''Did you say Cornwall, Mr Basil?'' Marianne asked, and her face lit up like as though it was her birthday. ''Can we go with Helen? I've always wanted to go to Cornwall, it's such a beautiful county!''
''I don't know,'' Hiram said uncertainly. ''If you left London by yourselves all of a sudden, your parents would worry.''
''I think we should speak to them first,'' Mrs Judson suggested.
Basil placed his hands on his housekeeper's shoulders. ''Mrs Judson, if Priscilla allows it, I am entrusting you to let Juliet and Marianne know what they need to do. By the way, my dears, I need to ask you not to tell your parents or anyone else about what I have informed you about the Viper. That snake must remain ignorant at all costs, otherwise my plan to apprehend them will go up in smoke. Do you understand? It is of utmost importance.''
Mrs Judson and the sisters said they understand and three remained in the house. They watched the rest of the group don masks, disguises and make-up before departing. ''So it's true,'' Marianne said ecstatically. ''They really do wear disguises. Can we do that, Mrs Judson? It's more fun doing detective work uncover.''
Mrs Judson's smiled. ''How spirited you are, Miss Marianne,'' she said with pride. ''But if and before you leave with Helen, we need to speak to your mother about it. And yes, we will indeed be wearing disguises. Mr Basil does not want to take risks of any of the Viper's henchmen watching.''
''I liked Mr Basil's Halloween-themed disguise even though it's summer,'' Juliet said. ''I think it suited him.''
''He is rather eccentric,'' said Helen, chuckling. ''I'm still new to this myself so I often find it hard understanding Basil's unorthodox approaches, but he always knows what he's doing.''
''Yes,'' Mrs Judson sighed, shaking her head. ''I've been serving Mr Basil's family for over 40 years now and I know how his mind works. He may be famous, but because of his eccentricity a lot of rodents misunderstand him.''
Juliet squinted slightly. ''I couldn't read all of what you just said, Mrs Judson, but I could make out the words 'Mr Basil's' family' and 'rodents'. Were you saying of all of the rodents in London you are honoured to have worked for Mr Basil's family?''
Mrs Judson shook her head.
''Oh,'' Juliet said, but she did not look sad. ''I'm sorry, I've only just started learning to lip-read, but I want to practice and get better.''
''I'm sure you will,'' said Helen, giving her a thumbs-up.
The housekeeper took Juliet's hands into hers. ''Keep it up, Miss Juliet, and you will be a master lip-reader in no time,'' she said. ''And you are right, I am happy to have worked for the Basil family all these years.''
As though automatically, Marianne translated for her sister through sign language.
''Shall we get into costume now, Mrs Judson?'' Helen asked abruptly.
''Follow me, girls.''
Mrs Judson showed the girls to the wardrobe department where Basil had stocked up on his many disguises. ''Wow! Look at all this!'' Marianne said, holding up a red nose that looked like the one that clowns wore. ''So many!'' She held up the bluish-purple dress Olivia had worn at the party. ''Even fancy dresses for Olivia to wear.''
''As Mr Basil said: 'I have to have every occasion covered,' '' said Mrs Judson, imitating her master's accent, and Marianne giggled.
The housekeeper got to work and in no time at all the four lady rodents were all dressed up. Helen wore a nurse's outfit and a mask with brown fur. Juliet wore a light-beige mask, a dark brown wig that was tied into two long braids and a simple yellow dress with a flower motif. Marianne had on a purple wig with lots of fake bumps and bruises drawn of her face and arms, as though she was forever bumping into things, and wearing simple clothes.
They decided that Helen was a nurse who was helping Juliet with her very accident-prone and terminally-ill cousin (Marianne), and they were taking her to Cornwall as it is where she wants to visit before she dies.
''As for my purple hair,'' Marianne added, touching her wig, ''let's just say changing my hair colour was also on my bucket list.''
''Such an unconventional patient, sis,'' Juliet said in amusement, shaking her head.
''Mr Basil would be proud,'' said Mrs Judson, who was also wearing a nurse's outfit with a mask over her face. ''I'll say I am Helen's elderly but tough boss. Best keep this with you,'' she added, handing the make-up box over to Helen.
The housekeeper then asked the three young girls what they should not do while in disguise. ''It's very important you keep everything to yourselves, do you understand?''
They nodded. ''Good. Now, let's talk to your mother.''
