I casually nodded yes to him so I could maintain my focus on the patrons coming in and taking my brief response as an answer he continued his odd line of questions. “Is he a gentleman of some distinction?”, not really paying attention to him the clergyman continued, “is he always smartly dressed and has been known to wear a top hat?” Seeing that I wasn’t really responding to his inquiries his questions changed tracks “have you known him for some time and is he a close friend?”
It was at that moment I changed my gaze from watching people enter to the person standing in front of me. Knowing he had caught my attention his face started to light up, I had only seen that particular smile a few times but I knew right away who it belonged to. “Sherlock...how good it is to see you again”...I was going to add “and what an unusual entrance” but flashing back three years and seeing him invent a Dutch bricklayers disguise this present one should have been no surprise to me.
As he sat down, Sherlock removed the elements of his facial disguise and the starched white collar that had made him appear as a man of the cloth. Then there was a type of comfortable silence between us that only close friends can share when many thoughts and feelings are expressed and exchanged when words are not necessary to convey either.
Looking at Sherlock’s face I could see him deeply apologizing for his absence at John’s funeral and for his choice of the solitary life he had been leading up until this moment. I tried to convey non verbally that I understood and that what had happened in the past in no way affected the friendship that had grown since our first formal introduction so many Christmas’s ago.
The special moment of silent two way communication was broken when Madam Liliya Cosmina Jarkovácz, the owner, local tarot card and tea leaf reader came to our table and asked if we would be expecting anyone else to be joining us.
At that moment the name “Winfred” popped into my mind, but to madam I replied that our other guest would be joining us shortly and we would all order when she arrived. Not realizing how much time had passed since Sherlock had joined me and how little of it I had left until Winifred’s arrival I tried to compress an introduction and all the events that had taken place since I had received her first distressed letter into the time available.
I started to speak when Sherlock gave me a sign to lower my voice. His cautious explanation being that “there are probably persons in this tea room that might find what you are about to share with me might be most valuable.” Using a lower tone of voice that I knew would not carry much beyond the two of us I began to share what I understood and what I thought of the events that had brought him here.
During my narration Sherlock only stopped me once to ask where the Survivors list was presently located and in whose care it was. While I spoke, I watched Sherlock’s interest steadily grow as I related to him the facts that I had accumulated. I was sure that what I was telling him was being combined with the information he had previously learned from his hospital visit with his brother.
I was at the point in my narrative where Winifred and I were returning from Munns which I told Sherlock is the local stationer and office supply shop and as we were both passing the dock area had witnessed a large crowd of people milling around one of the canal barges docked there. The shocking discovery we both made when I heard Winifred’s voice above the general conversation in the tea room call “Mary” and saw she was looking around trying to locate the table where we were seated.
I raised my right hand enough so that it would be a beacon to guide her to the right table. As she reached her destination, removed her coat and seated herself she smiled at me.
Then seeing what for the most part appeared to be a threadbare attired gentleman seated next to her she looked at him not quite sure what to make of what she saw and quizzically asked “Mr. Holmes?”
Trusting that I had relayed enough information so that Sherlock would undertake helping me with this mystery I began formal introductions. “Winifred...this is my friend of many years Mr. Sherlock Holmes.” I watched as they reached out to exchange a polite handshake and I looked into both faces trying in that short span of time to see how each might take to the other.
I could tell immediately that Winifred was in awe of Sherlock. She knew a great deal about his reputation both from what she had heard as a child and later read about as an adult in the Strand. I also had to remember it had a lot to do with what I had shared with her of the long term friendship John and I had with him before I met her. Winfred beamed and looked considerably relieved as she replied “Mr. Holmes what a pleasure to meet you.”
I carried on with introductions “Sherlock, this is my good friend I met during the war, Miss Winifred Jeffery.” Sherlock flashed the briefest of smiles then said “A pleasure to meet you too Miss Jeffery, although I have not read any of your mystery novels I have heard that they are well written and that you have a wide circle of devoted readers.” I took this opportunity to consult the menu and my lunch companions did the same.
Witnessing the colourfully dressed owner of the Oradea tea room pass our table I caught her attention in an attempt to cover any awkward silence after the initial introductions were completed. I informed Madam Jarkovácz that the three of us were ready to order.
While we enjoyed what turned into a rather late luncheon the conversation turned to mundane matters and we steered clear of our “mystery” for some time. Inevitably the conversation eventually came around to the subject of the Survivors list. Sherlock cautiously put up his right hand and said to both of us “I think that matters concerning this particular subject are better left to a discussion in a more private setting perhaps at Miss Jeffery’s home, tomorrow afternoon?
Chapter 20
At the same time Sherlock, Winifred and I were meeting at Winfred’s home in regards to the Survivors list and event details there was also another meeting regarding the Survivors list taking place. That particular meeting was taking place behind closed doors at an undisclosed private gentleman’s club in London. (Before I go further, it must be revealed that the information I am about to relate came to me via Mycroft Holmes.)
