The events occurred during the first days of the year 1898. It seemed unusual to me that the magistrates of the High Court of Justice, one of the most respected institutions in Great Britain, returned to work before the end of the judicial holidays. The same happened in other courts, throughout England and the continent. There were a lot of rumors that included the possibility of a European war, a diplomatic conflict, uprisings in the colonies and the need to expedite several cases because the attacks against the organization continued, and new trials were expected, initiated by the work of Scotland Yard and the French police.
However, the situation wasn´t perceived well. It was as if a wicked fog of uncertainty and sadness had displaced the merry Victorian Christmas. In addition, I was afraid that this environment was propitious to go against my detective friend, who was envied by almost all the officers of Scotland Yard and more than half of the agents of the secret service office. He was also hated by Rudolf Shrubth and Charlles De Goldies, the top bosses of Scotland Yard and the French police, who surprisingly met several times in December, supposedly to coordinate further actions against the organization.
Inside me, I feared for the safety of Sherlock Holmes, since as I have expressed on other occasions, he has crossed the red line that criminals disrespect and some of his actions are questionable. Unfortunately, my concerns were not unfounded and Sherlock Holmes was in real danger: this time it wasn´t a matter of facing powerful criminals, ready to assassinate him, the problem was that the security forces and the judiciary power had their eyes focused on my friend, with the endorsement of the sinister officials, Rudolf Shrubth and Charlles De Goldies, willing to end the reputation and freedom of Sherlock Holmes.
At least the detective was aware of the difficult situation, and knew many details that he could not tell me, at that time, especially to protect my safety, since as assistant and biographer of Sherlock Holmes, my position was very delicate: they could accuse me of being an accomplice or demand to hand over some of the memoirs, which I have written with such precision and haven´t yet published. In addition to this, it would be uncomfortable for me to be questioned in a police station or in a court of law, since telling the truth, in some sensitive matters, could compromise my friend, and staying silent or lying would not be viable options. Although I would prefer to inhibit myself, in some way, even if they take away my medical license and sentence me to prison, for several years, in order to avoid the disgrace of Sherlock Holmes.
Despite my memory problems and other weird neurological symptoms, I still remember that day, January 5th. I will never forget that time. Sherlock Holmes and I finished breakfast. In a few moments, an unwelcome guest appeared, who ran up the stairs, with the strength of a boy not quite thirty, without waiting for Mrs. Hudson to introduce him. Before he knocked, in a strong and desperate way, my friend went and opened the door. It was the dirty Wiggins, the head of Sherlock Holmes' informal gang of informers. I have to say that despite his unpleasant appearance and unbearable bad smell, which gave him away for bathing very little and sleeping in the streets and garbage cans, and having received verbal abuse from the detective, he was always faithful and appreciated the favors and payments received.
Sherlock Holmes invited him to breakfast, calling Mrs. Hudson, who didn´t hide her pouting face, to bring eggs, ham, bread, butter, coffee and milk, and any other additional dish that would delight his guest's palate. I had to leave and take a walk through the surrounding streets, because my partner told me: "Watson, I hope I don´t offend you, but for your safety, you must not listen this conversation."
After half an hour, from a nearby point, I saw that Wiggins was leaving and I returned to the apartment 221B, but I had to open the windows due to the prevailing bad smell, while the detective uncovered some of his bottles, resulting from chemical experiments unknown to me, in order to perfume the rooms. However, I realized that a valuable document, The Big Secret of Sherlock Holmes and His Struggle Against the Organization, was not in my file, although the detective gave me a satisfactory explanation and I will clarify this point later.
After a while, a second visitor arrived, who needs no introduction, and is one of the few inspectors who respects and appreciates Sherlock Holmes, although talking about friendship between them is a complex matter, since their relations are more professional than personal, and sometimes, recklessly, the famous detective has meddled in his affairs, and instead of being a help, he has been a hindrance to his career, since he has been denied of promotions because many of his cases were not solved by him, but by my partner. Although, I insist, Lestrade doesn´t hold grudge against Holmes and the issue has been reduced to occasional discussions, prevailing certain affection and loyalty between them.
Lestrade's face was not flattering. This confirmed my suspicions and ratified the information of Wiggins.
The inspector sat down on the sofa and ordered a whiskey. He drank two glasses and then showed some imported cigars. Sherlock Holmes and Lestrade smoked during various minutes. Finally, the dear officer decided to start the conversation, almost crying, and handing a piece of paper to my detective friend:
-I am so sorry about this...
-Sherlock, in two days your trial begins!
-I fulfill my duty to give you this summons, but you are a privileged person…
-As you know, in these cases, the accused remains behind bars.
-There was an arrest warrant against you… The Magistrate Francis Sydenson, who presides the High Court of Justice, refused to sign it and replaced this with a house arrest.
-I comply with informing that you cannot leave apartment 221B. Only to go to the police station or the court, properly guarded.
-You can´t continue with your investigations until the trial is over.
-From now on, two officers will guard the entrance of this apartment, day and night.
-Mrs. Hudson is duly informed of this.
Facing with the silence that followed these words and the sorrowful face of Lestrade, Sherlock Holmes began to speak:
-Is there anything else?
