Olivia swallowed and said shyly: ''He confessed his love to me, and asked me to marry him.''

Basil's eyes bulged out. ''What?''

Edward chuckled.

''It turned out, all those times I saw him in the library was that he had been wanting to try and talk to me, but he hadn't been able to pluck up the courage, and he finally did on that day in May.''

''What did you day to him?'' Basil asked, his voice betraying a hint of jealousy.

Olivia blushed deeper. ''I told Emmett that I was surprised but flattered, but I politely and gently turned him down, telling him that I was in love with someone else.''

At the speed of light, Basil's jealousy melted and was replaced with a loving smile. ''And it wasn't a lie,'' Olivia added, taking Basil's face into her hands. ''I have only ever had eyes for one man and I love him more than anyone in this world, besides my father.''

Basil chuckled and they kissed passionately. Dawson smiled.

The lovebirds broke apart when they heard a cough and saw King Edward smirking at them. ''So,'' he said triumphantly, ''Mr Basil has finally found a woman he loves, and in the form of the very same girl who changed him nine years ago?''

''Your Majesty, I would appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone,'' Basil said pleadingly. ''I don't want to risk the Viper using our love to his advantage and –''

Edward held up his hand. ''Don't worry, I won't tell a soul, as long as you promise to inform me on when the wedding will happen.''

Basil and Olivia blushed furiously and Dawson chuckled.

''We will,'' Basil mumbled coyly.

''And of course, your little ones will be so adorable, no doubt.''

Basil and Olivia blushed even more, and the king left to attend to some other guests.

Oliva saw the look on Basil's face. ''William, you don't want have children?'' she asked worriedly.

Basil swallowed and took her hand into his. ''Olivia, you have filled my life with light again, and helped me to slowly, but surely, begin to open up more.'' He smiled. ''So yes, Livy, once we have dealt with the Viper, I will be fully receptive to the idea of having children.''

Olivia grinned. ''I'm glad to hear that, because if you didn't want children, I'm afraid Daddy would change his mind about you.''

Basil's smile vanished. He felt a tap his shoulder and wheeled around, to find himself face-to-face with Helen and Hiram, who was smiling at him funnily.

Basil swallowed, as if Hiram was a judge having passed sentence. ''Hiram –''

Hiram held up his hand and explained to Basil that he wanted to spoil grandchildren with his toys now that Olivia had outgrown them.

''Hiram, I promise you will get your wish,'' Basil said earnestly.

Hiram patted his future son-in-law's shoulder. ''I know. By the way,'' he added, ''what was all that about with that old man?''

Basil, Dawson and Olivia informed him about the Richmond family, and Regina and Charlie.

''I never would have guessed that Regina Radcliffe was Charlie's aunt,'' Hiram remarked. ''And Emmett asked Olivia for her hand?'' He shook his head in amusement. ''One of my daughter's many admirers, though I am shocked his grandfather knew Ratigan's birth mother. And, William, I saw you defend Olivia from that Samuel, you have proven that I am right to trust you to look after her.''

Helen giggled and her best friend's and Basil's faces, before becoming serious. ''It's good you've found a suspect in Gideon, because Hiram and I had no luck. We did see one or two male mice lacking tails but they were either too short or too tall to be the Viper.''

''Don't feel bad, Miss Helen,'' Dawson assured her. ''At least you've been on the lookout.''

The five stared in the direction of where Richmond family were now stood with their grandfather, the tension of feud clear in the expressions: Victor was giving Gideon and Samuel stern glares to indicate they mustn't talk anymore, while Gideon and Samuel were both looking grumpy, the former now drinking wine from his glass. Emmett, meanwhile, was standing in a corner taking to Charlie.

''We definitely need to keep an eye on them at any rate,'' Basil said to his team, ''but we have to spread out and act as if we are enjoying the party so it won't look obvious.''

Dawson, Hiram and Helen went their separate ways, while Basil whispered something to Olivia. The couple then looked and saw Victor wave at them and talk to Emmett, who buried his face in his hands. Victor then started making his way toward the couple.

''Are you sure, William?'' Olivia asked. ''You don't want to ask Victor about Gideon yourself?''

