Chapter 8: Discoveries

December 23, 1898

Silence. That's all this flat lurked with all day. Complete silence. Once more Basil and Dr. Dawson were called to assist in another murder not far from this very flat. Being allowed to listen in on the conversation when Inspector Vole arrived, I soon learned that the horrid death was of a young teenage girl named Julia Lockhart. According to Vole, she was nothing but a homeless beggar that happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. The robbery most definitely occurred after working hours, but late enough to where there were no other witnesses besides the dead girl.

Vole began to explain that the robbery was a very strange one for nothing else was stolen. The only thing taken was a 20-karat gold engagement ring with a single amethyst stone placed perfectly in the middle. Just like with the robbery at the magic shop, it seems the crooks were only after something specific. To me, and possibly to Basil, there seemed to be some kind of connection. Though this morning's paper was coming up blank.

"So I guess this doesn't have anything to do with me," I said out loud while I scanned the article for a third time. Since the incident a couple days ago, I had a feeling the broken window was a message, though Basil assured Mrs. Judson and myself otherwise. I could tell there was more to what had happened than just that, for his eyes said more than what we were hearing. What else he was hiding, I didn't know for he never mentioned it again. Not in front of me at least. I even noticed that Dr. Dawson was acting rather strange as well. I've tried to ask him if what had happened was more serious than what we were told, but just like the detective, his answer turned out the same. Both he and Basil would constantly be scouting the area surrounding us like someone was watching over the place. They were even watching out for me as well. Since then, I was not allowed to go anywhere unless someone was with me at all times. If I were with Mrs. Judson, she had to make sure we only went out during the day.

As I looked over the words carefully, I began to wonder if this was just a copycat, and a picky one at that. Suddenly, I was pulled out of my thoughts when I heard a knock at the door. Waiting a bit, the rapid hits become forceful, like whoever was on the other side was impatient and not too happy.

"Okay, all right. Hold your horses, would you?" I mumbled when I walked up the short staircase to reach the door. When I opened it, I was baffled to see no one there. How could someone just suddenly vanish the second I open the door? Unless they were a magician (which I hardly doubted), this was a question I frankly could not answer. Suspicious, I stepped out, wrapping my shawl around me tighter while I looked around the area. There was no one. With the snow and the cold, no one (with the exception of Basil and Dr. Dawson) dared to be out here. Giving up, I went back inside, locking the door for safety measures.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry, dear," Mrs. Judson apologized as she stepped out from the kitchen. "I would have gotten it, but I was fighting with some of Mr. Basil's shirts. I think I have seen every single stain there is. Knowing that mouse, I'll probably discover more soon. Who was it?"

"Not sure. The moment I answered no one was there," I replied, still feeling a bit uneasy about it.

"Must have been a beggar," she assumed while she reached for her coat from the hook. "You see more of them around holidays. Poor dears. No place to go, hardly anything to eat." She sighed before focusing on me. "Well anyway, I'm off to the market. If you would like to come, you may."

"No, it's all right. I'd like to stay here," I kindly rejected.

"Are you certain? With everything that has occurred, I loathe the fact that you would be here by yourself, dear."

"I'll be fine," I assured her, thought I could see she was still worried.

"Well, all right. I shouldn't be long." Nodding, I made my way towards the staircase, while Mrs. Judson headed in the opposite direction. Before making my way up, I realized that I forgot the newspaper that I have left on the chair.

"Miss Méndez, there appears to be a letter for you," Mrs. Judson called out as I made my way back.

"From whom?" I asked; a bit puzzled from hearing this. Taking the letter, I began to examine it.

"I'm not sure, dear. There was no trace of a sender." My heart sank when hearing this. My eyes filled with fear as they remained glued to the seemingly harmless item in my trembling hand. I did my best to hide my emotion, but unfortunately, my terrified expression did not go unnoticed.

"Are you all right? You look as if you have seen a ghost." For the moment, I couldn't say a word. It almost seemed like something had taking my ability to do so. All I could do was gaze downward at the letter. "Miss Méndez?"

"Huh? O-oh, ah, I'm fine." I denied, and by the worried expression, I could see she didn't seem to buy it. "Honest. I think I'm just exhausted. Didn't sleep well last night. I'm just going to go rest for a while."

