- I am glad that you just captured the essence - the detective smiled. - However, I was sure that I will not have you all to chew. Sherlock, you must understand, I do not want anyone to anything to accuse falsely, just do not want you to, like the unfortunate compassionate woman, then wondered, how did it happen that you were bitten.
- I understand you, detective. Knowing the past Marissa, imagining what kind of lifestyle familiar to her, I, too, have not yet fully accepted and adopted its new role. But I hope that she really decided to change, it happens. Many times I have seen cases in the literature, when the last villains for the love reborn and become decent people.
- tact in literature, my friend, something in my life I do not recall. Well, that's up to you, then do not complain. Your friend, Donald knows about the past Miss Warren?
- to the same extent that I do.
- Well. Keep an eye on them, just in case. And it would be good, so I was wrong. Let's go back to the table?
- I think, yes.
In the dining room, in the meantime, nothing new has happened, the conversation flowed as slowly, it seemed, with our lack of a detective and no one noticed. I'm thinking now this hell of a dying snake stealthily looked askance at Marissa.
I do not know, maybe she, with obvious exceptional acting talent, you can play anything you want, for example, to turn from the street almost oborvanki in-bred young lady that Marissa is now successfully demonstrated. But to portray this love look what it now and then gave Donnie, it seems to me, is not able to anybody.
I calmed down and was able to gradually drawn into the general conversation and pay tribute to the delicious dessert of chilled melon and whipped cream. Half an hour later, when it was all eaten and drunk, all the news discussed, the evening came to an end.
Mr Jobson and his wife left for home on foot, determined to take a walk before going to bed, Detective Miss Emily went to the crew, Donnie went to see off Marissa. All dispersed, and I was able to safely return to her room. Tomorrow is the first time I was going to go to an orphanage after his return from the hospital, and indeed, many cases have been scheduled. Old lawyer, at my request, just prepared all the necessary papers to accomplish what I have planned.
Without undressing, I collapsed on the bed. Bad habit of reading while lying, but what can we do about it. I took to the bedside book, which did not open for nearly two weeks. How's Thomas and Rebecca got there from another scrape? I must say, for a series of phantasmagoric experiences of my real life, I almost forgot about the woes plaguing the book heroes. And no wonder. Who would have thought that in the city center, this prim and civilized, spun this whirlwind? Sacrifice, the dark forces of the ancient ...
Dropping and not an open book on his chest, I again thought back to our conversation with the detective in the hospital, when he told me about the plans of the sinister and the beautiful Lady Elizabeth.
"Why, old Greta decided to help you?" - I asked him then.
The detective frowned and said, "You see, my friend, for her - it's a matter of survival. This woman is not a fairy godmother, who suddenly decided to help the positive hero, she is here and your interest. Our criminal broke the delicate balance of peace, in which there are currently forces raged in full majesty of thousands and thousands of years ago, and the risk of finally awaken them from becoming too high. "
I could not understand that the detective had in mind, and in response to my request, he told about the hosts of diverse strengths and weaknesses of the deities, which allegedly belonged to this world at the dawn of civilization, according to the old witch. He did not know all the details, and he knew very little, but it is this fear, the fear that freed from the deepest sleep the hordes of blood-thirsty creatures, and caused the old woman to decide on police assistance.
"And what I am really sought this woman, Lady Elizabeth? She really hoped for immortality? "- really a person who was engaged in games with all these otherworldly forces did not realize the danger of their actions?
"Yes, I asked her about it. Now she tells the truth, so it is possible to trust the answers. So, when I asked her, with the result that it had intended to do with this world, when it will flood awakened her essence, of which Dagon, compared to the rest, not more dangerous than the two-month puppy, she said she is confident in their abilities and calmly coped would any of them "- a detective, reasoning, walked along the beds.
"That is, she did not want the reign of the dark gods?" - I asked then. "Of course not. She wanted to accession itself, favorite, or rather that part of themselves that controlled this possessed woman at any given moment "- and the detective March told more about that strange that so impressed me even at a time when I stood outside the door and peeped through the key well.
