SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CHISLEHURST MURDERS PART TWENTY THREE

SERIES HOLMES SHERLOCK HOLMES

It was too late of course, the mob of vicious little people and their offspring burst in through the heavy oak doors before either I or Watson could make a move. Lord help us! Said Watson quickly standing in front of Maria to hide her. Had they seen her already, I don't know. She was trembling in her seat with her fur coat collar pulled right up over her face.
Give us some ale guvnor! You got plenty to go round, now you don't want no trouble do you? Said one of the men with a sly and menacing scowl, or was it an attempted but failed toothless smile. I wasn't quite sure but I know that I'd had enough sparring practice for one night so I threw a bag of gold coins at him hoping he would go away. There take that. There's lots of money in it. He stared down before scooping the bag up without so much as a ta or thank you. Bloody peasant. My head screamed. But I am not my thoughts. The air became rich with the stench of a mixture of dirt, sweat and vomit as they all piled in.
Where's my granddaughter. He said harshly. I know she's here I see her come in with that big man. Maria struggled in her seat uncomfortably. There you are girl. Your all dressed up like a London tart. I ought to give you a good hiding. Now your coming with me there's plenty work to be doing for you. He barked then made a lunge for her, shoving Watson aside in the process.. I brought my cane hard down on the table. Stop now Sir. All was silent for a few moments while I pleaded the case for a woman who only an hour ago I hated.

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CHISLEHURST MURDERS PART TWENTY TWO

My Dear girl don't you think that I've had enough of the blasted Caves for one night. In fact I will be staying right here until bedtime. Watson cleared his throat loudly. Holmes was being very grumpy and there was tension in the air. What is it Maria? Do tell. He stared at her . His hawkish eyes piercing. She seemed honest enough looking right back at him, a tiny bit defiantly. A spark of passion was a good thing, but she's hiding something. Why is she touching her ear.
Mr Holmes the cave dwellers secure their food by collecting bodies. I don't like to even say it out loud. It disgusts me so much. They don't eat people all the time just when they Can't steal enough to get by. She pleaded just a little for understanding. Not wanting to be judged by her kins customs. Good grief, cannibals?
Said Watson. Oh John. Maybe I should not have said anything. I don't want to be here any longer. She stood up as if to leave.
My Dear whatever's wrong? Asked Watson rising with her, extending his hand as if to steady her. I sniffed and ordered them both to sit down at once. I'm tired and my patience is waning. There is no transport at this late hour. I informed them. So you may as well get comfortable. Now Maria don't you go hurrying off you've given me some excellent insight and I'm very grateful. I managed a genuine smile meeting her tearful eyes I felt a tiny morsel of pity.
I was scared Mr Holmes. If my family catch sight of me here they will drag me back there and I'm still having nightmares from the last time I was here.
Perfectly understandable my poor Lady. I think it's best for you to take a room upstairs as your family have already been here tonight. They may come back through those doors at any moment. There was a commotion outside. Probably just a few drunks Holmes. Said Watson beginning to panic. The rising fear inside was getting worse as the rowdy shouting increased outside. Better get her upstairs. Quickly. I went to help bolt the doors after Sam shot me a look.

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CHISLEHURST MURDERS PART TWENTY ONE

SERIES HOLMES SHERLOCK MYSTERY MURDER THRILLER

Good to see you Holmes. Said Dr Watson almost hugging me whilst simultaneously shaking my hand. I softened somewhat. Good evening Mr Holmes. Came a delicate voice behind him. My manners would not allow for ignorance so I tilted my cap. Good evening young lady and what brings you out here so far from home on such a chilly evening?
I brought her. She has some rather interesting news.
Let me be the judge of that Watson. Her bright eyes held secrets and her mouth was fit to burst with gossip. Hold your tongue lets find a private space to talk. I whispered. We sat in the lounge in the most comfortable of armchairs before the fire. The crackling was most soothing.
Maria shivered as she recounted the tale of her mother's childhood living in the caves and how she had ran away fleeing to London. They starved and beat her. Mr Holmes. If it wasn't for my Father who helped her escape she would have died for sure.
My Dear why are you telling me all this? My sympathies go out to your Mother of course, But what does this have to do with the murders. Assuming that you are here to help? I raised my eyebrows expecting an answer. She sank back in her chair a little deflated. Mr Holmes I know the caves like the back of my hand. There is a place you must see.