Without waiting for a reply and forgetting what I was doing before, I hastily ascended the stairs, rushing to my room, and locking the door with no second thought. For safety measures, I even locked the windows and draped the curtains so that the room was practically black, with the exception of the burning fire in the fireplace. I could feel my heart pounding in my head as I began to pace, wondering what I should do about the letter that I still held rather tightly in my hands. Should I just have it meets it's maker and toss it into the flames, never knowing what was said or man up and read it. While thinking about this, more questions came crashing down on me. What was in the letter? Was whatever was written attacking me personally or Basil? How did whomever send it know who I was? Did I have someone spying on me since I was first found? Or worse…

I finally made my decision. Taking a deep breath, I calmly sat on the bed, carefully opening the sealed envelope. God, did I regret making that move. Reading its contents, my eyes widened. I could feel the tears fall down my pale face. Wanting to look away, I couldn't detach my gaze from the letter.

Finally, I had enough. Crumbling it up and throwing it into the growing fire, I scooted as far away from the fireplace as I could. I watched the flames consume every last bit of the paper. Even after the letter had vanished, the words were still burned inside my mind. Though I did not know who had sent it, I could still hear a demonic voice reciting every single sentence with such cruelty.

"I know your secret. And soon, so shall he. So not to put too much pressure on your pretty little head, I would make your precious moments with your dear detective last. For both his and your life are numbered."

He cackled cheerfully, watching as she cried her heart broken self into a deep slumber. Turning away, the glowing image vanished. The sound of her sobs still echoed in his ears like a peaceful sonata. In his hand he held a delicate glass of the finest red wine, to which he happily sipped.

"The letter has been sent, sir," Hector proud fully announced as he stepped into the dimly lit room.

"Of course it has! And just as I had anticipated, my friendly note has damaged her fragile heart. Now she will live the rest of her days in self-betrayal. Even after I feel the gentle warmth of her beloved's blood on my own bare hands." Taking a final sip, he set the wine glass down just before he took a seat by the fire place.

"But, how are you going to apprehend the girl and the detective?"

"Simple, my dear Hector," his boss replied, setting his hand on the armrest. "We know on Christmas night, there is to be a little gathering on behalf of Lord and Lady Radford. Basil and his dear client shall too be attending. At a quarter to ten, he will escort Miss Méndez to the privacy of the rose garden. It will be there he will present her with a small token of his affection and admit his feelings for her."

"A-are you certain that he would do such a thing-?"

"Thanks to me, his love for the girl is strong. He would not dare waste another moment. So, when the time is right, I will announce the plan. Until then, relax."

"But…but sir!" You do not have much time to stall. It is already the day before Christmas Eve-"

"Oh, Hector, no need to fret." With an amusing smile, he continued. "There is still time. I will reveal all secrets when I feel the opportune hour had come. Now let me be. I wish to remain alone." With a swift motion, Hector scurried away for her knew the dire consequences if he did not obey his commands. "Revenge is going to be so delicious once that second rate pest's heart stops beating." Stepping into his living quarters, he chuckled lightly as he sat at his desk, taking out an old newspaper article from the middle drawer. Well preserved, he stared menacingly at the picture.

"Oh, Basil, you have no clue what dangerous territory you have been dragged into. I see your love you the girl have become extremely potent. Yet, you try to deny what you feel. From a distance you gaze at her, watch every move she makes. You feel the warmth in your once ice cold heart when she smiles or laughs. Alas, my dear detective, that one chance of happiness you think you will have will soon come to a devastating end. Once you find out the truth, you will have no one to blame but your poor pathetic self." Cackling, he placed the article above the flame of the candle. He watched with such enthusiasm as the fire travelled, engulfing everything including the picture. "Burn forever in Hell, Basil of Baker Street. Burn in Hell…"

For humans, walking ten blocks is a simple task. For a mouse, however, it is a challenge. Add snow and powerful winds, and it's damn near impossible. But here I was. Treading snow, feeling as if the doctor and myself had been walking for days.

"Blast, it's freezing out here!" I exclaimed when a gust of wind hit me at full force. "I'm telling you, Dawson, trying to find a cab in this ridiculous weather seems like a fairy tale. There's never one around when you really are in need to one."

"I agree, old boy. It seems the humans are being cautious, as they should be."

"Well, what a day to be vigilant," I chuckled lightly. "I believe my body will soon become numb before we even reach home."

The entire morning, I had examined the perimeter of the demolished jewellery shop for any clues. Which to my success I had done just that. On the windowsill where the criminal had entered, he had made a terrible error. Slipping on the frozen snow that was just below the window, he had slipped, colliding with the sharp piece of glass that was left behind. Like himself, I had done the same thing. Luckily, the ending result was different. Every inch of my body was sore and throbbing from that fall. Though I tried to object, Dawson had demanded that I head back to the flat and rest until the soreness vanished. Well, I did go back to the flat while he remained behind to examine the body that Constable Phillips had spotted during one of his rounds earlier that morning, but as always, I chose to disobey the good doctor's orders.

