Trust never dies | Sherlock Holmes

Chapter X ~ Proofs

   Darkness enveloped the streets of London when Sherlock and I arrived at the huge gates of the Match Factory. 

   -And how do you plan to get in? I ask walking along the entrance. 

   -I think... 

   I watch as Sherlock's brows come together in a frown, then I turn my attention to the iron bars and looking carefully at the wall I find a rickety wooden door in a side corner. 

   -Look! I say approaching. 

   I hear Sherlock's footsteps behind me, and when he realizes my assumption, he beat me to it and forces the wood, which gives way, for us to enter. 

   We step carefully through the yard of the Match Factory, and enter with the same precaution, and I wonder that a so wealthy nobleman as Henry Lyon did not think of employing a guard. 

   The interior of the factory gives me a shiver of dread because of the sinister look that the reacting phosphorus brings to the darkened room and makes me imagine myself in the laboratory of a mad scientist plotting the destruction of humanity. 

   Sherlock's grip on my hand makes me realize I've read too many books of Mary Shelley and I settle for watching him inspect a working table. 

   -Oxidized phosphorus dust, he mutters as he runs his fingers over the wood. I think I know how Grail got Enola's fingerprints... 

   The sound of approaching footsteps interrupt Sherlock's conclusion and give me an unwanted panic, not about the case, but about my follower. He grabs my hand and pulls me behind some machinery, motioning with his finger to his lips to keep quiet. 

   I hear the intruder's footsteps cross the factory and stop, at which point Sherlock jumps to his feet and slams his foot into a shelf, which clangs loudly in the empty room.

   I can't see anything from my hiding place, but I hear the sounds of blows and gasps that make my heart beat faster at the thought that my lover might be hurt. 

   Then all my worry dissipates when I hear the voices I knew all too well speaking disgruntled in unison. 

   -You! 

   I step out from behind the shelves to see Enola's blue dress sweeping the floor and Sherlock standing menacingly over her with a hammer in his hand. 

   I chuckle at the sight, amused by the incident and relieved that Enola is safe with us. 

   -How ridiculous you are! she shouted standing up. 

   -I am ridiculous? countered her brother. 

   -You are both ridiculous, I say and smile at Enola. 

   I open my arms and the young woman rushes to me, hugging me like she used to when I visited her at Frendell Hall. I feel how the weight is taken off my shoulders as I see her whole in my arms, and a sigh escapes from me into her hair. 

   -Don't ever do this to me again! I scold her. I was dying of worry! 

   -Well, I can't promise anything, she answers with a wry smile, and I shake my head in disapproval. 

   -I told you to stay safe and stay away. Now you're breaking out of prison and have the police after you, Sherlock interjects, then flinches and makes me frown. 

   His words are harsh, but I know that behind the mask of dismay, he's as glad as I am to see his sister out of harm's way. 

   -Oh. Are you hurt? jokes Enola. I am sorry.