Sherlock Holmes and the Father of Lies

by C J Lutton

  Then Harker laughed. “I shall await your presence, Mr. Holmes. Be prepared to see what no mortal man has ever seen before. You may have Harker now. I have no further need of him.”

  At that very instant, Harker dropped to the floor with a loud thump. I rushed to the man’s side. Curiously, he seemed to be all right. I turned to Holmes to see what he was thinking.

  “Half—truths,” said Holmes, quietly. “You cannot die, you fiend, but you can be killed.” The great detective bent to assist Harker, who was slowly rising to his feet. “What do you remember, Harker?”

  “I remember it all, Mr. Holmes. It was terrifying. What are we to do?”

  At that point, Mr. Sherlock Holmes explained to Harker that he (Harker) was no longer required to fulfill his duties as a personal secretary to Mycroft Holmes. Holmes said, “All that I require of now is your rapid recovery.”

  I recognize that there are those who may read this and question my accurate rendition of facts. I attest that this is the truth, the whole truth, as I experienced it.

  Submitted with humility,

  Dr. Joseph Bell

  London, England

  * * *

  Immediately following Harker’s trance, Holmes cocked his head toward the door of his flat. He said, “We have company coming. Dr. Bell, take Harker behind the divan and hide. We’d best be prepared for any eventuality, although I suspect that our visitor is quite harmless.”

  Just as the old doctor and the personal servant ducked down behind the sofa, Holmes grabbed his shotgun. Calling out, Holmes said, “Come in, my good man. Hold your hands in the air as you enter.”

  The door slowly creaked open and in came the visitor. His hands were raised and empty. His eyes were wide with terror. “Mr. Holmes,” said the man, who was dressed as a common worker, “I am here at the urging of Mr. Watson and Mr. Wiggins. I was told that you are here with guests. All of you are to return with me. Right away, if you don’t mind.”

  “I see,” said Holmes. “You have something for me, do you not?”

  “Oh,” said the startled man, as he stared down the barrels of the shotgun. “Yes. It’s in my pocket. May I?”

  “Slowly, if you please,” said Holmes, keeping the gun pointed at the head of the poor messenger.

  The man lowered one hand into his coat pocket and withdrew a small silver cross. He held it out for Holmes to examine.

  Holmes took the cross and asked, “Is there anything else?”

  “Yes, sir. Although it doesn’t make much sense. Dr. Watson told me to tell you that this is a cross. It’s plain as day, but that’s what he said, so there you are.” The visitor was now shaking. His voice was high and tremulous. Clearly, he was discomfited by the prospect of being torn apart by a blast from Holmes’ shotgun.

  Holmes smiled and lowered his weapon. Calling over his shoulder, he said, “It is all right, Dr. Bell. You and Harker can come out now.”

  The two men crawled out from behind the divan, much to the surprise of the visitor.

  With a gesture of his head, Holmes pointed to the open door. “Come, gentlemen. We have friends waiting, and unless Thaddeus is slipping, we shall partake of a splendid dinner.”

  The three men followed their guide downstairs.

  When they were on the street outside, Thaddeus’ men surrounded them, acting as a protective human shield. Thaddeus said, “For everyone’s protection, if you would, please wear these,” and he placed a blindfold over the eyes of the three men. Then Thaddeus and his entourage led Holmes, Dr. Bell, and Harker to a waiting carriage and instructed them to lie on the floor. In this uncomfortable position, the three men bounced along until the carriage came to a halt. After a harrowing journey, the trio were helped to their feet and handed out of the carriage. Finally, they were led, still blindfolded, through a series of doors and a cascade of rickety stairs. Expecting to find themselves in a rat—infested, abandoned building, the men were gladdened to find their last assumption to be completely wrong.

  After the removal of the blindfolds, their eyes fell upon a cheery expanse of rooms that were well—appointed and with all of the comforts one might wish. After they acquainted themselves with their new surroundings, Holmes and Dr. Bell were pressed to explain what had happened when they were granted an interview with the Father of Lies.

