Basil, Olivia and Helen approached the nearby trolley stop, which was empty. ''So what exactly is your plan for Gideon?'' Helen asked.

Basil grinned and held out the bag of materials. ''You know how the Viper makes voodoo dolls of his victims? I want to test Gideon to see if he is familiar with it.''

''You mean you want to see if he can make a voodoo doll?''

''Only if it is necessary. What I really want to see is his reaction to the prospect.''

''Similar to Samuel?'' Helen said.

''Elementary, my dear Helen.''

''As I thought,'' Olivia said, smiling.

''But what about what we found at the mansion?'' Helen persisted. ''Can't we just confront Gideon with them?''

''No,'' Basil said immediately. ''In my years as a detective, I have found it's best to be discreet about evidence when interrogating a suspect, for they will realise you are onto them, putting the case in jeopardy.''

''I guess that makes sense.''

Olivia smirked and the detective chuckled at her face. ''What is it, Livy?''

''I was just thinking about what you said earlier, about how only those with exceptional skills in acting can hide their true emotions from you. Well, Daddy has never acted in all of his life, yet he was able to fool you with anger when he first found out about us.''

Basil gave her a small smile. ''That was an arrogant thing for me to say. When I said that, I didn't actually mean it, I just meant that –''

''I know what you meant, that you can tell some people's true emotions better than others.''

Basil nodded and squeezed her hands.

''Speaking of which,'' Helen piped up curiously, ''what did you mean when you said Ratigan fooled your family for years?''

Olivia looked at Basil, who said, ''Helen is part of our group now so she shouldn't be kept out of the picture. She should know.''

''Are you sure, William?''

Basil insisted he was, and he and Olivia told Helen the truth about Basil's connection to Ratigan, and what happened to his family, but just the basics rather than the full, harrowing details.

Helen's jaw dropped. ''Ratigan was your uncle? That explains a lot.'' She looked at Basil as tears slid down her cheeks. ''I'm sorry, but what he did to your sister … I can't think of any way to describe it, other than it being beyond deplorable.''

Basil put a hand on her shoulder and Olivia handed her best friend a handkerchief. ''I'm glad you manged to avenge your family with his death,'' Helen added after she had blown her nose.

The trio pulled themselves into a group hug. ''Ah! Here we go!'' said Basil, and the girls looked to see a trolley pulling up. They hopped on and in no time at all they were at Regent's Park, their destination.

''Do we know where Gideon lives?'' Helen asked.

''Don't worry,'' Olivia said. ''Marianne said he lives at number fourteen, in the ground floor flat.''

''Then let's go,'' Basil said.

They reached the address Olivia had stated and soon found themselves staring up at the block of flats of number fourteen. Of course, it wasn't as big as the Richmond mansion, but it was certainly more welcome-looking, with bright bricks and birds flying past and chirping. As nice as it was on the outside, however, Basil, Olivia and Helen were inclined to believe the inside would be less pleasant, if Gideon's attitude was any indication.

''Before we knock, there's something I've been meaning to ask for some time, Basil,'' Helen said suddenly. ''Does the Viper smoke?''

''He smokes a gold cigarette holder, just like Ratigan, since it is perceived to be the posh way of smoking.''

Helen bit her lip. ''When I followed Gideon to the royal gardens the other night, that's what he was smoking.''

''Really?'' Basil said sharply, frowning. All the signs were pointing to Gideon, but the Viper was always so careful not to leave any clues to his true identity, and it contradicted with that villain being confident that they would never figure it out until he told them himself. This was all just too obvious, as Olivia had pointed out previously. Was the Viper really just getting on, or was it simply coincidental that Gideon just happened to fit everything? Or perhaps … it was all one big red herring?

Despite the increasing doubts now plaguing Basil, Gideon was still a suspect that needed questioning, so he reached out his hand and knocked on the door cautiously, as though it was delicate and would fall over. A minute later it opened to reveal a tall, thin male mouse with brown fur and weary eyes, as though he had never stopped working. He had a few wrinkles, particularly around his eyes. ''Hello,'' he said in a slow, heavy voice, but still polite. ''You have finally come, have you, Mr Basil?''

