Only one more chapter to go after this! I was going to wait until tomorrow to give ya'll Chapter 8, but Susicar's review broke my resolve! Thanks to all for the encouraging comments, & hope ya'll enjoy! Thx!

VHunter07


"A Matter of Taste"

Chapter 8: Flight & Freedom

As I walked slowly down the rows of cells, I began to wonder if anyone was here at all. When I arrived at the Yard, requesting to visit Holmes, Lestrade had instructed me to go on down. He gave me a knowing nod as he slipped something cold and thin into my hand. I looked down expecting a key, but found only a wire. What on earth did he expect me to do with it? I nearly threw it away in disgust, but instead dropped it into my coat pocket.

Cell 112, 113, 114. I strained my eyes to see the occupant, and ended by striking a match. The cell was empty! Nothing! I checked the number...yes this was 114. But where was Holmes?

I suddenly had a queer feeling that I was not alone. There was someone else in that dimly lit passage...directly behind me to be more precise. In one swift motion I whirled round and grasped the man by the throat, slamming him into the bars of the opposite cell.

"Watson!" Came a gasping voice.

I jerked my hands away as if I'd been burned. I knew that voice!

"Holmes! Is that you?"

He laughed and coughed in the same breath. "Yes, and I am certainly glad you know me. I was beginning to fear for my life!"

"Oh Holmes, do forgive me, I'd no idea it was you!"

"Think of nothing of it my dear fellow! But where is your escort? They've not set you loose down here unaccompanied?"

A sudden shout from Lestrade, followed by a number of hurrying footsteps, gave him my answer. "All guards up! Commisioner to make an announcment! Come Immediatly!"

"Ah! It would seem the good inspector has his hand in this then? Capital! I knew he would come through when the chips were laid."

"But how did you get out, Holmes?"

He produced a piece of metal identical to the one I had been given.

"Upon my arrival, they failed to make a thorough search for useful instruments, thus I was able to compromise the structural integrity of my place of confinement with surprising ease. It was only a matter of awaiting the proper time. The little problem of getting past the constables on duty was quite another matter, but it would seem that you and friend Lestrade have solved it rather neatly. Lead the way Watson! For we have a most eventful night before us!"

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"Yes Williams, what is it?"

"Mr. McKee to see you, sir."

"Bid him enter."

"Yes sir."

"What is it McKee?"

"Lord Hollingsworth, one of my men just reported in. He'd picked up the doctors' trail again, after losing him in the West End. He followed him to the shipping office of all places! Only, he couldn't get close enough to overhear what was purchased. Do you think he's leaving sir? Without the detective?"

"No you fool! They are leaving! The Cavenness' are going to run! For where was the vessel bound?"

"The only one in port was set to sail until next week, but there was a ship offshore, I heard it was for the States, sir."

"Good then, get two men and-"

"Pardon me sir, but Mr. Smithers is here."

"Show him in."

"Immediately sir."

"My lord! Have you heard!? Sherlock Holmes has escaped!"

"WHAT!?"

"Yes sir, 'bout an hour ago, sir! He's gone and not a trace to say how! What'll we do?"

"Come with us Smithers, We'll put a stop to this nonsense once and for all. We shall have those two removed, and that meddling detective back in prison before sunrise."

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Holmes and I went directly to Kitty Winters'. The passage to freedom departed in two hours, and time was rapidly passing. In answer to our knock, Miss Winter, let us inside.

"Mr. Holmes! I didn't think they could keep you for long! A regular Houdini, you are sir!"

"Why thank you, Miss Winter. Are they ready?"

"Just as you instructed. The trunk is ready too." She said with a wink."

"Perfect. You've done marvelously, Kitty. I cannot thank you enough."

"You don't have to, sir. It was my pleasure."

Just then our dear clients entered the kitchen. Cynthia Cavenness was hardly recognizable in her disguise as a afluent, elderly lady. She rushed forward, clasping my friends' hands.

"Oh Mr. Holmes, thank God you're here! I was so worried...but are you alright? You look so terribly worn, are you ill?"

"By no means, Mrs. Cavenness, only a little tired. Are you both quite prepared?"

"Yes sir. Cynthia and I have no luggage save my unconventional mode of transportation."

"Captain McFain shall see that you have all you might require. Very well then, let us be off at once!"

Chandler Cavenness folded himself into the trunk, while Miss Winter assisted his wife with her hat.

"Watson, if you would be so kind as to assist me with the ladies' trunk? Good."

We bade Miss Winter farewell, made our way to a more populated street, and proceeded to hail two cabs. After a brief conversation and payment with the driver, Holmes led Mrs. Cavenness to the first.

"This cabby shall let you out at a dock you will not recognize. He will remove the trunk, and leave you. Wait there for a small boat manned by two sailors. If anyone should approach you, remember you are Mrs. Jane Manning, and you are waiting for your niece. Do not go with anyone save that boat! They will take you to your destination. Once you have boarded, tell the captain to fire three shots to let us know you are safe. May God go with you both."

The little woman impulsively threw her arms around his neck. "Thank you so much, Mr. Holmes...for everything. We would both be long dead, if not for your help. We will never forget you, or you Dr. Watson...I promise."

The dear lady entered the cab and rode out of sight. Holmes and I boarded the other cab.

"I am certainly glad this business is over!"

"Why, whatever do you mean, Watson? Cabby! Take us to the main dock! And hurry!"