All set, Mrs Judson and three young ladies departed Baker Street and caught the trolley to Kensington and in no time at all they were at the Richmond manor. To be courteous, they knocked on the door. Victoria answered. ''Oh, hello. Can I help you?''
Juliet could read her maid's lips. ''Hello, Victoria,'' she said. ''It's us, Juliet and Marianne, with Helen Baker and Mrs Judson, Mr Basil's housekeeper. We're in disguise.''
Marianne quickly lifted her mask and Victoria looked surprised. ''Come in,'' she said, and the four female mice stepped into the parlour.
''Are Miss Juliet and Miss Marianne's parents about?'' Mrs Judson asked Victoria politely.
''Mrs Richmond is, but Mr Richmond has gone out again.''
Juliet and Marianne looked at each other, while Helen looked both suspicious and guilty.
''I – I'm sure it's perfectly innocent,'' Marianne insisted, ignoring the small twinge that lacked confidence.
Mrs Judson placed a hand in the teenager's shoulder. ''It was Mrs Richmond that Mr Basil preferred us to speak to anyway, Victoria, so if you be so kind to take us to her.''
Victoria nodded and led the four ladies into the huge living room. ''Mrs Richmond must've gone to the bathroom.''
''Oh, my!'' Mrs Judson said in marvel. ''What a lovely room! If Mr Basil's was like this, I would have my work cut out.''
''I try to keep it as spotless as possible, Mrs Judson,'' Victoria said, smiling.
''Victoria?''
Everyone tired and saw Priscilla entering. ''Oh, hello. Who are our guests?''
Juliet and Marianne smiled at each other and removed their wigs and masks. ''Surprise, Mother!'' said Marianne dramatically.
''Oh, my goodness! You girls!'' Priscilla said, chuckling. ''I never would have guessed!''
Helen and Mrs Judson took off their masks. ''And Miss Helen!''
They introduced Priscilla to Mrs Judson, who explained the situation.
''… and Miss Marianne insisted they go to Cornwall with Miss Helen. I wasn't too sure, so I figured it was best if we spoke to you about it first.''
Priscilla nodded. ''You did the right thing, Mrs Judson.'' She looked at her daughters anxiously. ''I know you've always wanted to visit picturesque places like Cornwall, Marianne, and I would hate to derive you of that opportunity. But Juliet has never been anywhere without me and given her profound deafness … Not to mention, my babies have never left my side before and they're both still underage …''
''I will look after them, Mrs Richmond,'' Helen assured her.
Priscilla smiled sadly. ''You're over 18, Miss Baker, so that makes you a responsible adult. It makes me sad, but I have to let my children lead their own lives and trust them to try to assert their independence a bit. Very well, if it's only an overnight stay, you may go.''
Juliet and Marianne hugged their mother. ''Oh, thank you!'' Marianne said.
''We'll be back tomorrow,'' Juliet added. ''We will ring you as soon as we get settled in,'' she added, and Helen nodded in agreement. ''We will go and pack an overnight bag.''
The sisters went upstairs.
Priscilla's eyes were filled with tears. ''They grow up so fast.''
Mrs Judson placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. ''I know the feeling. When my own children reached adulthood and wanted to spread their wings, like birds learning to fly, it made me sad, but I couldn't mollycoddle them forever. They will always be your offspring, no matter how old they are, and wherever they live you can still visit them.''
Priscilla wiped her eyes.
After a few minutes, Juliet and Marianne appear with one suitcase. ''We don't need much,'' said Marianne, ''just our nightgowns, toiletries and one dress each.''
''Don't worry, Mother,'' Juliet assured Priscilla, ''well be back tomorrow.''
After asking Priscilla and Victoria not to reveal the girls' mission to anyone, the four disguised female mice took the trolley to Helen's house, where she also packed a small suitcase and told her parents where they were going. Helen's mother, Jane, handed her the key to their holiday house.
''If anyone asks where I am, I'm not very well,'' the woman said her parents. ''Mr Basil doesn't want anyone knowing about this. See you tomorrow.''
After given her parents a kiss goodbye, Helen and the other three caught another trolley, but Helen was puzzled when Mrs Judson told them to stay on when they arrived at the train station. ''But why, Mrs Judson? I know it takes about 9 hours to get to Cornwall from here, but it's the only transport we have.''
''No we don't, Miss Helen,'' Mrs Judson contradicted, smiling. ''There is a faster way.''