Lestrade replied:
-Yes!
-You can defend yourself or find a lawyer.
-I recommend to do it!
-And Watson...
-Be very careful with your notes...
-There was another warrant to search this residence, and Magistrate Francis Sydenson rejected it, considering that it would violate confidential information of citizens and the government.
-I can tell you that Mycroft… Who previously met with the Queen and the Prime Minister…
-He convinced the magistrate...
-To annul your arrest order and the search warrant.
-Sherlock, I insist, you are privileged man!
-You have great friends!
-The meeting between the magistrate, the head of Scotland Yard and your brother was tense and heated.
-Your smart brother made the best arguments!
Sherlock Holmes interrupted the inspector:
-When was that meeting?
Lestrade expressed:
-Few hours ago.
-Mycroft Holmes is on his way.
-It will take a while because he went to talk with the ambassadors of France and Switzerland.
I took the opportunity to ask Lestrade:
-What are the accusations?
Lestrade nervously replied:
-I couldn´t read the file...
-I understand there are three...
Sherlock Holmes, who was rather serene, as if he had been waiting for this news, raised his hand as a sign of "stop" and told us:
-My good Lestrade...
-Don´t waste time thinking about those ridiculous accusations.
-I have my informants and other means that you cannot even imagine.
-I am well aware that I am accused of murdering James Moriarty, letting Dr. Leon Sterndale, accused of murdering Mortimer Tregennis, escape, and also failing to capture Captain Jack Croker, who murdered Eustace Brackenstall.
I continued with the conversation:
-Oh! I remember now. Sherlock... You are being charged for events I recorded in The Final Problem, The Adventure of the Devil's Foot and The Adventure of the Abbey Grange.
-But, I haven´t published these stories yet…
-Sherlock Holmes...
-The Swiss police closed the investigation of James Moriarty's death, but there are problems with the Moriarty family.
-And the last two cases are from last year…
-I am surprised that they have proceeded with the accusations so quickly!
Sherlock Holmes continued speaking:
-Friend Lestrade, let me ask you one or two more questions.
-Who directed the investigation against me?
-Who was the assigned investigator?
Lestrade nodded his head in the negative and stated:
-Sorry!
-I am not authorized to say it!
Sherlock Holmes began to laugh, which gave me some relief, and he said:
-I repeat, I have my informants...
-It is not by chance that Charlles De Goldies came to London yesterday. It is also no coincidence that Rudolf Shrubth and Charlles De Goldies have met at least five times, in December. And… Beyond chance. I found out about their words, while they were having lunch in a restaurant… Even the waiters are in my network of informants…
-Rudolf Shrubth and Charlles De Goldies are running the investigation against me, while their hireling isn´t a London inspector.
-He is an ungrateful man, whom I have helped several times. I am disappointed with him, for how poorly he handled the investigations of the murder of the secretary Willoughby Smith, at Yoxley Old Place, and the murder of Captain Peter Carey, at Woodman's Lee.
Sherlock Holmes stared at me and continued the conversation:
-Yes! Watson...
-I remember your notes, The Adventure of the Golden Pince-Nez, November 1894, and The Adventure of Black Peter, June and July 1895.
Lestrade exclaimed:
-Stanley Hopkins!
-Oh! I should not say that…
Sherlock Holmes stated:
-Don´t worry Lestrade, I also know his movements, since August he has been in London, and has only contacted me about the Abbey Grange case.
Immediately, Lestrade withdrew, somewhat nervous because the effect of alcohol and tobacco caused him to pronounce the name and surname of Holmes' former pupil and protégé, who now, full of envy and annoyed at the recent lack of collaboration of Holmes towards him, had become one of his most bitter enemies.
I remember that Wiggins came about half past eight, Lestrade at twelve, and we were expecting a visit from Mycroft Holmes. That afternoon was long and traumatic for me, every minute was like an hour, and the concerns didn´t let me concentrate on other activities neither gave me the courage for eating dinner. I asked Holmes:
-Do you want me to destroy my essays of these years: 1891, 1894, 1895, 1896 and 1897?
He answered:
-That is not necessary!
-Watson, trust me!
-At least Wiggins took the most dangerous document of all.
Although Sherlock Holmes seemed not to give importance to the circumstances, and simply, during those long hours of the afternoon, he dedicated to play the violin, repeat some experiments, trying to create new fragrances, review his personal index and write some telegrams. This last point did catch my attention because, obviously, they were related with the trial.
Around seven in the evening, we received Mycroft Holmes, who was accompanied by the inspector Patterson. The greetings between the two brothers, who rarely spoke, although this was not due to enmity, rather each one was immersed in his complex world, were cordial. Likewise, Holmes and Patterson embraced. That time, I realized that inspector Patterson, one of those responsible for directing the investigation against James Moriarty and his henchmen, supported by the evidence provided by Sherlock Holmes, was a true friend of the detective, whose attitude contrasted with Lestrade's cold and hermetic gestures.
Mycroft Holmes handed the file over to his brother, who quickly devoured the thirty pages, at an impressive pace, while we stood in silence. I am sure if my partner wants, he can design and sell some new speed reading courses.