Basil shook his head and Olivia saw him stare in the direction where Regina was now standing alone. Olivia saw and smirked.

''So you want to talk to my persistent admirer's aunt, do you?'' she said slyly.

Basil grinned. ''Elementary, my dear, Olivia. Inexplicably, the suspicious vibes from Charlie still linger, but they might disappear if I learn more about his and Regina's past. Not to mention, I want to ask her outright how she saw through our disguises.''

Victor was nearing them. Basil whispered he would see her later and skedaddled away, leaving Olivia to face Victor.

''Miss Darling?''

''Hello, Mr Victor,'' Olivia said in her posh disguised voice, holding her dress. ''What can I do for you?''

''Miss Darling,'' the eldest Richmond brother said, ''I would like to personally apologise for the behaviour of my grandfather and brother earlier. It was very rude of them.''

''It's quite alright,'' Olivia said, ''it wasn't your fault, although my friends and I don't appreciate rudeness.''

''As I said earlier, Gideon takes after Grandfather, who has some … personal issues regarding Marianne and her offspring.''

''I still can't believe that your grandfather knew Ratigan's biological mother.''

''I know. As you probably guess, my dear, Grandfather had unrequited feelings for Marianne and after all these years they remain.''

''Yes, I thought so.''

''Emmett told me what Mr Ingham said, that Grandfather knows nothing about love or compassion, and I admit I wholeheartedly agree. Grandfather has always been incapable of caring for others, not even his wife and son. My grandparents were arranged to marry due to a financial crisis, and when she passed when Father was seventeen, he hardly showed grief. Gideon was also the same with his own wife, divorced four years ago not long after their daughter was born, because she wanted to protect her from his unruly attitude. From what I've heard, her new husband has adopted the little girl and honestly, I think she is better off away from my dysfunctional family, although I wish I could see her.''

''I'm so sorry to hear that. What about your mother? You said you were late because there was a panic with her.''

''She's still in the state of grieving, I'm afraid, she hardly ever leaves her room but she does eat the food out butler prepares for her. She's fine, thank goodness.''

''That's good to hear. And are you and Gideon twins? You look the same height, and almost identical.''

Victor burst out laughing. ''No, we're not. People always assume that, and it annoys Gideon. I'm actually six years older than him.''

''How old are you, Mr Victor?''

''Fourty-one. Gideon is thirty-five and Emmett is twenty.''

One year older than me, Olivia thought, and said out loud, ''Emmett really is the youngest.''

''Mother had a few fertility problems,'' Victor explained. ''After Gideon was born, she couldn't conceive again and she and Father thought that was it, but fifteen years later she suddenly fell pregnant with Emmett.''

Olivia found all of his interesting but needed to know more about Gideon. ''Why does Gideon have a prosthetic tail?'' she asked, doing her best to sound as if she merely being curious.

''He was born without a tail for some unknown reason.''

''Does he still live at home?''

''He lives in accommodation near Regent's Park with another one of our staff, who acts as his caretaker. We hardly ever see Gideon.''

''No offence, but he sounds even more messed up than we saw earlier.''

Victor sighed. ''We've been thinking of referring him to an asylum …''

Now the last question to ask Victor for now. ''I get the impression,'' Oliva said carefully, ''that Gideon seems to be acquainted with Mr Basil, given the way he bad-mouthed him.''

''Ah, that was in the University of Mouseford. You see, Miss Darling, one year after Basil had entered the institution 17-year-old Gideon did also and resented the fact that Basil that had only bee admitted at fifteen. My brother was just jealous of Basil's intelligence, and perhaps it was also because of Grandfather's bitterness over Marianne. Anyway, long story short, Gideon tried to attack Basil, damaging university property in the process, and got kicked out. I went up to collect him that day. I met Basil that one time.''

''So that's it ...'' Olivia trailed off as she processed this information. Perhaps William doesn't remember this because he repressed it …


After leaving Olivia to talk to Victor, Basil waved to Regina as he made his way over to her. He wasn't lying to Olivia, he really wanted to understand more about Regina and Charlie's past, and shake off the latter's unreliable vibes.