Returning later on that evening and still in as much pain as I was, I spoke to the homeless street urchins that inhabited the area. None seemed to see or hear anything suspicious before the incident had occurred. I then asked about Miss Lockhart, wondering if her disappearing like she did was normal for her. One mouse explained it was occasional that she'd vanish for several days on end. Not only was she an opium user, she too on a number of occasions had sold her body for money so that she could get her addictive fix. But recently, according to this particular individual, she had stepped away from both for she had become pregnant by one of her most recent customers and was heading to someone who partook in performing abortions. Getting the other mouse's name, Vole had ordered two of his Sergeants to apprehend the individual for performing such a task was banned. So with nothing else, we all cleared the scene.

"Good even, Mrs. Judson," Dawson greeted once we made it to the front door.

"Evening to you both. There's some fresh brewed tea in the kitchen. Help yourselves," she replied, not one discontinuing her task. While Dawson went inside, I remained behind, curious to why my landlady seemed so worried.

"Is something the matter?" I asked, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder so she would be aware of my presence.

"Oh, Mr. Basil, it's Miss Méndez. She hasn't come out of her room since I saw her last. And what is worse, she seems to have locked herself in."

"Why? What happened?"

"After you and the doctor had left, she received a letter that seemed to frighten her so. I don't even know who sent it or what was inside, but I could see trouble on her pale face."

"Don't worry, Mrs. Judson. I'll speak with her."

"Oh, please do!" she pleaded. Nodding, I headed inside, not even bothering to remove my coat or hat as I rushed up upstairs.

Just as I was told, the door was still locked. Cursing under my breath, I rushed back to my own room to find what I needed to get inside. At this point, waiting for her to come out wasn't an option. Returning, I managed to pick the lock and quietly walk on in. Seeing her fast asleep in the bed made me want to turn away and allow her to rest. But again, now wasn't the time to be easy on her. The situation was crucial and I couldn't let it go. Sitting at the edge of the bed, I hesitated before lightly shaking her, instantly getting some kind of response. Calling out to her, she moaned softly before sat up, a bit hazy and oblivious to what was happening. Looking up, she jumped slightly, surprised to see me beside her. She knew that I had noticed the tear stains on her face for I gazed at her with great concern. Feeling ashamed, she looked away wiping away any remaining tears, apologizing for her current state.

"Don't be," I told her, gently turning her head towards me. "You have no reason to apologies. You've done nothing wrong."

She clearly knew why I was there for I could see the fear and pain in her brown eyes. "She told you, didn't she?"

"Yes, and I'm glad she did. Mrs. Judson was deeply concerned and thought it was best to informed me of the matter for if she didn't, I could assume you wouldn't have said a word." I watched as she fought back the sting of fresh tears. But that still didn't stop me from figuring out what I wanted to know. "Where's the letter?"

That did it. Her head bolted upward in sheer panic while she tried to come up with some kind of answer. Looking away from my gaze, she replied, "It's gone…"

"Gone?"

"Yes… I-I tossed it out." Noticing her gaze towards the waste basket by her bed, I assumed it was there I would find the letter. Dropping to the ground, I dumped out everything. For several seconds, I carefully examined what little there was. Then she added, "It's not there."

"But you said you tossed it out. Where else could you have possibly…" It then hit me. Looking towards the fireplace, I figured out her meaning of 'tossed'. She burnt the letter. Groaning in utter disappointment and annoyance towards the girl, I slammed the basket to the ground and cursed under my breath. My sudden reaction didn't help much for her.

"I-I'm sorry!" I heard her say while my back was faced towards her. "I wasn't thinking. The letter just threatened me so and it was the only thing that came to mind-"

"Clearly," I snapped back, facing her once again. "That was the only other piece of evidence I had. Why must all women be the same? You never think of the importance of things. Your life is in danger and all you can do is remain silent and pray it goes away. Well, forgive me for saying this, but it doesn't work that way. I'm trying to help you and you're not letting me in. It makes me wonder if I'm just wasting my goddamn time with you!"

"Then don't help me! I never asked for it to begin with. And it's not like you have the ability to get me out of here anyway. I'm probably stuck here, never to see my family or friends ever again. You have no idea how often I wonder if they think I'm dead or if for some strange reason I have run off. For there's no possible way anyone could have taken me. Or maybe I'm still there and this is all is really just some figment of my imagination…" She then gasp, lowing her head. By the quick change of expression, I sensed she had just said something she wished she hadn't. For the moment, I remain silent while I watched her actions. So many thought swirled through my head at the moment; I didn't know which the one to pay more attention to was. Shaking my head, I blocked out what truly was on my mind.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, rather confused by her last couple of statements. "I don't think you would have decided to just wander off because I can assume you'd know better than that. So someone must have taken you. And in no possible way could this just be a figment of your imagination. I don't understand why you'd think this way."

