First update in a long while… thank you who ever you are who actually read all this. (laugh) you are the only reason I am continuing this story, but I hope others will enjoy it too! Well, chapter five is here, and pray do enjoy it!
Chapter five… the steps
Windsor was a peaceful place indeed. The grassland stretched over huge distance not disturbed aside from the occasional tree here or there. The houses where located far apart from each other, giving plenty of privacy and peace. We made our way to the given address in a cab. Holmes was silent but excited, staring out the window with a twinkle in his eyes. He chatted down notes every now and then, murmuring things that made sense to him alone. I just sat there, opposite of him, trying to forget how easily he read through me. I concentrated on the case, but even this subject was not all that clear. I had not a single idea where the boy might be, but this friend of mine seemed completely pleased with the results and data he was gathering. I was pretty sure he had a fair idea about the boy's whereabouts.
The pathway to the unit 12 Westwood Street was a mess both of mud and footprints. Holmes grumbled how they ought to keep the crime scene more preserved and was truly annoyed with the mess they had created. Never the less he went to work with it right after, asking me to wait in the entrance. He snooped down and went back and forth the path, trying to leave as little prints as possible. After a half an hour, he finally stood up and marched unhappily into the door of the house.
"Nothing that I could use," said he in bitterness. "All I see are the four officers', Mrs. Clifton, Mr. Clifton and two young ladies which probably are the servants. Nothing of the dog or the little boy could be made out. It is Possible that it might have been all stumbled upon carelessly by the local officials, but not so probable. Let us carry on."
The knock on the door was answered by a small, chubby lady who looked to be in her late twenties. She had a sweet face, though one would not classify her to be pretty. She looked in questioning eyes for a few second, and then gave a smile of recognition.
"Ah! You must be Mr. Sherlock Holmes! Master and his wife are waiting for you! They told us you are coming here at four to find our dear young Jeremiah. You are quiet late though! Please, do come in! I am sure master will be more than please to know that you are finally here!" Her voice was high pitched and loud.
We were shown to the sitting room where the couple was waiting. Mrs. Clifton showed a big smile at the very first sight of us.
"Mr. Holmes! I thought you will never come! Anyhow, please meet my husband, James Clifton."
Mr. James Clifton was a handsome man who had a gentle air around him. He was of medium built, clean face, soft brown tresses, and a pair of tired looking caramel coloured eyes. He shook hands first Holmes than with me. He seemed to be a gentleman of great manners.
"As you can see, Mr. Holmes, both my wife and I are eager to see our son again. We hope you can help us in this matter. We will try to pay you as much as we can, even if we are a humble family. Our Son is worth more than any amount you can name." said he in agitated tone.
"This case surely got my interest, Mr. Clifton. I would not abandon it for the world. You got my words that I will see an end of to this case. But pray let me warn. Frankly, I would not grantee you that your boy is still breathing, though it is highly probable that he is." Holmes' face was free of all emotion when he uttered these lines. But I, knowing his habits and expression up to the littlest detail noticed the hard glisten in the eyes that beamed with excitement. He was craving to solve this case.
"Well, thank you for your warning. But I believe he is still alive, out there just waiting for us to rescue him. We refuse to belive other wise. Well, if you will be so good to start on this case, we both will be patiently waiting for some good news." said he in a hard voice. He was obviously upset with the words of my friend. Holmes just shrugged and there was silence for a few minutes.
"Well!" my companion finally exclaimed, "is there any more details you would want to add from the story you told me earlier?"
"No. there wasn't any more improvement since the morning. But you will find the officer in charge of this case at the local police station. Mr. Standerson by name." informed the lady in a soft, shaky voice.
"Then I have no more reason to be sitting here. Well then, my good people, if you will pardon me, I will be more use out there, than in here. I will check your crime scene before we head outside, if you don't mind. Let's go Watson!" with that, he flew out of his chair, and made his way briskly out of the room.