Chapter 5: First Sign

December 19, 1898

For the past three days, it had only been Mrs Judson and I most of the time while Basil and Dr Dawson were assisting Scotland Yard with some double homicide just outside of London. From what I could recollect overhearing, it seemed that a small magic shop had been broken into the night before I came. Two mice, supposedly husband and wife, were found brutally beaten and shot at point blank range. The husband was bound to a wooden post, while the wife was on the floor four feet away from him.

"Three books and other miscellaneous items were taken. But no money or any personal items such as jewellery and such were missing," a one Inspector Vole had addressed to them as they all headed out the door.

"It's a shame, isn't it?" the landlady questioned painfully, handing me the morning paper. "Two ordinary citizens simply trying to get ahead in this world murdered all because some wicked individuals who wanted to play with silly magic tricks."

"Indeed it is," I replied as I carefully looked over the article once more. "But at least they caught the fiends that murdered them." Mrs Judson nodded in agreement while I continued glancing over the main story, each detail intriguing me more and more. But at the same time, it made me wonder.

It was moments later when our cab reached Baker Street, and for the time being, I decided to put the subject on hold. Hopping off, we scurried to the safety of the flat before any human spotted us.

"Why don't you head on up, dear. I'll come up to help you in just a moment," Mrs Judson said as she headed into the kitchen.

By this time, I had now been moved into my own room right down the hall from Basil's. It was a bit smaller than his own, but still a decent size nonetheless, and thankfully not as cluttered. As long as it contained the basic things a bedroom should possess, then I had no complaints. I was also very thankful that Mrs Judson allowed me to remain at 221B, but I knew such things did not come free. At least, this was my assumption. Since I had no money, I did all I could to help the kind woman around the flat, especially since I knew that her eccentric tenant was a messy one.

Carefully placing the few new dresses I had obtained at the end of the bed, I sat on the top edge while looking over the very same article. "This can't have anything to do with...," I began before remembering precisely what Inspector Vole had told Basil. "The three books. I remember him saying three books were taken. And what were the other items that were stolen?"

"The books were for specific types of spells, and the random items were obviously things that were needed for said spells," a familiar voice quickly answered as he stood, leaning against the open door. "Rubbish if you ask me."

For some reason, his comment hurt me wholly. "It isn't when two lives have been lost," I snapped harshly, not really thinking of the consequences of such a response. But as expected, my statement did not do anything for the detective continued staring at me, obviously waiting for more. "What were the books of?"

"One was for teleportation and the other was transformation."

"And the other?" I quickly asked. "Vole said there were three missing."

"Hmm, you do know that it is impolite to eavesdrop on conversations that do not involve you, correct? But you should also know that if one plans to succeed in such an act, it's best to not be seen. So next time, I would try to remain upstairs. That way your feet cannot be seen." Though I knew this, I honestly did not care, and made sure he very well knew just that as I waited impatiently for his response. "Unknown," he continued. "It was not on their inventory list, so that shows that it was kept off the floor. That book obviously contains spells that no one should mess with."

"But how could they have known about it if it was not seen? And if it was not seen, then how did you know there was another book stolen?"

"Behind the counter, there was a small door that was broken into that contained several large volumes, all untitled, but it was clear that one was missing. It makes you wonder, if these certain volumes were not for sale, why they would have them so close to where someone could possibly find them. Why not keep them locked away on the second floor? Anyway, they also had two other employees. Perhaps one, or even both knew about the book and informed them-"

"So, you think they are associated with whoever is pulling the strings?"

"It is a possibility, but Lord only knows what they were planning to do...if they succeeded of course. Come to think about it, why do you seem so concerned about this? Do you happen to know something I don't?"

"N-no, no, I don't know anything. It's just, I'm as curious about all of this as you are." I knew Basil quickly became suspicious judging by how he stepped towards me. At that moment, I had a strong feeling that I just stepped out of my safety zone, and crossed into dangerous territory that could possibly give myself away. Were woman of this century not supposed to be so inquisitive about something like this?

"Are you sure?" he questioned softly, kneeling in front of me. "Miss. Méndez, if you know more than you are allowing me to-"

"I swear I don't know anything. Besides, I don't believe in magic, but I do respect those that do."

"Do you?" the detective chuckled, rather amused by my response. Once more, this reaction got to me. Did he think that this was all a game?