''Really?''
After catching several trollies, the four mice arrived at the outskirts of London and made their way to the nearby abandoned field where the grass was overgrown and flowers were wilted, looking as though they were permanently droopy. In the field, an albatross bird was rummaging through the grass. ''Where are you? You won't get away from me this time!''
''Are you Bert?''
The albatross accidentally whacked himself in the face with his wing. ''Ow, ow, ow! I'm always doing that! Who's there?''
''Down here!''
Bert looked down and saw four female mice. ''Oh, hello!'' he said cheerfully. ''What can I do for – ?''
He stumbled over his feet. ''Sorry, I'm a bit clumsy,'' he said sheepishly. ''As I was saying, what can I do for you?''
Mrs Judson removed her mask.
''Oh, a disguise! I'm guessing you're Mrs Judson, Basil's housekeeper?''
''That's me.''
''I guess this means Basil needs my help again?''
''Mr Basil is not here; he is in London working on an important case. These three young ladies are good friends of Mr Basil and Miss Olivia and they are the ones in need of your assistance.''
''Pleasure to meet you,'' the albatross said, bowing. ''Any friend of Basil's is a friend of mine.''
Helen, Julie and Marianne removed their wigs and masks once more and introduced themselves to Bert.
''Cornwall, eh?'' the albatross said. ''I've never flown there before but it should only take about an hour or so to get there.''
''And the weather doesn't seem too bad either,'' said Juliet, ''but it's very cold.''
''You're right about that, Juliet. By the way, Mrs Judson, did you say 'Miss Olivia?' As in Oliva Flaversham, the little girl that calmed him down?''
''The very same, except she's now grown-up. She recently returned to Baker Street needing Mr Basil's help once more. You should see them, Bert, Miss Olivia continues to change and influence him for the better.''
''Ah, so she is Basil's girlfriend?'' Bert asked shrewdly with a sly smile, and Mrs Judson confirmed it. ''She must be extraordinary to be able to keep up with him and handle his mood swings. After all, Basil isn't the easiest man to be with.''
''You are right on the shilling, Bert. Miss Olivia understands and embraces everything about him. Of course, that's precisely why he chose her.''
''So Basil and Olivia are together?'' Marianne asked, smiling sadly. ''I did wonder, I saw them look at each other at the manor when they came looking for clues. I am happy for them, and I'm sure I'll find a new celebrity crush in Mr Basil's place soon enough. I know there is an age-gap between them but I won't judge them.''
''Such sensibility, Miss Marianne,'' said Mrs Judson. ''Mr Basil and Miss Olivia truly love each other, so it doesn't matter. They both know what they are doing.''
Marianne said she believed that and hugged the housekeeper. ''We'll be sure to get them some special wedding gifts.''
''Now that has settled, shall we get this show in the road?'' Bert piped up. After getting his piloting gear together, the three young girls settled themselves into the rectangular-shaped fish can Bert had strapped to his back, Helen in the middle and each sister on her either side.
''Are you sure this is safe, Bert?'' Juliet asked, a little nervously, looking down over her side.
''Don't worry, Juliet,'' the albatross replied, adjusting his goggles. ''The weather is decent so we should be fine, just hang on tight. If it starts to get rough, I'll land us somewhere to shelter.''
All three girls laughed nervously, but if Basil often flew on Bert, it couldn't be that bad, right?
''Take care, girls, and ring as soon as you arrive!'' Mrs Judson said.
''We will, Mrs Judson!''
''Ladies, keep your arms and legs inside the albatross at all times!'' Bert said, deepening his voice to sound like a professional. ''Prepare for lift off, fasten your belts –''
''But we don't have any belts!'' Helen cried.
'' – and off we go!''
Bert sprinted as though he was doing a marathon, spread his wings and took off into the air, the trio screaming and hanging onto the can's sides for dear life, Marianne's teeth chattering uncontrollably as though she was suffering from severely cold temperatures. She closed her eyes tight and clung to Helen's arm as if she was a little child.
After the heart-racing take-off, Marianne opened her eyes when Bert's flying felt smoother. ''Hey, this isn't so bad!'' she said.
''It's only the taking off and landing where it's rough,'' Bert said, smiling, ''but the actual ride itself is more enjoyable.''
''Are you alright, now, sis?'' Juliet asked, concerned.
Marianne gave her sister the thumbs up.
