Holmes

The Case of Elizabeth Greene

Just so you know, the parts of the cases are going to be short, so do not be alarmed. I'll post one part of the case every day, but post a new case every week or so, so updates will make more sense once it's all posted.

So, here is the 'prologue' of case 1: The Case of Elizabeth Greene

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The pub was packed full of the regular bar-flies, and I was barely keeping up with the drink orders pouring in. Sweat was lining my forehead, despite the chilly October air sneaking in through the door each time it was opened. Alcohol spilled out of glasses as the drunk patrons guzzled the tart liquid. One regular in particular, Charles Anderson, was relatively sober, and motioning for me to come closer. I poured two more drinks before hurrying over to meet him.

"I think you should take a break, love," he said sympathetically as I poured a drink for him.

"Impossible. My replacement doesn't come until nine, so I'm stuck here for another--" I glanced at the clock on the wall, "two hours."

Charles took a swig from his glass. "Well, at least slow down a bit; you'll wear yourself out if you keep up the fast pace."

"I'll try to remember that," I said as I hurried to pour another drink for another drunk customer.

An hour later, and my feet were aching. Every time I stopped to take a breath, I was called to pour another drink. It seemed to slow down just enough for me to catch my breath against the bar. I rested my forehead on the cool surface, breathing through my mouth.

"Did you hear about Elizabeth?" Charles's voice called from his spot on the bar.

I picked my head up and faced him. "What?"

"Did you hear about Elizabeth?" he repeated, slower this time.

Elizabeth Turner, my best friend from primary school. We were practically sisters, doing everything together since we were eight years old. Though she was my best friend, she lived a very reckless lifestyle - one I wasn't very fond of. While she would rather be out at the pub with her latest romantic pursuit, I would be curled up at home with a good book, wrapped up in a blanket and sipping warm tea. I could only imagine what she'd gotten herself into this time.

I hurried over to him. "No; what's wrong with her?" I asked, my attention drawn.

"She's dead, Joanna," he said after a short pause.

My mouth fell open. Dead? How could she possibly be dead?! I know she could get herself into some pretty risky situations, but never one that would risk her life!

"What do you mean she's dead?!" I demanded, my throat tightening with tears.

"I mean no heartbeat, not breathing, in the morgue, dead! What more is there to explain?" he demanded.

I took a step back in shock; she couldn't be dead. We had plans to spend two weeks in Italy this coming November, and now...

"How'd she die?" I asked, snapping back to reality.

"Don't know," he replied. "The police have been investigating since it happened, and have no leads. They have ruled out suicide, though, so that's some kind of a good sign."

"When did it happen?"

"Tuesday," he answered automatically.

"It happened three days ago...that's crazy! Elizabeth..dead?! I-I can't--"

"You'd better wrap your head around it, love, because its the cold, hard truth." And with that, he took the last sip of his drink, paid his tab, and exited the pub. I had little time to mull over my new information, as a customer waved me over to fill up his drink.