In a dark oak panelled room there were about twenty four men in attendance seated around a large oblong mahogany table each representing the major post war political powers. In addition there were industrialists and financiers in attendance. The following dialog I am paraphrasing came from the actual recorded minutes of this meeting. Each party in the document was referred to only as speaker 1 or speaker 2 etc. for the sake of anonymity and secrecy.
Speaker 1: “I would like to thank you gentlemen for taking the time to attend this important and somewhat urgent meeting. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to those who have made the journey from the United States of America. I trust your crossing on the Lancastria was both safe and pleasant.” As a note the RMS Lancastria is a British Cunard liner.
“If we could all be seated we can begin. I believe that all in attendance are aware of or have some knowledge of the Survivors list, why it was created and its ultimate purpose. The list up until this point, due to its nature and content has remained a closely guarded secret known to only a select few. Due to an oversight or gross negligence if you will the list is now in the hands of a woman mystery writer who resides in Gravesend.”
“The ladies name is Winfred Jeffery and if it wasn’t for her damn writer’s curiosity it would have been a fairly easy task to have retrieved the list when an opportunity eventually presented itself. But apparently there was a name on the list (I believe it was Mycroft Holmes) that caught her attention and because of this Miss Jeffery contacted her friend Mary Watson. Mrs. Watson resides in London and it would only be natural to contact her to see if the Holmes listed was in fact related to a more famous Holmes. Sherlock Holmes in articular who I understand has taken up bee keeping and lives in Doncaster.”
Speaker 2: “Are we to assume then that this Mrs. Watson is married
to a Dr. John Watson, who collaborated with the former detective on a number of cases? In other words, whether there was a connection to Sherlock Holmes or not he would probably have an interest in leaning more. His sleuthing curiosity would make him look further into something that should never have seen the light of day?”
Speaker 1: “We are aware at this point in time that Mr. Holmes is making his way to Gravesend, may in fact already have arrived to meet with both Mrs. Watson and Miss Jeffery. It appears the three have gone to great lengths to have everyone believe that this is only some sort of reunion. However, as the list has not actually been seen at this point we have have very little information to work with?”
Speaker 2: “There is another matter that should be brought up that would be the four unsuccessful attempts to retrieve the Survivors list which have resulted in a failed theft, an unsuccessful assassination and two murders. I am beginning to question if the people picked to carry out the retrieval a Mr. Thomas Malone Prescott, Mr. Andrew Foster Perry and a Miss Ashley Laurinda Taggart were as qualified as they made themselves out to be and if the fees paid for their services have been a wise investment?.
“Of the three Mr. Prescott presents the most trouble to us, in his career as a bare knuckle boxer he has gained something of a reputation for killing at least one or maybe two opponents in a match. His form of boxing which has been crudely been referred to as a no holds barred fight has resulted in the body of the loser being quickly and quietly taken care of after each fight.
“From his actions it appears that Mr. Prescott lacks both the proper finesse and skill needed to extract valuable information. In other words to kill only when absolutely necessary and if there is to be a murder to efficiently and properly dispose of the body and any evidence thereafter. A
s a result of two fruitless and bungled efforts with a (the speaker paused to look sheet of paper) Charles Slade and a Stan Mayes our Mr. Prescott has inadvertently left a visible trail of tantalizing evidence. That if I can only assume Mr. Sherlock Holmes gets sight of and decides to follow up it would eventually lead him back to the people in this very room and to the events of 1918.”
Chapter 21
The next afternoon I arrived at Winfred’s just a little ahead of Sherlock to retrieve the Survivors list from its hiding place and to prepare afternoon tea for the three of us. When Sherlock arrived, he removed his top hat and coat hung them up then sat down and asked to see the list.
While Winifred sat close to him watching for any sign or reaction I brought the tea to a low table beside her and started pouring. Sherlock silently scanned the list then commented “A most interesting document that has no doubt brought about some great mischief and may yet prove to be more harmful if it were allowed back into the hands of whoever created it in the first place. With what I have read and deciphered this would be a matter better suited to people who are more able to deal with these sorts of affairs.”
Sherlock placed the list on his lap, turned and looked at Winfred then asked “In light of this development it should be asked if another party may be better suited to take up your case Miss Jeffery.” Sherlock stated this with the finality of a man who had left his sleuthing days behind him. Holmes continued, “I believe survivors in this particular case does not refer to the remaining passengers who have found themselves involved in some maritime catastrophe but rather survivors refers to those on the list who have not yet had their name struck through with red ink and can still be counted for the moment,, as being among the living.”
“Mr. Holmes you need me as much as I need you.” Winifred countered. “How do you see that?” Holmes asked. “I have a problem that you now have some knowledge of. I also admit that this matter can not be solved by a literary detective. My knowledge of crime and of criminals is based solely on drawing from my life experience and whatever mystery novels may have passed before my eyes since I learned to read.”