"Yes, I do," I replied ruthlessly to let him know that my answers were indeed serious. "Though I do not agree with their approach, they obviously believed they had the power to do whatever they planned if they were willing, without any second thoughts, take that couple's lives. What amazes me more is that you, someone who protects and helps innocent lives, would take all of this as some kind of joke. It does not matter if you think magic is rubbish, as you clearly labelled it because nobody really gives a damn what you think!"

Finally seeing that this conversation was no laughing matter, he sighed in defeat as he nodded. "Right." Taking a seat beside me, he turned himself towards me. "You have a point."

I would admit, I was a bit surprised to hear such a thing, especially coming from Basil. One of the things both Mrs Judson and Dr. Dawson told me about this eccentric detective was that he always denied when he was proven wrong, most definitely if a woman proved him wrong. This also made me wonder if he was a misogynist. Then again, if he was, then he wouldn't have...we wouldn't have...Why did he almost kiss me? Since that day, I could never seem to get it out of my head. He was never one for romance as far as I knew. So, what was his game?

"Well, I best leave you," the detective suggested as he rose to his feet to leave.

Hearing a bit of what seemed like hurt in his voice, I suddenly felt guilty about what I had said as I too stood up. "Basil, I...I didn't mean what I said-"

"No, you were expressing how you felt, my dear. It is not a laughing matter and I should have been more careful in choosing my words. I should not have accused you for you have enough to worry about. I must remember that you are...not like other woman. It should not come as a surprise to me that you are keenly interested in all of this. So...I shall just take my leave."

Hesitating slightly, I stepped closer. "Was there something you wanted?" I asked hastily before he walked out the door.

"Pardon me?"

"I figured-Well, I thought, since you are here, that you wanted something. You couldn't have possibly come to check up on me."

"Oh, right, there was actually something I wanted to show you."

Curious, my brows rose in interest. "Really, what is it?"

"Come with me," he softly ordered, offering his hand. He smiled tenderly at my confused expression. "I can assure you it'll be worth your while." That seemed convincing enough as I allowed his to guide me down the hallway, but once I noticed that I was being lead towards his bedroom, I panicked and ripped my hand out of his grasp. "It is not what you think," he stated, sensing what I was thinking.

"How can I be sure of that?"

"All I ask is for you to trust me." This still did nothing to convince me otherwise as I stepped back. "All right, I'll say this. If I were to harm you in any way not only would Mrs Judson and Dawson give me hell, I would most likely be evicted from this flat in a forced manner and possibly arrested with no struggle on my part. But I can assure you that in reality, I would do you no harm, Miss Méndez."

"May I have you word on that?"

"As a gentleman." Leading me in, I once more became curious once he stopped me when we reached his closet. "Now, I must request that you close your eyes until I say otherwise and if you like you may sit down." Doing so, I waited on the edge of the bed as I began twiddling my fingers, listening to the sound of Basil's humming. After several more seconds had passed, I suddenly became anxious to see what it was, but for the detective's sake, I obeyed his simple request. "You may open them now," he said once the sound of the closet door was shut.

"Oh my...," I gasped in awe once I saw the gorgeous sight before me. It was an elegant gown, black with dark red in the midsection. It seemed to glisten as the sun light bounced off the sequence. "Oh, Basil! This is...Is this for-?"

"No, actually this is for a different occasion," he nervously replied as he placed the dress delicately on his bed. "Tonight at the Lyceum Theatre, they are performing Tchaikovsky, and I was wondering if you would like to accompany me."

For a brief moment, I was silent while I took in his request. "Will Dawson-"

"No, I was...ah...I was hoping it could be you and I. But I'm sure that I can procure another ticket if you'd feel more comfortable-"

"That's fine."

"You mean, you want him to-"

"No. I mean that it's fine with it being the two of us."

"Oh… well good." Clearing his throat nervously, the detective stood tall as he placed his hands behind him. "I shall ask for you to be ready by six."

"All right, and Basil, thank you."

"You're quite welcome," he kindly replied, placing a friendly hand on my shoulder. Feeling suddenly awkward, Basil quickly removed his hand and rubbed the back of his neck timidly. "I-I'll see to it that Mrs Judson hangs the dress in your room."

"No, I'll do it. It's no trouble at all." Carefully draping the elegant gown over my arm, I headed for the door, but stopped before I stepped out. "Again, thank you. Not just for this, but for everything you've done for me thus far." He nodded as he watched me head back to my own room. Sighing deeply, he carefully walked towards the door, leaning his ear against it as he waited to hear the sound of my door shut.

"I believe I should be thanking you, my dear," he whispered, heading back towards his closet in search for his own clothing, praying and hoping what he was doing was the right choice to make.