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"A Matter of Taste"

Chapter 5: Obstinance & Judgment

McKee sat watching the young couples' home from a window in the vacant house aside theirs. It seemed a shame to him that such young folk had to be done away with. But, a job was a job, no matter where it came from. He checked his rifle again. Loaded with two rounds, cocked, and ready to fire. He noticed movement in the house across from him just as streaks of sunlight began to reach across the sky. McKee checked his watch. 7AM. It was the woman. The sniper guessed the window which he was watching must be in the kitchen. He closed his eyes and inhaled the scent of bacon being sent to him on the mornings' breeze. Yes, it was indeed a shame. And nearly time too.

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Cynthia had been unable to sleep. Chandler had deemed it necessary to stay up and watch all night. But he'd insisted she get some rest. She could not. At six thirty she'd begged him to let her watch for awhile. Being exhausted he'd finally given in. She checked the bacon and took two eggs from the ice box. Her poor husband would no doubt be quite ready to eat when he awoke.

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McKee rested the barrel of his weapon upon the window ledge. Yes, it would be a nice clean shot. He closed one eye and watched Mrs. Cavenness' lovely red hair bob about before his sights. Such a shame, he thought, breathing in and releasing half of the air. He would try to make it quick.

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She peered out the window into the growing light. Odd, she had the strangest feeling she was being watched. She laughed bitterly to herself. Of course she was being watched. As had been the case for several days now. Chandler said they might have to leave the country. Even after the treatment they'd received at its hands, she still felt oddly reluctant to do so...Oh, when...when would this end?

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McKee squeezed the trigger ever so gently. But before the task was complete, his head was struck with an extremely heavy object. The gun went off in the kitchen, barely missing the intended target, who screamed in terror. McKee was knocked senseless, though not unconscious. It was the feeling of hands around his precious weapon that brought him back. With a cry of rage, he whirled to face his ardent attacker. He only glimpsed a blur of motion before all faded into blackness over his sight.

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Chandler heard his wifes' screams and ran into the kitchen to find her sobbing upon the floor, pointing to a bullet lodged in the wall clock.

"Cynthia! Are you hurt? Please tell me you're alright!?"

She nodded, unable to speak. He went to her, but she cried out and pointed behind him at the window. Chandler turned to attack their new intruder but his arm came down upon a thick, black cane, and his eyes met with those of their known protector.

"Oh thank God, Mr. Holmes! Someone's shot at Cynthia!"

"Yes I know. It was a narrow miss. I entered the abandoned house across from you only just in time to foil his plans. Thanks to Providence, I arrived in time. Is she hurt at all?"

"I don't think so, only badly frightened."

"Good. Here, Mr. Cavenness, you must leave this house immediately. You are no longer safe here. There is no time for preparation of any kind. Simply get your wife and follow me. We must make our escape before the would be killer awakens and summons aid."

"Yes sir, but where are we going?"

"You would not know it if I told you. Come!"

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I awoke the next morning at nearly ten. Cursing myself for so oversleeping, I dressed quickly and went down to find Holmes in the midst of his breakfast.

"Ah, good morning to you Watson. I'm terribly sorry not to have waited for you, but as I've had a rather busy day already, I did not think you'd mind."

"Then you've been out? Where, if you don't mind my asking?"

"Not at all. I've thwarted another attempt on the Cavenness', but only just. Mrs. Cavenness was fired upon while preparing breakfast. It seems our officials work quicker than for which I gave them credit."

"What, again? Where are they? Surely they are not still at the house?"

"No, no certainly not. I've taken them where they shall be kept safe. At least for the time being. But the location I shall disclose to you, as I foresee that will be necessary for someone other than myself to be in possession of it."

"Whatever do you mean Holmes?"

"I doubt that Lord Hollingsworth will take too kindly to my interference a second time. I fully expect some sort of retaliation."

"You think they will try to kill you?"

"No, no. Thankfully Mycroft's' position is a fool-proof protection from that. For the present, anyway. But I expect a reprimand of sorts, surely."

"What would you have me do?"

Holmes gave me a questioning glance. "You would still have a part in this little drama? After all this is no petty criminal we bandy with, but our own strong nation."

"Holmes, were it every nation on this earth, I would be no place but at your side. No matter the opposition."

"Your confidence Watson, is of more comfort than you can possibly know...but come! We have much to discuss."

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Inspector Lestrade was very ready to go home. And it was not yet noon. His superiors had been breathing down his neck all blasted morning. The arrest of those two men on official business had brought trouble to no end. But how was he to know? Holmes had never been wrong before! Wilkins stepped in with a message...and now Lord Hollingsworth! Was there no end to this day? Surely it was nearer to six that it had been last time he checked.

"Alright, show him in Wilkins."

"Right away sir."

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"Why it's ideal! No one will ever consider looking for them there!"

"Yes that was rather the idea, Watson. Now, in case of emergency, proceed as I instructed. Otherwise-"

"Mr. Holmes?"

"Yes, Mrs. Hudson, what is it?"

"There are some gentlemen here to see you sir, and one of them is Inspector Lestrade."

Holmes gave me an understood nod and bade her show them in. It was, in fact, Inspector Lestrade, Constable Jones and another constable I'd not before seen. With them, strode in the illustrious Lord Hollingsworth. I'd heard of the man, but never met him face to face. He was nearly as tall as my friend, and a good bit broader, with hair as white as snow, and eyes so dark that pupils seemed nonexsistent. Holmes rose to greet his guests, and I did the same. But his lordship was in no mood for formalities.

"I suppose you know why I am here, Mr. Sherlock Holmes?"

"I believe I could venture a speculation, Lord Hollingsworth."

"Do not trifle with me, young man! I shall be direct. You will cease to interfere with government matters."

"That is most unlikely sir."

"You will stop your investigation for the Cavenness' at once."

"I'm sorry sir, but I'm afraid that would be impossible."

"You will drop the entire matter immediately!"

"I will not, Lord Hollingsworth."

The man looked as if he would positively implode on the spot. Never was I so proud to call myself Holmes' friend. The imposing lord blustered and bellowed like a furnace, while Holmes remained quite calmly steadfast.

"Then you bring it upon yourself. Your brother was a fool to say you had any sense of public duty! You would bring the country down for a petty fee from your clients!"

This I would not stand. "It is no more for a fee that Holmes persists in this matter, than it is for duty that you persecute innocent people!"

"Watson, please."

"So be it then. Inspector Lestrade!"

I was horrified at this turn of events. I expected an argument; I even anticipated a scene of some sort. But not this. Lestrade, our dear friend Lestrade stepped forward with his two constables in tow.

"I...I am sorry to do this Holmes, but I...I..."

"I understand Lestrade."

"I'm afraid I must place you under arrest. Please come with us."

"What on earth do you think you're doing Lestrade!?"

Holmes kept me from stopping them with a look of reproach.

"Remember that which we discussed Watson."

I nodded silently, unable to speak without letting the fury within me take over. Lord Hollingsworth turned suddenly to me.

"Do not attempt to follow in the footsteps of your foolish friend, or you'll find yourself in similar circumstances. Mycroft Holmes assured me of your trustworthiness, therefore I shall expect you to live up to his expectations, is that clear?"

He did not wait for my answer, but ordered that Holmes be led away, and followed. When they had gone, I collapsed into my chair in a stupefied state. I knew what had to be done. I even knew how to do it, but could not dream of doing it alone.