- It's all? - externally president of the corporation "VirtArt" stores a complete peace of mind, his calm and indifferent, like a Buddha sculpture, the face did not flinch a muscle.
- No, not all. Miroslav woke Sazhin.
- Who is it? - Leo K. raised his eyebrows.
- Bidder who tries to disable the force, so that his identity was erased. Until the end of the investigation, he remained connected to the neyrointerfeys, at the request of Proteus. Today he woke up in the complete preservation of consciousness and memory, existing before the shutdown.
- That's it?
- Not really. One player is still in the game. And ... we have no more access to his capsule.
- What?
- When players were withdrawn from virtmirov, they were asked to urgently leave the base, as it was preparing to switch to offline mode.
- What it was proposed? - Sušica face, like his voice, were still quiet, but red, rising from the collar and slowly poured his neck, creeping higher and higher, spoke of barely contained fury.
- They do not know. The command comes from the voice messaging system for emergency situations. In general, once people have risen to the surface, the base of the encapsulated protocol "Extra 1".
- What kind of player is left connected?
- Dmitry Shandin. This is the same, the Proteus project.
Leo K. Sušica slowly, even a little bit retardation, reached out, picked up a glass table and looking straight ahead, in two swallows destroyed its contents.
- Single.
Left alone, the man a few seconds staring unseeing in front of him, twisting his fingers in his empty glass. The first time in many years it was really scary. Not having almost no information, it was difficult to draw conclusions from proishedshem. But intuition, which Sušica trusted implicitly suggests that things happen very bad for him, and very soon there will be something truly awful!
Named Sherlock
book 3
Chapter 1
I went to the window. The snow was falling more and more, because of its haze was no longer visible in front of the houses. It was nice to watch the raging elements, under the protection of strong walls and a reliable roof.
Amazing feeling of warmth and peace would not let me ever since I came home. Let them in the real world at home I did not have, and I myself was in gelkapsule deep underground, to full of hastily reopen a military base, then I had this amazing feeling. The feeling that I was somewhere waiting.
I must say that my appearance created a furor. Jerome and Marjorie hugged me, not hiding tears, monumental as Madame Petit hardly at all in them is not a utopia, constantly repeating, like a mantra: "My poor malschik, my poor malschik". Mr. Jobson, who brought me out of the hospital, only laughed, standing aside and looking at how I blushed, embarrassed by such a warm welcome.
Day, moreover, it proved to be very intense, and only in the evening, appeared in my room, I was finally able to recover myself and analyze everything that happened during the time I was in the hospital.
A lot has happened. First, as promised, on the day after his first visit, he was the detective again. We talked with him, this time, about two hours, until the moment when I, exhausted, did not begin to fill half of the phrase. And find out interesting details ...
It turns out that the detective did spend March investigation in parallel with me, only he possessed, while, where large amounts of data, and despite the fact that he acted unofficially, more features. Therefore the goals and objectives it set itself global. He decided not just to catch the killer and uncover the entire network of senior associates, never for a moment doubting its existence. When, as a result of the investigation, floated the name of the Queen's nephew, the detective realized that there is still more serious than originally thought.
At that moment, he decided that it was necessary to remove me from the investigation, so I'm not confused all the cards to their amateur approach, but just togdato and there was an old woman, a prophetess, the old Greta, as he called her detective March. She told him about my strange and incomprehensible "key" role in the investigation, and of the impending hecatombs. Training operations had sharply accelerated. And when the detective found out about the missing children, which served as an indirect confirmation of the words of the old woman, he decided to act immediately.
The detective and his two assistants, already known to me constables Kirk and noise, with the help of his "agent", Magda's maid, entered the house of Lady Elizabeth. Recording bird was previously delivered to the house as a gift from an anonymous admirer, and was accepted very favorably. Woman himself constantly of her plants.
I must say that I arrived in the midst of the action. Knowing that you can not lose time and may suffer the children, the detective decided not to wait for the appearance of compromising reliable and launched an operation, relying in part on luck. The maid brought coffee with a huge dose of elixir confuse thoughts on the way back updated plant in poultry and quietly switched the lever under the beak, initiating recording. The plans of the detective had to wait for the end of recording, and even if on it there would be nothing seditious, to begin the capture. But I burst into the room, and confused all the cards.
Not knowing what the situation is, and so is under control, I started shooting. Blow, who eventually broke my resistance was made Constable Kirk, who simply miscalculated their strength.
By the way, the detective said, though my appearance really turned the key. Action elixir was slightly weaker than expected, and if I had not known, I would not have shot the police each other. And so, to focus on me, criminal missed the moment when it itself, almost killing Constable Kirk stunned his huge fist.
Another confusing point that clarified the detective was how managed to get out from under the mental control of Irwin. As it turned out, the kid had a very strong innate resistance to control, so he quickly came to his senses. Of course, if he had met with Lady Elizabeth face to face, no voice would not go on the resistance.
By the way, my story about how I suspected the detective that it is voluntary or involuntary accomplice of criminals, called in a few minutes of healthy laughter and an approving pat on my shoulder. Excessive suspiciousness, in the words of then Detective, never harmed the cause as excessive credulity.