''Ah, Mr Basil,'' Regina said, winking, ''or should I call you Mr 'Ingham'?''

Basil grinned. ''Either will be fine, though I appreciate you protecting my identity, Mrs Radcliffe. I would like to talk to you about a few things I'm curious about, if you don't mind.''

''Of course not.''

''You first opened up your business in 1890, 16 years ago, correct?''

''Yes.''

''You were always known as 'Regina Radcliffe' from the start, yet you didn't marry Tim until some years later, so what I want to ask is: did Tim take your surname?''

''He liked it better than his own. You see, when we moved to Cornwall, my father changed our name in order to ''severe ties'' with Father. I enrolled at Mouse Cambridge University, where of course I met Tim. After Elsie's death, we later moved back to London and when Tim and I married.''

''And since you sheltered Charlie all of his life, I'm guessing he was home-schooled until college, and given your fame and wealth you would be able to afford a tutor, am I right?''

''We didn't hire a tutor, Tim offered to teach Charlie himself. He was very bright and brilliant, our Tim, but didn't like to be seen in public; he was very shy. He died in his accident while Charlie was only ten. When Charlie turned eighteen, he said he wanted to go to college. I was against it, but I knew deep down I couldn't shelter him forever, so I reluctantly agreed.''

Basil nodded solemnly. The detective knew when he and Olivia eventually had children of their own, he was going to be on edge all the time with worry, but it would be worth it, as he vowed he would protect his future children no matter what.

''Of course. But if Charlie is anything like his aunt, I'm sure he will have a successful career. He said he wanted to be a detective like me, but I'm not sure how I feel about that.''

''Yes,'' Regina sighed, ''he's always admired your work, as you know. I do feel torn about it: on one hand, I don't want to hold him back on a job that would make him so happy and passionate, yet at the same time the detective profession is quite dangerous, and I'm just afraid of losing Charlie, he's all I have – and if he was to die on a case, you would responsible since you inspired him, so I'm afraid you would have blood on your hands. Of course, Olivia would have blood on her hands also if Charlie was to let her rejection her take him over – not that he will,'' she giggled.

Basil chuckled nervously.

''I'm just joking Basil. Sometimes my sense of humour can get a little …wry, shall we say?''

Basil nodded awkwardly. Wanting to change the subject, he said, ''Mrs Radcliffe, I'm curious: would your expertise in the clothes industry might have anything to do with how do see through our disguises?''

Regina grinned. ''How deductive of you, Mr Basil. Yes, many years of my profession has allowed me to deduce what people are using clothes for, how they wear them, etc. Not to mention, while at university our drama teacher taught us a bit about costumes as well as acting.''

The detective looked out of the corner of his eyes and saw Gideon leaving the exit with Helen following him. ''You took drama classes?''

''Acting was one option I was considering, but I eventually decided being a clothes designer was the best choice for me because I was skilled at knitting and sewing. I'd had lot of practice making clothes, big and small, during my time.''

Basil realised something. ''Mrs Radcliffe, you didn't happen to be at Mouse Cambridge University around the time that Ratigan turned savage?''

''Unfortunately, yes. Don't worry, Tim and I managed to keep out of his way.''

Basil nodded. He saw a flaw in Regina's story but didn't say anything. He had a feeling he knew why Regina lied and honestly, he didn't blame her; Ruby was rotten to the core, the pole opposite of her father.


Helen slowed down her walking while keeping Gideon in sight, as if getting physically to him would kill her. Although her heart lied in painting, it was also fun going under cover and tailing bad guys. So, while she was here helping her best friend, she wanted to be the best detective she could be.

She saw Gideon head outside and into the gardens. She stopped for a moment so it wouldn't look suspicious, before calmly walking outside humming to herself, as though she had walked outside by accident. She looked at Gideon, who gave her a stiff nod with a scowl as he lit up a cigarette attached to his gold holder with his right arm. ''What are you looking at?'' he said rudely.

''Just enjoying the beautiful moonlit night, that's all,'' she said casually.

''Nothing lovely about tonight, or any night,'' Gideon scoffed. ''Not with that Basil of Baker Street somewhere nearby, and that Olivia Flaversham. They both have blood on their hands, for Ratigan was all I had left of Marianne, and they both killed him by messing up his plan.''

