It was a rather quiet morning in London, with birds twittering as they greeted the new day. At 221½ Baker Street, the home of the famous mouse detective, William Basil, things were certainly content, particularly in the guest bedroom.
The detective himself was relaxed and happy as he held the woman he loved, Olivia Flaversham, in his arms, as he had done all night. He held her tight as he opened his eyes. Last night had been the first night of utter peace and happiness for the detective in a very long time, for he and Olivia had finally confessed their mutual love for each other. It had been a big step for Basil, given he had been reclusive for so long and tried to avoid getting deeply involved with anyone besides Dawson and Mrs Judson, and thanks to Olivia that was beginning to change. She was the only one who affected him this way.
Basil smiled down at her and stroked her hair. Then he felt her move and she opened her beautiful blue eyes which were staring right into his own green ones.
''Morning, William,'' she said softly with a smile. ''How are you feeling? Happy?''
Basil chuckled and kissed her forehead. ''You have no idea, darling.''
''Any regrets?''
Basil shook his head. ''I could never have regrets over you, Olivia.''
''That's reassuring,'' Olivia said, and they kissed passionately.
Basil reluctantly removed his arms from her and stood up. ''I have to go back to my room,'' he said. ''If Mrs Judson sees my room empty, she'll immediately put two and two together and box my ears.''
Olivia giggled. ''I wouldn't want you to get into trouble with her because of me, but as we said last night, when she does find out, you'll be facing her wrath anyway.''
''That's true, but even so, I want us to tell her in person.''
They had one last kiss before Basil put on his robe and crept out of the guest bedroom, carefully closing the door behind him. He started to make his way back to his own room when he felt a very hard hand on his shoulder. He turned around and found himself face-to-face with his faithful housekeeper, who had a very cross look on her face and her hands on her hips.
''Morning, Mrs Judson,'' Basil said in a cheery voice, hoping to distract her, ''how can I –?''
Mrs Judson held up her hand for silence and pointed downstairs. Basil walked down into the parlour with the housekeeper right behind. ''So, Mrs Judson, whatever is the matter at this hour?''
''Don't feign ignorance, Mr William Basil!'' Mrs Judson said sternly. ''You know perfectly well what the matter is! I heard you and Miss Olivia talking in the guest bedroom last night and making some noises!''
Basil blushed. ''Mrs Judson, let me assure you that –''
''I thought you knew better, Mr Basil! Why, I should –''
''Mrs Judson, please, nothing happened.''
Basil and Mrs Judson looked up to Olivia at the top of the stairs.
''Olivia, what are you –?''
''I couldn't sleep, not with you and Mrs Judson talking,'' Olivia said, coming down the stairs and standing next to Basil. ''William didn't do anything. I told him I wasn't ready and he understood. All we did was talk and kiss.''
Mrs Judson's expression softened.
''I would never force Olivia into doing anything she was uncomfortable with,'' Basil said earnestly, taking her into his arms. ''I love her, so much.''
''I love you, too,'' said Olivia.
Mrs Judson's eyes filled with tears before she pulled Olivia into a hug. ''After all these years a woman has finally managed to open up Mr Basil's heart,'' she whispered. ''Somehow, I always knew you would be the one to do it, Miss Olivia. I always knew you were special. And I am so happy to have you as my mistress.''
''Me, too, Mrs Judson,'' Olivia replied, and they pulled apart.
With everything sorted, Mrs Judson went into the kitchen to start on breakfast.
''Well, that was easier than I thought,'' Basil said, grinning. ''Once you assured Mrs Judson we didn't do anything, we had her full approval – although, I suspect she wouldn't hesitate to give me a hard time if I stepped one foot out of line with you.''
''You could never do that, William. Daddy will no doubt be the same, but I'm sure he will approve.''
Basil held Olivia in his arms again. ''I sure hope so. And, of course, we will have to break the news to your clingy admirer, Mr Bennett,'' he added with a slight frown.
Olivia smiled sadly. ''I do feel bad for him, though. Charlie will be upset at first but, trust me, he always bounces back like a ball, so I'm sure he will soon get over me and find someone else.''
''I hope so, darling. I just didn't trust him.''
Olivia tickled his cheek. ''It's in your nature as a detective to be distrusting, so I don't blame you – as long as it's not just jealousy getting the better of you,'' she teased, and Basil blushed.
''Of course not,'' he said, a little defensively, and Olivia giggled.
Olivia went to get dressed, and when she re-emerged in the parlour, her detective was by the fireplace with a box, nailing newspaper clippings to the fireplace. ''What are you doing, William?''