''I might not be a master lip-reader just yet,'' Juliet said to Helen, ''but I can often make an educated guess of what is being spoken through facial expressions, especially my sister's.''
''Of course. I noticed that with Mrs Judson.''
''Hey, Bert,'' said Marianne suddenly, ''I'm curious. What did you mean when you said that Olivia 'calmed Basil down'?''
''Ah, well you see, Basil was always demanding and impatient when using my services, but after the Flaversham case he was the complete opposite, and the first time I met Doctor Dawson, he told me both he and a little girl called Olivia Flaversham had both had a positive influence on him, Olivia more so.''
''I see.''
After that, the rest of the journey was in silence, due to the trio falling asleep, while Bert smiled warmly. The bird did not mind, he was used to this and it was best they slept for try had a big job ahead of them. After about over an hour, the group finally arrived at Cornwall and landed in a field similar to the one from which they had departed, though the grass was shorter.
''We have arrive at our destination ladies,'' Bert said in his deep, professional voice, causing the girls to giggle. ''Thank you for flying Air Bert.''
''Thanks for the ride, Bert,'' said Marianne. ''That was a lot better than I thought it would be.''
''I'm sure the ride back will be just as good,'' said Helen.
''I'll meet you back here tomorrow, ladies,'' said the bird.
''But where will you go?'' Juliet asked, concerned.
''Don't worry, there a lot of birds around so I'll just join them – and perhaps I'll find the girl-bird of my dreams,'' he added dreamily.
The albatross gave them a smile and few off.
''Bye, Bert! See you tomorrow!'' the trio called, waving.
''So,'' said Marianne looking around the field, ''where are we, Helen?''
Helen opened her mouth when she heard the sound of a nearby train and smiled. ''We're near a train station, and now I think about it, I think I've seen glimpses of a nearby-field before. It must the station my parents and I always get off at. Follow me.''
Remembering their cover story, the trio left the field, and in a few minutes found themselves standing in front of a train station in what was clearly the countryside. ''Yep, this is the same one,'' said Helen.
''I've always loved the countryside,'' said Marianne, taking in her surroundings, ''but actually standing in one I love it even more. It's one more thing I can cross off my bucket list,'' she added, placing hand over her forehead, for they were surrounded by people.''
Juliet giggled. ''I love it, too,'' she said wistfully, reading her sister's mouth no problem. ''Maybe we can ask my mother and father if we can have our own holiday house in a place like this? If that's what you want before you die?''
They tried not to smile at their ruse.
''I'm sure they will,'' said Helen, smiling. ''The sea-side village where my holiday house resides isn't far from here, it's only a trolley ride away.''
''The sea?'' Marianne repeated excitedly. ''Let's go!''
''I can't wait to see the sea, too, Marianne,'' Juliet said to her sister.
The three ladies found the nearest trolley stop and once the trolley they needed arrived they hopped on and sat down. Throughout the whole hour and a half ride, Marianne looked out the window with great elation, as if she had never seen anything so beautiful: the countryside, all of the shops, markets, even the harbours looked pleasant. All the while, rodents were staring at them.
''She's my cousin and she's terminally ill,'' said Juliet, doing her best to sound sorrowful. ''She wanted to visit Cornwall before she dies so our nurse and I have brought her here.''
Everyone offered their condolences. Marianne tried not to laugh.
They arrived at the trolley stop which was just on the outskirts of the village. ''This really is so peaceful, Helen,'' said Juliet.
''Yes, it is. Come on, the village is just this way.''
Juliet and Marianne followed Helen to the village and Marianne got even more elated at the sight of all the shops, restaurants and inns. ''I kind of wish you didn't have a holiday house, Helen. We could have check into one of these inns, they look so cosy.''
Juliet noticed her sister staring at the biggest inn as they passed it and took mental note of the name of it – The Stone Birds Inn – as an idea occurred to her.
Helen's holiday house was in the middle of the village. It wasn't exactly as big or fancy as the Richmond manor but it was modest place, with decent pillows, couches, a kitchen, three bedrooms and bathroom. Just right for a family or friends going away.
''It's a good thing we only one have one small suitcase each with not much packed,'' Helen said, placing her suitcase down on one of the couches. ''Hello, house, good to see you again, I've missed you.''
Oh, how Helen loved this holiday house that her grandfather had left for her family. She hoped to pass it onto her own children one day.
