Named Sherlock

by Bagatur Zhamkochyan

  The house in which he lived, Mr. Leksidi, was an ordinary three-story yellow brick house, in a series of exactly the same. Dark stairs unlit area, rooms are numbered.

  Finding the right door, I knocked softly. While I was returning home in search of Donnie, while the appointed time has come, and I did not experience more, which appeared early. However, Mr Leksidi no answer.

  She knocked again, a little harder, I listened. Behind the door it was quiet. Really, I still came too soon, and the old man had not yet returned from the service? Of course, nothing wrong, it would be possible to wait ...

  Being on the dark, gloomy court did not want to, and I really had turned to go out, he heard the door barely audible murmur, and, kind of like a groan. Returning to the door, I listened. The sound was not repeated. But I was definitely sure that he came because of that door. Spitting on all decency, I hammered on the door with all his strength.

  The door remained closed, but a strange sound behind her repeated. Now it was already clearly discerned moan and like, some kind of mooing. Do not hesitate any more seconds, imagining the terrible picture, I leaned a shoulder at the door. Flimsy latch, which, as it turned out, it was locked from the inside, pulled out the meat, and I flew into the room, barely having time to brake in the center.

  The picture that was revealed to me, was truly terrifying. Everything that could be broken, scattered and broken, it was virtually destroyed in the poorly furnished room. And it was done with a kind of manic meticulousness. Floor of a small room was strewn with shards of crockery, scraps of paper, what rags, apparently, the former used clothing. Even the furniture was partly broken down - the only chair in the room had lost two legs and back, and through the hole in the seat, climbed out of wool stuffing. And even on the walls were deep marks, a feeling that they threw themselves all in a row, including this miserable stool.

  Mr. Leksidi lying followed by the chaos on wobbly sagging couch, in a state bordering on insane. Got up to my knock, he raised his head, stared vacantly at nothing floating eyes, trying to focus. After ten seconds, he was able to finally realize, on which it is light.

  - Aah, pinned? Well, what are you looking at? Do not see the person of Mr. walks!

  Hardly a sitting position, Mr. Leksidi stared somewhere through me. His eyes began to periodically look, literally, in different directions, the view was senseless and aggressive. I must say, I was not even entirely sure what he really sees me and find out.

  - Mr Leksidi, can you hear me? - it was the first drunk I ever met in my life. Alcoholism has long become a thing of the past, being replaced by other surrogates of reality. Why leave the booze, if you can go into Wirth?

  - Pshel you zlotys boy! All because of you, because of you ... I came here. Investigator! - The old man chuckled, and began to mutter something absolutely incomprehensible.

  I must say, I was very angry. That such bases would be expected in real life, but not in the gaming world. It was impossible to imagine a situation where the hero, giving the task, at first promised to be the princess and half the kingdom as a reward, and when he came up with a dragon head in her hands, suddenly said that she ran away from the troubadour, so rewards will be. But in ordinary life - easily. But then the game and must be performed by its basic laws!

  Mr. Leksidi apparently exhausted reserves of strength, because he suddenly fell back on the sofa and began to snore loudly, his whole appearance indicating that make him something intelligible it will be possible not soon.

  Spitting, I left the room. And I told him another bottle of whiskey brought! After standing for a few minutes on the stairs and a little calmer, I thought. Judging by the first impression, the old man did not seem a man drinking. Possible, and likely, the current situation for him - an extreme rarity, or even an exception. It is obvious that Mr. Leksidi something happened, some trouble.

  Maximum firmly closing the door as far as it is generally possible with a broken latch, I decided to go to the police station. I do not know what m I took it, but intuition tells me that the source of the troubles lies there.

  On the threshold of the familiar police station, I was within ten minutes, the ride was very close. In the reception room I met all of the same burly mustachioed policeman. After greeting, I asked if Detective March on the spot. Looking around, I was suddenly stern look, a man loudly told me to get out and do not prevent people from working.

  By surprise, I did not even realize that it was he who told me so confused asked.

  - Excuse me, sir?

  - Once again I say, come away from here. If you do not have anything important, there is nothing here to hang around and distract people from the case!

  - But ... - I was so confused by the sudden change did not even know what to say.

  - Get out of the land, and that I have not seen here! - roared the man, more and more, raising his voice.

  Suddenly, he put a finger to her lips, calling for silence me, and whispered, barely audible voice, said: "Around the corner". Then made a shooing gesture of the river, and I obey, absolutely not understanding, I came out of the site.

  Around the corner? Well, around the corner, because the corner. I strongly rounded the building site, becoming a wall, close to the small group of young police couriers entertained intellectual competition for spitting distance. Ten minutes passed, and I have not had time to really start to freeze, I noticed that the boys seemed a tall, stooped figure of the detective. Resolutely heading in my direction, he did not stop, quietly dropped: "For me," passing by. In complete bewilderment, I went after him.

  After having walked out, turned detective, and stopped before the door of a shabby coffee shop, with a faded and sagging guise of a couple of minutes, "Garden of Eden". Dark, dirty, poor Frank institution, any association with the heavenly kuschami did not cause. And there was the smell, the emergence of appetite does not promote.