Once Basil was finished, Olivia understood: all the nailed newspaper clippings displayed were all about the Viper, his various crimes and eluding capture from both Basil and the authorities – just like the display of Ratigan's clippings nine years ago.
Basil put his arm around Olivia. ''As I said last night, my dear, I always knew the Viper would return one day, so I kept all the articles of him, and now that he has risen from the ashes after twelve years, I can now display his return to remind me he still needs apprehending.''
Olivia looked at the newspaper clippings and stared at one particular headline: ''ARISTOCRATIC FAMILY MURDERED''. This was obviously the Mortimer family, the first crime in which the Viper had made his presence known, as Basil had told her last night, and she was curious to know more.
''That was the Mortimer family, wasn't it?'' she asked Basil, pointing at the article, and Basil nodded. ''Can you tell me more about them?''
''Of course, darling. As I said last night, Ronald Mortimer was a famous and highly-respected aristocratic rat who often donated his money to good causes such as charities and helping out the poor. His deeds were so famous he became closely associated with the royal family, and Queen Mousetoria actually knighted him for all of his good services.''
''She did?''
''Yes. But one morning eighteen years ago, a mouse citizen, who wanted to personally thank Ronald for having recently helped him out, arrived at his house to find the bodies of Ronald, his wife Diane, daughter Ruby and the servants, along with a note that featured the drawing of a doll of Ronald. He called Scotland Yard and immediately an investigation was launched. It was then discovered that the entire Mortimer fortune was stolen, and Scotland Yard were sent a voodoo doll of Ronald with a note from the Viper, informing them he had killed the Mortimer family and stole their money. In the wake of this revelation, Mousedom was left in mourning over the loss of such a wonderful and respected man and his family, while Scotland Yard made in their mission to capture the Viper and bring justice for Ronald.''
Olivia looked sad and Basil held her in comfort. ''That poor man,'' she said mournfully. ''I hate the Viper even more now. Ronald didn't deserve to die.''
''I know, darling, I know.''
''I hope this time we can finally catch that slimy Viper,'' she said determinedly. ''He even killed all of the servants, as well?''
''All were accounted for but one: Angus Parker, the butler. Either he escaped or the Viper moved his corpse to a different location for some reason. But in any case, Angus's status has always remained a mystery.''
Olivia stroked her chin in thought. ''Hmmm … interesting how Angus was the only one unaccounted for ...''
''I know what you're thinking, dear. To be honest, I thought of that, too, and in some ways it would make sense, but I can assure you Angus is not the Viper: he had a tail, and from what I heard, he was not ... agile enough. If he was alive now, that wouldn't change.''
''Suspect ruled out then. You know best, Mr Basil. Perhaps when we capture the Viper we can finally solve that mystery as well?''
Basil smiled. ''Perhaps.''
''But then just how did you end up obsessing with capturing him as well, William? You weren't affiliated with the Mortimer family, and Ratigan was the monster you were trying to throw in jail.''
Basil pointed to another newspaper article that had the headline ''VIPER'S ORPHAN SLAIN FOILED BY DETECTIVE.'' There was a picture of Basil, who looked slightly younger than he did when Olivia first met him nine years previously, with an elderly woman and some rodent children.
''You stopped him harming orphans?''
''I did, but I will tell you the story at a later time, darling. The only thing I will say is that the feud with the Viper started about a year after my rivalry with Ratigan began.''
Olivia grinned. ''I know I said this last night, but you really don't get along with any scoundrel, do you?''
Basil grinned back. He then picked up the Viper doll from the desk, moved the framed picture of Queen Mousetoria slightly to one side and placed the doll right next to it in the middle – the exact same spot Ratigan's portrait had once stood. With the doll on the mantle, and the nailed newspaper clippings covering the fireplace, it was as if they had gone back in time when the fireplace was dedicated to bringing Ratigan to justice.
''I'm guessing you're putting that doll there for the same reason you had the portrait,'' Olivia said. ''As a reminder –''
'' – that the Viper is still out there,'' Basil and Olivia finished together, and they laughed.
''Elementary, my dear Olivia. You know me too well.''
Olivia giggled. ''And am I right in thinking you always do this every time the criminal sends you something of themselves to mock you?''
''Yes,'' Basil confirmed, smiling. ''I'm afraid this'' – he gestured to the fireplace – ''is a rather bad habit of mine. I can't help it.''
''You really are eccentric, my dear William,'' Olivia said, mimicking Basil's tone, and the detective chuckled and took her into his arms. ''But it's what makes you you.''