  ”We were just sitting down to dinner. Come and tell us everything!” I called out, relieved to be with Holmes again. We walked into the dining room together. Thaddeus had reserved the seat at the head of the table for his mentor, and Holmes took it.

  We talked, as would old school chums who've not seen each other for a long period, using this special dinner to catch up on the latest in each other’s lives and travails. Everyone, that is, save for Langston, who remained quiet and withdrawn.

  Curious, I thought, immediately dismissing my observation to jump into the boisterous and playful verbal fray.

  Holmes had been encouraged to entertain those assembled around the table with tales of his exploits and expeditions into the criminal world. Holmes was no braggart, in fact, he was quite the opposite. He simply stated the facts as they occurred and everyone listened. In truth, Holmes was often uncomfortable and angered by the words of praise heaped upon him. I observed that this was quickly becoming the case as the words flowed, and so I interjected a story:

  “I remember a dinner much similar to this,” I said in a clear voice that carried to all at the table. “A reckless fellow sought to curry favor with the great Sherlock Holmes. Indeed, that sycophant went too far in heaping praise upon my friend. Holmes let the man have his way at first, but after his obsequious behavior became too obvious, my friend lost his temper. Do you remember the incident I speak of, Holmes?”

  “Indeed, I do,” said the great detective. “This ridiculous man kept blathering on and on about my courage. So I said, ‘You speak to me of courage! Sir, you do not know the meaning of the word. It takes little courage to charge into that which you have already deduced. Even at my worst, my actions will afford me a fifty—fifty chance of being correct. True courage belongs not to those of us who select our battles, but rather to those everyday citizens who face the unknown trials and tribulations of life's vagaries.”

  All those at the table raised their glasses high to toast the man who knew true courage existed in the hearts of thousands of ordinary citizens. Again, I noticed Langston raised his glass more slowly than the others. And again, I made no remark about his reluctance.

  Holmes said, ”Now ... shall we attend to the business at hand?”

  Holmes went on to explain the details of what had transpired at Baker Street in our absence, stopping now and again to let Dr. Bell clarify a point. The solemnity of what he had learned was inescapable. Here at last we had testimony that supported Holmes’ early viewpoint that his brother’s life was in danger. Now, too, we had a direction in which to point our next steps.

  We agreed that we must go after the vampire. We were all in accord, all in readiness ... all except for Langston.

  His statement, though less animated, was nonetheless much more profound and revealing.

  ”Mr. Holmes,” said he, ”I'm not a coward, but I don't have the stomach for this fight. I’m not a very strong religious man either, but as God is my witness, the things I have seen and heard have shaken me real badly! Hearing you tell it, means the devil himself is waiting for us. I want no part of this evil. I want to return to my land and die in my sleep. I'm sorry, Mr. Holmes. I was the one who brought this damnation to you, but I can’t go on. May God forgive me.”

  ”Langston,” said Holmes reassuringly. ”I've no intention of asking you to participate in our adventure. In fact, I've no stomach for this battle either, but Mycroft is my brother and I will ask no man to surrender his life to save my brother. If I must travel to America alone, that is what I will do. I cannot live with Mycroft's death hanging over my head. I simply cannot abandon him. No, Langston, it takes a truly courageous man to know when he's had enough. Your cando
r is appreciated and we all understand.”

  ”Thank you, Mr. Holmes.” Langston said. His impassioned words had brought a sobering stillness to the room.

  ”Thaddeus,” Holmes began, breaking the quiet, ”there should be replies to my telegrams by now. Would you send your man around to find out?”

  ”My men are already waiting, Mr. Holmes. When I received word that the telegrams were safely sent, I instructed them to hang about and wait. If there are any replies, my men will bring them around.”

  ”Excellent.” Holmes yawned unexpectedly. ”Perhaps, we should all attempt to get some sleep.”