Helen had been told Gideon was a bit messed up and acted like his grandfather, but decided not to say anything. She had read a few small articles of Gideon from her father, and he had had a few angry and violent outbursts. His wife, Clara, had never been beaten, but from what she had read Clara had divorced Gideon before she or their baby daughter, Martha, were. She did the right thing, Helen thought.

''What's wrong?'' Gideon said. ''Cat got your tongue?''

''No,'' Helen said, her heart thumping. She looked carefully at Gideon's left arm, which he had just lifted up slowly, indicating he was trying to avoid pain with it. This, combined with Gideon looking very menacing, she added, ''I think I'm going to head back inside to my friends.''

''Yeah, you do that,'' Gideon sneered, ''your voice is irritating me.''

The young woman walked around the corner that led back to the palace. As she did, she heard Gideon hiss: ''Curse this arm!''


Inside, Basil, Dawson, Olivia and Hiram had reunited and informed each other of their discoveries.

''Now I remember that day!'' Basil said, having heard about where he had seen Gideon before. ''I did repress it for some reason. Yes, Gideon was very jealous of my smarts. Also, you member Camilla Anderson who I briefly courted, Livy? Gideon liked her and hated that she preferred me.''

Hiram rolled her eyes. ''Of course, typical lover jealousy.''

''Also,'' Olivia added, ''if you do the maths, he got kicked out of University of Mouseford in 1888 and, given what you said, the Viper first appeared not long after, so it does match up.''

Basil and Dawson nodded in agreement. ''So far, Gideon is looking promising.'' Basil said. ''Given his behaviour at UOM, I'm not surprised he has since displayed signs of anger and insanity. I won't blame Victor if he does cart him off to an asylum. I hope his former wife and daughter are doing well.''

''Unfortunately,'' said Dawson, ''if we do investigate Gideon, we may have to track her down to ask her about their marriage.''

Nearby, Edward was with Regina and they were telling Charlie something, before the young men left via the exit, nodding to Helen as she passed and made her way to her group.

''Mr Basil, Gideon is definitely prime suspect,'' she said triumphantly, but before she could tell them about the left arm, they heard two guards calling to Edward and Regina, waving their arms frantically.

''Your Majesty!''

''What's the matter?'' asked the king.

''The guards, every single one in the entire palace, have been rendered unconscious!''

''How is that possible?'' Edward gasped.

''Someone seems to have used chloroform on all of them.''

Hearing this, Basil's group walked over to the king. ''Did you say chloroform?'' the detective asked sharply, and the two guards nodded. ''Your Majesty, I think our Viper friend is getting ready for his grand entrance. Chloroform was his favourite method of subduing his victims. We need to start thinking of evacuating everyone.''

Edward nodded. ''You're right.''

''The Viper?'' Regina asked in alarm. ''So it's true then that he has returned.''

Nearby, the three Richmond brothers had overheard and Victor and Emmett suddenly took Gideon's arms, the man looking a bit constipated. ''Are you serious?'' he said grumpily.

''We need to do it now,'' Emmett said, nodding at Victor. ''We won't have any other chance.''

''You know what will happen if we don't,'' Victor added.

''If I must, though I can do it myself,'' Gideon grunted, and the three brothers slipped off to the exit and turned around a corner.

Before Edward could make an announcement regarding an evacuation, a loud, piercing scream was heard from somewhere in the palace.

''What was that?'' Helen asked, a little nervously.

''That sounded like Charlie!'' Regina cried. ''He said he wanted to have some fresh air. If the Viper has cornered him, I need to find him!''

''Mrs Radcliffe, wait!'' Basil shouted, but Regina disappeared into the crowd and the detective saw her leave through the exit.

''One of you go with her,'' Edward ordered his two guards, and one followed after Regina.

''William, what should we do?'' Hiram asked his son-in-law, just as the lights in the audience chamber went out. Everyone screamed in panic. Basil grabbed hold of Olivia, Hiram grabbed Helen thinking she was his daughter, while some unknown person stepped on Dawson's foot in the dark.