''Yeah, otherwise we would have been staggering,'' Marianne said, and dramatically pretended she was carrying heavy load and stumbling over, making Helen and Juliet laugh.
''I am so glad to have you as my sister Marianne,'' said Juliet, and her sister smiled. ''Helen, do you mind if we call home before we get started on whatever it was that Mr Basil asked for? I don't want Mother worrying.''
''Certainly. And Mrs Judson did ask us to ring as soon as we got here.''
Helen led them to the phone and Juliet dialled her house number. ''Hello, Mother. We've just arrived at Helen's holiday house. We hitched a ride from an albatross friend of Mr Basil's. Don't worry, we are fine. Marianne really loves Cornwall; I think she's found true love.''
Helen reached out her hand. ''Helen wants to speak to you, Mother.''
Juliet handed the older mouse woman the phone. ''Hello, Mrs Richmond, I just wanted to assure you not to worry. I've been to Cornwall many times, and I have a mental map of the village where my holiday house is in my head. It's not very big, so Juliet and Marianne will be just fine.''
''Thank you for letting me know, Miss Baker,'' Priscilla said gratefully.
Helen had the phone back to Juliet. We'll ring you tomorrow as soon as we are about to leave. Love you, goodbye.''
''Bye, Mother, love you, too,'' Marianne added into the mouthpiece, and Juliet hung up.
Helen took the phone and dialled 221½ Baker Street.
''Hello?' said Mrs Judson's voice.
''Hello, Mrs Judson, it's me Helen.''
''Miss Helen! Yes, I thought it was you.''
''We've arrived at my family's holiday house. Marianne can't wait to explore the area; she's fallen completely in love with Cornwall.''
''Yes, I have!'' Marianne's said excitedly into the receiver. ''Mrs Judson, even though I grew up in London and into a wealthy family, we've never been on a holiday to a country county, but now that Juliet and I are here I can't get enough of it! The little village with shops, inns, the countryside and the sea! I think I might move here when I'm a bit older.''
''Don't get so overboard, sis,'' Juliet said, shaking her head in amusement.
'As soon as we've got settled, we'll get to work on Basil's assignment and start asking rodents if they know something. Someone is bound to.''
''Mr Basil will be pleased to hear. Have the girls rung home yet?''
''They just spoke to their mother. I assured her that I know the area like the back for my hand so they won't get lost.''
''That's good to know, Helen,'' Basil's voice was heard saying. ''As soon as you are given the information we need, ring us straight away.''
Helen chuckled. ''I will, Basil, I'm glad you're pleased. See you soon. Goodbye.''
Helen placed the phone down. ''Now that that's taken care of, do you want me to show you the area?''
''Yes, please,'' said Marianne, and the trio departed the house and made their way towards the village.
''Can we do a bit of shopping as well, Helen?'' Juliet asked. ''I want to buy some souvenirs for everyone – and I might have seen come clothes I want to look at,'' she added, little sheepishly.
''Maybe later, Juliet. Right now, we need to focus on the task at hand, Basil and Olivia won't be too pleased if we just goofed around the whole trip.''
Juliet squinted at Helen's mouth. '' 'Basil and Olivia will plead if we get goose bumps in a round hole'? No, that doesn't make any sense,'' she giggled, and Marianne translated what Helen really said. ''It's early days, so I'll just keep practising. Besides, when you think about it, it's funny what I interpret. Maybe I should just start by guessing it from one word? I'm good at that.''
The three girls laughed.
They made their way down to the beach, where the tide was way out. It was sunny so there were a lot of mice on the beach, lying in the sun or just enjoying the fresh air. ''So peaceful!'' Marianne sighed in bliss. ''Just how I pictured it. I'm so glad we came here.''
''Cross that off your list, cousin,'' said Juliet, using their cover story.
''My parents and I always come down here when it's nice and sunny,'' said Helen.
After ten minutes the trio departed the beach, to Marianne's disappointment. ''We have job to do, sis.''
''Don't worry, once we are done, we can come back if you want,'' Helen offered, and Marianne cheered up. ''Before we ask anyone in the village, let's go into town and stop by the registry office. Basil wants us to do that.''
''Registry office?'' Marianne asked, puzzled.
Helen smiled. They hopped on a trolley that took them to their destination, which was about twenty to thirty minutes away from the village. ''Is she alright?'' one passenger asked in concern, looking at Marianne as though she was being swallowed alive.
