- Hello, Dora - I thought it necessary to say hello.
A few seconds Dora stared at me, then face broke into a smile of recognition:
- Ah-ah-ah-ah, young gospodinchik! Barely recognized, this is how you life is shabby, eh? - The woman laughed harshly, - and what was - pink, plump, ironed suit! Well, you have cleaned those young ghouls? But it was not necessary with such a silly face on the streets to go!
- Do you know this boy? - his voice detective, before silently standing in the doorway.
- I saw one time a week ago. It was as heifers clapped eyes, only a rope around his neck was not enough. Immediately it was clear that will not go far, - the woman grimaced. - Well, that's what happened. Baby Molly said afterwards that picked it up on Maher Street, well, that's understandable. Well this is Molly, all it is a pity, even small was, remember what the dog fed, the cat will drag. Most have nothing to eat, and feed the whole neighborhood. Silly.
- How dare you talk like that, you do it sold like a piece of meat! - heard these words, I did not realize that they come from anyone else like me.
He flashed his hand, and I rolled head over heels from the chair, holding the fire burning cheek, just under the legs Detective Marchi. Shaking his head, he silently grabbed my shoulder and helped her up.
- Dora, he is certainly not reserved and stupid, but it beat, it's too much. Although specific to this young man, perhaps as good.
- Hey, Detective! - Dora stopped smiling - someone I was not, so the last thing to allow to speak with some punk gets, which also had never seen.
- I totally agree with you. Moreover, I am sure that he will want to apologize in front of you - a detective finally left his post in the doorway, shut the door, and sat on the workplace.
- Dora, let's just talk with you - to my surprise, the detective said, very politely, somehow, even respectful. - Forget about the boy. This is not an interrogation, just tell me about Molly.
- What about her, Detective? Why do you even ask about it?
- Dora, I beg you, tell me about Molly, what is it like and what he lives, everything that you know. It is very important. Believe me, Molly itself is nothing to fear.
I, frankly, did not like the behavior of Marcha. Well, it is clear also that Dora nothing good to say, because, for sure, involved up to his ears. We had to put her in a cell and kept there on a starvation diet, until she confesses! The thought just knocked out of the women reading course, I was far away, but in principle, the power pressure is not ruled out. However, the detective chose a different path.
- Well, the detective talked. Molly, I saw for the first time 4 years ago, when my brother and I wandered into our area. She then girl was very small, but there was something as though swayed from exhaustion, and his brother, or even small, poor fellow, bag hanging on his sister.
- Well, she came and she means to me and asks, "Hello, ma'am, do not prompt, where you can rent a room for me and my brother.?". Well, I say, "Do you have to pay, baby Nobody will let you free." And here again - it pulls from his pocket a bundle full of gold trinkets, and says that she would like to pay it.
- Get in our street with a bag of gold - like a red rag to hang himself. So I quickly took them home. I confess that I have little thought flashed like a rip off the kids, but all that was holding. Maybe what I have just two years before my daughter died, or maybe not so I'm gone, and, detective? - woman laughed harshly.
- Well, anyway, I let them live in the basement, mebelishku there is a certain amount of give. Gold dragged her little by little to the spider Norrie, took a couple of serebrushek it a little room, but, like human beings. Well, they lived, Molly lace weave the beginning, for a pittance, of course, but at least some work on the early childhood. Then parental gold over, but were interrupted such somehow. Eddy has started an apprenticeship - that someone will sweep the yard, it will wash the windows, brought his medyashki. I told them when Podkin which, if too much is, in general, spinning once.
- And then it ill brother, here it all began. Oh, how she mourned, Molly is all avoided all the money on those damned doctors spent! Then she heard about a miracle cure, they say, it makes it just unique. Only expensive. 10 gold, if the case ever heard! I come to me baby ... And I take as much from itself on bread and water. Here, one gold gained, but not all. So I had to pay homage to Mr. Ogger go. Molly itself he would not give money, I had to vouch for her.