''You knew I would be arriving?'' Basil asked, doing his best to hide his surprise. He also mentally studied this man carefully. He had only seen him a few times many years ago, but he remembered there was one employee of the Viper who also never showed his face and always referred to him as ''Master''. This man reminded Basil of him, but he ignored it as the nagging doubts continued to consume him.

The man nodded. ''Ever since Gideon ranted about seeing you at the king's party, I figured it was inevitable.''

''You're Gideon's caretaker, aren't you?'' Olivia guessed.

''Yes, ma'am. My name is Paul. With all due respect, Mr Basil,'' he added, turning back to face the detective, ''I think it would be best if you don't enter. Gideon wouldn't take too kindly to seeing you.''

''I'm afraid we cannot leave, Paul,'' Basil said firmly. ''We need to ask Gideon a few questions.''

Paul swallowed, clearly struggling. ''Very well,'' he said reluctantly, and let them into the flat's entrance. On the first door on the left, Paul opened it and the four stepped inside. ''I know how you find Gideon, which I understand, but I keep this place as spotless as possible.''

Basil, Olivia and Helen were surprised to see Paul had spoken the truth. The place was as clean as it can be; all the pots and pans were shiny, as though they had been polished a thousand times, the chairs were neat and dust-free, as was the floor. It was complete contradiction from what they had pictured.

''Astounding, I know,'' Paul said with a smile. ''However, Gideon's room is the only area that is permanently unsanitary.''

''I don't doubt that,'' Basil said. ''Obviously, you know who I am, Paul, these two lovely ladies are Olivia Flaversham and Helen Baker.''

''Ah, so your father is George Baker, the journalist,'' Paul said, looking at the young woman. ''He sure is an expert on criminals, if his work is anything do go by. And Miss Flaversham,'' he added, turning to Olivia. ''The toymaker's daughter. Yes, I remember reading about your case years ago. Your face and red bow are easy recognise.''

''Thank you,'' Olivia said, placing her hand on the ribbon. ''I've always worn this bow since I was little.''

''Is Gideon home?'' Helen asked, looking around the spotless room.

''Yes,'' Paul said uncomfortably. ''He's –''

''Take that!'' shouted a very familiar voice. ''And this!'' Gideon started laughing like a madman. ''Basil of Baker Street, you will pay for causing much misery to my family! Specifically, me, Grandfather, Mother and Marianne! Oh yes, you – will – pay!'' The cackling continued.

Paul looked at Basil in embarrassment. ''My utmost apologies, Mr Basil.''

''It is alright, Paul,'' Basil said, though he was looking disgusted. ''I know very well how much Gideon loathes me, and Clara informed us about him having my picture on his dartboard, which I suspect he was engaging in just now.''

Paul's eyes widened. ''You spoke to Clara?''

''We did,'' Olivia confirmed, frowning, ''and she told us about their short-lived, ill-fated marriage.''

''Oh,'' Paul said, now looking very awkward. ''Clara is such a dear girl,'' he sighed. ''She deserved better than Gideon. I was so glad when she said she wanted to leave him after Martha arrived on the scene, and found love –''

''Paul!'' Gideon called. ''Make me something to eat. All this Basil-ranting has worked me up quite an appetite!''

Basil, Olivia and Helen were outraged. Not only was he bad-tempered and rude, but he actually bossed Paul around like a servant? That just wasn't on.

Paul saw their faces. ''It's alright, I'm used to it.''

''Paul! Did you not hear me? I said make me something to eat!''

''Get it yourself, you selfish brat!'' Helen shouted before she could stop herself, and Olivia stared at her in surprise. While not exactly shy (except when it came to Peter), Helen had never had the courage to vocally stand up to bullies before in all the time Olivia had known her. Perhaps working on the case had helped her to become bolder?

''Who said that?'' Gideon yelled back angrily. ''How dare you be so disrespectful! Paul, who is that?''

''Just some visitors,'' Paul said vaguely.

''Visitors! I'll show them who their messing with!''