Juliet told them the cover story. ''I'm sorry to hear that, but … what's with the purple hair?''
''She wanted to have her hair changed to an unusual colour,'' said Helen. ''It was on her bucket list.''
All the while, Marianne was absolutely milking it, moaning and groaning and holding her forehead. ''Oh my, I don't think I have much longer,'' she said sounding all sore and pathetic, as if she was a frog.
All three girls really struggled not to guffaw.
''Honestly, sis, you really know how to ham it up,'' Juliet sighed, shaking her head, when they got off.
Marianne chuckled. ''I have to. After all, I'm the one that's dying.''
''Basil would be amused,'' Helen pointed out, and Marianne beamed. ''One time my parents and I came here, we befriended someone who works at the registry office, which is down this way. Hopefully he won't recognise me.''
They made their way to the building that said ''REGISTRY OFFICE'' and entered. At the desk was a man who looked a few years older than Victor and Priscilla, with brown fur and light-brownish hair.
''Hello, ladies, what can I do for you?'' he asked pleasantly, but then he stared at Helen. ''Helen Baker, us that you?''
Helen's eyes widened. ''How did you – ?'' she asked slowly.
''It's the way you move when you walk. I've seen you do that enough times to know.''
Juliet and Marianne smiled.
Checking to make sure no-one was looking, Helen removed her mask. ''Hello, Mr Fletcher.''
''As I thought. But why?''
''We're undercover, Mr Fletcher,'' said Juliet, seeing his confused look. ''Mr Basil of Baker Street asks us to do something in Cornwall, so here we are.''
''You did say you were best friends with that girl, Olivia Flaversham, who was one of Mr Basils clients,'' Mr Fletcher said to Helen. ''I assume you have aliases?''
''I'm … Anne Hathaway,'' Helen said.
''I'm Brittany Snow,'' Juliet said, having made out the word ''alias.''
''And I'm … Daveigh Chase,'' said Marianne. ''Really Brittney's sister but as cover I am her terminally-ill cousin.''
Mr Fletcher chuckled. ''You've certainly got everything covered. Are your parents here?''
''They're in London.''
''You've come all this ay by yourselves?''
''I appreciate your concern, Mr Fletcher, but my parents said it was alright, as did, uh, Brittney and Daveigh's mother.''
''Oh! Very well. That's okay then. Not to mention, you are over 18, Helen – I mean, Miss Hathaway.'' He winked. ''Now, what can I do for you?''
Helen told Mr Fletcher what Basil had asked of her.
Mr Fletcher hesitated. ''I'm afraid I can't, it's confidentiality.''
''I know, but please, Mr Fletcher, it's urgent,'' Helen pleaded.
''It will help Basil arrest a very dangerous criminal,'' Marianne added. ''The Viper.''
Mr Fletcher's face turned white. ''I read about him in the newspaper,'' he said slowly. ''But I could lose my job. I've worked here for many years.''
''We won't tell anyone,'' Juliet assured him. ''I can see you're scared, but if it'll help put a villain behind bars surely you can make an exception?''
''Well … if it's at the request of Mr Basil and if it's for a good cause … alright, I'll tell you what you need to know …''
And indeed, Mr Fletcher told them the truth. ''Are you certain?'' Marianne asked.
''Positive, Miss Chase.''
''Thank you very much, Mr Fletcher,'' said Helen, ushering the sisters out. ''Basil will owe you his thanks as well. Goodbye.''
''How bizarre,'' Juliet said, puzzled. ''How can there be no birth certificate in neither here or London?''
''I'm sure Basil will have all the answers when we get back,'' Marianne said confidently.
''He will,'' said Helen. ''Now, let's go back to the village and see if we can speak to anyone who knew him.''
They returned to the village and began asking the locals. ''I think I did see him here a few times,'' said one old lady, ''but I never approached him. He had a very nasty temper, and was always drinking.''
''Sounds like a jerk,'' Marianne muttered.
After a few more interviews they found nothing. ''Can we get some lunch?'' Marianne pleaded. ''Juliet and I are hungry, Helen.''
Helen's tummy rumbled. ''I could do with something,'' she chuckled. ''I know a good place to eat.''
They sat down at one of Helen's favourite restaurants, not too expensive and not too cheap either. The waiter who served them knew Helen so he whispered, ''Orders on the house. Don't tell the boss.''
''We get a free lunch,'' Marianne whispered. ''Do you have anything without nuts? I'm allergic.''
