you got into a situation where they could only save one of your Watsons, who would you choose?
James: I would try to save both.
Grey: And if that were impossible? Whose lives would you save? I'm waiting, Holmes. Don't change my mind, kid.
James: I can't decide that.
Grey: Make a judgment, or I'll let both eliminate.
James: [hesitates shocked] Matt... I, I would save Matt.
Rob: Well, thank you.
Grey: Well wonderful. So if you're ready to save Matt, surely will do the same for you. So, if I could ask Matt Jones to take a seat at this chess table?
Matt: [horrified] I should play chess?
Rob: [quiet] Oh, damn, James! If only you had called me!
James: [surprised] Uh... I thought I was playing against you and you were playing against me!
Grey: [laughs] That would be too easy. No. Michael Kowalski, one of my employees. He is an excellent chess player. He will represent me worthily in this game. [calls] Michael!
Michael: I´m here, Mr Grey.
Grey: Excellent, Kowalski. Please sit down with the young gentleman at the chess table.
Michael: Alright.
Grey: The players have taken their positions. But now to the actual part. [calls] Jack, come here!
[Steps on gravel]
Jack: Yes, sir?
Grey: This is Jack. Also an employee. He has neglected his tasks lately.
Jack: [shocked] I... I am sorry! It will never happen again, really!
Grey: Place him at the beginning of the bridge and tie his hands. He will compete for black.
Jack: [anxious] No! [pleading] No, sir, no! Please! I... I do everything you want!
Grey: If you, Mr Holmes, would please go to the other side of the bridge? [demanding] Tie his hands too!
Grey's men tied Jack up and then took James to the other side of the bridge. They also tied him up.
Rob: What is that supposed to be?
Grey: A duel. The rules are simple. Each chess piece gets a value, for which the loser of the respective chess move must take a certain number of steps on the bridge.
Rob: But it's totally rotten! When it breaks, James and Jack fall over the edge down the waterfall and crash down on the rocks!
Grey: If you would please start playing now. [rings again with handbell] May the better one win!
The players started, with the chess game, the Mystery Trio clearly nervous.
Rob: [quiet] Matt moves the white farmer... Kowalski pulls with black. Matt pushes another farmer... He is beaten by Kowalski...
Grey: A farmer goes out. Zero points. White is allowed to stand still.
The second detective trembled. Why hadn't James chosen Rob? Rob was better at chess and smarter. But after a few moves, Matt had caught Kowalski's runner. A lucky coincidence.
Grey: One runner, two points. Black takes two steps. [calls] Go ahead, Jack! Two steps! Nice and slow!
The first detective stood rooted on his side of the bridge. If he continues to tremble like this, Jack would be able to stay on the rotten boards much longer than he does. At that moment, Matt's tower was beaten.
Grey: White Tower. Two points. [calling] Two steps for white! Dare to do it, Holmes!
Rob: [quiet] Oh no! James! The bridge must hold him!
Grey: And now black lady out. Four points. [calls] Black takes four steps.
Jack: No! I'm not going. Never!
Grey: Oh yes. They leave. Or should I let you killed?
Suddenly, all the employees saw how, many coven guards with their staffs flying towards the big house. And also several abonimation cars.
Rob: [quiet] The Emperor's Coven. [calling] Now the game is over!
Greys Men: [startled] Damn, the covens, folks! RUN!
Employee: Come on! Come on!
It was as if someone had flipped a switch. One of the men immediately fled. Kowalski had also jumped up, so that the chess table tipped over. Jack took advantage of this turmoil, who fled with a jump to the solid ground. He knocked Mr Grey over in his wheelchair, and in the next second, where the bridge had previously stood, there was only an abyss of roaring masses of water. The bridge collapses crashing and plunges into the loud rushing waterfall. The planks, the wheelchair, Grey and James, they were no longer there. The waterfall had swallowed his victims.
Rob: [calling] James! [frightened] Oh no. He does not reappear.
Matt: [almost cries] I can't watch it.
Napkins: All right, the three of you? We listened to everything about Rob's wristwatch. And the tracker contained in it also worked perfectly. Where is James?
Rob: [distraught, with a tearful voice] He... He... Call the Healing Coven immediately, sir. And send your men to the waterfall.
In the water, James suddenly came up again. He tried to get to the shore. When a hand with a dagger appeared behind him, it was Grey.
Grey: My dagger! Boy. I cut your shackles! Save me! Take me to the shore. I can't do it alone!
Grey cut James' shackles when James was free. He took Grey and swam to the shore as best he could. James arrived on the shore with Grey and saw Matt and Rob with Napkins and other coven guards. Came to him.
Matt: There!
Rob: Yeah!
Matt: James! You are alive!
Rob: James!
Matt: He... He pulls Grey to the shore. Come on guys!
Grey: Thank you, boy.
James: [panting exhausted] Well, Mr. Grey. The duel is then probably over. Jack will certainly testify against you and so will Lester Price. I think you will be sued even without our intervention, sir.
Grey: My lawyers will defend me well. I'll be free soon, Holmes.
James: Will you then tell the coven that you falsely accused my father of fencing?
Grey: Yes, I will. Because you just saved my life, Holmes. You wouldn't have had to do that. And i`m thankful for that. And I will also undo the race.
James: Promise?
Grey: Yes. And I never break my word. I have my principles. Maybe at some point I will come to you with a new case. Your detective agency is really promising.
Napkins: I think that's enough. Steve? – Arrest and take him away!
Steve: Alright, come with me now!
Grey: Then you probably have to recover my wheelchair from the floods first. [laughs]
Matt: [facilitated] Oh man. James!
Rob: James!
Matt: And we thought we had lost you forever.
Rob: Yeah.
James: I'm just like Holmes, Matt. I keep coming back.
Mystery Trio: (laughs)
End of Episode 7!
Oh man that used to be an intense episode! I definitely had the most fun writing on this episode! And who knows maybe this won't be the last time we hear about Grey. Write me a review! And until the next episode!