28th prompt From Domina Temporis: Buckingham Palace

I can only apologise…


Buckingham Palace


Across the parade ground, escorted by footmen,

staff lined up to meet them, their suits neat and new,

two Baker Street tenants, a royal appointment;

rewards for their singular service were due.

~0~

Progress was slow…Holmes accosted one guardsman,

the tilt of his bearskin, the braid on his cuff

revealed him to be a conniving imposter,

with intent to cause chaos and mayhem and stuff.

The chap was arrested as Holmes and the doctor

were shown through a rather impressive white door.

Holmes halted their journey and fished in his pocket,

held out a small lens, and dropped down to the floor.

"The theft!" , he declared "of a priceless pearl necklace.

The object was taken mere minutes ago.

The thieves, there were two, are that housemaid and butler…

first line, second left and third right, second row."

The startled accused tried to leave but were thwarted

by a trio of cooks….second row, left hand side.

The party continued through high sweeping arches

Holmes waved at a seamstress, "A bigamous bride!"

He grabbed a young tradesman and turned out his pockets…

the contents prepared for a gunpowder plot,

then shouted at Watson to stop an assassin

from raising his weapon and firing a shot.

By the time they arrived at the Queen's inner chambers,

they'd exposed three more burglars, uncovered a spy,

stopped blackmailing gardeners, unfrocked a false bishop,

solved several abductions, found a poison supply.

They reached the grand throne room dishevelled and weary,

stood proud for the medals the Nation bestowed.

The Queen, now apprised of events of the morning,

announced " I'm informed there's a new debt now owed

Mr Holmes, for your service to me and my household,

I shall give you the most unique honour of all!"

~0~

With that, she produced a revolver and aimed it…

shot the letters 'S H' on the grand throne room wall…

~0~