At 221½ Baker Street, after their talk about Basil's behaviour, Dr Dawson had resumed reading the newspaper and Mrs Judson was now dusting the house, as something to do.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door and the two looked up.
''Oh my, I wonder who that could be?'' Dawson asked.
''It could be a client for Mr Basil,'' said Mrs Judson, and walked over to the door. She opened the door but stared when she saw who it was. There stood two mice: a young woman looking troubled, and an older male mouse with a bandage around his head.
''Mrs Judson,'' said the woman in a Scottish accent. ''You probably don't recognise me, but –''
''Olivia Flaversham?'' Mrs Judson exclaimed. ''And Mr Flaversham? Oh, my! What happened to your head?'' she asked in great concern. ''Let's get you inside at once!''
Olivia and Hiram stepped inside the house just as Dawson approached them. ''Is that really you, Olivia?'' the good doctor asked, but stared at Hiram's bandaged head. ''Hiram, is your head alright? Do you need me to look at it?''
''I'm fine, doctor,'' Hiram assured him. ''It's just a minor injury. Olivia bandaged it up and –''
''Doctor Dawson, can you please look at it to see if there is any damage nonetheless?'' Olivia interrupted worriedly, and looked at her father sternly.
''Certainly,'' Dawson said, concerned at what had happened. Being Basil's assistant for many years had helped Dawson to become more deductive. Olivia would not have come all this way in the middle of the night so suddenly after nine years just to treat a minor head injury, and if Hiram was seriously injured, she would have taken him to the hospital rather than Baker Street, and she was so upset. All of this indicated to the doctor that Hiram's injury was not an accident and something sinister had occurred. ''Come this way, Hiram,'' he added and led the toymaker to the blue couch.
Dawson retrieved his medical bag and began to unravel the bandage. Olivia watched with Mrs Judson, who had a comforting arm around the young woman in a grandmotherly fashion.
''You did a professional job on this, Olivia,'' the doctor commented.
''I learned a bit about the medical field in school. I bandaged him up so fast I didn't have time to examine it properly. All I could think about was stopping the blood.''
''Of course, thinking about saving your father's life was all you could focus on. I wouldn't expect anything less from you, my dear,'' Mrs Judson said, and pulled the young woman into a hug.
''Dawson, Mrs Judson? What help does our client need?''
Everyone looked around to see Basil standing at the bottom of the stairs. The knock at the door and voices had woken up the detective, and hearing his assistant and housekeeper talking calmly to their visitors he figured it was not an intruder.
Basil stopped and stared at the beautiful young woman with Mrs Judson. She looked about her late teens to early twenties, at least 18 to 19. She had soft light-tan fur, bright blue eyes and a red bow in her hair, making her look like an angel. Her facial features were small and cute and she was wearing a blue coat. She was older, but right away Basil knew who she was.
''Miss Flanche – Flaversham? Olivia?'' he asked slowly, and she nodded. He had just been thinking about Olivia earlier and now she was here, in the flesh. But Basil had to put the awkwardness he felt to one side for now. ''Olivia, what is the trouble?''
''Well, firstly, it's my father,'' Olivia said, looking worried, and Basil was immediately alerted. He followed Olivia's wandering face and was shocked to see Dawson unravelling Hiram's bandage.
''What happened here, Hiram?'' the detective asked in alarm, walking over to where the toymaker was sat.
''An unwanted guest arrived,'' Hiram said, scowling at the thought of the intruder. ''If it wasn't for my daughter's decisiveness, I probably wouldn't have lived to tell the tale.''
''Really?'' Basil said in surprise, turning to look at Olivia, who blushed a bit.
''We'll tell them what happened after Doctor Dawson has tended to you, Father,'' she said, in a slightly bashful tone.
''It sounds as if you've been very brave, Miss Olivia,'' Mrs Judson said proudly.
''Mrs Judson, could you bring in tea and cheese crumpets for our guests?'' Basil asked, and his faithful housekeeper immediately went into the kitchen.