''And your bravery what makes you, you, darling. When we finally meet the Viper, I will never allow that fiend to lay a finger on you,'' Basil said, and they began to kiss passionately – and they were so engrossed they didn't hear the front door open.
''What is the meaning of this?''
Basil and Olivia broke apart and stood frozen at the sight before them. Dawson and Pauline were standing just inside of the house, but next to them, with a look of utter fury on his face, was Hiram.
''Hiram, please calm down,'' Pauline pleaded.
''I really think that – '' Dawson began when Hiram held up his hand for silence.
The toymaker walked slowly towards his daughter and Basil. With each step he took, it was as though the floor was shaking beneath the couple. When Hiram stopped just in front of them, Basil removed Olivia from his embrace.
''Well?'' Hiram said, his eyes darting between them and showing such uncharacteristic coldness. ''Did my eyes deceive me, or not?''
''No, they didn't,'' Olivia said pleadingly. ''But, Daddy, please don't be mad. I love William, he makes me happy, and I do him.''
''Olivia's right, Hiram. I know I'm older than her, but we love each other. I promise no matter what, I will always protect Olivia and never let any harm come to her and –''
Hiram held up his hand again, having heard enough. ''Ever since my little girl became a fine young lady,'' he said, his voice shaking in anger, ''I had been hoping she would one day find a man who would fulfil my anticipation of caring for her, even when I am long gone. Many eligible bachelors asked for her hand, but she turned them all down.'' Hiram paused and drew in a deep breath before continuing, in a louder voice, ''And now, it appears she has finally chosen someone: William Basil of Baker Street, the man who risked his life to save us both from that beastly Ratigan nine years ago! And with my daughter's decision, I'' – Basil and Olivia braced themselves for Hiram's wrath when, as fast as lightning, Hiram's angry expression was replaced with a large beaming smile – ''couldn't be happier.''
Basil and Olivia stared at Hiram dumbfoundedly and the toymaker burst out laughing. ''You should've seen your faces!'' he chortled, wiping his eyes. ''Did you actually think that was real anger?''
Basil and Olivia looked at each other, and then at Dawson and Pauline, their hearts all still pounding but nonetheless relieved. ''Yes, we did, Daddy,'' Olivia said in exasperation. ''Don't ever do that again!'' She didn't like getting angry with her father but he had scared her and William half to death.
''You did have me fooled Hiram,'' Basil confessed. ''I was convinced I didn't have your approval.''
Hiram pulled his daughter and future son-in-law into a hug. ''I'm so sorry for scaring you both like that but I couldn't resist. Ever since the case nine years ago, I always knew that someday you and my daughter would court when she had become a lady, William, so I rehearsed so many times when I was alone how I would react.'' He winked.
Olivia stared at her father, stunned. ''You mean you knew? You've known all these years how I felt about William?''
Hiram beamed. ''Indeed. After that little adventure, I noticed a change in you, and I suspected it was because of William here. Olivia just couldn't stop talking about you, and even wrote you a lot of letters, but never sent them.''
Olivia blushed. ''Father!''
''But I knew for sure on her fourteenth birthday. Do you remember, dear, about that conversation we had?''
Olivia nodded. Basil remembered last night that Olivia had said something of the sort. ''Why? What did she say?'' he asked curiously, and Olivia blushed even harder as she remembered.
''Oh, thank you for a lovely birthday, Dad,'' Olivia said happily as she hugged her father.
''Well, it's your second year of being a teenager,'' Hiram replied proudly. ''You're growing up fast.''
Olivia hesitated, wondering whether to ask her father the very thing she had been wanting to ask all day. She was only fourteen so might be a bit early to ask. But she had an inkling what it was she really felt for Basil but she wanted to know if it was what she thought it was. Taking a deep breath, she said shyly, ''Father, can I ask you something?''
''Of course, dear, you know you can ask me anything.''
''Well ... it's ... It's about Mother.''
Hiram looked at his daughter curiously and nodded, urging her to continue.
''What was it like? The love you felt for her? Was it real true love? What did it feel like?''
Hiram was honestly shocked at this question but decided to answer. ''Well, Olivia, what I felt for your mother was pure and true. Your mother, my Annabel, was most amazing person I had ever met. I only had eyes for her and nobody else. And she felt the same about me. The love we felt, it was as if we were the only people in the world. It was true passion and devotion. We never felt that way about anyone else.''
''Really?'' Olivia asked, doing her best to keep her voice as casual as possible.
''Affirmative, my wee bairn.''
Olivia smiled wistfully at this answer. ''So that's what it's like to be really in love. Thank you for telling me.''
