MISSING DETECTIVE The story so far...

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Dinah Lang
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First published in 2011 by Franklin Watts 338 Euston Road London NW1 3BH Franklin Watts Australia Level 17/207 Kent Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Text Tony Lee 2011 Illustrations Dan Boultwood 2011 Cover

Klinger for his invaluable contribution to this series Baker Street Irregulars and the original characters Dr Watson, Inspector Lestrade, Irene Adler, Wiggins, Moriarty and Sherlock Holmes the

2 First published in 2011 by Franklin Watts 338 Euston Road London NW1 3BH Franklin Watts Australia Level 17/207 Kent Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Text Tony Lee 2011 Illustrations Dan Boultwood 2011 Cover design by Jonathan Hair The Baker Street Irregulars logo designed by Patrick Insole Special thanks to Leslie S. Klinger for his invaluable contribution to this series Baker Street Irregulars and the original characters Dr Watson, Inspector Lestrade, Irene Adler, Wiggins, Moriarty and Sherlock Holmes the creation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The author and illustrator have asserted their rights in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988 THE ADVENTURE OF THE MISSING DETECTIVE The story so far... Sherlock Holmes is missing, assumed dead. He is believed to have fallen to his death over the Reichenbach Falls while fighting his arch enemy, Professor Moriarty. Without Holmes, London is in danger of becoming a lawless city - despite the efforts of the famous Inspector Lestrade. But there are others ready to step into the shoes of the great detective - Wiggins, Holmes's teenage protege and his companions The Baker Street Irregulars still solve the crimes that Holmes once examined, hoping that the great detective isn't dead - but it's a hope that fades with every passing day... A paperback original All rights reserved A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library ISBN: Printed in China Wiggins Pockets Franklin Watts is a division of Hachette Children s Books, an Hachette UK company Chen Ash Tiny

Regent's Park. August, 1891. Sherlock Holmes was more than the greatest detective in the world - he was also my closest friend.

Thank you for your words, Lestrade. They were, well, short and to the point. Not at all, Doctor Watson. I felt that I owed it to -- Doctor Watson! Inspector Lestrade! Wait! Please!

3 Regent's Park. August, Sherlock Holmes was more than the greatest detective in the world - he was also my closest friend. He may be gone, but this statue will remind the people of London of the many crimes he solved. From lords to labourers, Holmes helped one and all - and to think that he is dead it is too much... Later. Thank you for your words, Lestrade. They were, well, short and to the point. Not at all, Doctor Watson. I felt that I owed it to -- Doctor Watson! Inspector Lestrade! Wait! Please! Aha - you remember young Wiggins, don't you Inspector? You first met during the Stangerson* murder? *From A Study in Scarlet, the first Sherlock Holmes adventure. I do - but that was ten years ago! This boy must have been no more than six years old back then! We don't think that Mister Holmes is dead - and we want to reopen the case! And now to say a few words on behalf of the Metropolitan Police - Inspector Lestrade. The finest deductive mind in the world has left us - and there is nobody to take his place. Sherlock Holmes was a good friend to the police force, and he assisted our enquiries on many occasions. I for one will miss him. I was, sir - but six years old and living on the streets of London you grow up fast! Sherlock Holmes took me under his wing, trained me up to be a detective - and that's why we're here! You do, do you? You and who else? Thank you, Doctor Watson - although I think you'll find that the police are more than able to fill the space left by one man. Thank you. The Baker Street Irregulars. Pockets, the fastest lockpicker in London. Chen, one of the greatest inventors in the city. Tiny, a big artist with an even bigger heart - - and his little brother Ash, a chimney sweep apprentice who can slip down a rabbit hole! 4 5

You're not exactly squeaky clean yourself, are you? Son of notorious criminal Morris Wiggins -- There's nothing to find, lad - he's gone. Inspector, sir - message for you.

4 So. A pickpocket, the nephew of a Tong gang leader - yes, I know who you are, Chen Sin-Hau - - as well as a bruiser and a burglar. And then there's you, Wiggins. Come on - let us all visit our friend s house one last time. He caught me dipping his I was pocket on the twelve when I Pentonville first met Mister Road. Holmes. Two years ago, it was. You're not exactly squeaky clean yourself, are you? Son of notorious criminal Morris Wiggins -- There's nothing to find, lad - he's gone. Inspector, sir - message for you. I'm not my father, Inspector. And he's been in prison for the last six years. Now - are you going to help us find Sherlock Holmes - or simply state our faults again? He spoke to me during the Nassau case. He liked my fireworks. He had me draw a sketch of a missing heiress for him. He let me play in his fireplace. I liked that. Wiggins - I know that Holmes was like a father figure to all of you - but there are points where you must simply accept the -- Mrs Hudson! You look like you ve just seen a ghost! Where's Mycroft Holmes today? Where's the brother of Sherlock Holmes? Not here! He didn't come - because he knows that Sherlock Holmes isn't dead! I m sorry, Doctor Watson - I'll have to take my final look at 221b Baker Street some other time. We've received information that the daughter of the Lord Mayor of London has just been kidnapped. More like someone looking for one, Doctor Watson! Upstairs in the master's study - - she claims that she's here to hire the great Sherlock Holmes - and she won't take no for an answer! 6 7

My name's Eliza Mayhew - my grandfather is Richard Mayhew, the detective. You were rivals on a case, I believe? Yes, the Rathbone mystery. It was only briefly.

something when I last saw him three days ago, but he wouldn't say what it was - - and then two days ago witnesses saw him being bundled by two men into the back of a carriage!

