. Holmes waited for the doctor to get done with Watson. Sitting outside the Doctor's room on the steps was not very comfortable, and he was reminded of a child sitting on the stairs,evesdropping when company came and the 'grown-ups' were talking. He wasn't listening, but heard snatches of conversation. " …..hurts like hell to move my shoulders. Itches, too. I thought that there was something going on back there....." "This must improve soon or you'll have to go to hospital....." "oooh, that tickles...OUCH! Oh, no......well, if it will help." "Yes, it will. You are all done. Is there anything else that you need?" The answering voice had sunk down to a croak, and from that to a low whisper.
"Morphine, thought Holmes. That is not too good. Watson does not like to use it." Holmes had seen Watson refuse the drug when he was in obvious pain.
Long moments passed, and finally the doctor appeared.
"Ah, Dr. Palmer, how is he?"
"It is as I had feared. Infection has set in, and I hope that the potassium permanganate I put on his back will take care of that after a few more applications. Oh, and forgive me if the sheets that he uses are a lovely shade of magenta in places by morning. He has had another dose of morphine, and he is resting now. I have left some more morphine in case he needs it." Lowering his voice, he said "Mr. Holmes, I need to talk to you. I need your advice. Is there a place that we may speak privately?"
I nodded, and led him down to the sitting room. He paced before the fire. "I don't quite know where to start."
"The beginning is always best," I prompted.
" All right. Well, this morning a young lady came to see me. She told me that if I valued the health and well-being of my family, I should do everything in my power to assure the doctor's health declines if you do not leave her and her agents alone. Who they were, she did not say. She said that she had already contacted you about this. She also said I was to do nothing until she contacts me again. I am not to share this knowledge with you or anyone else, but I felt I had to. I just could not do otherwise, and still sleep at night."
"You did very well, and I thank you for daring to take the course that you did. Now I have a question for you, doctor. How far are you willing to go to protect your family and your patient?"
"I have thought long and hard about that, and there can only be one answer. I am willing to do whatever you tell me to do. My family and I are in your hands, and will do anything you deem necessary."
"Capital, capital," Homes said, rubbing his thin hands together.
Dr. Palmer could hardly credit his own ears when the detective remarked calmly "There is only one outcome that is acceptable to these ghouls that we are dealing with. Therefore, the doctor must die!"
A/N I bet you didn't see that one coming! Cat, KCS, Eyebrows2 and Bartimus, thanks for your reviews, support, and inspiration. Blessings upon your heads.