Winfred sensing she could win Sherlock with flattery continued “Mr. Holmes, we need to draw on your extensive experience of crime and criminals. Mary has shared many of your brilliant sleuthing skills during the time you worked with John.” “While I am flattered with your offer Miss Jeffery, I think you would find the process easier and far less challenging if you were to consult with my brother, or perhaps you can glean some information from Watson’s chronicles either through back issues of the Strand or through his printed and bound anthology.”
Since the atmosphere between Sherlock and Winifred had appeared quite civil yesterday I was somewhat taken aback by his cold and almost thoughtless answer to Winfred’s plea. I realized the effects the two murders were having on Winfred and decided to evoke some old memories of his time with John to see if I could convince Sherlock to change his mind and help us.
Acting as I did on the barge with Dr. Briggs I took matters into my own hands. I stood up motioned Sherlock to do the same and told Winfred that we would be back to join her shortly. Once outside her front door I looked at him as if he had lapsed back to the introverted bee keeper living in Doncaster and not the great consulting detective I had hoped was returning.
“Sherlock” I started while trying to contain my emotions and the edge creeping in my voice “didn’t you once say to John, give me problems, give me work, give me the most abstruse cryptogram or the most intricate analysis and I am in my own proper atmosphere. I can dispense then with artificial stimulants.
But I abhor the dull routine of existence. I crave for mental exaltation. That is why I have chosen my own particular profession, or rather created it, for I am the only one in the world. You fully know and understand Watson that I cannot live without brain-work. What else is there to live for?”
“Your home and bees are safe and in good hands and will be there when you return to Doncaster but Winfred and I need your help very much right now.” I watched the familiar face I had known for many years to see if I had reached him and had not hurt him in any way. It was as if he was lost in great thought for a moment or two when suddenly he flashed one of his famous smiles, brought his hands together and announced “Mary we must pay a visit to the local mortician tomorrow and find out in detail how two local men met their unfortunate end.”
When we returned to Winifred I started to speak but Sherlock indicated he wished to go first. “Miss Jeffery I must first start by apologizing for my hasty and not too well thought out answer. Mary has pointed out that my mental skills are better suited to solving your present situation than identifying a second queen in a bee colony in order to start another hive.”
“For the moment there are only two requests I will make of you.” “Yes Mr. Holmes” Winifred answered greatly relieved. “First, that you place the Survivors list in my care which should deflect any further interest from you to me. Second, that you tell me all you know about this document. Every detail of where you found it and any events that have taken place since your ownership of it.”
Chapter 22
In a dark oak panelled room after the debate had died down (again the following dialogue I am paraphrasing came from the actual recorded minutes of this meeting)
Speaker 3: “With our present retrieval methods bearing no fruit perhaps its time we should adopt a more basic way of dealing with this matter?”
Speaker 1: “What are you suggesting?”
Speaker 3: “Of the three, Mr. Andrew Foster Perry has proven to be the least disappointing; perhaps it is time to see if he has some skills in burglary.” “We must find a way to draw all three from Miss Jeffery’s residence long enough for Mr. Perry to enter the residence and hopefully retrieve the list.”
A possible opportunity for this action did indeed present itself. With Sherlock and I having already made an appointment to go to Joseph Hay & Son the local mortuary to gather more facts concerning the two local deaths. As we were getting ready to leave Sherlock stated to Winifred “Miss Jeffery I certainly understand your feeling
s as to what you witnessed at the dock a short time ago but I believe your presence will be required. Since you are a resident of Gravesend and in some capacity knew these men you may be required to positively identify both bodies.”
Watching Winifred’s reaction to this grim request I placed an assuring hand on her shoulder and told her that she would only have to remain long enough to positively identify the builder and the inn keeper then she could leave the funeral home if she chose to.
The three of us were met in the appropriately lit and sombre atmosphere reception area of the funeral home. We were greeted by a tall and formally dressed young who introduced himself as Alistair Hay (who we took to be the junior Mr. Hay) “My father has already prepared the two bodies for identification and for further forensic examination as you had requested Mr. Holmes. Dr. Briggs as per your instructions is already waiting for you in the preparation room.”
Lead quietly and respectably by the young funeral director we made our way past two fairly large visitation rooms that had both been set up in anticipation of receiving mourners of the deceased who would come to pay their respects. Alistair stopped in front of a door that was clearly identified with a small engraved brass plaque that stated “authorized personal only”.
The young funeral director reached out and turned the door knob opening the door and stated to us “this is our preparation room, please step this way.” From the low lit and warm and carpeted rooms we had been walking through previously the room we now entered was a porcelain white tiled floor and walled room. We could detect an odour of embalming chemicals in the room that was illuminated by a combination of both overhead electric light and sunlight streaming through skylights placed in the ceiling.
Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery Writer Page 6