There was a knock on the door distracted me from my memories.
- Open!
- Mr. Brown, everything is already in place, awaiting only you.
- Thank you, Marjorie, I'll be right down.
Yes, today we have a gala dinner in honor of the completion of the case, and catch the culprit of my visit to the Queen.
I left the window, once again cast a critical eye reflected, standing in front of a large, full-height mirror. Eighth level in the world brought closer to my apparent age that I had a real. Dad's face, my mother's eyes and hair seemed to differences in appearance is almost there. That's just not visible in the view of the gloomy doom, not bent back, not so pale and translucent skin. Virtual "self" is perhaps stronger and more confident than the "I" is real. Adjusting cravat and waistcoat odernuv, I hastened down.
- Hey, Sherlock, man, well, where do you go? We thought to start without you! - fun smiling boy detective seemed existent.
- Greg, stop - Miss Emily strict as with one of his pupils. - Sherlock, how do you feel? Are you all right?
- Yes, just fine, thank you very much - I tried not to smirk, looking like a detective rolls her eyes playfully mimicking the care of his bride.
Yes, yes, it is the bride. Just a few days ago, March detective told me in confidence that asked for the hand of Miss Emily Mr. Shaw. As it turned out, with a marriage proposal detective visited her twice already, and only the third time obtained the agreement. So now it's official pair with which they are to be congratulated.
- Sherlock, you sit down in the end? What are you frozen? - Donnie, incredibly matured over time, while I was lying unconscious in the hospital, seemed a giant, compared to sitting next to him Marissa.
Hmm. The fact that Donnie is now with her, and delighted me and makes worrying. I had never seen each other so happy. He lost his childhood shyness completely stopped stammering. Already at that time, when he moved from the shelter and started practicing his favorite alchemy, it was clear that Donnie begins to change, becoming more confident, that he had a inner core. But now it really became kind of whole, and it's all thanks to Marissa.
I must say, when I first saw, still in the hospital, this sweet couple together, I could not believe my eyes. Yes, one might guess, the more that Marissa voluntarily returned me the key. But then I thought that this is due to Donnie and their emerging sense of remorse and sincere girl. I must admit I thought that now that Marissa will votvot Baroness, key it simply was not needed.
But it turned out that the admiration Donnie, his shyness, but with the courage and persistence to break through the ice shell heart thieves and fraudsters with Maher Street. And Marissa suddenly, unexpectedly, opened not previously known to her feeling.
Now, looking at the tenderness with which she looks at Donnie, I'm genuinely happy, but remember how long and hard each experienced the betrayal of a mother ... I can not imagine what would have happened to Donnie, if it again thrown.
- So! - from the place of Mr. Jobson stood. - Since we're all together, you can begin. Jerome, if you please.
Majordomo pulled low to the table serving Shreds, which was a small light metal pail filled with crushed ice. At the center of his neck sticking out of dark glass bottles. While I was fascinated watching as Jerome reveals thin twine knotted and filled with wax over the plug neck, the lawyer continued his speech.
- Today we are celebrating some great events! First, it is certainly a triumph of our brave investigators, who managed to reveal not only a matter of many years of massacres, but also a plot against the crown. In connection with this, there is yet another reason to raise a glass - a special assignment royal charter baronetcy detective Marchena, rather, now I, Sir Gregory.
- Here is what what out of me sir, do not even think of calling me that!
- Good detective, as you say. That's not all, gentlemen! By the will of the Lord, we've got two future married couples - Greg and Emily, Donald and Marissa. That's why I propose to drink a glass of this wonderful pink sparkling wine from Champagne! For love, for joy, for a new life! Vivat!
Tasted sickly sweet and firing in the nose the wine bubbles of carbon dioxide, while I was digesting the news in silence. And if I already knew all about the detective, the future marriage Donnie me stunned. Squinting at his side, I caught embarrassed, apologetic look other. Marissa, as usual, looked boldly and mockingly. Deciding to have a serious talk later, I listened to the conversation, which has slowly conducted at the table.
- And what did you decide to do, Sir Gregory?
- God, I beg you, Mr. Jobson, stop calling me that, I was too embarrassed. Feeling as if I put someone else's coat, and all around they see that it is not on my shoulder.
- Okay, persuaded, - laughed the lawyer. - I'll call you Gregory, but then you just call me Arthur, okay?
- Agreed, Arthur. Plans? Honestly, I do not know yet. We Emily did not discuss this topic. You see, one of the reasons of our past differences had a job, or rather it is my obsession. Therefore, to prevent a repetition of the kind, I want to devote more time to family. Most likely I will leave the police.
- Well, now you can afford it - smiled missy Jobson. - leave in the suburbs, there sovet family nest.
- What? Leave? But what about the shelter, what about the children? - Miss Emily blushed with indignation. - I have the same kids, and they just started to rebound after all gone. Anyway, I never let them give up. And Greg is not necessary to give up work, only now I realize how important it is.
- Well, then nothing will change. I just try to work less, and a gift from the queen of the manor ... leave if it will bring at least full of income, and in the summer will be able to send their children there, closer to nature.