- Dora, but how do you know that Molly will be able to give this money? After all, we would ask from you, is not it? - that finally the detective asked the right question! I, too, is very interested.
- Oh, Detective! I was pretty young, I did not worked on the street and in a posh establishment in the Shaftsberri Avenue. That stayed with me there familiar, since those times. Girls, of course, all have been changed, and the pianist is still the same. That's him, and I heard that they have a client who is looking for only the virgins, and the exceptional beauty and pays huge money. Well, I suggested, Molly, do all one inning where else the money to take? She agreed, for the sake of his brother.
- And what then told the girls that went to him?
- Nothing, said he paid them so much, that was enough for a new life, so none of them in the restaurant did not return. Although they seem to have written the letter, but I do not know, I will not lie.
- And do you personally do not know this gentleman?
- Yes, Lord forbid you, detective. Will he like me to talk. Molly had seen once, when she drove to the bride. Said - a small, bald, by the age of fifty will.
Small and bald? I sat in disbelief. It turns out this is not the killer, since he was obviously quite high, above-average growth. A small and bald was the man I had seen in a dream in the dungeon ... It is connected somehow, or not? Something I was confused ... Dora, meanwhile, continued:
- Well, here it is under its agreement with Mr. Ogger money and asked. But only brother not saved. Either late, or not a medicine it was, and one of quackery, but the result of one - died Eddie and Mollie, baby, left alone. She, poor thing, until the last moment hoping that she will be able to pay the debt, my lace weaving from morning till night, all the fingers and stabbed erased ... But where is there. Deadline approaching, and there was no money. Well, she had yet to agree, or in any way, - the woman sighed. Now she looked sharply aged, bright blush and lipstick looks extremely ridiculous on the pale, tired face.
- I did not want, that Molly was on my way, but only her child, one destiny - or so, or disappear to hell ...
- And what kind of gift she brought not know?
- Gift! What a gift such as wear what? - woman waved. - Necklace! Yes this is not a necklace, and directly harness horse, mare, and only good.
- In what sense, harness? What do you have in mind? - clearly interested, a little detective leaned forward.
- Yes, clean the harness! Gold chain with half a finger thick, her stones some hang, blue. Along the edges of the six pieces smaller, with a finger, and the central and all with floor hand. Heavy, is not possible, the baby already bent as she put it.
Hearing about the stones, I like a spring jumped up on a chair. And only a stern look detective caused me to hold back, and do not begin to inquire the details.
- Say, Dora. And why Molly just did not run away with a gift, because surely something expensive, and it could be sold?
- Because. She could not. I would run away, and Molly - no. She always keeps his word. A bargain was such a - day necklace does not shoot. So she sat there in the day room, not leaving. And then I left on the table and left a note for me 10 gold. I do not know where she got them, not only as Mr advance paid. Well, a debt that I gave her, now waiting for my baby come back. - A woman suddenly plaintive, such as asking for a smile:
- Tell me, detective, like it did not happen anything?
- I do not know Dora. We're just looking for the man who took it.
I looked at the face of Dora, the way it twisted sincere, genuine suffering and realized - this woman, whatever it was, really
loved Molly, perhaps no less than once loved his daughter. And the solution to the problem, she suggested, was really the best thing that could come up, from her point of view.
- Dora, you'll forgive me. I'm an idiot, I thought badly of you. Please forgive me. - obeying some unconscious impulse, I got up, went to Dora, and stooping down, took her hand in his and kissed it. Like, that's how it was decided to ask for forgiveness from the ladies. Frightened woman pulled her hand back, recoiling from me in his chair. Detective March raised his eyebrows and said, "But ...".
Feeling that he had done something wrong, I sat back in the chair and squirmed, I swear to myself that all got out of it.
- Dora - as if nothing had happened, continued the detective, - you can go. Wait Molly home. If we to you will be more questions, you will be able to answer them?
