For those of you who haven't guessed, I'm the worst updater in history. I appreciate you waiting so long. Here's chapter 2! Hope you like it!
The final strains of the song echoed around the room, leaving its haunting but beautiful melody to fade into the silence. Basil of Baker Street set down his violin and sighed as he stared at the empty fireplace, hoping to find something entertaining. Alas, he found nothing. This only added to the most wretched state of boredom he had ever achieved in his lifetime. There had not been a single case for months, and, except for him, the whole of 221 Baker Street was empty. Dawson was visiting family, and Mrs. Judson–
The opening of the front door interrupted his musings. In walked his beloved housekeeper, apparently returned from her errands. She skillfully hung her rain-soaked coat on the coat rack with one hand, as the other was toting groceries. She muttered something like, "Five pounds a gallon, they're mad…" When she bustled past him to the kitchen, Basil felt a letter fall into his lap. "Who is this from?" he inquired curiously, but he dreaded he already knew the answer.
"I'm afraid it'd be Lynda, sir," came the reply, confirming his fears.
Basil cursed under his breath. "Again!? Honestly, when is she going to learn–?"
The front door opening again interrupted him. It was Dawson this time, but it was also a mouse that Basil did not recognize. But he instantly deduced that he was from the Macmillan District, judging by the shabby state of his clothing. He also deduced that he had come with a murder case, as he smelled the unique pungency of blood on the mouse. He had, sadly, recognized the scent out of second nature. He rose to greet them
"Basil," Dawson began. "This chap is Xakery Nicolao. He says he–"
"–Has come from the Macmillan District with hopes that we will help in a murder case." Basil finished, taking a moment to revel in his ego.
As expected, Nicolao looked flabbergasted. "How the blazes did you know that?" he demanded in a somewhat nasal-sounding voice. He was a tall mouse, with long limbs and light brown fur that matched his eyes.
"Quite simple, really," Basil explained. "Your clothing comes from Roddenberry and Co., the only store in the district that's affordable by common folk. And–" he paused a moment to sniff the air. "–If my nose does not fail me, sir, you have been near a particularly bloody crime scene. I know the scent of blood well."
"Amazing," Nicolao stated simply, obviously in awe.
"Actually, it's elementary, my dear Nicolao," Basil responded. "Now, tell me your story, and, pray, be precise."
Nicolao sighed, as thought it was a painful story to tell. "Every so often, a few friends and I get together to talk. But one time, Bill didn't come, and he never missed a date without telling us. We went to his house to see what was going on, and we found him – dead! Ever since, there's been a killing in our neighborhood almost every other day! After yesterday's victim was discovered, someone recommended you."
Basil sat down, stroking his chin thoughtfully. After a moment, he asked, "And you say that you found a body yesterday? Have you moved it?
"Yes, and no," Nicolao answered. We thought you would want to examine the scene, so we left it alone."
With a sudden change of energy, Basil leapt out of his chair, a wild grin spreading over his face. "Ha-ha! Excellent!" he exclaimed.
Basil, wha…?" Dawson queried, looking thoroughly confused.
"Obviously, Doctor, we must investigate immediately, before the trail grows cold," Basil explained, stripping off his robe and pulling on his trench coat and Inverness. "Mr. Nicolao, would you kindly lead the way?"
"With pleasure," Nicolao confirmed, a smile gracing his normally sorrowful face. He opened the door and began the trek. Basil followed, smiling in spite of himself. He hadn't had this much fun since Ratigan was around!
Well, there it is! And don't worry, chapter 3 is in the works! Nicolao's name was made by surfing since I'm horrible at making names! IF YOU EVER WANT TO SEE THIS STORY FINISHED, YOU'LL R&R! XD