Gideon continued ranting as his footsteps got closer to the room. With each thundering step he took, it was as though it was a giant walking. ''Whoever these people are,'' the man snarled as he appeared in the hallway, ''I will …''

Gideon Richmond was wearing a rather crumpled shirt, and scruffy trousers with a lot of stains, a complete contrast with how smarty-dressed he had been at the party. He was not wearing his prosthetic tail. The man had stopped talking when he saw the one person he despised more than anything standing before him. He started to breathe in and out heavily like a bull, even his nostrils flared steam. ''What,'' he began, pointing a finger at the detective, ''is HE doing here?''

''Mr Basil and his team have come here on a case,'' Paul said, acting as if they were having an ordinary conversation.

''Oh really?'' Gideon jeered, now with a mad smile. ''I was just flinging my darts at your picture, Basil of Baker Street, but since you have wandered so willingly into my domain, I shall tell you in person what I have said every day of my life: I hate your guts with every fibre of my being, you destroyed me life and I will rip you to pieces!''

Basil was not fazed, having heard these insults many times before, and instead clasped his hands together and forced a pleasant smile on his face. ''Gideon,'' he said, in the same false friendly voice he had used when his uncle Ratigan had greeted him and Dawson in his lair all these years ago, ''no-one can have a higher opinion of you then I have.'' The detective replaced his smile with a glare and spat, ''And I think you're a disgusting, contemptable scoundrel!''

Gideon scowled darkly and attempted to punch Basil, who effortlessly jumped out of the way. ''It is you who is disgusting and contemptable, Basil. You killed Ratigan and his sister and caused much grief to my grandfather. I went to University of Mouseford hoping to have successful career, but you destroyed my chances and stole my girl from me!''

''You really are deluded,'' Olivia said, unable to stay silent any longer. ''William did not steal Camilla from you, she was never yours to being with. She simply liked William – and is it any wonder?''

Gideon screeched with unkind laughter. ''Oh, so now you have a girl fighting your battles for you, Basil? And let me tell you, my dear,'' he added, addressing his attention to Olivia, ''I told Camilla how I felt, but she rejected me, said 'Sorry, but I am courting William Basil'.''

''Exactly,'' Olivia said, exasperated. ''She was never your girlfriend.'''

''Basil stole her from me!'' Gideon insisted. ''If he hadn't got me so wound up, I never would've been expelled!''

''You know,'' Helen piped up, ''Clara had a lucky escape.''

''Ah, Clara. She was nothing compared to Camilla. Ha! She was a total idiot, chasing after me like that. I only married her to get her to stop. And when she told me she was pregnant and wanted to leave I couldn't have been happier. Who wants to be tied down to bratty children? It was the happiest day of my life, when Clara left. Nah, I prefer my freedom. I can't believe Victor pursued such a thing. Those miscreant nieces of mine Juliet and Marianne irritate me, especially Marianne – how dare they name her after my darling!'' he shrieked, talking as though he was grandfather.

''I'll have you know, Gideon,'' Basil said, anger rising with each word, ''that we just visited your family at their mansion, and we met your nieces in person; they are fine young ladies who care for others.''

''Oh, you did, did you? Yes, you would think nicely of them, wouldn't you?''

Olivia was a strong woman, it wasn't surprising to hear Gideon talk ill-manneredly, but it was his words had run through her like a wooden stake for a vampire. The young woman loved children, and she looked forward to the day she would give birth to her and Basil's first child, and Juliet and Marianne were such sweet girls, so hearing Gideon talk that way made her angry. Before she could argue, she stopped herself when she noticed something about his trousers. ''I think you might want to go to the toilet, Gideon.''

''Why?'' he snapped.

''Because your trousers are wet.''

Paul and Gideon looked down and saw she was right. The part of the trousers near his groin was damp. ''Come on, Gideon, let's get you sorted out,'' the caretaker sighed. ''We just did this half an hour ago.''

''Change my trousers, Paul!'' Gideon barked.

''I'm going to.''

The trio watched as Paul went into Gideon's room for some spare trousers before making his way to the bathroom with the young man.

''I thought so,'' Olivia said after a long pause, and she told Basil and Helen about the bathroom basement and what Marianne had informed her. ''Tailless rodents can have problems such as heat exhaustion and poor bladder control.''