After a few minutes, the lights reignited and the audience gasped to see a hooded on the stage, the exact same place Ratigan stood nine years earlier. ''Citizens of Mousedom,'' he said in a wheezy voice, his voice ringing around the room, ''for twelve years my boss has been enjoying retirement, living his normal life. Well now, he is back with a vengeance.'' He lifted his left hand, which lacked a finger.

''Butch Mitchell!'' Basil and Olivia said simultaneously.

''So, citizens,'' Butch said, ''please give a big welcome back round of applause to the most notorious criminal in Mousedom besides Ratigan … the Viper!''

In a flash, the Viper himself stepped out from behind the curtain in a theatrical flair, striking big pose like the one Ratigan had performed that night. Everyone in the audience chamber gasped again, even louder, unable to believe that the infamous Viper was standing right in front of them. Although he was wearing a hood, they all felt as if they could see the smile on his face.

''The Viper …'' Basil muttered to himself through gritted teeth, glaring at his old hated adversary.

''Hello, scrawny parasites of Mousedom,'' the Viper began pleasantly, and the audience all felt chills down their spine as they heard his menacing deep snake voice. ''Yes, it's the Viper in the flesh. After twelve long restful years, I am back and ready to make myself known to the criminal world once more. Now that Professor Ratigan is no more, I now wear the complete crown instead of sharing it with him. It's a shame though,'' he sighed, shaking his head sadly. ''I really admired the professor's work and intelligence, perhaps if things had been different, we could've made a great team. Oh, well, I will do my best to carry on the legacy of criminal geniuses such as him. Not even you, King Edward,'' he added, pointing a dramatic finger at the mouse king, ''can comprehend me. I, the Viper, will reign supreme!'' he cheered excitedly, thumping a fist in the air and laughing manically.

''No you won't!''

The Viper stopped laughing and saw Basil, Dawson, Olivia, Hiram and Helen make their way through the crowd and stop at the bottom at the stage, all staring at the Viper with fearless eyes.

''Your reign will be over before it has even begun, Viper!'' Basil said, pointing finger at his enemy.

''And who might you be, pipsqueak?''

With a large grin, Basil dramatically ripped of his mask, causing everyone to gasp once more.

''What?'' Samuel said from the crowd, his face twisting into anger. ''He was Mr Ingham?!''

''Well, well, if it isn't my old friend, Basil of Baker Street,'' the Viper said lazily, and waved his arm as if he was a child greeting someone. ''Long time no see.''

''Yes, it's me, and this time I will apprehend you, you fiend!''

''Oh no!'' the Viper cried in mock fright, clasping his cheeks. ''Basil of Baker Street will stop me!'' He cackled. ''What are you going to do? Turn you magnifying glass into cuffs? Use your deduction skills and end up being humiliated? Face it, Basil, you have never bested me, and you never will.''

Basil felt slightly insulted at the Viper's attempt to mock his intelligence, but he stood his ground, especially when he felt Olivia place a hand on his shoulder. ''You won't get away,'' the detective promised. ''This very night I will finally uncover your true identity!''

The Viper laughed. ''Oh you will, will you? You and what army?''

''Us, that's who!'' said Olivia, as she, Hiram and Dawson removed their disguises – and Hiram deflated his costume, revealing his slim figure – making the audience gasp yet again.

The Viper grinned from under his hood. ''Ah, if it isn't little Miss Olivia Flaversham and her famous toymaker father. How are after you after my friend's little visit?'' he asked, patting Butch's shoulder.

''Just fine, now that you two are going to pay!'' Olivia shouted.

''Temper, temper, young lady,'' the Viper said mockingly, wagging a finger.

''Whatever you intention was for harming me that night,'' Hiram piped up, ''we won't let you hurt anyone else!''

''So defiant, toymaker, I'm beginning to see where Olivia gets her spunk from,'' the Viper chuckled, before turning to Dawson and Helen. ''You are of no significance to me, Doctor Dawson and Helen Baker, but I will be attentive to you two for just a moment so you don't feel left out.''

''I couldn't care less about having your attention,'' Dawson retorted, placing his hands on his hips.