Dawson had by then finished removing the bandage and he and Basil stared at the cut on Hiram's forehead. It was large, no longer throbbing with blood due to the bandage. Given the cut had slightly pointed edges at each end, Basil and Dawson knew it was a knife cut.
''Nothing serious,'' Dawson said to Hiram. ''I'll just stitch it up.''
''Thank you, doctor.''
''Yes, thank you,'' Olivia agreed. ''I know I'm fussing over a minor injury, but I can't help it.''
''You don't need to explain, Olivia,'' Dawson said gently. ''After what happened nine years ago, it's understandable.''
''Of course,'' Basil added awkwardly, struggling to make eye contact with the young woman. ''Understandable …''
He forced himself to look at Olivia, but blushed. She had grown into a very beautiful young lady, just as he had envisioned. Her face and eyes looked more mature yet at the same time retained a tinge of innocence. His heart was beating so fast, as if it was a steam train going 100 miles an hour and –
''There we go! All stitched up!''
Basil snapped out of his daze when he saw Dawson had finished stitching Hiram's cut.
''I very much appreciate it, Doctor,'' Hiram said gratefully, and Dawson stood up from the couch so Olivia could sit next to her father.
''Just leave it and the cut will heal up in no time,'' the good doctor added, just as Mrs Judson emerged from the kitchen with the tea and cheese crumpets.
Olivia bit into crumpet and smiled. ''I forgot how good these were, Mrs Judson,'' she said.
Mrs Judson chuckled. ''I'll give you the recipe it you like.''
''I would appreciate that,'' Hiram said, taking a crumpet himself. ''Olivia has become quite the cook. Oh my,'' he added with such bliss after a bite, ''this is just what we need after a terrifying ordeal.''
Olivia nodded and turned to look at Basil and Dawson. ''Aye, that's why we came here in the first place. As Father said, an intruder invaded the shop.''
Without thinking, Basil knelt down in front of Olivia and took her hands into his. ''Olivia, I need you to tell us exactly what happened,'' he said urgently. ''The slightest detail may be important.''
Olivia smiled as she recalled Basil saying that to her nine years ago. She and Hiram then launched into the story of the hooded visitor at their home and his attempt to do Hiram harm.
''Why, that fiend! If I had been there, I would've given him a piece of my mind!'' Mr Judson shouted, shaking a fist.
Basil nodded in agreement, his insides raging over someone's attempt to harm Olivia's family.
When they were finished, Basil, Dawson and Mrs Judson were staring at Olivia in surprise.
''Oh, my,'' said Dawson. ''Amazing …''
''Olivia, you actually fought the scoundrel?'' Basil asked, his tone a mixture of astonishment and worry.
Olivia blushed furiously. ''Yes,'' she said shyly.
''Olivia had private self-defence lessons from a friend of mine,'' Hiram revealed. ''After my kidnapping all those years ago, she insisted on taking them in case she ever had to defend herself or me.''
''Oh, our Miss Olivia has come a long way!'' Mrs Judson said, like a giddy schoolgirl. ''She does women justice, and would make a fine detective!''
''I agree, Mrs Judson,'' Basil said before he could stop himself, and he froze. His eyes darted over to everyone and for a second, he thought he had seen what looked like a beaming gleam in Hiram's eyes.
After an awkward pause, the detective coughed and lit up his pipe. ''Prior to the event, had you received any threats or warnings?'' he asked.
Hiram shook his head. ''No, we hadn't.''
''So it was a surprise attack,'' Basil muttered as he paced around, deep in thought.
Dawson retrieved a notebook and pen from his pocket and put on his reading glasses. ''You said his hood fell off during the struggle,'' he recalled. ''Can you describe what he looked like?''
''He had brown fur, an unshaven face and was rather skinny,'' Olivia said. ''His voice was wheezy and he had a missing finger on his left hand.''
''A missing finger on his left hand?'' Basil repeated sharply, intrigued by this. ''Are you absolutely sure?''