Basil looked at Olivia sharply. Having heard what she had just said, a thought crossed his mind, but he decided to push it back for now, at least until they had finished with Gideon.

''Of course,'' Basil agreed. ''Tailless rodents can have that sort of bladder problem.''

''Assuming he's not the Viper, could this be why he was nowhere to be seen when that creep appeared at the party?'' Helen asked. ''Perhaps Victor and Emmett took him out to get it sorted?''

''Perhaps so,'' Basil agreed, looking thoughtful, the nagging doubts plaguing him like mad, as he wholeheartedly agreed with Helen's theory. ''If Gideon's bladder problem was the reason, they managed to get him to the toilet before anything happened, because when we saw them after I regained conscious, there was no damp whatsoever on his trousers – but all three brothers' shirts were all crumpled.''

Olivia frowned. ''Hmmm … what could that be about?''

Basil shrugged and looked down the end of the hallway where there was a room with the door wide open. Basil suspected it was Gideon's room. ''Why don't we have a quick look while they're busy?'' he suggested in a whisper.

Olivia and Helen agreed, and the trio snuck their way past the bathroom and reached Gideon's room. Once they entered, their earlier instincts were now proven correct: compared to the rest of the apartment, Gideon's room looked as though a tornado had swept through it. All of Gideon's clothes and books were just lying spread out all over the bed and floor in messy bundles. The wallpaper had deep scratch marks on them, no doubt made by Gideon himself.

The trio looked at the only part of the all that was bare; there was the dartboard with the picture of Basil, covered with darts.

Even though he had already known about it, Basil couldn't help but scowl. Olivia squeezed his hand.

''Look at this,'' Helen said, picking up a book. ''This is a book law studies.''

Olivia's eyes widened and she told her comrades about what she and Marianne had discovered in Gideon's old chest. ''Now that you, mention it,'' Basil said thoughtfully, ''yes, he did take law classes – but I highly doubt his intentions were pure.''

While Helen continued to look at his books, Olivia and Basil looked under Gideon's bed and pulled out a box that was about the right size for piling clothes inside. They opened the box and stared what was inside: a black cape with a red underside. Looking at each other in concern, the couple pulled out the cape along with a black tuxedo suit, grey vest, white shirt, a pink and purple striped cravat and white gloves with gold cufflinks.

Basil and Olivia held the clothes as they became even more disconcerted. It was as though they had seen a ghost.

Helen stared at the outfit. ''Weren't those the clothes that Ratigan used to wear?''

''Indeed, they were,'' Olivia confirmed. ''He dressed this way to appear as a respectable member of society, to hide his filthy sewer rat nature.''

''Why would Gideon have them?'' Helen asked, looking a bit nauseous.

Basil looked at the aristocratic attire in disgust. ''No doubt due to Samuel's obsession with Marianne.''

''Mr Basil?''

The trio looked up to see Paul and Gideon, now wearing clean trousers, and they hid the box an clothes behind them. ''This is my room!'' he burst out before Paul could speak. ''How dare you and your sidekicks stick your noses in – !''

''Gideon Richmond,'' Basil said in a loud, fierce voice, ''hold out tongue! Firstly, these two ladies are not sidekicks, they are companions. Secondly, we are in the middle of a very important investigation, and I'm afraid you are a suspect.''

Gideon snorted. ''Yeah, you would think I'm a suspect. Another reason to continue ruining my life.''

Basil sighed in exasperation.

''We need to answer you a few questions, Gideon,'' Olivia said, getting right to the point.

Gideon grew red in the face and grabbed Olivia's wrist. ''I don't have to answer questions,'' he said in a terrible voice, ''especially from a stupid girl who had the audacity to point out my problem.''

''Get off her!'' Basil roared, prying Gideon's hand from Olivia and pushing him to the ground. ''You're lucky I didn't punch you – and I will if you touch Olivia again!''

''Since when have you been so defensive of a girl?'' Gideon sneered, pounding his fist against the floor.

Basil held Olivia close to him protectively.