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CHISLEHURST MURDERS PART TWENTY

SHERLOCK HOLMES MURDER MYSTERY THRILLER
Like a swarm of locusts the cave dwellers surrounded us as every man waded in, not willing to let go of the prize money which was up at several thousand pounds. Fred fired a starter pistol and for a moment all was silent. Blood soaked and battered faces stared whilst I dropped the man that was in a flying nelson position allowing him to fall to his feet. Enough. Said Fred. It's over. The winner is Mr Holmes. Well done Sherlock. You lot who didn't pay for entrance your barred now get off my property or I'll have the law on you all. There were no protests. They left as quickly as they had appeared not wanting to upset Fred who often supplied their provisions. Some of the men complained that they hadn't been able to fight me so we agreed a rematch later at a more private venue. Right now I needed to speak to Dr Watson. What on Earth was taking him so long to get here. A woman. I surmised in terrible pain, bruised all over from the little thugs. Funny thing is I have such a sense of euphoria after a good fight that it's hard to wind down. I went upstairs and straight to the bar. Whisky please bartender.
Coming right up Sir!
The doors swung open and there stood Watson. A breathe of fresh air came with him enlivening my body and soul. I greeted him feeling a strange relief. Was I getting too attached. Maybe I actually do possess some emotions. I wasn't sure. Oh well what does it matter. I'm elated. The whisky has gone straight to my head. Then I noticed someone standing behind him. A girl and I felt rather intruded upon. What has he brought her here for. To a murder investigation? I asked him in polite terms of course. Inside though my blood was beginning to boil. Quite unlike me. To be short tempered. It was akin to a feeling of jealousy.

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CHISLEHURST MURDERS PART NINETEEN

There was fifty greasy, sweating men fighting with each other and many more watching with a perverse blood lust, beers in hand standing around the huge home made boxing ring. You ready Sherlock? I gave a nod. Always ready Fred. Adrenalin was rising in my gut and I hoped for a challenge this time. Peering into the darkness my contender was a shadow coming out of the far corner of the cellar which seemed vast in size. Blending into the caves a network of passages . Shake hands gents. Said Fred. Acting referee. It was a surprise to come face to face with my rival or rather face to waist. It was a snarling imp and he punched me square with a mighty force such as I've never felt before below the belt. You vicious little bastard. I said through gritted teeth and sent half bent over in agony then immediately sent an uppercut under his chin with my head. Hearing his jaw snap . He stumbled back. Straightening up still in pain He lunged towards my head reigning several blows with his rather large fists. Larger than mine. I grabbed his throat throttling him while his fists flayed about rather helplessly. You don't have the reach Sir. I uttered. which seemed to infuriate him even more. Wrestling with dwarfs was not my usual style I think the boys must be playing a trick on me. But there were large amounts of money at stake why would they? I didn't want to kill him so I let him go as his face was turning blue. He got up and came right back at me feet first. Stepping back a little he fell to the ground then turned and scurried away. Out of the shadows came more. So many more. Hundreds of little men with vicious snarling faces. There was an invasion.

#SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CHISLEHURST MURDERS PART EIGHTEEN

At twilight I ventured out into the woods the trees were glowing gold from the dying sunlight, coming to a clearing of dappled shade I searched the undergrowth and there finding a well I went in feet first. Despite it's depth I found footing in the tree roots which seemed to go on forever. It was a wide hole and after thirty feet or so became lit with gaslights arranged along the walls. The air was becoming thin and damp. I was glad of my warm coat. Eventually I saw figures walking towards me,hunched over and moving fast they gathered. Hello there . I said cheerfully. I would like to talk with you. Shiny eyes stared at me without answering. I just have a few questions about the murders that have been going on around here. All of them were tiny well below four foot. Men and women pixies. As my eyes became accustomed to the dim light I noticed they had made the cave a proper home.They had beds and furniture there were tiny children in cribs and the aroma of rabbit stew was undeniably delicious. You can't stay here Mr Holmes. Said an elderly looking imp. Them murders are nothing to do with us. Do you know who or whom is doing these killings. I believe it to be some kind of voodoo. No we know nothing now get out of here . I know you work with the law and we don't want no trouble . We got to protect our kids if you was anyone other than the great #Sherlock Holmes I would skin you alive myself. I could see the man getting agitated and a crowd gathering behind him. I felt like a giant before these people and I was crouching for fear of hitting my head. Alright I shall leave you in peace please forgive my intrusion. I went to climb up the same way that I had came down but they stopped me. Not that way. This way. I was guided in complete darkness for what seemed like a mile. How on Earth do you find your way around its pitch black ? I asked. We are all mostly blind Sir. Came the gruff reply. Then I was shoved roughly in the back. Go that way. Said a voice and I found myself entirely alone with a little light up ahead as they all scurried away behind me like rats. As I walked towards the light which seemed a long way off I noticed drawings on the walls depicting a pile of bodies with an overhanging crystal handled dagger. I shuddered to look. Had they meant for me to see this cave art. I continued along until I recognised where I was. Underneath the Bulls head Inn. I emerged just in time to get ready for the fighting games to begin. Vowing to come back later with a flashlight I entered the ring amidst the almost deafening cheers of excitement from the waiting crowd.