''Neither do I,'' Helen agreed. ''You're a despicable villain!''

The Viper took that as a compliment before waving his right hand dismissively and looking at Basil once more. ''Try as you might, Basil, you will not capture me. After all, if I wanted to, I could just snap my fingers right now and your sprit will be broken.''

''How so?'' Basil asked defiantly.

''Because of the damage over your two biggest flaws: you pride over or intelligence and Butch here finishing what I set him out to do and leave young Miss Flaversham an orphan,'' the villain said, knowing which buttons to press.

Hearing his, Basil could no longer retain his cool. He knew he should but when it concerned his smarts and, more importantly, the welfare of Oliva and her family, his rage would take over. Growling like an angry lion, Basil lunged at the Viper who swiftly moved out of the way.

The Viper laughing cruelly as Basil lay on the floor. The detective looked up at the Viper. Even though this was his old foe, something felt off about him, but perhaps it was because he hadn't seen him in a long time?

''Is that the best you can do?'' Butch's wheezy voice asked. ''So much for the great mouse detective.''

He also started laughing alongside his boss, only to cease when said boss appeared right in his face. ''It only works when I do it.''

''Right, sorry, sir,'' Butch said meekly.

Basil got up and charged at his adversary like a snarling bull, but in mid-air the Viper sent an upper-cut to his chin, sending the detective landing on the floor with a thump. But Basil wasn't giving up. After rubbing his jaw, Basil again charged at the criminal mastermind, but this time received a hard, merciless kick in the groin.

Everyone became concerned while Samuel Richmond cheered.

''William!'' Olivia screamed. Seeing the Viper attack Basil, she thought back to the night on Big Ben, Ratigan beating up Basil, his sharp claws tearing into the powerless detective's flesh like a wild animal.

The young woman, with these flashes in mind, charged forward, intending on catching the Viper herself, but the Viper jumped on the ledge on the stage and swung onto the balcony with the rope. As he was swinging, Olivia looked carefully and saw he did indeed have no tail, but she thought she saw something small and pointy from inside his cloak.

''Get back here and fight, you coward!'' Hiram shouted, but the Viper stood there, shaking his head.

Oliva gritted her teeth but paid the Viper no mind when she heard Basil groan as if he was being sick and knelt down beside him, Dawson tending to his best friend.

''I'm fine, Livy,'' Basil said. ''I've been through much worse than this.''

''Basil's right, Olivia,'' Dawson assured her, ''but I always check him anyway just to be on the safe side.''

''Where's Butch Michell?'' Helen asked.

They all turned but Butch had vanished.

At that moment, Regina reappeared in the audience chamber, looking frantic. ''Charlie? Are you in here?'' she called, making her way to the front. ''I couldn't find him anywhere!''

''He's not here, Mrs Radcliffe,'' Hiram informed her.

Regina turned pale. ''If he's not here then – oh my! Is that the Viper?'' she asked in fright, looking up at the balcony where the Viper still stood.

Looking right at Regina, the Viper, not saying a word, raised his left arm, wincing slightly and pointed a finger at the famous clothes designer, which made everyone's eyes widen, including Regina. The Viper than disappeared behind the balcony curtain.

Ignoring his pain, Basil stood up and grabbed the rope and jumped onto the balcony, following after the Viper.

''We need to go after him!'' Olivia said. ''I know William can handle himself, but since the Viper is just as violent as Ratigan we know he will be capable off!''

Regina started to run back to the exit when Dawson grabbed her left arm, causing her to grimace slightly. ''Mrs Radcliffe, I think it's best if you come with us.''

''I need to go back, doctor, Charlie is still out there!'' the rat woman protested, her eyes full of fear.

''But if you go by yourself, you'll be left vulnerable to the Viper,'' Helen said.

''He pointed at you, which indicates he intends to come after you,'' Olivia pointed out.

''Even so, I need to find Charlie. I've lost so many people in my life – my parents, my sister, my husband, my baby, my uncle – Charlie is all I have left, and if finding him means putting myself at risk from a deranged criminal, then so be it.''

She freed her arm from Dawson's grasp and ran toward the exit.

''Mrs Radcliffe!'' Dawson called as the group chased after her, but arriving in the hallway she had vanished.