- Of course, the detective how to answer such a handsome! - Dora got up, took a few steps around the room, walked up to me. - And you, stupid little boy, learn to keep your mouth on a leash, and that one never knows, shorten! - I laughed huskily, Dora left the office, leaving a farewell loop sickly sweet perfume.
The detective watched her, then looked at me:
- So what was it?
- I just wanted to apologize, I was wrong.
- Explain.
- I was sure that Dora intermediary that she knows that girls are killed. And then I realized that it is not. She truly loves Molly, and worried about her. And I'm a fool, that he became so quick to blame, because I really do not know how hard they lived, if it is for them the best way ...
- You're right, man, - a second detective frowned. - Then you forgive me, I, too, like you, was caught in the trap of jumping to conclusions and did not immediately understand your motives. Peace? - shook hands, I am happy to read a notification system:
- Reputation with city police increased Londinium (neutral)!
Detective thoughtfully paced around the room, then sat down again at the table, and a few minutes thoughtfully looked nowhere. It was evident that his head is some complicated mental process. I decided not to interfere with and prepared some time to sit in silence. Soon, however, the silence was broken:
- Tell me, Sherlock. If you were in my place, that the following would you do, given all that we have heard from our witnesses? - I do not know if it was some kind of verification, or he really was interested in my opinion, but I decided to respond on the basis of the latter:
- Well, the wife Norrie indicates Mr. Appleton. To it suffered Trickster Crystal Ray and were killed. From what Marissa learned, we can trace the connection with Mr. Appleton brothels on Shaftsberri Avenue, it also confirms and Dora. And finally, the necklace. Judging by the description, it is made of six similar crystals, one of which was found at the crime scene, the second appeared in my vision. - I do not like to mention the visions, and even more so when they are cited as evidence of anything ... It was like something smells. Although the detective did not bat an eye, it is possible that this is normal, because I still do not know much about the laws of this world.
- Based on the fact that two of them were present at the scene of the murder, we can make the assumption that the others were there, too. Actually, it is possible, for greater certainty, to interview relatives and friends killed the other girls. Maybe someone of them will remember the strange crystal. You're about it knew nothing, and, accordingly, no one questioned?
March detective shook his head. I enthusiastically continued
- Well. Next, we just need to bring here Mr. Appleton and put pressure on him, using the evidence that we have. And it must be done as quickly as possible, and best of all - right now.
- Look, Sherlock, all a bit is not so easy as you imagine. The man who can afford a big house in the Strand, will not just bring myself to the police station, without weight, just the same immutable evidence of his guilt. And push it as I pressed the Norrie - will not work. All our evidence - circumstantial, you know? The first crystal is difficult to associate with him. You never know where you might find it is not necessary that the crime scene, the witness - no. - I opened my mouth to much objection, but was stopped by the detective - wait, to listen. The second crystal - then you know yourself. I somehow believe you, but for the law of your words mean nothing, zilch. Killed profligate street Maher? Yes he rassmeotsya my face, if I mention it. Young virgin with Shaftsberri Avenue? But you never know,
- Wait, Mr. March, but then his wife Norrie can confirm that the Trickster sent to Mr. Appleton.
- Well, even if it confirms that we are the benefits? It can be said that they do not come down to him, and he does not understand what he was asked. Or - that he had seen them, but the product was not interesting and he did not take it. And who then killed them, it's not him. And hard to imagine a man, age and physique of Mr. Appleton, according to Dora, who so easily kill the two young boys who were born almost with knives and plumbago hands.
- And how they were killed? I heard that they were strangled?
- Ray's throat was cut, the Trickster was strangled by a thin rope.
Wow, and I something, thinking that they were strangled in the same way as the girls immediately mentally attributed their deaths to the same killer, night suppressor. And they really did not privyazhesh to Mr. Appleton. Then I came up with another idea, and I hurried to ask the detective:
- Tell me, detective, but why do you just believe in what my visions are true? Perhaps it was just a dream?