- By the way, Sherlock, - turned to me, Miss Emily. - Is it true that you refused the gift of the Queen?
- I do not mind, I just took the money.
- Oh yes, - detective laughed - it was something. Everyone, including the Queen, were shocked when our hero said that he did not need a mansion in the city. You can imagine? He abandoned house in a few thousand worth of gold, if not a dozen, asking in return for an amount approximately offsetting the cost of the expedition on another continent. Lost as a result of a lot of money!
It's clear that from the point of view of the detective, and not only him, I acted like an idiot. That's just what good to me from the house, if I was not going to live here all my life? Really urgent problem that worried me was that of extraction of money on future expeditions. Thanks to the generosity of the queen, he resolved, for more I did not expect. Fortunately, for me, Mr. Jobson stood up, and I did not have to make excuses.
- I understand perfectly Sherlock, and I think he is absolutely right. Abandoning most of the rewards he has created as we speak, lawyers, positive imaginem - a positive image. And it certainly will work on it in the future, as the Queen honors the selfless service.
- So and selfless! I was given a thousand pieces of gold, a lot of money!
- Believe me, my boy, - smiled the old lawyer. - The life and well-being of the ruling personages are much, much more. And the queen will remember you as honest and decent young man who refused to generous rewards, taking only a fraction. And then, only to learn the fate of missing family members. Maybe it is worth more expensive the money that you've lost.
I do not know, maybe I'm too suspicious, but I felt uncomfortable for a moment that my action could produce that impression - a move considered and prudent hardhead. And in order to divert public attention from his person, I turned to Donnie.
- Have you already planned out their future?
- Well, - he seemed to me a little embarrassed and looked at Marissa. Obtaining her an encouraging nod, he continued. - In general, yes. The fact that I went through skill certification, and now will earn as a producer of drugs and alchemical preparations. My teacher, Mr. Ingannamorte, took advantage of his connections and helped negotiate a contract with the owner of several major pharmacies. So now I can afford to rent a private house and a family.
- It's great! Well, that is not what you sedesh ...
- Yes, I understand, I realized - Donny laughed. - Certainly I would not have thought you were in a hurry to get rid of me. In general, we are planning a wedding in the summer, and if nothing extraordinary happens, then by July Marissa Warren will be Mrs. Watson.
- Only in summer? Willing to wait another six months?
- No problem, we are ready to wait as long as you want. And summer, this is a very rough time. We decided that we have no moral right to marry earlier than repay you for all you've done both, Sherlock for us. Therefore, we get married then, when we get back from your expedition. And when it's summer or autumn - it does not matter.
- You're coming with me?
- Of course!
- And Marissa? But it can be dangerous, are you sure?
- It sure - waved Donnie was about to reply, for the first time all evening filed a girl's voice. - It is precisely because it is dangerous, we will go with you. Donald, like me, too much obliged to you. And I was used to pay their debts. And the more aware of your naivety and gullibility, I can not let you there oblaposhili.
- I ... - I had to make some effort to keep my voice steady by surging emotions. - I am very touched, really. Thank you.
The conversation had gone smoothly to the side, flew over the table chuckles. Weary succession of festive dishes and a bit muzzy from the wine, I leaned back in his chair, idly looking around the room osolovevshimi eyes.
Through relaxed look around, I suddenly came across an attentive and serious gaze back detective.
- Sherlock - realizing that I paid attention to it, he said, as if by c
hance. - And do you have in the house a smoking room?
- Smoking room? I am afraid that a separate room for this is selected, uncle obviously preferred to smoke in the office.
- Well. Do not take me? At the same time, we will discuss several issues related to the investigation.
- Of course, Detective.
Apologizing to the guests, we left the dining room. Wondering what other details of the investigation, we have not discussed with the detective for the hours devoted to the subject, while I languished in the hospital, I opened the office door. Detective, briefly examined the room and closing the door tight, did not get any pipes or cigars.
- Tell me, my young friend, do you know the bike, about a woman who picked up on the street dying of hunger and cold snake?
- Serpent? What are you, a detective? - my utter bewilderment, I am sure was reflected on his face.
- Yeah, it means that you do not know. This is a very interesting and instructive story, I'll tell you. One compassionate old woman saw in the street a poisonous snake, she was dying of cold and looked very unhappy. The woman picked her up and brought home, where several days carefully nursed and fed. The snake was becoming stronger and stronger, until, in one of the most beautiful and sunny days, she finally recovered. And then, she was bitten by a woman. Dying, compassionate woman could not contain his surprise and asked: "Why do you repay me so ungrateful, because I saved you from certain death?". What a snake she rightly said, "When you took me home, you know, I'm a snake?".
When the detective finished telling a parable, I remembered that I had read it before. Furthermore, I understood perfectly what he was trying to tell me now. But I was not fully agree with this.
- interesting tales, do not you think?
- Of course, Detective. Very interesting. Only do not you think that it is not necessarily true?
- Are you implying that snakes do not talk?
- I allude to the fact that a person is not a snake, he can overcome his nature, education and habits for a higher purpose.
Named Sherlock Page 61