"A Matter of Taste"

Chapter 6: Punishment & Purgatory

Things had only gone from bad to worse. Inspector Lestrade was considering retirement. When Scotland Yard was arresting men like Sherlock Holmes, it was time to make an exit. Lord Hollingsworth had burst into his office early that afternoon, demanding that he get two of his strongest constables, and accompany him at once. When Lestrade asked their destination, the answer had staggered him. Why? was the first word out of his mouth. He was informed that his assistance was necessary in the arrest of Sherlock Holmes. Lestrade wanted to shoot himself. He had worked with this man, called him a friend. They'd had their slight differences of opinion, but this was monstrous. The only charge he was given, was obstruction of justice. Had any other but a Member of Parliament said it, Lestrade would have laughed them off the Yards' premises. It was ridiculous. And now, as he sat beside his 'prisoner' in the cab, Lestrade felt like a complete Judas.

"I am...truly sorry Holmes. This wasn't my doing, I promise you. I know we've had our differences, but-"

"Please, don't apologize Lestrade. I know this has nothing to do with you. No, this matter goes deeper, much deeper indeed."

Lord Hollingsworth laughed. "Did you honestly think you could oppose the force of the entire government and come out the victor? Really, you cannot be so utterly foolish."

Holmes smiled mysteriously. "This is, by no means, the end my lord. Possession of the victory...has not yet been decided."

"It is over and done. The charge against you is quite clear, with plenty of evidence to hold up in court."

"I do not think that the people will be quite as understanding as you seem to think, when you bring up evidence such as my keeping a working-class woman from being murdered in an alley."

Lord Hollingsworth leaned forward. "To be honest with you, I do not foresee there being anyone to oppose us. The working classes are terribly easy to please. They will so love such scandal, that the charge will not even cross their asinine minds."

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Mycroft Holmes strode into Scotland Yard like a man driven by a purpose. He halted at the front desk only long enough to demand to see Inspector Lestrade. The man presented himself as if simply waiting to be called.

"What can I do for you sir?"

"I should like to see my brother at once, Inspector."

"And who might your brother be?"

Mycroft sighed. "My name is Mycroft Holmes; I wish to see Sherlock Holmes at once!"

Lestrade was visibly startled. "Oh, I was, well, I was unaware he had a brother. I'm afraid Lord Hollingsworth is with him right now, but if you'll just wait a few moments over there please, I'll see if I can arrange it."

Lestrade did not wait to be lectured, but scampered off to do as he said. Mycroft waited right where he was. Within fifteen minutes the good Inspector returned and requested that Mycroft follow him. Retrieving a set of keys, Lestrade led his guest down a series of corridors past several recognizable inmates to cell number 114.

"Here you are sir...I'll leave you now, please do not hesitate to call out if you need anything at all."

Mycroft turned to his younger brother who sat languidly smoking his pipe on a cot.

"So, you've come to 'visit those in prison', eh Mycroft?"

"This is no time for sarcasm. Oh, that it should come to this...have you no sense at all?"

"My magnitude of sense has been questioned rather frequently of late.

"What is wrong with you?"

"What is wrong with you?"

"If you refuse to talk sensibly I shall leave you here."

"And just what else did you intend to do otherwise? Use your influence to have me released? I think not. Oh no, I am in deeper than your long arm can reach this time, Mycroft."

"You are insufferable."

"I like to think so. But you'll simply have to bear the disgrace of having a criminal for a relative. I will not leave my clients to their deaths."

"And do you think you are helping them in prison?"

"By no means, they do not require my assistance at this point. I've seen to that, certainly."

"Where are they?"

Holmes simply smiled. "I may be senseless but I'm no fool."

"Confound it man! Would you destroy all of England with your obstinance?"

"I've not harmed England a whit. The Cavenness' will say nothing."

"And just how can you be so sure of that?"

"I have faith in them."

"Oh! And you believe yourself to be able to judge their credibility better than government officials?"

"In light of their past judgments...absolutely."