''Why would you suddenly ask such a question though?'' Hiram asked shrewdly.
Olivia paused for a moment, thinking for a careful answer. Finally she said slowly, ''I was just curious, since I'm getting older now'', which was partly true.
''After you had asked me, I couldn't stop thinking about it. After all, you had only just turned fourteen so for you to be asking about real grown-up love at such a young age surprised me. Then again, you were always different. It wasn't long after that that I realized the true reason you had asked me about mine and your mother's love.''
Olivia's face was now deep red. ''Did you know?'' she asked a small voice, glancing at Basil, who was also red in the face.
''Not at first. When it first hit me you were in love I simply assumed it was a lad from school, but I quickly saw I was wrong and after having a long hard think about it I put it all together and worked out the truth.''
''What made you realise it was me?'' Basil asked coyly.
Hiram's smile widened. ''You were the only man Olivia ever talked about, and none of the bachelors who asked her hand, amongst other things. As I said, I put it all together and it wasn't difficult.''
Olivia smiled shyly at her father, her face still red. ''You really know me, Daddy,'' she said quietly.
''A father always knows his child,'' said Hiram proudly, and Olivia hugged her father.
''So, you definitely approve of William?'' she asked hopefully.
''Of course.'' Hiram pulled out of his daughter's embrace and smiled at Basil. ''William, I say this from the heart, I could not ask for a better son-in-law than you. After all, you saved me from Ratigan and risked your life to reunite our family, and while it's true we gave you that new violin as thanks I always felt it wasn't anywhere near enough. I have always wanted to pay you back properly, and now I can't think of anything higher than giving you my daughter's hand.''
Basil felt tears threatening to burst from his eyes as he pulled Hiram into a tight hug. ''Thank you, Hiram,'' he chocked. ''Hearing that from you, I almost think I don't deserve Olivia, or your consent.''
Hiram placed a finger under his future son-in-law's chin. ''Well, get used to it.''
Basil chuckled, still chocked up.
''What about you, Doctor Dawson, Pauline?'' Olivia asked, turning to the couple. ''Do you approve?''
''Of course, we do, my dear,'' Dawson said, smiling. ''Like Hiram and Mrs Judson, I long foresaw that you would be the woman to penetrate the wall around Basil's heart. You understand him in a way that no other female has ever done, besides Mrs Judson, of course. You even embrace his eccentricity.''
Pauline nodded in agreement. ''David told me all about you and the case, how you changed Basil and when we met yesterday it couldn't be more obvious.''
Basil blushed at how everyone had seen it, but nonetheless he hugged his assistant, so tightly he lifted Dawson off his feet. ''You certainly deserve credit, doctor. And if you hadn't brought Olivia to me in the first place all of those years ago, we wouldn't be where we are now, so thank you, old chap. I will forever be grateful to you.''
''Yes, doctor, thank you for finding me that night,'' Olivia added, also hugging her good friend.
Dawson chuckled bashfully.
''And I know this is going to sound weird,'' Pauline said, a little hesitantly, ''but in a way, we have Ratigan to thank as well. I mean, if he hadn't kidnapped Hiram in the first place, Olivia would never have had a reason to seek out Basil at all.''
Basil and Olivia looked at each other, smiling.
''Pauline does have a point,'' Olivia said. ''To be honest, I've always thought of that myself, as much as it repulses me to think it.''
''I never would've thought I would be thanking my most hated adversary, and to be frank it disgusts me as well, but we cannot deny the fact he is directly responsible for our union, Olivia.''
''Well, he's dead so we can forget about that slimy old rat,'' Olivia said, and Mrs Judson then appeared with breakfast and everyone tucked in.
''Pauline,'' Olivia said, while eating some bacon, ''all this talk about love makes me wonder: how did you and Doctor Dawson first meet?''
''It was three years ago, Olivia,'' Dawson began. ''Pauline turned up at Baker Street one morning in desperate need of our help.''
''My father had been murdered,'' Pauline said. ''He had been down to the local pub one night, to meet some old school friends he hadn't seen for many years. Father was getting on, but he sure was a stubborn old fool, said going to the pub made him feel younger.'' She laughed shakily. ''But a drunk stranger had approached them and beaten my father to death.''
Olivia and Hiram gasped while Pauline got a little teary-eyed. Mrs Judson gave her a hanky and Olivia hugged her. ''I know how I would feel if anything happened to my father,'' she said, sharing a look at Hiram. ''I nearly lost him a few times myself. I wish your father had survived.''
''We do, too.''