When Sherlock Holmes had finished reading it, Mycroft Holmes led the conversation, expounding:
-I hired the Hamhidson brothers, the two best lawyers in London.
-They have a copy of this file and tomorrow they will come here.
Sherlock Holmes expressed:
-Dear Mycroft!
-That wasn´t necessary!
-Do not despise my knowledge of the British law...
-I know more than the best lawyer in London!
-Surely, I will exercise my own defense!
I said to the stubborn Sherlock Holmes:
-Then?
-Apprentice of lawyer, Sherlock Holmes, this is your first court case...
-Give a summary of the accusations!
Mycroft and Lestrade didn´t hide their laughter, while Sherlock Holmes looked at me in disgust with a stone face. He took the floor:
-Oh, Watson!
-They accuse me of three serious charges. The first deserves the death penalty. The second between fifteen and twenty years in prison and the third is also punishable between fifteen and twenty years in prison.
-In British laws, the maximum penalty predominates. In other words, there are three options: they sentence me to hang, or they give me several years in prison for the second or third charge, or for both, or they give me full freedom.
-The first charge is the murder of James Moriarty. The prosecution alleges that I pushed him and didn´t act in self-defense. The evidence is weak and circumstantial, but there was a witness, Sebastian Moran, who tried to kill me twice, but his testimony will be presented. If they find me guilty, the death sentence will be decreed and it will not be necessary to continue with the other two charges.
-The second charge is to release Dr. Leon Sterndale, murderer of Mortimer Tregennis. There is a statement from the vicar and Dr. Watson witnessed the confession of Dr. Leon Sterndale. If I am found guilty, assuming I am cleared of the above charge, I will get between fifteen and twenty years in prison.
-The third charge is to release Captain Jack Croker, who murdered Sir Eustace Brackenstall. At least, there must be the testimony of some lady involved, and Dr. Watson is also a witness of the captain's confession. If I am found guilty, assuming that I am cleared of the above two charges, I will get between fifteen and twenty years in prison. And if I am sentenced for these last two charges, the magistrates will decide whether to apply a single period of punishment or reduce the sentences of both periods.
I inquired:
-Sherlock… So, do you want me to destroy my papers and run?
Although Mycroft Holmes and Patterson nodded positively, Sherlock Holmes showed disapproving gestures:
-Hum!
-No!
-Watson... I insist... That´s not necessary!
-For your safety, for the safety of all of you, I am not going to reveal my strategies or the proofs that are going to appear...
-Mycroft… Tell the lawyers not to come tomorrow. I can´t reveal my strategy! It is better if they show up on the judgment day and follow my instructions…
-Dear brother, I just need a favor from you...
Somewhat disappointed, Mycroft Holmes said:
-Which one?
Then, Sherlock Holmes handed an envelope to Mycroft, stating:
-Here are several telegrams, please send them tomorrow, first hour in the morning.
-That´s the help I need!
Unfortunately, there was no way to convince the stubborn Sherlock Holmes and his brother knew it very well. Nonetheless, Mycroft remained calm and warned him, coldly and analytically:
-Sherlock, expecting that you can think about it and develop this, with your powers of deduction.
-What is against you?
-You consider that the evidence of the first charge is circumstantial, but the lawyers told me that in each case there are statements of witnesses, which cannot be refuted and constitute compelling evidence, which will sink you. Including the testimony and writings of Dr. Watson, who must testify and provide his notes, if this is requested by the judges.
-And…
-What is in your favor?
-The Magistrate Francis Sydenson is your admirer and he has been very lenient with you, considering your record of service to the Crown and the British people. There are five magistrates, although he has the power of veto, regardless of the decisions of the others. In addition, he agreed to vacate your arrest order and the search warrant, directed to obtain Watson's documents, related to the allegations. Shrubth and De Goldies are worried that the case is going to come out to the public and the other magistrates may be in your favor.
-Sherlock, focus on what you have against...
Sherlock Holmes insisted:
-Mycroft, there is something else in my favor...
Mycroft Holmes asked:
-What?
Sherlock Holmes replied:
-My evidence and my witnesses. Please forget about Sebastian Moran and send those wires for my witnesses to come to the trial.
Mycroft Holmes concluded the meeting:
-It´s okay!
After this conversation, Mycroft, Sherlock and Patterson had a bottle of wine, while I couldn´t drink due to my uncontrollable state of anguish. The two visitors left at almost nine o'clock at night, and before going to sleep, I asked the accused:
-Why don´t you want to discuss your evidence? Could it be that your proofs don´t exist? Sherlock... Not all your arguments will be considered as evidence...
He showed me his triumphant smile, which comes when he solves the case, and replied:
-I can´t reveal them!
-Nor take the risk of you to be accused of complicity.
Surprised, I asked:
-Complicity with whom?
Sherlock Holmes uttered his last words of the night:
-With the woman!
At that time, I understood that Irene Adler was somehow an ace up Sherlock Holmes' sleeve, but I didn´t understand how this fugitive from justice could come forward or send her testimony to court. I had no choice but to trust my great friend...