Free Who Done Houdini by Raymond John

the door opened. A young ebon-haired woman wearing a silk dress, shawl, and sandals greeted us.
    â€œGood morning, gentlemen. You must be the reporters from the London Times . Please come in.”
    I followed Holmes inside, still wondering how he had pulled off the ruse so easily.
    â€œMr. Baker isn’t here right now, but he asked me to show you the séance room and answer any questions you might have. Did you see the article about us in the Detroit Times?”
    â€œI read it on the way here,” Holmes said. “Very impressive. I’m sure that’s why my editor was willing to pay the expenses to get a story. I heard a dog bark when we got out of our auto. Does it belong to Mr. Baker?”
    â€œYes. He doesn’t want trespassers on his property. We haven’t had much trouble, but students from the high school occasionally come here for thrills.”
    â€œI can quite understand that. How long has Mr. Baker been in business?”
    â€œMore than ten years.”
    My eyes flitted quickly about the room. This had to be the business area with a tiger-maple desk, flowering banana plant and a calendar with a picture of snow-covered mountains beside it.
    â€œWhen did Mr. Baker discover he had a gift?”
    â€œWhen he was twelve. His older brother, Sidney, had drowned and contacted him in a dream one night. Sidney knew Albert felt responsible for his death because Albert had challenged Sidney to swim under a diving platform on the lake. Sidney hit his head and drowned. Albert cried himself to sleep for months afterward.”
    â€œHow tragic,” said Mr. Holmes. “That must have been very difficult for him.”
    â€œYes. But Sidney came to visit his brother on the night before Albert’s next birthday and told him not to mourn because he knew it was just an accident, and he still loved him very much. Sidney also said he had a birthday gift for him and that he’d find out what it was very soon.”
    I had to force myself not to smile. Surprise, surprise. What could that be?
    â€œThe next day Albert told his mother about his dream, but she said she didn’t believe him. When he repeated Sidney’s name, Albert immediately went into a trance. Sidney and his mother had a long, loving conversation, and, when they were done, Sidney promised to come back whenever she wanted to talk to him. After that, his mother gave all her money to Albert and told him she wanted him to make full use of his gift to contact the dead because everyone had experienced the death of a loved one and needed comfort. From that time on, Sidney would come at any time he was called and would answer questions the living had for the departed loved ones in the spirit world.”
    Good speech. She must have repeated it hundreds of times.
    â€œMr. Baker charges a substantial fee for his services,” Mr. Holmes said. “What does he do with the proceeds?”
    â€œHe’s saving to start a school of spiritualism. The building and equipment will be very expensive. All of those who have used his services will become fiduciary partners and share in any financial profits the school might make.”
    Fiduciary? Even Holmes’s brows raised at the word.
    â€œVery generous,” Holmes said. “Does he have a date when this school might open?”
    â€œHopefully within a year or two. Would you like to see the séance room now?”
    â€œActually, I’d like a picture of you at the entrance of the house first,” I said. “Would you mind?”
    â€œOf course not.”
    She followed me out to the vestibule and stood in the open doorway. I made her take as many poses as I could without arousing her suspicion. I finally chose one with the ivy on the side of the house framing the picture nicely. Though I didn’t need the flash, I used it anyway.
    â€œNow turn sideways as if you welcoming me to come in.”
    She had a nice smile.
    â€œOne more,” I said