  But before retiring Holmes wrote instructions on a piece of paper and handed it to Thaddeus. ”If you would, please?”

  ”My pleasure,” said Thaddeus after reading the note. ”I'll take care of this personally. My men will show everyone to their quarters. You may rest easy that you are well protected here.”

  ”I have no doubts,” I said.

  ”I will wake you should a reply come in from Mr. Holmes’ telegrams. Until then ...” Thaddeus nodded and gestured for one of his men. Our host whispered in the man's ear and the two of them left the room together. We followed our guards to our quarters. I for one slipped quickly into sleep. I must have slept soundly because I awakened feeling invigorated and extremely refreshed.

  To my surprise, a steaming cup of hot coffee and a warm breakfast roll rested on the nightstand. A tub brimming with hot water was at the foot of my bed, as was a complete change of my clothes hanging on the back of the door. Feeling somewhat unaccustomed to such pampered treatment, I luxuriated in my bath and put aside my growing fears. After having completed my toilette, I dressed slowly. Feeling myself to be a new man, I found myself whistling some bothersome little tune. Believing that everyone else was still asleep, I was startled to see them all sitting at the table when I entered the main room.

  ”Ah, Watson,” greeted Holmes. ”I trust you've had your required forty?”

  After seeing my nod, Holmes turned his attention back to the others who had gathered.

  ”Now that we're all assembled,” said Holmes, glancing up from the stack of papers in his hand, ”let me tell you what has transpired while we slept, and what I believe should be our next course of action. I've received replies to my enquiries – it is just as I suspected. Both of the vampires are in America, and at last report, still on the loose. It's been decided that I will take two men with me. Watson, I have counted you as one of the two. The other man to come with me will be Thaddeus.”

  Our faces displayed various expressions of astonishment, as we were all surprised by Holmes’ choices. He explained his thinking, ”Thaddeus and I spent most of the night in deep discussion. My original purpose was to obtain his insight as to my possible requirements. Gentlemen, I'm sure you don't mind that we spoke of you outside of your presence? Thaddeus has had ample opportunity to observe you all, and I trust his objectivity as well as his loyalty to me. Dr. Bell, although I respect you greatly, your presence is required elsewhere. If we should fail, there must be a man of your intellect to prepare the world for the horrors to come.”

  Holmes turned to the doctor questioningly. I could see that the great detective was relieved when his mentor nodded in agreement.

  ”Langston has already made his feelings known,” said Holmes, without a trace of disapproval. “That leaves Harker. I've already informed him that he is out of it. This concerns more than just my fear for his safety. I have a more selfish and pragmatic reason. I need Harker to remain at the Diogenes Club. Someone may attempt to contact Mycroft, and if that is the case, I must know immediately. Arrangements are presently underway to ensure Harker’s safety.

  ”Since Watson and I will be directly involved in the chase, and knowing that I needed another to act as our eyes and ears, Thaddeus has kindly offered his services. Although I had reservations at first, he has proven to me that he'll be a valuable asset.

  “It would seem that through his study of my methods, Thaddeus has been able to procure a network of agents that would rival any in the world. Of course, their importance is obvious, and subsequently, I've surrendered my objections. Thaddeus in turn has alerted his people in America of our pending arrival, a week hence. I trust that you'll all agree with my decision,” said Holmes.

  I glanced over at the young man who just a few years ago had seemed destined to become another of England's lost citizens, and once again I marveled at how well he’d turned out.

  ”Well, Watson, what've you to say about this?” Holmes asked.

  ”If you think he’s the right person for this job, then I think he's a splendid choice, Holmes,” I said.

  ”Good,” Holmes said, relieved by my enthusiasm. ”Thaddeus, if you will?”

