'You know my methods, Watson' is a phrase Holmes is rather fond of using when he wants his friend to make some clever deductions of his own. Watson does know his methods -- and I daresay you know them, too. Can you deduce how the detective spent his week ( Read more... )

April 12th, 1896
I have cause now to remember the determined optimism of that previous afternoon with fondness, though I must also berate myself for not noticing the tell-tale signs. ‘Desperate times,’ indeed. Holmes had followed the lead with his characteristically ruthless thoroughness, but that lead had failed to produce results. And as he ( Read more... )

It’s a dark and stormy night, but you probably guessed that already ( Read more... )

April 13th, 1896
Ridiculous as it sounds, I found myself creeping into the sitting room like a man approaching the mouth of a lion’s den. But it turned out that there was no need; my companion was asleep. I checked for that infamous morocco case, and even though I expected to find it I still felt my heart sink a little in my chest at the sight of ( Read more... )

Fish took the bait.  Seen entering the den at 22.00, wearing disguise; confirmed cards were in pocket.  Proprietor assures he spoke with C.  Observed leaving premises at 23.45.

Tailing, as ordered.  Please advise.

- W.

As a precaution only;

I am fully lucid and aware of the risks I am taking in this endeavor.  Should the worst ( Read more... )

Even disruptive elements such as myself can appreciate the oiled mechanics of a job well done. There’s something so charming about flicking a card and watching hundreds of others fall down in its wake - and none the wiser as to why. The Caterpillar was a watch maker in his day; did you know that? I didn’t sit in on their little chat, but there ( Read more... )

V.The other passengers paid no attention to him as he picked his way carefully down the isle, though his sharp eyes shifted restlessly beneath his hat brim, taking everything in. The normalcy of the car and its occupants was almost disappointing, given the fantastical circumstances under which he’d arrived. Men in derby hats talked quietly, ( Read more... )

III.The two gunmen retired not long after that, leaving Holmes with the table and the drink he was still pretending to nurse. Other patrons glanced his way occasionally, but for the most part he was ignored. He watched the various musical acts while they were performing and studied the room when they weren’t; the patterned wallpaper took on an ( Read more... )

X.
‘Til then, he sleeps; and while he sleeps, he dreams ( Read more... )

VII.Morning arrived soft and intrusive - a juxtaposition only dawn truly achieves. It rubbed its tawny-colored, feline face against the edges of the furniture and left a golden dusting of hair on the floorboards. Pushy and insistent, it crawled into his bed and silently nudged him away from sleep. He studied the irregular pattern of its paw ( Read more... )