The Warning, Chapter the Twelfth
Lestrade's POV
I stood outside 221B Baker Street, wondering just what it was that Holmes wanted. He had sent me a note to come, and Holmes is not one to ignore. Not if you know what is good for you. In my experience, you do this at your own peril.
It was late in the afternoon when I cleared my desk and caught a cab to Baker Street. Mrs. Hudson opened the door.
"Ah, Inspector, come on in. Give me your coat, and I'll hang it up to dry. Great weather out there for ducks, isn't it? Go on up, I expect you know the way by now. I'll be up in a moment with a tray." So saying, she had retreated to her domain. The trays that came out of that kitchen were legendary. I could not help but wonder what she would favour us with on this one.
I trudged up the stairs. It was only a little after three, but it had been a tiring day, and I was bone-weary. All of these tiring days lately were adding up.
Before I had a chance to knock on the sitting-room door, it was whipped open. Holmes took in my soaked clothing and bade me sit in the chair by the fire.
"It is a long story, Lestrade, and it would be easier to hear and concentrate upon if you are comfortable. Also, so as not to have to explain this twice, I've been waiting for the doctor to wake up and come out here."
There was a knock at the door. Holmes opened it to admit Mrs. Hudson. True to her word, she carried a large tray. She served out an early supper of Shepherd's pie, homemade bread,a rich chocolate cake, and tea. As she finished setting out the dishes, the door opened and Watson slowly walked in.
Holmes went to him and helped him to his chair. "I trust you have slept well? The Inspector is here to help design our campaign against the evildoers that we seek. There have been developments that you both need to hear about."
"Developments, Holmes? Has there been another kidnapping?" His brow furrowed, and he answered his own question. "No, Lestrade would be the one to tell us that. Holmes, what have you found out?" asked Watson.
Holmes and Lestrade joined him at the table.
"Dr. Palmer told me that his family is in a dangerous situation. If I get close to finding those we seek, his family will be harmed. Dr. Palmer has instructions to dispatch you, Watson, in that event. To defuse this explosive situation, this is what I propose. I propose that we kill you, Watson, and this is how we'll do it....."
"Oh, have you thought this out, Holmes?" chortled the doctor.
"Oh, yes, doctor. I often fantasize about killing you, just as an intellectual exercise, you understand. I think if these people tell Dr. Palmer to assure your demise, we should spread the word that you have died. Black armbands at the Yard, the whole nine yards. We can hold the wake here. We need to make this as real as we can, for we are not dealing with idiots."
Lestrade got the idea. "We draw them out, and when they come to see the other good doctor's handiwork for themselves, we nab them!"
"Right, you are ,Inspector. Right you are."
From the look in Holmes' eyes, Watson and Lestrade almost, but not quite, felt sorry for his prey.
Holmes shook off his thoughts and stood up. "Until they contact Dr. Palmer, we can do nothing. But when they do, we'll have a plan to put into action. This is a dangerous plan, so is everyone in agreement?"
"I'm in."
"Wouldn't miss it for the world, old man."
Holmes looked thoughtful. "In the eventuality that we do use this plan, I shall have to apprise Mrs. Hudson."
Watson stifled a grin, recalling the words our worthy landlady had had for her erstwhile lodger upon his return. His death had caused quite a few ripples in their little family, but most of them were smoothed over by now. At least he thought they were.
Just then, there was a tap on the door. Lestrade opened the door to reveal Mrs. Hudson with a man a few years younger than she was, but not many. He was about Watson's height, and he was slightly built. He had green eyes and blond hair.
"I'd like to introduce you to a very good friend of mine. Gentlemen, this is Mr. Edward Baker. Edward, this is Inspector Lestrade, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and Dr. Watson.
As Edward stepped forward to shake their hands, they could not help but notice his limp. He saw this at once.
"Polio," he said cheerfully by way of an explanation. "I got it when I was just a lad, but it left me with a souvenier."
Dr. Watson wanted very much to back up, maybe to his room, but he told himself that it was socially unacceptable. He therefore shook the proffered hand.
"Please sit down, Mr. Baker, Mrs. Hudson." Holmes offered.
"No, we'd better be leaving if we don't want to be late. Good to meet you, gentlemen."
"Yes, you're right. I'll just get my wrap and my bag on the way out," Mrs. Hudson replied, and she and her beau took their leave.
As soon as the door closed behind them, Watson turned to Holmes. "That was him!"
A/N I want to thank everyone who reviewed, as well as Cat, my beta. A special thank you to Sherlockholmesfan1, who gave me an idea for this little plot twist.