''Where did she go?'' Hiram asked.

''We need to split up,'' Dawson said, in tone of authority. ''Hiram, you and I will locate Basil and help him apprehend the Viper. Olivia, you and Helen seek out Regina and Charlie.''

They all nodded and the two groups went in separate directions.


Basil ran down the corridor, running like mad, as if he was in a survival challenge. That Viper … how dare he? How dare he mock him? How dare he cause harm to Olivia's family? For a long time, he didn't know who he hated more, Ratigan or the Viper, but now he knew – his hatred for them both was equally matched. He was going to capture the scoundrel if it was the last thing he did!

He turned sharply around a corner and halted when he saw Butch Mitchell in his path; his hood was still up, but his missing finger was a giveaway. ''Hello, detective,'' he giggled.

''Butch Mitchell!'' Basil growled like a lion. He noted Butch was standing quit a few feet away from him, as if he didn't want to get too close.

''The Viper is glad to see you are doing well … and that Flaversham girl, too.''

''Mitchell, I will see you hang alongside your master!''

''Why? Because I gave her father a boo-boo? Too bad I couldn't kill him like the boss wanted me to, but he was pleased that I got the job done.''

''What job?'' Basil demanded.

''Can't tell you. Speaking of which, I despise that brat Olivia. She nearly broke my nose!''

''Serves you right,'' Basil said.

''And not only that, she ruined the fun, I was looking forward to spilling the toymaker's blood.''

Basil felt his anger rise. Becoming a ferocious lion once more, he was about charge toward Mitchell when a pair of strong arms pick him up. ''Put me down!'' the detective shouted, and looked over his shoulder to see his captor was a huge muscular mouse also wearing a hooded cloak. ''You?'' Basil gasped, his eyes widening. ''I haven't seen you since that night at the orphanage!''

The huge mouse nodded. Basil struggled to break free from his gasp but the mouse was too big and strong.

All of a sudden, Charlie's scream was heard again. ''Come back here, you runt!'' the Viper was heard shouting.

To Basil's amazement, the big mouse put him down and he and Butch head in the direction of the voice. Basil followed after them, knowing they were intentionally leading him to their boss but he didn't care. Turning another corner, Basil stopped in the middle of the hallway and sure enough, the Viper standing there, calmly smoking his cigarette holder.

''Why, hello again, Basil,'' he said in a friendly, welcoming voice, as if he was talking about the weather. ''You made it this far, are you really that determined to capture me?''

''Yes, I am. What did you do Charlie, Viper?''

''Oh, don't worry, he got away … for now. He would have made the perfect bait to lure his aunt to me. I was surprised to learn Regina Radcliffe, the children's clothes designer, was related to Ronald Mortimer, the first victim I ever claimed.''

''You won't be laying a finger on Regina, or anyone else,'' Basil vowed. ''I will see you behind bars yet!''

The Viper inhaled and blew a small smoke cloud. ''Such big words from one small detective.''

''Small?'' Basil laughed. ''I think you'll find I am taller than you, Viper.''

''Only by a few inches. But if you wish to be taller than me, wish granted.''

Before Basil could move, the huge bodyguard again lifted him up. ''Put me down, you fiend!'' the detective shouted, but he was trapped.

''Not so tough now, are you?'' the Viper chucked, placing a finger under Basil's chin mockingly, wincing for it was his left arm in use.

''Still bothers you?'' Basil asked, raising his eyebrows.

''Occasionally,'' the Viper growled.

''Boss, can I go find the Flavershams?'' Butch asked suddenly. ''I want to finish the job you assigned to me.''

''If you wish, my dear Butch. Bring the girl here to me first and then kill the toymaker.''

Hearing this, Basil moved more erratically in the thug's grasp. ''IF YOU TOUCH THEM I WILL –''

The Viper slapped his face hard, the blow echoing around the corridor. ''Do shut up, I grow weary of your pathetic voice.''


''I don't see Regina or Charlie anywhere,'' Helen said, as she and Olivia searched the corridor they were in.

''I just hope the Viper hasn't got to them,'' Olivia said.

''Not just yet he hasn't.''

