Sherlock Holmes and the case of the Blind Duchess

Chapter 4

     As Holmes and Watson prepared to delve into the depths of the Duchess's estate, the weight of her plight hung heavy in the air. The countdown had begun, and with each passing night, the threat of impending doom grew ever more palpable. In the darkness of the Duchess's chamber, where whispers echoed and shadows danced, the race against time had begun—a race that would test the limits of Holmes's deductive prowess and Watson's unwavering loyalty, as they sought to uncover the identity of the elusive intruder before it was too late. As Watson observed Holmes carefully, he couldn't help but recognize the spark of interest in his friend's eyes. Holmes, in turn, began to pace the room, his mind already working to untangle the intricacies of the case.

     Holmes and Watson, accompanied by Mr. Pembroke, ventured into the labyrinthine corridors and hidden alcoves of the castle, their footsteps muffled by the soft carpeting beneath. It was a vast estate, but Holmes was determined to survey as much of it as he could with his keen observation, as his eyes scanned for any signs of intrusion as they spent hours looking for signs of where their man could have slipped in.

     "It appears, Mr. Pembroke," Sherlock started, "That your security measures are quite thorough. However, this determined intruder still manages to find a way."

     Pembroke bristled at Holmes's implication, as his tone was defensive.

     "We have spared no expense in fortifying the estate," Pembroke countered, "It is inconceivable that someone could breach them undetected."

     "If that were true, then how is she hearing threats being whispered?" Watson asked.

     "Quite right," Sherlock concurred, "After doing a fair analysis of the Duchess herself, I deduct that she is of sound mind and is not imagining her intruder. She appears to be sane enough to know when someone is impeding her space."

     "And I'm telling you that is not possible!" Pembroke insisted.

     "Gentlemen," Watson, ever the mediator, interjected, "Let us focus on the task at hand. The Duchess's safety is our primary concern."

     "Quite right, Doctor." Pembroke agreed, "Shall we continue?"

     "We shall," Sherlock declared as he walked past the cocky lawyer. "The next room we need to inspect is the Duchess' bedroom, where the intrusion is occurring."

     "That is not happening!" Pembroke stated, angered a bit. "No one goes in there as the Duchess has a right to her privacy!"

     "That's the point," Watson said as he stepped between the two men. "The point of us being here is because her privacy is being violated. We're here to stop it, not add to it."

     "We've checked all the possible outside entrances," Sherlock added, "We have to inspect the bedroom to see if that is where the entrance point leads to."

     "Very well," Pembroke said, even though he didn't like it. "Follow me."

     Pembroke led Holmes and Watson through the intricate corridors of the castle, their footsteps echoing softly in the hushed atmosphere. They arrived at the door to the Duchess's private chambers, where the whispered threats had taken root in the darkness of the night.

     "Here we are, Master. Holmes, Doctor. Watson," Pembroke announced, but instead of opening the big doors, Pembroke crossed the hall and unlocked a smaller door that didn't look as grand as the one they thought he was going to open.

     "Where are you going?" Watson inquired.

     "The Duchess sleeps in here," Pembroke replied, "The other room is just for show, and is never used by anyone."