The Dreadful Poet

Chapter--4

  4

The next morning, I arrived early at Baker Street. Holmes was already up. We sat in his study, sharing a breakfast of fresh scones, with orange jam and tea, which Mrs. Hudson had prepared.

He asked, "What is you professional opinion of this woman Drusilla, Doctor? Is she mad, like Miss Halfrich said?"

"There is a strong possibility that she is." I told him. "However, Mr. William Farnsworth is pleased with her company. On the other hand, it is very obvious, why he is reluctant to introduce her to his mother; especially considering the older woman's condition."

He asked, "Is he now a vampire? Is she?"

"I was not sure." I told him. "The lights were dim, and they did not stand close enough, for me to get a good look at their teeth. Thank the Good Lord. When we were introduced, I did shake hands with her. Her hand was very cold to the touch."

Holmes finished a scone, and wiped his mouth. Then he said, "So Mr. William Farnsworth wants me to clear his name."

"He says he's not the only suspect."

"Indeed. Someone who attended Professor Moriarty's get-together, was the culprit."

I told him, "I agree. Someone who heard Mr. Reginald Carter's statement about a railroad spike in the head."

"Someone who said she agreed with him."

I asked, "Miss Halfrich?"

"She was not at all troubled by the news of his murder, or its method."

"You did say Holmes, that she's a demon. Is Miss Halfrich your suspect?"

"One of them Watson."

"And who are the others?"

He said, "Don't forget the two, who shared our box at the theater last night."

I said, "The Irishman, who was addressed only as 'Angel', by the woman named Darla?"

"A very large and strong Irishman Watson. Strong enough to drive a spike through a man's skull; which Miss Halfrich is not. He was also at the Professor's get-together. We should go and question them."

I had put a cup in my mouth. Now I choked, spraying the tea onto my trousers and the carpet.

"I apologize to Mrs. Hudson." I told him. "Are you suggesting that you and I attempt to interrogate a pair of vampires?"

"Yes Watson. Along with a wish granting Vengeance Demon. If we want to clear the good name of William Farnsworth, if he is innocent, we have to hear what they have to say, about the killing of Reginald Carter. Your patient, the mother of Mr. William Farnsworth, will undoubtedly be grateful."

"But vampires?"

"All we need to do is hold crucifixes, between them and ourselves."

"But what about a wish granting vengeance demon? What do we put between her and ourselves?"

"Elementary my dear Watson. We shall not make any wishes in her presence."

There was a knocking at the door. Mrs. Hudson answered. Then she entered the study and said, "A Miss Halfrich is here to see you Mr. Holmes."

He said, "Show her right in."

Mrs. Hudson went out and Holmes said, "Remember, don't speak any wishes."

Miss Halfrich entered the study, dressed simply, and carrying a fairly large handbag. Holmes and I rose. That morning the rascally expression was gone from her face. She was deeply distressed.