  ”Thank you, Mr. Holmes. Gentlemen, we shall now say our farewells. My men will take you all back home where you will have around the clock protection. Mr. Langston, I've already retrieved your luggage and paid your hotel bill, so there’s no need for you to ever return there. You can leave directly for Scotland. My men will accompany you all the way, and they will remain on your grounds until it is deemed safe. Mr. Harker, my men are waiting to take you to the club. Dr. Bell, whenever you are ready, my men will escort you.”

  Thaddeus left us to say our farewells.

  ”Sherlock,” said Dr. Bell, “I've taught you all that I know, but you must remember that I have been strictly an observer all of my life. I've never had the joy of seeing my theories and observations bear fruit because of any physical exertion on my part. I merely observed and reported. I believe that because you have pursued my theories and observations so vigorously, you have learned more than I. Your observations must bear fruit. They must cause a satisfactory conclusion to this horrible affair or I fear we are all doomed!”

  Holmes nodded silently.

  ”Please take care of young Thaddeus,” Dr. Bell continued, stepping away from Holmes so that the two friends were eye to eye. ”He is quite remarkable. And of course, watch over the good Dr. Watson. When this is all over, I shall expect to read all about this adventure in his next book. Since I have set the precedent, I shan't be afraid to ask him to sign my copy.”

  8

  A Case For The International Police

  After Dr. Bell, Harker, and Langston departed, Thaddeus, Holmes and I sat in silence. Private demons crowded my thoughts. The room that had been flush with excited voices of righteous knights preparing to slay the dragon only scant moments ago was now quiet and melancholy. It seemed immense, and I suddenly felt small. Holmes left the room for a moment, returning with a small valise. Opening it, he withdrew some leather packets. He tossed one to both Thaddeus and me.

  ”Gentlemen,” said Holmes, ”these are the culminations of years of arm—twisting, cajoling and even threats. My brother and I have long been of the mind that there had to be a coordinated effort in apprehending criminals and their ilk. Through my many years of investigating, I've repeatedly run into chaotic obstacles when dealing with the authorities. The criminals always appeared to have a better grasp of the circumstances because they were better organized and singly driven to a purposeful end. My experience has shown me this sad truth: there are a plethora of incompetent people being placed in positions of authority. When dealing with these authorities, I am too often faced with sniping and carping.

  “In many instances, the authorities of one jurisdiction don't have the foggiest clue as to what another jurisdiction was doing. Our ideas are simple: to create a group of investigators that act on behalf of their respective governments, and to coordinate the efforts of these investigators for whatever case is at hand. To maintain cooperation between members, it’s imperative to always keep the affiliate components of the other countries informed. To further the cause of law and order, this international investigating force must have the authority to use any personnel, offices, and information available, from whatever source. Our Queen was the first to agree. Much to her credit, she has persuaded numerous foreig
n heads of state to join this cause, including America. What you hold in your hands, gentlemen, are the identification papers for the first international police force. Each set of credentials has your individual name, as well as an internationally recognized badge of authority.”

  Thaddeus and I gazed upon our new possessions with great fascination. I suddenly recalled Holmes showing credentials to the young officers at Scotland Yard, and the resulting stir the badge had caused.

  ”Presently, there are two hundred agents on our special investigating force. The officers originate from twenty—five different countries. Our agents verify the whereabouts of known criminals, report on rumours and such, and funnel the information to a central office. A clearing house, if you will. There, dossiers are created and updated and profiles are sent to all command centers. When it is determined that enough information has been accumulated to act upon, the authorities are informed and the criminals are apprehended.

  “The most satisfying aspect of our organization is that since crime does not discriminate, our group can enter any country that recognizes our force and mete out justice. There are no borders from which the criminal element can hide!”

  ”This is fantastic, Mr. Holmes!” said an exuberant Thaddeus.

  ”I've mentioned a central clearing house for obtained information...” Holmes started.

  ”The Diogenes Club!” said I, interrupting my friend.

  ”Yes, the Diogenes Club. And the director of our international police force is my brother, Mycroft.”