''Of course, Miss Chase.''
Marianne had a huge plate of an all-day breakfast: bacon, sausage, fried egg, tomatoes and mushrooms. Juliet had a pie and Helen had fish and chips.
''Mother, Father and I always have fish and chips. It's kind of a tradition.''
After their lovely meal, the three girls decided to take a break from detective work and go shopping (and back to the beach in Marianne's case). ''Basil once said detectives often get the best results when it's dark,'' said Helen. ''I don't see how, but he's the boss.''
Several hours later, in a more deserted part of the village, four male mice who were standing next to an old tree, looking really droopy, as though they had never had any fun. They all had light-beige fur and similar shaggy hair, in different styles.
''Hey, John, what are we going to do?'' the shortest man asked the one that was tall and gangling.
John shrugged. ''I don't know, Ron, what do you want to do?''
''I've got it!'' said perhaps the cheeriest of the misfit bunch. ''Let's go to the pub. They've always got a bit of action with the dart tournaments.''
''Nah,'' Ron said, waving his hand dismissively. ''Come on, David, things are right repetitive are all over. Besides, we wouldn't be noticed by anyone.''
''You mean we would never be noticed by any beautiful ladies,'' David said, winking and grinning, and the three burst out laughing.
''Very funny,'' said the fourth one, in the most depressing voice ever. ''You don't get girls by being show-offs, even a ladies' man like you.''
''Maybe Burny has a point, David,'' said Ron, and looked at John again. ''So what are we going to do?''
John shrugged. ''I don't know, what do you want to do?''
Ron looked exasperated. ''Look, John, first I say: 'What are we going to do?' Then you say: 'I don't know, what do you want to do?' 'What are we going to do?' 'I don't know, what do you want to do?' Let's do something!''
''Okay, Ron, what do you want to do?''
Ron looked as though he could curl up into a ball. ''There we go, the same notes again!''
''I've got it!'' David announced, snapping his fingers. ''This time I've really go it!''
''He's got it,'' said Ron. ''So what are we going to do?''
''Excuse me?''
The four looked up to see Helen, Juliet and Marianne, all carrying bags.
''Hello, ladies,'' David said, smoothly, taking their hands and kissing them like a gentleman. ''David Michener, at your service, and these are friends, Ron Clements, John Musker and Burny Mattinson.''
They waved their hands, Burny very half-heartedly, though they were scowling at David for muscling in. Always the flirt, they thought.
''Pleased to meet you,'' said Juliet.
David began in a smooth deep voice, ''And what would three gorgeous ladies such as yourselves – ?''
Ron pushed him out of the way. ''Forgive him, he's a ladies' man. What can we do for you, my dears?''
Helen asked about their inquiry.
''Hmmm …'' said John. ''Never heard of him.''
''You might want to ask Mr Bates, the owner of the Stone Bird Inn,'' Burny said slowly. ''He's the oldest resident in this village so if anyone can tell you more about the man you're looking for, it will be him.''
''I've never been in there before, never needed too, so I had no idea,'' said Helene. ''Thank you very much, fellows.''
Marianne grinned, delighted to get to have a look inside at the cosy inn she had admired earlier. ''My, for someone who is dying, Miss Chase sure is lively,'' David chuckled, taking her hand.
''My cousin always has been,'' said Juliet, having read the word ''lively.''
''Maybe we can get together later?'' Davis said hopefully.
''Sorry, we can't,'' Helen said apologetically. ''We go back to London tomorrow.''
David's smile vanished, and the others snickered. ''Foiled again!'' said John, patting his shoulder sympathetically.
''Hey, have you four had any thought about becoming a music group?'' Marianne suggested.
''Music group?'' Ron repeated.
''It's just you look like one. Just a thought.''
Ron looked thoughtful, and the four bid farewell to the three ladies. ''Music group, huh? Interesting. So, what are we going to do?'' he abruptly asked John.
''I don't know. Hey, now don't start that again!''
Helen, Juliet and Marianne walked up to the huge inn they had seen earlier. As soon as they entered, it really was as though they were in paradise. There was a huge parlour with lots of comfy-looking red velvet chairs, with mice sitting by the fire, others sitting at the restaurant area, eyes closed as though they had never eaten anything so wonderful.
''I really wish we had booked in here,'' Marianne whispered.
Juliet again thought about her idea. She would definitely see if she could work something out but she she would need to speak to her parents about when they returned to London.