As it turned out, this woman, who for hundreds of years a fugitive from justice and continue to kill, while constantly being on the mind for a long time and irrevocably insane. How and when this happened - now it is impossible to understand. Why? Also not so easy to answer. Perhaps it all started at a time when the thirst for power and power began to struggle in her soul with evil rejection? And then there was a new person, no longer burdened by moral principles, which could take the lead. Perhaps all and so it was, but it's just only my guess, not more.
And the fact is that, despite its absolute madness, a crime against the crown waiting for Lady Elizabeth does not gloomy shelter for coming down from the criminals mind, where was once spent part of the life of my teacher, Mr. Shaw, and the most that neither is on the gallows, with sturdy hemp rope.
- Yes, and for the better! - I again picked up a book, and finally plunged into the wonderful adventures of Thomas and Rebecca in the edge of the slippery green vines, night screams jaguars, mysterious temples and temples, blood, gold, and fear.
Morning crept quite unexpectedly. It seemed that only I, along with the couple, Thatcher's horror and the knowledge of the inevitable, drawn by belting out something the natives approached the altar covered with blood, as was the cold winter sun looks me right in the window. And I open my eyes in his bedroom, dressed, but without shoes, covered with a light blanket.
It's just all the same to sleep? It turns out, so ... Probably, the body is still not fully recovered after many days of coma.
Well, at least I slept well, the mood is extremely buoyant, and the willingness to act simply splashing and pouring over the edge. Visiting the bathroom and I disguised crumpled suit, whistling, I went into the living room. Passing the room Donny, I knocked several times, not waiting for an answer - looked. Anyone.
I must say, I woke up in utter an early hour, on the mantel clock showed a quarter to six. Affected that fell asleep yesterday barely ten o'clock. However, it is for the better, you can have breakfast and get together without haste. But all the same, where is Donnie?
With this question I turned to Marjorie, who collected and businesslike, appeared in the living room with a piece of velvet box with a paste for polishing silver.
- Mr. Watson did not sleep, sir. Obviously, he stayed the night at his lady, so we did not wake you - judging by the way at these words pursed lips maid, she did not approve of any behavior of Donny, and even more so, his lady.
Well, here it is, I do not judge them accurately, although, as far as I know, this behavior is condemned by society.
Suddenly felt a terrible thirst for activity, I decided to make all scheduled for today things early. Abandoning the idea to sit calm and relaxed as you enjoy breakfast, I hastily drank tea with toast and jam, picked up pre-prepared paper, and at the beginning of the eighth morning was standing in front of the main entrance to the house, some time ago the former me almost native.
I opened to my knock, Mr. Robinson. Squinting and yawning, he looked at my face, then suddenly broke into his massive smile.
- Mr brayn! How glad I am that you have come to us. Detective March told about your heroism. Yes, if you do not! ..
- Good morning, Mr. Robinson. I also very much time to see you, can I go?
- Of course, sir!
Deciding not to distract Miss Emily and does not attract too much attention, I immediately went to the backyard, to the door of his workshop. Paused for a moment before entering decisively he turned back and knocked on the door of the closet of his teacher, old Shaw.
After I heard knocking inside kakoeto rustling, metal bell, rattle and muffled curses. Then came the exasperated voice of the old man:
- And who is there still the devil brought up so early?
- It's me, Mr. Shaw, Sherlock.
- Sherlock? ABOUT! - inside and rattled zazvyakalo even more furiously. - Wait a moment, my boy, I'm open.
All the while kept me on the threshold of a couple of minutes without stopping to rumble, Mr. Shaw finally opened the door and, to my surprise, immediately hugged. I must say that we have not seen him since, when I found out about the disappearance of the children, but all the same, such a reaction I did not expect. Mr. Shaw was pretty harsh and stingy on emotion man. Frankly, this scene, this was unexpected and pleasant, and I even felt a lump in the breast of the surging emotions.