''My apologies, Mr Basil,'' Paul said in embarrassment, pulling Gideon up and looking at him very sternly. ''Gideon won't do it again, and he will answer the questions. If he doesn't, I'm afraid I'm going to have to call his mother. She's the only person besides Samuel that Gideon has any tolerance for.''

Gideon grunted and folded his arms. ''Fine! I relent!''

''Firstly,'' Olivia persisted, ''on the night of King Edward's party, where did you and your brothers disappear off to?''

Gideon narrowed his eyes. ''Why is that relevant?'' he asked defensively.

''Answer the question, Gideon!'' Paul said, sounding like a demanding father.

The Richmond man gritted his teeth. ''Victor could see I was on the verge of relieving myself, so he and Emmett took me to the nearby bathroom. They tried to help me out but I insisted on doing it myself, so I grabbed their shirts, and they did mine, and they all got scrunched up.''

So that's why their shirts were crumpled, Basil thought.

''Why did Charlie find your blue coat lying around?'' Olivia asked.

''I threw it off before we entered the bathroom. I hate that fancy coat, but it's the only one I have.''

''Were your brothers with you the whole time?'' Basil asked.

Gideon glared at Bail, probably resenting it was him asking the question. ''Victor suddenly left us, leaving Emmett to sort me out. The next time we saw Victor, everyone had left the party.''

''Victor suddenly left?'' Basil repeated, frowning. ''And he didn't say where he was going?''

''I have a question,'' Helen said. ''When I saw you in their gardens, why did you have a problem with your left arm?''

Gideon shrugged. ''Been laying on it funny so it was sore,'' he sneered. ''Don't think I don't know where this is going. You're trying to ruin my life again, aren't you, Basil?''

Basil, Olivia and Helen didn't say anything.

''You are nothing but a life-destroyer who hides behind the façade of an eccentric detective who sees himself a big hero.'' He did a cruel little dance to demonstrate and smirked at Basil. ''Karma, isn't? You ruined mine life, so you had your life ruined by Ratigan in return. Just desserts, I say. Burnt your father to ashes, and what was it he did to your sister? Oh, yes – took her innocence.''

''GIDEON!'' Paul shouted.

Gideon ignored him and giggled at the sight of Basil's now pale face. ''Truth hurts, doesn't it? I can only imagine what you saw with your eyes. Poor little Beatrice, her whimpers as Ratigan –''

''SHUT UP!'' Basil shouted, lunging at Gideon and grabbing his throat. ''DON'T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT MY SISTER! IF YOU SAY HER NAME AGAIN I WILL –''

''William!'' Olivia shouted, pulling Basil back as he released his grip on Gideon's throat. The Richmond man fell the ground, putting his hand on his throat, but retained his smirk. Gideon reached or the box on his bedside table and pulled out a cigarette, which he lit.

''William, calm down!'' Olivia cried, her hand on Basil's shoulders as he seethed with rage. ''What he said was wicked, but he's not worth it!''

Basil's heavy breathing eased as Olivia soothed him. ''That's it, William. In and out. Calmly.''

Helen smiled despite the circumstances. Olivia truly was the only one who could calm Basil when he experienced an outburst.

After a minute, Basil pulled his love into a hug. ''Thank you, Livy,'' he whispered. He then turned to face Gideon with a scowl. Gideon was really pushing his limits, and the smell of his cigarette was making him feel ill, so the detective got right to the whole point of the visit and pulled out Emmett's book from the bag, before holding said bag out. Though Gideon's word were still playing on his mind, the detective then smirked, for he wanted to see the smile wiped off Gideon's face.

''What's that, Mr Basil?'' Paul asked.

''Gideon,'' Basil said, looking right at the man, who blew a puff of smoke, ''have a look in here.''

''Why should I?''

Basil smiled. ''Because'' he said calmly, ''the sooner you do, the sooner we will leave. That is what you want, isn't it?''