  - Lola, coffee! - shouted the detective somewhere in the depth of the room. - You have something going? - He turned to me.

  I must admit I was so stunned by everything going on that just nodded.

  - Two coffees! - once I called the detective. - Sit down, - he pointed to a filthy table.

  I obediently sat down.

  We waited until the thin, pale to near transparency girl who obviously was Lola, brought great with numerous nicks mugs. The detective took her a pitying look.

  - Orphan brother paralyzed. Only with this coffee house and feed.

  I looked at the contents of his mug, then resolutely drank. It was just boiling water, with a small, very distant taste of roasted coffee beans. Sugar, of course, no no.

  - So what happened, Detective?

  - What happened, what happened ... - Detective March irritably pulled cheek. - The new boss had happened, that's what. And it seems that there is a specific installation, lowered from above, about the tightening of control over our series.

  - Yes, much more to tighten it? You and so are not investigating anything, Appleton was found guilty of all, no one digs.

  - This is the whole point, that officially nothing is being investigated. But, as it turned out, we have too many ears and wishing to gain favor. Firstly, our conversations with you have already reported, the benefit, at least not with all the details. But even that was enough to teach me a severe reprimand and a warning, and you close the access to the site. And that you're lucky that behind you uncle, a famous writer, and a guardian - the most influential and highly paid lawyer Londinium. And secondly - I hurt our Mr. Leksidi that caught leaking information to close the case, but still an outsider in the archive area allowed.

  - Wait, he's nothing to do with, I myself came to him! Yes, and I quietly you missed it ...

  - Yes, because before, when the former head of the department, such things condoned. A new way was only an excuse.

  - That is, it turns out, Mr. Leksidi hurt because of me ...

  - Mr Leksidi suffered because tyranny management, if not the case, I am sure that after some time to introduce
another. But, if you had not come to the old man for some time, he would have worked. Yes, and I also set my hand, what could be.

  - And now what i can do? We must do something to help ...

  - My friend, - a detective looked into my eyes - you imagine it? I have no way to do charity, the salary does not allow. You - a child.

  Hmm, and yet the detective rights. Again, ask for help from Mr Jobson? I and so it too is required, it is inconvenient. But, on the other hand, I really to blame for the fact that the old man's troubles began. If it really was fired without a pension, then soon he will simply die of hunger, find a new job at this age he is unlikely to.

  - You know, Detective, I will try to work something out. Mr. Leksidi struck me as a good man, and I will not forgive myself if with him because I happen something bad.

  - Here you are right, the old man was a pity. They say that when he was young, he was the best detective in the whole eastern district. Yes, just got burned on a random murder of a police officer.

  - accidental killing? How did this happen?

  - Yes, I do not know the details, he always remained silent, and I especially do not questioned. Only heard that being a detective, Mr. Leksidi constable shot, and it was not even on the detention, as well, sort of, when talking with the witness. How it is all actually happened is not known, but blamed on careless handling of weapons. Detective kicked him, and if not for past services and good relations with the then chief, it also could plant. And then somehow the matter was hushed up, and left the old man's work in the archive. Since then, he sits there and, fifteen years have passed, and maybe even more.

  Yeah, apparently, it all happened exactly during the investigation of a series of alleged suicides.

  - Tell me, detective, and you know that Mr. Leksidi, even when he was a detective, investigating a similar case, a series of six murders, thirty-two years ago. And all the signs were similar - blue crystal that is seen by witnesses, marks on the body. All of the victims were young and poor, and are found in the eastern district.

  - No, I do not know.

  - And we could dig, detective - I was not trying to be rude, but small accusing tone in my voice still slipped. Detective March, apparently, drew attention to it, because once spoke sharply.

  - Listen to me, young man. I am very glad that you are not being burdened with no permanent job, no family that you need to feed, found enough free time to get to the bottom of this before. But I, you see, there is still a lot of other things that require my attention, there are bosses that crushes, have any plans for life that I would like to carry out, while I am still young enough. And there is a very strong likelihood that independently started digging in that direction, I suddenly find myself in the same situation as Mr Leksidi. I do not have the richest and most influential families, who will cover me!

  Admitting that I crossed with his accusations, I hurried back down, and apologized for his words. Make it was not difficult for me, because I really felt they were wrong.

  - Okay, and tell me, Detective, our agreements are in force? Will you help me?

  Detective Mark frowned, played nodules, then nodded vigorously.

  - Yes. I will not back down from his words, but all the same, mind you, for a formal investigation must be absolutely iron proof. If they are indirect, but I recognize their sufficient, then try to stop the killer themselves ... unofficially.

  Looking at the serious face of a detective, I did not dare to ask him whether he had before like this, "informally" to solve problems. I think it's better I do not know.

  - In general, the case. If you will be something urgent, you can schedule an appointment through Lola, she can always give me a note, or just go down to the station. If I did want to find you, then ... - Detective smiled - just find. For the old man, I'll go today, find out how he was.

  - Today, probably, and it makes no sense. He was too drunk, I do not think that he will be able to talk at all.

