Yesh, here's chap 3. Is it just me, or is Basil getting a little OOC? You tell me. There's another new character in this chap. I'd tell you who it is, but that would spoil your fun! Enjoy!
"Here it is," Nicolao said, coming to a halt.
Basil stopped and gazed up at the enormous structure. It looked immensely old, like most of the buildings here, but this one was different. It seemed to Basil as though the building itself were mourning the evil deed that had been committed here. He tore his gaze away from the sheer size of the building to stare at the door, which Nicolao said had been forced. Indeed it had, for the door was hanging on to but a single hinge for dear life. One look told him that the assassin had clawed at the door trying to get in, right after nearly crushing the doorknob. Finally, they had given up and simply burst through the door with incredible strength.
"Jamal was a cooper by trade. He only worked here," Nicolao announced, a tinge of sadness still in his voice. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll leave you to your work. I promised the family I would return. I'll try to be back soon."
"Quite understandable, my good fellow," Basil assured. "Thank you for bringing this to our attention." Then, taking one look at the darkness just inside the door, he stepped into the abyss, Dawson following closely.
It took only a few seconds for Basil to find a lantern on the wall. He lit it with a match from his pocket and lifted it carefully from its hook. As he looked around, he stifled a gasp.
It was totally chaotic scene. Barrels lay everywhere, smashed to pieces. Nondescript tools were scattered helter-skelter. Shelves along the walls were broken, their contents shattered as well. And, to top it all off, in the middle of the floor was a cream-colored mouse lying in a pool of blood.
As Basil got closer, he saw the mouse's lifeless eyes staring up at the ceiling, his face frozen in terror. Basil felt Dawson shudder beside him as he knelt down, taking out his magnifying glass.
He carefully studies the mouse's wounds. Blood oozed from the wound on his face, back, and chest in the same fashion as the claw marks on the door, if the door had blood. In fact, they were reminiscent of an experience Basil had had not too long ago…
"Basil," Dawson spoke up, seeing what Basil had noticed, "you don't think…"
"No, Dawson," Basil answered, rubbing his upper right arm absentmindedly, as though the scar there was still fresh. "Ratigan is dead. Besides, there are plenty more rats in the sewer. I – "
Basil was cut off by a subtle, but noticeable (by a mouse) noise from the back of the store. He stood, walking in the direction he believed the sound came from. There was a forest of miraculously spared barrels away from the fight. As he got closer, he became more convinced that he was being watched. But as he gave up and was about to turn back, someone, with a mighty cry, jumped out from behind a barrel and dove at him, knocking him down.
Basil squeezed his eyes shut as he felt a hand close around his throat. Then, all of a sudden the grip loosened. He opened his eyes and stared up into his attacker's face. It was a rather attractive female mouse with brown hair that was tied back in a ribbon. The ribbon's grip failed to hold bangs that fell in front of her eyes. Their eyes locked, and Basil saw they were of a beautiful teal color. She lowered her raised fist and scrambled to her feet, an embarrassed and startled look crossing her fair features.
"I beg your pardon," she said in a melodious voice, blushing slightly. "I thought you were someone else."
"Indeed," Basil chuckled, getting up and putting on his fallen deer-hunter's cap. "May I inquire as to whom you were waiting for?"
"Y'never know," she answered indignantly, folding her arms across her chest. "Sometimes the killer returns to the scene of the crime, to remove evidence, or something of that sort."
Basil was taken aback. He had never known a female to be so outspoken and sure of herself. "What is your name?" he asked.
"Jo. Jo Fuller. Ah, don't tell me," she held up a hand when Basil opened his mouth to introduce himself. "You're Basil of Baker Street, aren'cha? I knew Xack was going to try and get you, but I never thought you would do it."
"Well, maybe you should get to know people before you judge them." Basil smiled, knowing her intentions were good.
"I'll do that." Jo flashed him a bright smile of her own. So bright, in fact, Basil thought of calling back to Dawson to blow out the lantern.
"Basil!" Dawson shouted. Speak of the devil. The pair ran back to the cadaver.
"Look!" Dawson pointed to the ex-mouse's hand. Therein the grip was a tuft of black fur.
"Excellent eyes, doctor!" Basil complimented, pulling out a hair and examining it with his magnifying glass.
"Mr. Basil! Dr. Dawson!" They all looked up and saw Nicolao coming through the doorway towards them. When he got to them, he looked rather confused. "Jo? What in heaven's name are you doing here?" he demanded.
"Whatever I damn well please, Xacky-boy," Jo shot back angrily. "It's none of your business what I do and where I go. In case you haven't noticed, I'm not a child anymore!"
"Please!" Basil interjected. "We have obtained an important piece of evidence, and we must study it carefully if we are to reach a successful conclusion as to the identity of our bloodthirsty assassin!"
Just then, a bloodcurdling scream pierced the night. The foursome turned to the door. It was coming from outside.
"Quickly!" Basil cried, beginning to run. "There's not a moment to lose!"
Ooh, cliffhanger! Dang this chap took forever to write! Hope you liked it! Reviews make the next chapter come sooner!