"I-I…Just forget it! Just leave me alone!" she retorted before slamming herself back onto the mattress, her face covered by the pillow. I knew right then and there that I crossed the line while her tears stained the pillow once more. Sighing deeply, I walked back towards her, getting swatted away. "I said leave me alone!" she warmed harshly. I wanted to walk away, but I couldn't not until I fixed what I have done.

"Miss Méndez…," I called out, but she didn't answer. Sitting on the bed, I tried again, again, she ignored me. "Miss Méndez…forgive me. I should not have let out all my frustration on you. But you must understand that I'm here to help you whether you asked for it or not. I couldn't just let what had happened to you go…Could you please just look at me?" Without any reply, she allowed herself to do so. My heart sank when she did face me. Her eyes were red and bloodshot and her face stained.

"And…forgive me for snapping at you the way I did."

"It's quite all right."

"However, you didn't allow me to finish all I wanted to say. I did keep the envelope it came in."

"May I see it?" Sticking her hand under the pillow, right there in plain sight was indeed the envelope. On the front stated that it was addressed to her. Handing it to me, I carefully examined it.

"I know it's not much, but at least it's something."

"Yes it is. But before I depart, there is one other thing I must ask: Do you happen to remember what was said."

She started to answer, but ceased as if she was unsure. Looking down, she simply replied, "No. I-I don't remember any of it." I knew once again she was hiding the truth from me, but seeing that I did not wish to upset her again, I let it go.

"All right. But you must believe me when I say that everything will work out in the end. I shall do my best to protect you."

"I believe you."

Allowing her to rest a while longer, especially after all the damage I had done, I carefully closed the door behind me. However, I couldn't move from my place. Sighing, I still felt that twinge of irritation towards her. She was just about to allow herself to reveal the truth. Truth that would have more than likely been of use to me, and she goes and hides again.

You say you believe me, but deep down I think otherwise. Why must you feel the need to lie? What are you hiding from me? Can't you see how much you are destroying me right now? I questioned inwardly. Ignoring such questions I went back downstairs where a now worried doctor waiting impatiently.

"What the deuce was all that yelling about?" he asked while I walked passed him towards my lab.

"Too much I'm afraid, Dawson." Placing the envelope under the microscope for closer observation, I finally added, "Miss Méndez has been personally threatened."

"By whom?"

"If I am not mistaken, it was by whomever sent us that note a couple days prior. The handwriting is the same as on the other note. Which by the way, do you mind going to my desk and retrieving it for me?"

"Of course." Having him do that, I was able to closely examine what was before me. Aside from the burning order that seemed to cover the thick paper, I also noticed something else.

"Hmm…"

"What is it?" questioned Dawson once he returned with the paper in hand.

"There seems to be some ash."

"From what?"

"That, my dear doctor is what I am finding quite strange. But it seems to be from a burnt building. And if you look at the fold here, it's smeared with it." Taking the letter from the doctor's hands, I placed it under the lens as well. "This too has a few traces of ash as well. But also the slight hint of what seems to be gasoline and…"

"And what?"

Rodent's delight…? Almost seems like déjà vu, but then that would mean…

"Basil…?"

"Ah…I haven't the faintest"

He could sense that there was something the matter, but my colleague decided to dodge my comment and stuck to the matter at hand. "Anyhow what you see doesn't mean it is what you are assuming."

"True, for I have been proven wrong before, but I am more than certain I am correct on this one. Also, the front page of this morning's paper spoke about a large fire on the East end. And it wasn't accidental, it was an intentional occurrence. The flat was abandon, but there were traces of a large amount of mice maintaining residence."

"Could they have been who partook in Miss Méndez's abduction?"

"More than likely. However we must see for ourselves."

"You're not suggesting we go now, are you?"

"Well, I'm not saying we should investigate this next week," I shot back as I made my way towards the door at post haste before a pang of guilt hit me. Realizing my response was rather harsh, I turned towards my good friend with an apologetic expression. "I understand if you wish to remain behind, but this is something I cannot ignore. Though I would deeply appreciate if you accompanied me."

It took Dawson a moment or so to think it over before he sighed heavily. Approaching me, he held out my deerstalker and smirked. "Make sure you have your revolver this time."

First off, I did my best to make this chapter make any sense when it comes to the whole powers of deduction. I'm still learning on that one, but anyway, I hope this chapter is enjoyable nonetheless.