''No mistake,'' Hiram confirmed. ''It was as plain as day.''
''Such a distinct feature,'' Basil said, grinning, before becoming serious again. ''He said to you: 'One wrong move and you will be left an orphan' and: 'I'm not going to hurt her – just you'. The fiend was no doubt trying to at least maim if not kill Hiram, but had no intention on laying a finger on Olivia.''
''That's what I thought,'' Olivia said. ''The only time he touched me was when he pushed me off him so he could escape. But why? Why try to hurt only Father? And why do so in the first place?''
''That's what we are going to find out, my dear,'' Basil said, and struck a dramatic pose. ''I knew it was only a matter of time before some uncouth fiend made themselves known; it's been quiet for too long. My trusty assistant, Doctor Dawson, and I accept the case!''
''Yes, we do,'' said Dawson, doing his best to mimic his colleague's pose, but stumbled over in the process.
''Olivia, Hiram, it's clearly not safe for you to return to your shop so I insist you stay here for now,'' Basil said to the Flavershams, helping Dawson to his feet.
''Are you sure?'' Hiram asked. ''It's very kind of you, but I thought you didn't normally open your door like that to strangers –''
''You are staying here and that is final,'' Basil said firmly.
Olivia giggled and Basil felt his cheeks go red again. ''In any case,'' the detective said after a pause. ''The two of you are not strangers, Hiram.''
That's the Basil of Baker Street I remember saying goodbye to, Olivia thought, the detective who became more friendly and welcoming. Not the rude and arrogant jerk I first met.
''Now, you two will stay with Mrs Judson while Dawson and I head out,'' Basil added, rushing the grandfather clock and putting on his jacket.
''Where are we going?'' Dawson asked, puzzled.
''To Hiram's toyshop,'' the detective replied, buttoning up his Inverness cape and putting on his deerstalker cap. ''We must see if there is anything that may help us.''
''I don't think you'll find anything, I'm afraid,'' Hiram said. ''He took the knife he used.''
''Even so, it's worth a try,'' Basil said determinedly. ''Not to mention, there is the chance the fiend might return.''
''Then I will come, too,'' Olivia said, standing up.
Basil stared at her. ''What? Olivia, dear, I know you can take care of yourself, but I would never forgive myself if you were to be put in danger once again.''
''I'm not afraid of whoever he is. Besides, I want him to pay for hurting Daddy.''
''Even so …''
They went back and forth and Hiram watched on in amusement. It was as if they were married couple. His daughter was just so stubborn at times; once she made up her mind or put her foot down, there was no arguing with her. It was a common Flaversham trait.
Finally, his daughter said: ''Fine, I'll stay here.''
Hiram was surprised. Since when did Olivia give up so easily?
''On one condition: you will let me work on the case starting from tomorrow,'' she finished, in a tone that made it clear that was final.
Of course, her father thought with a smile. I should've known.
Basil hesitated, but with her stern look and tone he knew it was fruitless. ''Very well,'' he said, reluctantly.
Olivia gave him a military salute. ''You won't regret it,'' she said playfully.
Basil found himself chuckling and looked at Dawson. ''Now, come along, doctor,'' he said, making his way to the door.
''I'm right behind you, Basil,'' the doctor said, and the two walked out of the door.
''Alright, while the boys are gone, let's get you two settled in,'' Mrs Judson said to the Flavershams, and hung their coats on the coat rack.
She then went upstairs to retrieve one of her old nightgowns and a nightshirt that belonged to her master.
''I'm sure Mr Basil won't mind,'' she said to Hiram.
''You're very kind, Mrs Judson,'' Hiram said, and father and daughter went upstairs to change.
Within twenty to thirty minutes, Basil and Dawson returned, the detective looking mournful. ''Nothing,'' he said in a depressed voice. ''Not one trace of a clue. A complete dead end.''
''You tried your best,'' Hiram said gently, putting a hand on his shoulder.