Gideon growled at Basil, before reluctantly peering into the bag. ''Materials? Big deal. What would I want with bring materials?'' The man looked at the needle and thread and understood. ''You want me to make something with them? Oh please!'' he scoffed, swatting the bag of materials out of Basil's hand, spilling its contents onto the floor. ''I have never been one for crafts, or knitted things. The only hand-made stuff I ever endured were the clothes Mother made for me when I was a boy. Now get out, Basil of baker Street, unless you want a tombstone!'' He pointed at the door, in a strikingly similar-looking gesture to his grandfather's.

Basil retrieved the scattered materials, replaced Emmett's book inside, and inhaled sharply. ''Our work is done,'' he said. ''Olivia, Helen, let's take our leave.''

The trio walked past Gideon; heads held high. As they reached the entrance to his room, Gideon grabbed a book and threw it at Basil, who spun around and caught like a pro, as though it was nothing. The detective handed the book to Paul as Gideon growled once more and pinched his cigarette as though it was Basil's throat. Paul closed Gideon's bedroom doors just as he started ranting from inside.

''Mr Basil,'' the caretaker said in a low serious voice, ''for all your sakes I think it would best if you didn't come back.''

''Don't worry, Paul,'' Basil assured him. ''As I said, our work here is done – but we would like to ask you a few more questions if you don't mind.''

''Certainly, Mr Basil.''

''Why does he have clothes identical to the ones Ratigan used to wear?''

''Emblematic of Samuel's link to Marianne's son,'' Paul answered, holding his hand up to affirm he was telling the truth. ''I know you think he might be linked to the Viper, Mr Basil, and I agree it's a possibility since he keeps taking late night walks.''

''Very well,'' Basil said slowly, furrowing his brows in thought. ''And last but not least: does Gideon always smoke a cigarette?''

''Yes, he does, he never uses anything else. As his room indicates, he hates anything posh or sophisticated.''

Basil studied Paul's eyes carefully.

''Then why did I see him using a gold cigarette holder at the king's party?'' Helen asked suspiciously.

''Ah. He came home from the party with the holder in hand and threw it in the bin. He said he had forgot to bring any of his cigarettes, he was desperate for a smoke, so someone offered him their holder instead.''

''Who was it?'' Basil asked, narrowing his eyes, suspicions kicking in.

Olivia also had suspicious feelings when she heard this as she thought about her theory.

''Unfortunately, he didn't say, Mr Basil. Said that the person in question asked him not to say anything.''

''Hmmm …'' the two lovebirds said together.

Basil battled with himself. His stubborn half wanted to stay and force the truth out of Gideon, but one look at Olivia and that half was overruled. He didn't want Olivia and Helen staying here any longer in case he turned violent. Perhaps he could return by himself tomorrow?

''I reinstate what I just said, Paul. I'm afraid we might have to come back if circumstances change.''

There was a long pause before Paul said, ''Very well. Get home safely, Mr Basil.''

''We will.''

After one last goodbye, Basil, Olivia and Helen departed the block of flats, the atmosphere now less tense.

''Well, that was rather informative,'' Basil said happily.

''It was?'' Helen said. ''But we didn't find proof if Gideon is guilty or not.''

''Yes, we did, Helen,'' Basil insisted. ''Let's get back to Baker Street and I will explain …''


Phew! It's been hectic these last few weeks, barely had time to write, but we finally have the chapter about prime suspect Gideon. Speaking of which, now that he has been interrogated, Basil seems to believe they have an answer if Gideon is guilty. What does our detective think?

Gideon really is a nasty piece of work, isn't he? But he will get his comeuppance.

Was Paul telling the truth, or just covering for Gideon?

Why did Basil react to Olivia's speech about tailless rodents? Could it be linked to Olivia's own theory? By the way, according to the research I did, what Olivia said about tailless rodents is true.

Time to answer some reviews:

MillenniumPrincess: So glad you like my story! Yes, I have always been disappointed that GMD never became a franchise even though the door was left open for more stories, so I too have always wondered what happened to the characters next. And given how their relationship was in the film, I thought it was inevitable that Basil and Olivia would fall in love when she was older. Hope you're having fun with trying to guess the Viper's identity and their true link to Ratigan, since that's the story's big mystery.

Next time, Basil and friends examine the clues they found at the mansion and Olivia's memory from nine years ago will be revealed.

See you soon!