- Come in, my boy, how am I glad to see you. I'm sorry I did not visit you in the hospital, and from yesterday declined your invitation ... but I somehow lost touch with the larger world beyond the walls of this house, you really understand me.
- I understand you, Mr. Shaw, and not offended.
I went after the old man in his darkened room that corner of my eye noticed some changes in the environment. One of the worn plush armchairs in the far corner was gone, in its place stood a table or workbench, littered kakimito details. Zoom prevented me dense veil, which it was covered from prying eyes.
- So what made you come to me so early? If I'm not mistaken, you have now should be a class on the third floor, and not here?
- I will not attend these classes. I'm afraid I do not have time.
- Yes, my granddaughter told me about your plans. Now that you've got the money for the journey, I believe you got nothing else holds?
Honestly, I expected to hear the hidden resentment in his voice the old man, all the same, I have to stop our classes with him, especially since I have not lived up to my expectations and did not present masterommehanikom. But, Mr. Shaw's voice was flat, the mood seemed to me, had even seemed upbeat.
- I'm holding here a lot, but I must do what I must.
The old man laughed:
- The answer is not a boy, but her husband! Sherlock Kid grew up. Well, I'm happy, really happy about it. So why did you, all the same, come here so early?
- Here, - I pulled out his sword belt bow. - I want to improve it.
- Improve? And what do you want to change?
- you, sir You see, as you know, I will have a rather long and, most likely, is a very dangerous mission. Therefore, I would like before you hit the road, eliminate the only drawback of this wonderful device.
- Lack? - Mr. Shaw angrily raised his voice, but I could see that he really was not angry. - All my products can not be shortcomings!
- Of course, sir, you're right. Crossbow is great, and the disadvantages he does not. That's only in certain situations, I would like to see in him a great rate, rather than the current one.
- Pfft! Perhaps to someone just need to quickly move your hands, huh? But in fact, - Mr Shaw stopped portraying anger and spoke seriously - are you sure that you, in your campaign, you need exactly this weapon? I was once made it for myself, twelve-year boy. But this is not something that can save your life in the jungle, or wherever you are sent there. Rather there will be a good slonoboy.
Of course, the old man was right to argue with him, I was not going to. However, testing to crossbows sentimental feelings, I would not change it for anything else. Let them go with shotguns trained this people, and I prefer my trusty crossbow, only need to modify it a bit. This, and many other thoughts flashed in my head, but out loud I said only one word, clearly and without doubt:
- I'm sure!
- Well, that's your business. What did you come up with that?
Rapid strokes I schematically sketched on paper exactly what I want to change. A few seconds of chewing his thin lips, knitting his gray eyebrows, Mr. Shaw acknowledged that the revision is certainly useful.
- I did not do it myself at the time, but what if all firearms charge the muzzle.
- Of course, sir, I do not even doubt it.
- Well, good work, I will not bother you. Leaving so soon? - The old man looked at me with barely contained impatience, as if he was going to get back to the interrupted my visit to occupation.
- Yes, now I go away. One more thing, - I pulled out a cardboard folder and handed him some papers.
- What's this?
- This paper confirming your ownership of two of my invention - a mechanism that allows to record and then play back the sounds and mehanolet. Wait - I hastened to interrupt the old man, seeing that he is ready to argue. - You and Miss Emily's a lot for me to do, if not for her kindness and your science, I would never have found his home, and would not have achieved all that I have now.
When he saw that the old man deeply moved in his eyes begin to appear tears, I shyly staring at the floor, going to the hasty muttering hurriedly continued:
- Central Police Department is ready to buy recording equipment for the needs of the investigations department, and mehanolety can be sold in the shop at Ridzhentstrit, I could not provide them with a ready sample, but I'm sure that with you, they will be happy to sign a contract.
