Free Sherlock Holmes in Something the Cat Dragged In by Lyn McConchie Page A

his hand and we shook it, and gratification showed in his gaze. In treating him as the gentleman he’d been born, I thought that we had bound him to our service, and I hoped that if a time came when he was asked to betray us, he would not.
    * * * *
    We went immediately to see Lestrade and he was doubtful. “You think Western is honest? The man’s a fence, and a good one. He’s made a lot of money over the past fifteen or so years, although he doesn’t live extravagantly. Still, I’ve never heard that he’s vicious either, yet why would he help? That’s a dangerous game to play if his friends find out he’s assisting the police.”
    â€œDo you know his background?”
    â€œSome of it.”
    â€œLike most men, there is more than one reason behind his actions.” Here Holmes explained the lawsuit and Western’s aspirations to return to his old home and his place in society.
    When he was done, both Lestrade and Harrison, who had come in and stood listening, nodded. Harrison frowned. “Still, I don’t know I’d trust him too far. You keep an eye on him, Mr. Holmes.”
    â€œI intend to,” Holmes assured him. “And so will Watson—like any old soldier, he can sleep with one eye open.”
    On which jest we parted, and when we were on the street again I asked, “Where do we go now?”
    â€œHome. That’s where Western will look for us if he discovers more information. Best we are where he expects to find us.”
    â€œAnd if he uncovers nothing?”
    â€œWe will give him the remainder of this day. If he has given us nothing more by tomorrow, I’ll see what I can find out.”
    â€œThat’s a very tight-knit area, Holmes.” The Metcalf tenements were some eight blocks of the worst slums in London. I knew police did not patrol, and those who lived there knew each other by sight. “I’d be safer, as most would not harm a doctor.”
    â€œIf it comes to that, Watson, I may call on your assistance.”
    I arrived at our front door devoutly hoping that such would not be the case. In the Metcalf tenements, safety is relative.
    * * * *
    The next day I saw nothing of Holmes until luncheon. Again we were interrupted by a lad bearing the ivory cat. I sprang up, but Holmes waved me back to my seat.
    â€œNo, no, Watson. Western will have dispatched the token as soon as he reached the café. Let us finish our meal.”
    We did so and walked the three streets to the café to find it was as Holmes had said. Western was in the process of finishing his own meal, and indicated the bench across from him while continuing to eat. We sat, called for a pot of tea, and waited until Western was done. He sat back, drank half the cup of tea I had poured him, and nodded amiably at us.
    â€œGood news. I have the address where Northgate is being held. One problem, though.”
    Holmes stirred. “Yes, if we bring in the police, the whole area will turn out against them and in the uproar Northgate is likely to be spirited away. If we want our man in one piece we have to go in ourselves, quickly and quietly.”
    â€œAnd that won’t be easy,” Western commented. “Nor can you spare much time, for my information is that Northgate is to be moved out tomorrow early. Then too, the whole area is run by a gang. They’re smart and don’t go for violence unless they have to, but when they do, they don’t hold back.” He went on to give us chapter and verse on these scoundrels, and something he said caught my attention. I asked a question and the reply interested me. I considered choices and spoke.
    â€œIt is possible—I do not promise anything definite—but it may be that I can gain us entry to the area,” I said, to the clear astonishment of Western and the amused regard of Holmes.
    â€œA patient, Watson?”
    I shook my head, for to say any such thing would be to break a