''It wasn't enough, though!'' Basil burst out abruptly, making Hiram and everyone jump. ''I'm a detective and I'm supposed to find clues to catch criminals! If only that scoundrel had been there! I could've captured him and received answers on who he works for and why he attacked you!''
''That's quite enough, Mr Basil!'' Mrs Judson shouted. ''I know the slightest failure disheartens you, but I will not tolerate you yelling at Miss Olivia or her father!''
Hearing this, Basil's frustration melted away.
''It's alright, Mrs Judson,'' Olivia said, and pulled Basil into a hug.
''Olivia,'' Basil said in chocked up voice, as if he had a sore throat. ''I …''
''You weren't yelling at me or Father. You were really yelling at yourself, because you want so much to catch whoever it was that scared us and why, because you feel as if you've let us down.''
Basil's eyes widened and he held Olivia tight in his arms. ''First Ratigan, then the Viper, many more that Dawson and I had trouble finding, and now this scoundrel,'' Basil said, still sounding depressed. ''Why do they always evade my grasp?''
That second villain Basil mentioned aroused Olivia curiosity. This Viper character was obviously another enemy Basil had fought in vain to capture, but Olivia had never heard of him.
Basil pulled out of Olivia's hug and they looked at each other. ''It's alright, Basil,'' Olivia said comfortingly, and kissed his cheek. ''We can look for clues tomorrow.''
Basil's hand touched the cheek she had kissed, and then nodded. Normally when depressed over a failure on a case, Basil would sit in his red chair and play a sad tune on his violin, but for some reason Olivia's words of reassurance made him feel better.
''You're right, Olivia,'' he said, his eyes full of warmth as he looked at the young woman. ''Let's get some rest now. We have a full day of investigating ahead of us tomorrow. You, too, doctor. Mrs Judson, please show Olivia and Hiram to the guest bedroom.''
''Certainly,'' said the housekeeper, and she led the Flavershams upstairs.
Dawson put his coat on. ''I best be getting home now. If a new villain is at large, I want to make sure Pauline is safe.''
''Of course, doctor. Send her my regards.''
After bidding each other good night, Dawson walk out of the door.
Even though he was a light sleeper, Basil went into the kitchen and had a few cups of coffee before sitting in his chair to think. There was always the chance the Flavershams' attacker might turn up at Baker Street, and Basil wasn't going to let the scoundrel hurt them again. Tomorrow, he was determined to find even just one clue to this case. The rodent having a missing finger should help. There weren't many lackeys with such a clear-cut characteristic.
His thoughts turned to Olivia. She retained the bravery, stubbornness and sweetness he first saw nine years ago, yet she had become more capable. He couldn't believe it when she said she had actually brawled with the thug. When he saw how upset she was over her father's head injury, he had wanted to take her into his arms and never let her go, and when she kissed his cheek it was as if he was soaring –
No, no, no! he thought. Olivia is a client who needs my help once more! I can't think such things about her, it's unprofessional! Not to mention, it would make me look like some vulgar predator, the one thing I despise more than anything! Besides, her hugs and kiss were innocent and comforting, nothing more ...
Basil stared the fireplace, trying to banish such thoughts from his mind.
At the same time, a small, hooded figure was spying on the Flavershams from outside the guest bedroom window, as his boss had ordered him to. Spying on Basil was too much of a risk as the detective would have sensed his presence. Suddenly, Hiram turned over and the figure hurriedly climbed onto the roof of 221 Baker Street, his heart thumping like mad. Had Hiram opened his eyes? The figure didn't see as he had fled so quickly. He prayed he hadn't. If Hiram had seen him, the figure would be finished. Hoping for the best, he jumped from roof to roof and disappeared into the night.
Phew! Finally got this chapter done. Took such a long time to get it satisfactory, but I knew Basil and Olivia's reunion was going to be long.
Basil has got his wish to see the Flavershams again, and it is apparent there are feelings between him and Olivia, but will either of them make the first move?
Who was the figure spying on them? Could it be someone we know?
Next chapter the investigation begins but will our heroes find anything? See you soon!