Having finished his speech, I slipped into the hands of a confused old paper and ran out the door. Phew! Why, when you do a good deed, often want to do it secretly, as if it is something bad?
In the studio, nothing has changed in the time while I was away. A thin layer of dust lying on almost all surfaces. Only occupies the entire table mehanolet blazing scarlet and gold flames looked like an alien from another kakogoto, fairy-tale world.
Coming closer, I discovered that the model is covered with several layers of clear lacquer, and on a table nearby, lie several thin copper plates with holes carved on them. Apparently, in my absence mehanolet not lying idle, according to a new flight program. Well, it's for the best. I'm sure it is no longer needed, and the kids just a joy.
I frowned for a moment, recalling a failed quest. Not that it was so important to me, especially now, when the issue of money is not on the agenda. But the idea that I can not handle, though not through his own fault, greatly distressed and upset. Yes, even if you remember the pompous face store manager. That's really it certainly amused and gloated! Anyway, there is nothing to clog your head, now there are better things to do.
Firmly putting mehanolet on the floor, I cleared the table. The need to complete redesign of the charging mechanism of my crossbow required careful calculation and careful execution. Completely rejecting all extraneous thoughts, I have great pleasure once again plunged into work on which, I confess, great miss.
When the door tightly and firmly hammered, I was just puzzled as, without radical changes, adjust your sword-belt wearing by new, ready to change the reels. Wear them like they used to separate darts - not an option, the drums on eight charges were too heavy and bulky, and quite noticeable under clothing. It turned out, that wearing them will need to be in the bag, well, or, in extreme cases, a removable pocket.
- Yes please - I said rather irritably, still deep in thought about the issue of new drums.
- Of course, nothing has changed! I do not doubt that this is where you are - in the studio, smiling, was not included none other than Donny.
- Jato here, and that's where you wore the night?
- Well, I spent a wonderful time! To begin with, we visited with Marissa Cohen brothers secondhand shop, where acquired the complete works of Shakespeare. This is for our future library. Then we visited the Royal Museum of History, I just wanted to go there again. You know, Marissa was very pleased with the interest she considered exposure, asking questions ...
Of course! I
do not know where she gained knowledge about proper behavior in society and manners, but no education she was not sure and Donnie could be for her a real teacher.
- Well, I'm just for you. Where did you spend the night?
- Well, the apartment is rented by Marissa, located in the center, and I, frankly, do not really want to go back home there, and indeed, I miss you ... So I went to the shelter and spent the night in my old room.
- Really? - I stopped fighting with shoulder strap, realized the futility of all these attempts, and turned to the other.
- Well yes. This place has been my home for three years, and I suddenly wanted to go back again briefly here. And by the way, I talked with Miss Emily, you have not seen her today?
- No.
- Well, fine, then I'll tell you everything. We invite you to celebrate the Day of change of seasons, the day after tomorrow. Beginning at six o'clock, we need costumes or even masks. There will be dancing and refreshments.
- Wait, what other day? - I stared in amazement.
- Sherlock, are you from the moon fall? Day change of seasons! Did you and do not you remember?
- No…
- Oh, the trouble is that ... Well, listen - this winter holiday is celebrated once a year. It marks the end of the old year and the beginning of a new. On this day decided to organize a carnival, dance, rejoice, wear costumes of fairytale characters and give gifts.
- Gifts? - I asked in horror. Only this was not enough, I also have absolutely no time on it!
- Exactly! Gifts, all sorts of lovely surprises. I do not know about you, but I'm going to go and how to celebrate! Especially - here Donnie has changed a bit in the face - I mentioned it in a deep childhood and almost do not remember anything.
- And be sure to go?
- Oh, you can be sure! If you do not come, then just offend Miss Emily, and everyone else, too. The more that you and Detective there will be the protagonists!
Oh Gods! No, not that! And, as a guarantee of my obligatory appearance at the event, the system will become generous to the next quest:
Named Sherlock Page 62