''I'm so sorry I asked,'' Olivia apologised, feeling truly awful.
''No, no, it's fine,'' Pauline assured her. ''You were bound to wonder. My sisters, Sally and Clara, and I were devasted when we found out about his death. Father's friends had tried to save him but the damage that had been inflicted onto Father were too severe.''
''Did William and the doctor find out who did it?''
''Yes,'' Dawson said, his voice full of anger. ''It had been the simple but unjustified case of mistaken identity: the drunk mouse responsible was looking for someone with whom he had feuding and mistook Pauline's father for him due to the unfortunate resemblance.''
''I hope he rots away in jail for the rest of his life,'' Hiram said, and everyone agreed.
''If it wasn't for David's support, I probably wouldn't have been able to cope with it,'' Pauline added, and Dawson took her hands into his. ''Sally, Clara and I were there for each other, of course, but they also had their own families to help them, but I didn't have anyone but David.''
''I was there for Pauline the whole time, providing her with the emotional support she needed, and we just naturally clicked. After the case we kept in contact and, well, the rest is history.''
''And when it came to proposing,'' Basil said, laughing, ''Dawson was the worst! He was always losing the ring or misplacing it!''
''Basil!'' Dawson exclaimed, but he couldn't help but laugh as well – before Pauline was suddenly overcome with nausea and ran upstairs to the bathroom.
''Pauline!'' Oliva called in concern.
''Her stomach bug seems to be getting worse,'' Dawson said in worry, and went upstairs to see to his wife with Mrs Judson behind him. Deep down, Dawson suspected what was wrong with her, but given the Viper situation, prayed he was wrong.
''She was like this last night,'' Hiram said. ''I just hope she's alright.'' Like Dawson, the toymaker also suspected what was up, given he had seen his Annabel go through the same, and given the look his daughter and son-in-law gave him they were thinking it, too.
After breakfast, Basil retrieved another box and pulled out a newspaper cut-out, one of Ratigan's old crimes. ''I knew keeping all of Ratigan's clippings would come in handy,'' Basil said grinning. ''Since the Viper liked to mimic Ratigan in terms of schemes, these might help us figure what the Viper is up to, and what he plans for me.''
Basil got changed into his usual attire. ''Now, come on, Olivia, we have a full day of investigating to do. Dawson, feel free to stay with Pauline if you wish. Hiram, you can stay as well, but do be careful.''
''Thank you, Basil, I think I will,'' Dawson said, taking hold of his wife, who still looked a bit queasy.
''We'll be fine, don't worry,'' Pauline said, smiling at Dawson. ''Sally and Clara often visit me, they live nearby, so they will be here soon.''
''William, how are going to get around?'' Olivia asked. ''What about Toby?''
Basil and Dawson looked at each other sadly and Olivia became filled with dread.
''Has Toby … has he died?''
''No, darling, he's still alive,'' Basil answered, putting his arm around her, ''but I'm afraid he doesn't have much time left. He's very frail and ill so unfortunately, he can't help us anymore. It's sad, because Toby was always a superb dog, and we solved many cases with his help.''
''Even if he never fully liked me,'' Dawson added.
''William, can I see him sometime?'' Olivia asked. ''After we apprehend the Viper? I wouldn't want to risk the Viper hurting Toby in anyway.''
''Of course, dear. I think Toby would be delighted to see you again before he passes.''
Olivia kissed Basil. ''Thank you,'' she whispered.
Basil smiled sadly before putting on his deerstalker cap. ''Watch out, Viper, we will apprehend you, and you will not outwit me, now that I have my brilliant Scottish queen Olivia by my side,'' Basil said, grinning.
Phew! Sorry about the delay, I debated how to how long to make this chapter. I won't lie, I had a lot of fun writing Hiram's reaction. I always knew he was going to initially fake anger, similar to Scrooge at the end A Christmas Carol – and, of course, in Mickey's Christmas Carol, Scrooge McDuck was voiced by Alan Young, who also voiced Hiram, which makes it even more fitting.
It seems nothing gets past Mrs Judson. Chuckles.
Poor Pauline. We finally learn more about how she met Dawson and what happened to her father, but at least she has her sisters, Dawson and her new family. And just what is wrong with Pauline? Has she simply got a stomach bug, or is it something else?
Now that Hiram's reaction to Basil and Olivia's union is out of the way, how will Charlie react?
Time to answer some reviews:
duchessofbooks: I sure hope you like Hiram's reaction. And indeed, what will the Viper do once he finds out?
Next time, we will finally meet Charlie's aunt and learn a surprising fact about her.
See you soon!