- See, Sherlock. In fact, this is why many people consider me a freak, someone I seem ridiculous, and almost all I - a strange fellow. - The detective pointed to the poster hanging on the wall. - Do you see those words? "I want to believe!" So, I want to believe that there is not only visible to us the world, but also something more, so far hidden, inaccessible to human perception. Truth is - it is not always in front of us, sometimes ... Sometimes, the truth is - somewhere nearby.
- Therefore, I admit the existence of these mediums and spiritualists, prophetic dreams and visions of ghosts and the afterlife. This does not mean that I'm frantically believe in everything, but stick to the principle - if to explain the phenomenon is impossible to find natural causes, you need to look weird!
Looking at my open mouth in surprise, the detective continued, a little hurt, I thought:
- And in general, at your age all the boys believe in ghosts and vampires and werewolves.
- I have always believed only what he saw ...
- Yes? Well, I will not argue. Life will teach you. And now, there are more important issues and. Do you think we should do now?
- Collect the evidence against Mr. Appleton? Well, more tangible, so that he could not get away?
- This is definitely ... Here are just afraid that the evidence-gathering process that will weighty sound in court - it's not fast, but we must hurry. So we go the other way! Now, we'll go and see what the dungeon in which you are traveling at night. If your second vision has revealed it was his, then maybe it's a clue. In any case, while Mr. Appleton produce nothing, we have to grasp at any chance, even as a ghost.
- Sir, but I do not I will go to that place ...
- Let it you do not care - the detective pulled out a drawer with a detailed city map. - said yet about where we go, and I'll be right back.
In less than five minutes, as I, in the company of the detective and two policemen, one of whom was just a giant, rolled in a four police open carriage. Before leaving, the detective brought me a piece of bread with a slice of grilled salmon and a mug of cocoa. Considering that the time has passed for lunch, and I have not even had breakfast, it was swallowed up instantly and with great gratitude.
And now, wrapped in some old wool, or cloak, or blanket, which I was also given at the station, I was dozing quietly, still weary disease and lulled dimensional hooves on the stone pavement.
Opening his eyes, it seemed to me, in a moment, I saw the familiar I smokestacks and the very beginning of the outlying slums. And ordered the driver to wait for the crew here, D
etective Murch said that we have to continue to walk. And before I could blink an eye, as one of the constables, one that looked like a mountain, he grabbed me by the armpits, immediately pulled out of the carriage and sat on the forearm of his left hand, like a chair. Punishing keep strict watch over his shoulder, he turned to the detective:
- Ready, sir!
- You do not seriously, Constable?
- Not at all, sir! The boy light as a feather!
- Well. Well, gentlemen, forward. Sherlock, shows the way.
Trot and ran slums and vacant lot in front of the river, a few minutes later we went down to the shore at about the place where I myself have recently been raised. However, the constantly blowing wind along the river thoroughly stir the leaves, and I, no matter how peered into the thicket, and could not find a bush, where slept.
About half an hour we walked slowly against the current of the river, carefully sweeping the views of the steep slope, in search of at least something that looks like the entrance to a tunnel. Detective, in his short checkered coat and cap, enthusiastically striding ahead and almost jumping at the sight of any shadows from bumps, resembled a teenager.
Finally, at the highest portion of the coast, we noticed a dark failure, which could clearly be sought tunnel. Here are just a slope in this place was so cool that I had to go back a little, to go up a little earlier. Already the top appreciating path that had rolled head over heels, I once again marveled at his luck to remain intact, although he could easily break its neck.
Finally, coming to the entrance to the tunnel, we stopped. Daylight lacked exactly that, to illuminate a few meters of the old, crumbling walls and a rusty grate, then everything was lost in the mist.
- Constable Neuss - fire! - Detective March turned to the second policeman, who immediately lit a miner's lamp, before hanging on his belt. It shone straight, dull, but in the pitch darkness of the tunnel should be bright enough.
Named Sherlock Page 21