Sherlock Holmes and The Scarlet Thread of Murder (29 page)

There was a ring at the bell, and Lestrade came in with Miss Daines. She look horrified to see her brother standing there. “Darling, I'm sorry,” he said to his sister as tears welled in her eyes.

“I didn't want to believe them, brother!”

“Lestrade, we have your man,” said Holmes. Mr. Daines looked confused, as all his elaborate planning to see his sister take the spot lot foiled around him. In the coming months, not only would his actions ruin his life but they would also ruin her career simply by association. “Come now, Mr. Daines, you're coming with us,” said Lestrade taking them man by the arm and escorting him out of 221b Baker Street. His sister followed sobbing behind. “Mr. Holmes, I can't thank you enough,” said Mademoiselle Dipin.

“It was my pleasure to assist.”

“As to your fee...” she insisted.

“Why don't you treat Watson and me to your next performance when your foot has healed.” She smiled and nodded cheerfully. She grabbed Holmes by the hands and squeezed. “Until next time,” said I. She touched my arm and made her way out. When she had left Holmes walked over to the window and looked out at the street below. “You surprise me, Watson,” said he.

“Why is that?”

“She was a splendid woman, as far as women go. I gave you plenty of opportunities to be in her presence without me.”

“I don't understand?” said I.

“I thought you would have invited her for meal. I liked her better than the last one.”

“Good gracious, man, were you trying to arrange something between us then?”

He smiled, reached for his pipe and lit it. A few puffs and smoke lifted from the cherry wood pipe: “Maybe we'll find you a wife with one of these cases.”

The End

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