Read Online The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories Part II by David Marcum - Free Book Online

after a short time without solvent, it hurts like the devil. I know what that injury looks like, as I’ve done it to myself a few times. When did you do it? Two, three days ago? It’s not quite healed. Do you see it, Hopkins? I must admit, hiding a real beard under a fake one shows some cleverness, but if you’re going to use a disguise, you might at least learn how to remove it properly.”
    As Holmes spoke, the light went on and off several times next to me, then finally remained lit.
    â€œHere now,” said the delivery driver. “What the deuce is wrong with that bulb there?”
    Suddenly the door burst open and Miss Finney entered, followed by a rather anxious looking Mary.
    â€œMr. Holmes, did you not see the light?” Miss Finney cried with some exasperation.
    â€œI did,” Holmes replied. “I was merely confirming your identification.”
    Jumping to his feet, Hamming spat a word toward the young lady that I shall not record in this memoir. It was so vulgar that everyone froze with shock.
    Everyone save Holmes, however. He sprang forward with a solid right cross that sent teeth and blood shooting from the man’s lips. There was also a loud crack when he connected, and I surmised he’d broken the man’s jaw. Spinning from the force of the blow, Hamming crashed to the floor in an unconscious heap.
    Releasing a contented sigh, Holmes straightened his jacket, then turned to the women in the doorway.
    â€œI apologize for that, dear ladies. Though I must admit it did give me tremendous satisfaction. I hope it did for you as well, Miss Finney?”
    She gave him a slight smile. “It did, indeed.”
    â€œWell, there you are, Hopkins.” He waved at the unmoving lump on the floor as if it were a fly. “Pray, have your men drag this vile refuse from my sitting room.”
    â€œWith pleasure,” said Hopkins. “I admit I thought you’d lost your mind for a moment there. All that about bringing you boring cases...”
    â€œIt’s often true,” said Holmes said with a smile. “But not in this instance.”
    Hopkins gave Holmes a wry grin as he followed his constables and the others out the door.
    â€œHolmes, Mary and I would be happy to take Miss Finney to her father,” I said. “If there’s nothing else you’ll need from us...”
    â€œNo, Watson. We are finished here.”
    Miss Finney went to my friend and, with a slight hesitation, laid her hand on his forearm. Holmes’s eyes widened slightly at the gesture. He did not shrink away, but remained still at her touch.
    â€œMr. Holmes, I know that I wasn’t the easiest client for you-”
    Holmes shook his head. “It is all right.”
    â€œYes, but, I want you to know. You’ve helped to restore my faith in men and you have given me hope. Thank you.”
    â€œYou are welcome, of course. Be well.”
    As we helped Miss Finney into a carriage outside, I heard Holmes’s violin playing a sweet, melancholy melody. From that day, I noticed he seldom made negative references to women or marriage in my presence. I wonder now if seeing Mary’s effectiveness in this case amended his point of view, not only of her but of all women, or if seeing Miss Finney’s strength in her suffering made him less apt to deride them. If it is either, I can only say that he’s has become, and always will be, a better man for it.

The Adventure of the Bookshop Owner
    by Vincent W. Wright
    As I look over the files concerning the cases in which Sherlock Holmes and I became involved, I find a particular one from the summer of 1890 that had initially presented itself as fairly conclusive on all points, but like many others turned out to be less so.
    I had not seen Holmes for some weeks, and found myself in a recurring state of longing for a telegram or visit that would spark an adventure once again. My practice kept me busy, and while I was perfectly