5 My name's Eliza Mayhew - my grandfather is Richard Mayhew, the detective. You were rivals on a case, I believe? Yes, the Rathbone mystery. It was only briefly. I can't see what that has to do with -- I m very worried - my grandfather is He was missing, Doctor agitated about Watson. something when I last saw him three days ago, but he wouldn't say what it was - - and then two days ago witnesses saw him being bundled by two men into the back of a carriage! My parents died when I was two - my grandfather is all I have in the world! Who else is going to help her? Lestrade? There's nobody, Doctor. I'm all she has left. You can't just take a case! You're not a detective, you're a street urchin! Sherlock Holmes isn't dead - and the Baker Street Irregulars will keep his name going until he returns. And as for not being a detective you have a slight bulge in your left jacket pocket, which indicates your service revolver - and although your war-wound limp has returned, you wear new, unbroken in shoes. The omission of more comfortable shoes to ease the foot, the gun you carry and the fact your hat has dust upon it dust that your wife would clean off at night - I have to find him! I know Sherlock Holmes is gone, but you assisted him - surely you can -- My dear girl! I'm no detective! I'm a simple doctor. All I ever did was record Holmes s career! I'm sorry, but there's nothing we can do -- I learned under Mister Holmes for ten years, Doctor. Can you think of anyone better to help her? - tell me that you have not been home for a few days. This is most likely because of a fear that Moriarty's men are still out there - - and you wish to keep your wife safe. Eliza - this is Tiny. He's a great artist, and I want you to describe your grandfather to him. I'll take your case, Miss Eliza. Well I - who would have - incredible! You sounded just like Holmes himself there! What? We'll get his sketch out into the city, see if anyone can shine a light on this case. So I reckon I'll go pay him a visit. See if I can convince him to take on a new tenant. Even if you do take the case, you can't stay here! Where will you work from? Mycroft Holmes still pays the rent for these rooms, doesn't he? 8 9

The Diogenes Club, London. But I must see Mycroft Holmes! Please - just I'm sorry, tell him that Wiggins sir - but all our is here? members require a strict policy of non interruption.

And you're here to ask if you can use the currently empty 221b Baker Street as a clubhouse? No. I'm here to ask why you won't tell me the truth Moriarty's about Sherlock men are still out Holmes.

6 The Diogenes Club, London. But I must see Mycroft Holmes! Please - just I'm sorry, tell him that Wiggins sir - but all our is here? members require a strict policy of non interruption. That means absolutely no disturbances at all. What do you think? The Baker Street Irregulars took the case. And we'll find him - - right before we find Sherlock Holmes. I see. And you're here to ask if you can use the currently empty 221b Baker Street as a clubhouse? No. I'm here to ask why you won't tell me the truth Moriarty's about Sherlock men are still out Holmes. there, we both know this - so is that why he faked his death? Wiggins? Why didn't you say, sir! Mister Holmes has been awaiting you in the Stranger s Room! He has? Wiggins. You've grown since I last saw you. You're late. I expected you about half an hour ago. Please, sit. You were expecting me? Why were you expecting me? I'll make you a deal. You can use 221b Baker Street as your home for the foreseeable future, and I'll answer any and all of your questions - - the moment you solve this case. Because I am a better detective than my brother - and because I know that you noted my absence. I would have been, too - if we hadn't been distracted with the kidnapping case. Not the Lord Mayor's daughter - Inspector Lestrade ran off as soon as he heard that one - I mean Mayhew. It s a deal! We ll solve this case, you just watch us! The Baker Street Irregulars won t let you down! I expected you to run right over to confront me with various wild accusations that show that by failing to attend my brother's memorial - I in fact believe that he is still alive. Mayhew? Richard Mayhew? He's missing? Now that is a surprise! So what are you going to do about it? Bring me paper and a pen, Giles - I need to send some telegrams. The game is afoot, as my dear brother likes to say

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Common Phrases (2) Generic Responses Phrases

Common Phrases (2) Generic Responses Phrases Common Phrases (2) Generic Requests Phrases Accept my decision Are you coming? Are you excited? As careful as you can Be very very careful Can I do this? Can I get a new one Can I try one? Can I use it?