Read Online Sherlock Holmes and The Scarlet Thread of Murder by Luke Benjamen Kuhns - Free Book Online Page A

door and Jeffry fired again. As if everything had slowed down, I saw as the bullet shot right through the air, hitting my man in the chest. I fired two more shots, but I missed him.
    â€œGo on, get out’a here!” I heard Jeffry yell. I looked and to my surprise; It was the tall man from Lamech’s. His clothes were undone and he was struggling to reach the backdoor and escape. Jeffry fired a couple more shots, I took cover. I fired a shot and hit Jeffry in the arm. He cried out in pain as he fell over, nursing his wound. As I ran towards Jeffry Lamech’s associate darted from his hiding place and through the back door. Quickly I grabbed a pair of cuffs and secured Jeffry to a pipe before making chase.
    I ran out the door following the tall man go through. It was unmanned! My blood boiled with anger, had my men kept a post at this door he’d be in custody and I’d not be chasing him. I heard shouting down an alley and followed. I could see him struggling to put on a shoe. “Halt!” I cried.
    He turned, panicked, and ran. He sprinted away from me and I charged onwards with full strength. He turned a corner and I heard a crash. I was moving too fast; I stumbled and fell over several wooden crates that he had knocked over. When I hit the ground, a sharp pain surged through my shoulder; I rolled and quickly picked myself up and continued the pursuit.
    He was not far ahead of me when he leapt into a four wheeler and threw out the driver. He smacked the horses and the carriage charged away down the narrow street. I turned, and saw a hansom not five yards away. I ordered the driver make haste and follow.
    We charged down the poorly lit streets causing chaos. Yelps and hollers whizzed passed as people dove out of our way. We were not far from the Thames. My heart raced. I could see the river ahead now, and a small dock. I was not prepared for a water pursuit. I saw him pull his carriage to a fierce stop and leap out. I was jolted when my driver hit a severe hole in the road. A wheel broke and fell off and the cab tipped over. The compartment was dragged some distance before the horse tripped and collapsed. I stumbled out, my driver was pulling himself up, the tall man fiddling inside a small boat. I raced towards him, revolver ready, and yelled at him to stop. He was in the process of untying a small vessel and I fired a shot into the air. He looked at me and stood upright.
    â€œStep out of the boat!” I ordered.
    â€œYou can do nothing, Reid,” he said.
    â€œYou are under arrest for the murder of Eustace Brown...”
    â€œMe! I did what had to be done. He smeared my family’s name in that paper.”
    â€œDead or alive, you’re coming with me.” He smiled back. I could see his white teeth under the pale moonlight. “Step out of the boat.” He began to laugh and with a quick move he pulled out a revolver and held it to his head.
    â€œI tell you now, Reid, these are dark times.” He tightened the grip on his revolver. “What will be will be. We fight the good fight.” His hand was shaking. “I did what I did, and I won’t go down for it. Not in an English court!”
    â€œPut the revolver down and we’ll talk,” I said softly. The man started to laugh.
    â€œIf only you knew... If only you really knew what was coming, Mr. Reid. This is a dead end for you, but it’s only a beginning for me. God welcomes me home.”
    â€œWhere has your clan gone?” I asked.
    â€œOn the path of redemption,” he returned. He pulled the trigger and the bullet shot through his head. He fell to the side and into the murky water. I raced over to try and retrieve him, but it was too late. His body was gone. Eventually it would break shore but by then it’d be no use to me.
    ***
    I returned to the station where it was abuzz with the shouts of whores and angry clients. Jeffry was waiting for me in my office, being watched over by