221B

Chapter 7 - The Blind Banker

"The world's run on codes and ciphers. From the million-pound security system at the bank, to the PIN machine you took exception to, cryptography inhabits our every waking moment." Sherlock explains as we walk through the center of Trafalgar Square, heading towards the National Gallery.

"Yes, okay, but..." John says.

"But it's all computer-generated; electronic codes, electronic ciphering methods. This is different. It's an ancient device. Modern code-breaking methods won't unravel it."

"Where're we headed?" John asks.

"I need to ask some advice."

"What?!" I ask in disbelief.

"Sorry?!" John says in disbelief.

Sherlock throws us back a look as we smile in disbelief.

"You heard me perfectly. I'm not saying it again."

"You need advice?" I ask.

"On painting, yes. I need to talk to an expert." He says as he leads us towards the entrance of the National Gallery and straight around it to the rear of the building where I see a young man has spray-stencilled the image of a policeman holding a rifle in his hands on a grey metal door. In place of a human nose on the image is a pig snout. He stands with two spray cans in his hands, a large canvas bag at his feet. With one of the cans he's sprayed his tag, "RAZ" below the image and he is now adding the finishing touches to his...artwork. He continues spraying, undisturbed, as we approach him.

"Part of a new exhibition." He says.

"Interesting." Sherlock says, although I can tell he's not interested at all.

"I call it 'Urban Bloodlust Frenzy'." He says, chuckling.

"Catchy." John comments.

"I've got two minutes before a Community Sport Officer comes round that corner." Raz says, still spraying. "Can we do this while I'm working?" He looks at Sherlock.

Sherlock takes his phone from his coat pocket and holds it out to Raz, who turns and tosses one of the spray cans at John, and the other at me. John and I catch them, and John looks at Sherlock and Raz in bewilderment. Raz takes Sherlock's phone and scrolls through the photographs of the yellow ciphers from the library and Sir Williams' office.

"Know the author?" Sherlock asks.

"Recognize the paint. It's like Michigan; hardcore propellant. I'd say zinc."

"What about the symbols-do you recognize them?" I ask.

He squints at the pictures. "I'm not even sure it's a proper language."

"Two men have been murdered, Raz. Deciphering this is the key to finding out who killed them." Sherlock says.

"What, and this is all you've got to go on?" Raz asks. "It's hardly much, now, is it?"

"Are you gonna help us or not?"

"I'll ask around."

"Somebody must know something about it." Sherlock says.

"Oi!" I hear a man yell. The four of us turn and see two Community Sport Officers hurrying towards us.  Sherlock instantly grabs his phone from Raz and runs off in the opposite direction. I immediately drop the spray can and follow him and Raz also drops his spray can, kicks his bag towards John, and runs off.

I catch up with Sherlock quickly and when we reach the other end of the alley, Sherlock is just about to turn the corner when I realize John isn't with us. I stop short and turn around to see John turning to face the officers.