A female rat who was wearing an inn uniform approached the girls. ''Can I help you ladies?''
''We need to speak to the owner, Mr Bates, about something important,'' Juliet said politely.
''That's my father, I'll get him for you.''
A few moments later, she reappeared with an older rat who looked about Mr Judson's age, grey hair and glasses, but otherwise doing very well. ''Hello, my dears, what is it you wanted to ask me about?''
''You see, Mr Bates, we wanted to ask you about someone who used to live in Cornwall and even visited this place a few times. From what we heard he was very nasty and a heavy drinker.''
Mr Bates' eyes widened. ''I think I know who you're talking about,'' he said darkly. ''Come with me to the office.''
The trio obeyed and Mr Bates sat down in his chair. ''Alright, my dears, what is you want to know about him?''
''So you did know him?''
''Oh, I knew him,'' said Mr Bates, his voice as though he was possessed, his eyes like slits. ''We were actually good friends,'' he added, and told the girls everything he knew about their suspect.
''Mr Bates, are you absolutely certain?'' Helen asked, very sharply, when the old rat revealed the very information they had been seeking.
''Affirmative.''
It was as though Helen's mind was spinning. ''Thank you for your time, Mr Bates,'' she said, bowing, and she ran back to the holiday house as fast as she could, as though her life depended on it, Juliet and Marianne behind her, their bags jiggling. The young woman placed her bags on the bed, picked up the phone dialled Basil's house.
''Hello, Basil of Baker Street.''
''Basil, it's me.''
''Hello, Helen. Have you found anything?''
''Yes, we did, Basil. We found someone who was close friends with him.''
''And what did he say?'' Basil asked eagerly. ''Was he absolutely sure?''
''He seemed a hundred percent certain.''
Helen confirmed it. ''We will be on our way back tomorrow. Mrs Richmond already knows.''
''Excellent, Helen, You, Juliet and Marianne take care now, and see you at some point tomorrow. Goodbye.''
''Have you told him?'' Juliet asked.
''This is all just too weird,'' Marianne frowned, folding her arms. ''No offense to Basil, but I don't think I like the detective business, too confusing.''
Helen and Juliet laughed.
After changing into their nightgowns and brushed their teeth, the three young women went into each bedroom and settled down for the night.
Helen had settled in her parents' room. What a day this had been! At least Juliet and Marianne had enjoyed themselves. It had been nice to have company rather come by herself.
Maybe I'll bring Peter next time?
Her cheeks went red at the thought.
Helen sort of agreed with Marianne that the detective job was a lot of work, but then weren't most works? Nonetheless, she had promised Basil and Olivia she wanted to help in anyway se could, and so she did. Helen pondered on her discovery. She just could not believe it! Basil was bound to make good use of it, but would it be enough to capture the Viper?
Whatever happens now, I think Basil facing the Viper for one final showdown is inevitable, she thought.
Tired from the day, Helen Baker closed her eyes and went to sleep.
Originally, I had Helen going to Cornwall alone, but Juliet and Marianne seemed like characters that could be expanded on so I had them join Helen, making a new trio. Plus, it would give Juliet an opportunity to be a bit more proactive despite her disability. She hasn't mastered lip-reading just yet, but she will keep practising and she is good at making educated guesses.
Bert was inspired by Wilbur in The Rescuers. After all, if Bernard and Bianca had an albatross bird flight why can't Basil, their fellow mouse, have one? I also based him somewhat on Jeremy from The Secret of NIMH.
Just who were the girls asking about?
The girls' aliases were references to three Studio Ghibli heroines, since they have voiced them in the English dubs.
Yes, the scene with four male mice was right out of the funny vulture scene in The Jungle Book. Been looking a place for that reference. I didn't know what to call them at first, then I thought about having another reference to the original GMD film by naming them after the directors.
Time to answer some reviews:
MillenniumPrincess: Oh my gosh, you're right about Basil and Shakespeare having the same first name! Good eye! I didn't even twig the connection, must've been too busy writing to notice. It was never my intention, William just seemed to fit Basil, but as you say it is another connection to Shakespeare – and Helen's alias Anne Hathaway is a double reference since that was also the name of Shakespeare's wife.
Next time, Basil, Olivia and Dawson finally come face-to-face with their old peg-legged friend Fidget. How will that turn out?
Merry Christmas and see you soon!