"Then I've done all I can. But heed this Sherlock; you will do no one good, ever again if you waste away in this cell. How many others will you deprive of the help only you can provide for the sake of these two? How many countless scores of poor, helpless victims will be turned away by the police and sent to their deaths because you are not there for them to turn to? Think of them, Sherlock!"

Holmes stood and faced his brother. "I will not, I can not...abandon one for the sake of many. How could those poor, helpless victims place any faith in me at all if I deemed myself worthy to decide which of them deserved justice and which not? I should have no faith in myself. I can only uncover the truth Mycroft, I cannot, I will not alter it."

Mycroft Holmes turned and left, with a decidedly defeated air about his countenance.

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As soon as it was dark, I left Baker Street and headed to the West End. Recalling to mind the directions given me by Holmes, I turned onto Osborn Street, took the first sideway to the right and stopped. All was quiet. If someone was following me they weren't doing it on foot. I made my way through a few more alleys, turned down a few more byways and knocked on the old, wooden door I found before me. It was opened by a woman whose face I well remembered.

"Why, if it isn't Dr. Watson! So good to see you again sir."

"And you Miss Winter. I'd no idea Holmes kept up with you after that business with Baron Gruner."

"That he did, sir. I've been able to be of some help to him now and then. But by your being here, I suspect Mr. Holmes has come into some trouble. What has happened to him, sir?"

"He asked that the Cavenness' not be told, but he's been arrested."

"Arrested!? On what charge?"

"Of that I am unsure. They did not tell us."

"They can't just hold him without a reason!"

"I'm certain they'd invent one of anyone insisted, but I don't think anyone will. They're keeping it all very quiet for now."

"Rot! You just say the word Doctor, and I'll have fifty or more of Mr. Holmes' friends onto them!"

"No Kitty, I don't think they pay you any mind."

"If we were loud enough they'd have no choice! They could arrest every last one of us if they had a mind to! "

"I know Holmes sincerely appreciates your devotion, but I don't think he would want anyone to get into difficulty on his account. I merely came to check up on your guests. How are they?"

"Both just fine, though more than a little bit frightened, which is no more than expected in their circumstances."

"Alright then, I won't trouble them tonight with any unpleasant news. Please let me know if any of you need anything at all. I'll let you know as soon as I hear from Holmes."

"Very well Doctor. Thank you and goodnight."

"Goodnight Miss Winter."

I could not help but feel discouraged. We didn't have much time. Perhaps Kitty was rtight. Perhaps we should protest vociferously. Though I doubted that a group of children, prostitutes and miscreants would be able to alter some of the highest minds in Europe.

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Lord Hollingsworth accepted the card from his butler. Mycroft Holmes. Oh, how weary he was of that surname. He resigned himself to his fate and ordered that his unwelcome guest be shown in.

"What can I do for you Mycroft?"

"What can you do for me? You've forced me to go against my principles by attacking innocent citizens, you've arrested my brother with no definite charge, and you dare ask that question?"

"Do not take that tone with me sir, unless you wish to join him! I warned you that if he would not cease his interference he would suffer the consequences. As for the couple, there is no alternative...Mycroft, I know how you must feel. It is most unfortunate. Yes, especially considering your brother has been of some help to us in the past. But what else is there to be done? Do not worry my friend; he will come to no harm. There are several of our best men out looking for the Cavenness' as we speak. This will soon be over and we can release him."

"What if in the end we discover that he was right? What if we are the ones in the wrong? After all the Cavenness' are not truly to blame. If anyone is to be blamed it should be Professor Quinn. He was too impatient to wait for the assigned carriage."

"Don't give me reason to suspect you as well, Mr. Holmes. I'm very much afraid I can show no favoritism in this, so serious a matter."

"Yes I know...I suppose I apolagize Lord Hollingsworth, I am slightly overwrought presently."

"I understand. Why don't you go home, get some rest, hmm? You've earned it."

"Yes, I believe I shall. But somehow, I do not see it altering my outlook in the least."