The girls looked to see Butch standing there.

''Mitchell! What are you doing here?'' Helen spat.

''To collect Miss Flaversham, the boss wants to meet you.''

''Oh he does, does he?'' Olivia asked, grinning. ''Good, because I have a score to settle with both of you. I know I can't tell the Viper just yet because he will be too protected by his henchmen, so I will tell you instead.''

''Tell me what?'' Butch asked in mock puzzlement.

Without saying a word, as though she had super speed power, Olivia grabbed Butch's arm and flipped him over the shoulder. She punched his mouth and then flipped him over her shoulder one more. On the floor, Butch backed away, whimpering, before scrambling up and running away.

''Helen, stay here,'' Olivia said to her best friend, and chased after Butch.

Helen nodded and then her eyes were attentive to something small and white on the floor. She picked it up and saw it was a tooth.

Olivia followed Butch and stopped when saw the Viper right in front of her, a large henchman holding Basil in his grasp. ''William! Let him go, you fiend!''

''Hello, Olivia,'' the Viper said pleasantly, as Butch placed himself behind his master. ''Nice of you to join the party.''

Another large hooded henchman picked her up. ''Put her down!'' Basil shouted.

''What's the matter, Basil?'' the Viper crooned. ''Scared for your future wife? Yes, I know about you two,'' he added, seeing Basil's eyes widen. ''No-one can hide anything from me.''

''Viper, if you do anything to hurt her –''

The Viper pinched Basil's cheek like an uncle. ''I cannot deny I intend to end young Miss Flaversham's life alongside yours, but not just yet.''

''Then why are your lackeys holding us?'' Olivia asked defiantly.

''Because I simply wanted to have a little chat with you two.'' The Viper sashayed gracefully to Olivia and placed his fingers under her chin, lifting her head. ''You are indeed a beauty, my dear Olivia, I can see why you were the girl to steal Basil's heart, after being reclusive for so long. Not only that, you are the only one who has ever been able to give one of my boys quite the fright.'' The Viper looked at Butch, who was looking at Olivia as if she was going to eat him.

''Leave Olivia out of this, Viper!'' Basil shouted. ''I was the one who burnt your arm and thwarted your orphanage attempt! She has nothing to do with you!''

''Basil, Basil, Basil,'' the Viper said in a fake sad voice, shaking his head. ''I'm afraid I can't leave Miss Olivia out of this. She is just as involved in this as you.''

''Why? Because I foiled your plan to have my father done in?'' Olivia asked.

''That's one reason, but I also have another reason … one that I cannot forgive or forget,'' the Viper growled, twisting his hands as if he was wringing Basil and Olivia's necks. ''One for both of you will be sorry.''

Basil and Olivia looked at each other, trying to process the Viper's words.

''Don't worry,'' the Viper added, now in a more insane cheery tone. ''You will know in good time. I wish you luck in trying to figure out my true self, but I promise you I will be the one to reveal who I am when the time is right. That's all I wanted to say. Until next time, cheerio …''

Before Basil and Olivia could react, the lackey holding Basil sent him smacking against the wall, Basil falling with a painful groan. ''William!'' Olivia cried, as the other henchmen holding her placed her on the floor. She ran to her detective and held him. She looked up to see the villain and his goons were gone, gritting her teeth.


The longest chapter yet! And we end on another cliff-hanger.

Basil has come face-to-face with the Viper again, and since the Viper now knows about him and Olivia, our detective will now be more determined than ever to apprehend him.

As I said, there were clues and red herrings regarding the Viper's identity throughout all three parts, and I hope you enjoyed looking for them.

Uh-oh, it seems Butch has lost a tooth in the struggle against Olivia. What will happen when his boss learns of this?

And what is Regina hiding regarding her cousin Ruby?

The story of the Richmond brothers' grandparents' marriage was inspired by the situation with Victor and Victoria's marriage in Corpse Bride.

Time to answer some reviews:

duchessofbooks: Glad you liked the aliases, especially Basil's. I thought it would be a funny refence to the original film, using his own actor's name as his alias. And indeed, Olivia only has eyes for Basil, and vice versa.

See you soon!