  - Yes, it's not a problem, we will understand. But you keep in mind what is really something to help him I have no way. If you will - will be fine.

  - Well, sir, I'll try. And here's another - I handed the detective, wrapped in thick brown paper, drawing in the frame. - I carried him, but he did not leave. Tell him from me and tell him I'll try to fix it.

  Detective silently clapped me on the shoulder.

  Coming out of the coffee shop, I caught the crew and headed home. Initially, I had plans to call the shelter and see the success of Mr. Robertson, but then I thought of no one knows where the disappeared Donnie, and decided to deal with this first.

  All the way I was thinking about what happened, and further strengthens the idea that simply must help the old man. It annoyed me just one moment - not being able to do anything myself, I was again forced to ask for help of Mr. Jobson, although I do this and did not want to. But the other option was not simple.

  Jerome opened the door, and I asked him if he saw Donnie, said that Mr. Watson, as usual, sitting in the living room with a textbook. Thanking, I walked into the room. Donny was sitting, as usual, buried in a book. When he saw me, he smiled broadly and waved magician pulled out from somewhere, probably right out of the sleeves, the tiny glass vial, which gave me.

  - Sherlock! I did it! As you requested, the elixir of receptivity!

  Looking for an enthusiastic friend's face, I realized that his desire to chastise melts away with each passing second. But the conversation in any case was to be held. If Donny does not want to engage in a shelter, or believes that Mrs. Rosie has taught him everything what I could, you just need to say this, I am sure that Mr. Jobson something will come up. But deceive everyone, including me - is wrong.

  Not paying attention to stretching bottle, I tried to add to the voice of more serious notes of, said:

  - Donnie, where were you today instead of classes?

  Donnie's face without emotion at once, the smile disappeared, his eyes staring off into the corner of the room.

  - I'm traveling on business. Buying agents ...

  - Reagents? And why did you buy from in the classroom?

  - And when I was about to do it? You've ordered the elixir of perception only yesterday, I was not able to get it all in advance.

  - Strange. Did your Mr. ganmu Mignama ... ... at your teachers, do not have all the necessary components in the lab?

  - Mr Inganamorte not required to provide reagents me if I make potions for their own needs. He gives me supplies, and leaves the results themselves. Anything that I do for myself, I buy myself.

  Donny replied dully, without looking away from the corner in which he looked at the beginning of our conversation. But I am not so easy it was to ruffle. I felt that no one before the end frank. Perhaps he was buying agents, but it is clearly not only in them. But the press is not worth it. Donald, like change the look, and in the manner of behavior becoming more mature and confident, was clearly ready at the slightest push snap shut like a clamshell, showing that in fact remained as vulnerable and introverted.

  - Well, I drove and drove. You just do the next time I warn you, I suppose. And Mrs. Rose flew to me in a panic, and I have not talked to Miss Emily. She must now also up to date. And I, in general, suffer.

  - Well, - I realized that it will no longer torture interrogation, Donnie was a relaxed and began to smile again.

  - Well there for the elixir? Come on, tell me more - I finally decided to change the subject, and just watch the other.

  Donny again shook the bubble, who rolls the bottom of a few drops of bright blue unknown potions.

  - It is the elixir of perception, as you asked. Elixir of perception, then five portions. The idea is that it is best to drink them immediately, but with a break, so it will be easier to digest. The solution, though faint, of him, of course, it is impossible to die, but the feeling is not very good.

  - So, it turns out you passed the exam for the apprentice?

  - Yes, I passed, and it is easy, and the first try. Mr. Inganamorte me very praise
d. I did Elixir intelligence, his teacher checked, he said that corresponds to standard. And this I have done myself, by analogy. So here you go, - Donnie handed me the vial.

  - Thank you so much. And tell me how to take it? Just a drink, or have any tricks?

  - Nothing tricky one drop dissolved in half a glass of clean water, and drink, that's all. Then, some time will be quite a headache, maybe a couple of hours, lost the appetite to be a little sick. Therefore, a second crop is better to drink the next day, when fully recovered. And so on until the fifth, taking no longer necessary, as the consequences can be quite serious, for a few days, you can lie down in bed.

  I put the vial in his pocket. The idea of a daily break I dismissed immediately, the time I did not have much to spend five days in vain. I think I drink everything. Let me pomuchayus stronger, but only one day, and the result will be immediately.

  - And you've got any news? - Donnie, seeing that I do not recall more about his disappearance the morning, hurrying to consolidate the success.

  - Tomorrow, returned from his mysterious trip Mr. Shaw, and I just finish my mehanolet. Now he paints Mr. Robertson, he volunteered to help me.

  - And how much he asked for help from you?

  - No copper, can you imagine?

  - Strange. Whether the old man is really interested in, or ... I do not know what else could be, but Mr. Robertson never does anything for nothing.

  I almost feel like somewhere inside me scratched concern. Indeed, the old master simply different immoderate stinginess. I could not forget the two gold he demanded for the production of military belts. And the story of Donny that he handed tools for rent to his disciples, also described him as not very generous person.

  - No, I do not think. He's really interested and just genuinely wanted to participate, well, at least I would like very much to believe it.