"A Matter of Taste"
Chapter 4: Confessions & Determination
"So Mr. Holmes, I now hear that your cursed brother has his hand in the matter as well."
"You could not have expected him to do otherwise sir, the couple did go to him for help. He knows nothing of the bomb...or at least he didn't. I'm positive that as of now he is in full possession of the facts."
"What!? Do you mean to tell me that we now have three of them on our hands!?"
"You needn't be worried about Sherlock, Lord Hollingsworth. The secret is quite safe in his hands."
"What concerns me, Mycroft, is that it will be impossible to remove the other two, with them being under his protection! We may have to bring them under some sort of charge...that they might quietly disappear amidst the masses of criminals."
"I still do not see the necessity of their deaths. Could we not hold them for awhile until the danger has passed?"
"Certainly not! The fact that England has possession of the bomb must NEVER be known! Of how much value do you think it would be sir, if everyone knew we had it, hmm? Whomever we chose to send it to, would be looking for it! The bomb is completely worthless if not unknown. No! They must be removed without the slightest possibility of return. I will make an exception for your brother, in the light of your position, Mycroft. But I warn you of the disastrous consequences that you will bring upon us if he talks!"
"I will speak with him at once. Yes, I'm sure he already awaits me at the club as we speak. Good day Lord Hollingsworth."
"Good day Mycroft...and do keep in mind what I've said."
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Once at the Diogenes Club, we were informed that Mycroft had just stepped out but was expected back shortly. Thus, we were invited to wait for him in the Strangers' Room.
Upon his arrival, Mycroft Holmes requested that we join him for luncheon at a fine little restaurant across the street. We gladly agreed. The conversation was kept conventional until our meal was served, and the waiters had departed, giving us the desired aura of privacy.
"No doubt this visit of yours has a certain purpose, Sherlock?"
"Yes Mycroft, and I will come right to the point. Mr. & Mrs. Cavenness, I am sure the name is quite familiar to you, have been repeatedly threatened by our government. I am certain you know the reason as well. The fact that they know of the Quinn bombs' completion and arrival, has given England more than enough reason to fear them. Considering your position, I've come to ask you to assist them. They do not wish to betray their country, and are quite willing to cooperate in any way possible. What can you suggest as the best possible course of action?"
Mycroft Holmes leaned back in his chair and cleared his throat before replying. He did not seem overly troubled by the matter, which troubled me all the more.
"Sherlock, I would like to help you, by all means. But sometimes matters are not quite so simple. There can be no error in this matter. None. We simply cannot afford any unnecessary loose ends. I suggested to Lord Hollingsworth that we simply hold them back until the proper time, but he would not hear of it. No Sherlock, we must make allowances in this case for the good of England. There is no other alternative, I'm afraid. I'm certain you will understand."
A waiter interrupted the awkward silence, requesting if we required anything further. Mycroft released him, as Holmes and I were incapable of speech. Holmes intent gaze never left his brothers eyes. It was a full five minutes before anyone spoke at our table. Holmes sighed deeply and closed his eyes. It was the calm before the storm.
"Do you mean for me to understand...that you knew they were being targeted!? And did nothing!?"
"Sherlock, I've explained to you that under the circumstances-"
"Under no circumstances is anything worth an innocent human life!"
"Quiet down, and do not interrupt me! I tell you there is no other way to keep the information under control!"
"Then it is not worth keeping! How could you condone such actions Mycroft?"
"I would rather that it be done some other way, but Lord Hollingsworth-"
"So we just throw up our hands in defeat while two innocent people are murdered by our own government!? I think not."
"It is better two than the entire population! If they talk the whole country could be thrown into a war that might destroy us now and forever."
"Then so be it. One must not sacrifice the justice of the moment for the consequences of the future."
Holmes stood to leave.
"I warn you Sherlock, do not interfere. The Cavenness' are not the only ones under surveillance. Lord Hollingsworth was greatly displeased that you are aware of the bombs' presence as well."
"As I have said before...danger is a part of my trade. Good day Mycroft."
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"You're not going to work today dear?"
"Mr. Holmes said we should not leave the house. At any rate, I'm not leaving you alone."
"Oh Chandler, when will this end? I'm so frightened."
Chandler left the window and went to comfort his distraught wife.
"I don't know Cynthia. If it is as Mr. Holmes believes, and it's our own country that's after us, we may have to leave England...or even Europe. I just don't understand it, why wouldn't they even discuss it with us first. Threaten us to keep silent. Why such swift judgment?"
"Maybe they don't consider people such as us worth attempting to save."
"Cynthia, don't talk like that. It will all work out in the end. You'll see."
"I pray so."
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I dared not speak a word to Holmes during our ride back to Baker Street. Even once we reached our destination, and were sitting before a hearty fire, I still did not think it wise. I wanted to say something, to assure him that I agreed body and soul with where he stood. But how could I without recalling to mind the words of his elder brother? As I watched him scraping his Stradivarius languidly, I could not help but long to know what was passing through his mind. He seemed so calm, but what was concealed behind those listless grey eyes? Our entire day was completed in such a manner as this. I partook of dinner alone, afraid to remind Holmes that he'd missed breakfast as well as lunch. And took myself early to bed. At nearly four in the morning, I was awakened by a shout and the sound of breaking glass. I jumped from my bed and crept into the sitting room, ready for anything. Finding naught but Holmes leaning upon his chemical table with several broken beakers lying about, I returned to my room, saying a quick prayer for my friend before I fell again to sleep.
