Sherlock Holmes and The Second Key

By Dick Gillman

The grieving widow of a railway worker seeks the help of Holmes and Watson after a suspected anarchist bomb explodes at Liverpool Street Station killing her husband. A further bomb is located at the station and Holmes uses the wonders of Edwardian medicine to help him defuse it. Holmes suspects the bomb to be the work of Julia Moriarty who is using the situation to hide a yet undiscovered crime. He must now use his skills to somehow entice Moriarty from her lair... but Moriarty is a shrewd foe and a train journey to Brighton ensues with tragic results. Mycroft passes on the thanks of The British Nation when Holmes saves it from acute embarrassment...but at what cost to Holmes's sanity?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dick Gillman
• Release date: Apr 18, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311485113

Dick Gillman

Dick Gillman is a Yorkshireman in his 70's. He retired from teaching Science in 2005 and moved from the UK to Brittany, France, in 2008 with his wife Alex, Truffle, the Black Labrador and Poppy, the cat. As well as writing, he is an accomplished digital artist and lives near the coast where the rugged landscape and the Atlantic Ocean influence his artwork. He still has strong links with the UK where he visits his two grown up children and his four grandchildren.During his retirement he has written well over thirty Sherlock Holmes short stories, many of which are published here. Successfully publishing both e-books and paperbacks, he has also been selected to contribute many stories to the superb, World Record beating and ongoing MX Sherlock Holmes anthology. His stories appear in several volumes published by MX Publishing and also in the monthly case solving letters entitled 'Dear Mr Holmes' published by Letterjoy. More are to follow in the latest volumes by MX and Letterjoy.Watch out for further Sherlock Holmes short stories throughout 2022 and treat yourself to his very latest seven story collection, 'Julia Moriarty - in memorium' which contains all seven stories in which Holmes crosses swords with the beautiful, but deadly, Julia Moriarty. This is available an e-book and can be found as a paperback at all major online bookstores.

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Sherlock Holmes & The Second Key

by Dick Gillman

Text copyright © 2015 Dick Gillman

All Rights Reserved

Cover image courtesy of Zarko Drincic

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Chapter 1 - A meeting with Elizabeth Carter.

It was a somewhat gloomy day in April1901, upon which began the case that I have here recorded as that of The Second Key. We had breakfasted and Holmes was now entirely hidden from view behind his copy of 'The Times'. The only indication of any activity being the occasional plume of blue smoke rising from behind the paper and the odd derisory grunt as he continued to read. I had settled down to read my copy of 'The Lancet' and had become intrigued by an article reporting on 'Dermatitis from arsenic in stockings'.

From the floor below we heard the ringing of our door bell followed closely by the unmistakable sound of Mrs Hudson's tread on the stairs.

Holmes put down his paper and was then immediately alert, saying, It appears that we have a visitor, Watson. From her step, a young lady, it would seem.

Although we had both heard the same sounds of persons climbing the stairs to our rooms, I had not been able to determine anything of our visitor. A few moments later there was a gentle knock at our door and Mrs Hudson entered. Our visitor was indeed a young lady but her appearance was somewhat surprising. Before us stood a slender figure of average height, dressed completely in black, her face covered entirely by a black, mourning veil.

Mrs Hudson nodded to us both and announced our visitor. This is Mrs Carter, sir. She wishes to consult you.

Holmes stood and moved forwards, extending his hand, saying, Good morning. Please, be seated. How can I be of assistance?

Our visitor held out her black gloved hand and allowed herself to be guided to our settee by Holmes. After she had sat for a few moments, she raised her veil. Once her features were revealed, I could see that she was a woman aged, I would say, around thirty years. Her dark brown hair was pulled back severely and her face looked drawn, eyes reddened from tears.

Taking a deep breath, she began her story. My... my name is Elizabeth Carter, Mr Holmes. I have come to you in despair. My husband, Henry, was killed recently by an explosion at Liverpool Street Station.

Holmes looked thoughtful and then nodded, saying, Yes, I do remember reading of this. It was reported, as I recall, that it was caused by an anarchist bomb.

Mrs Carter dabbed at her cheek with her handkerchief and then continued, But I fear it was not, sir… I know it. Henry had become involved in something... something not right. After he was killed, I was clearing out his clothes and I found this tucked away at the back of his wardrobe. Opening her black, drawstring bag, she drew from it an envelope and passed it to Holmes.

Holmes took the envelope and reached for his glass. He sat for perhaps half a minute examining it before taking out a single, folded sheet of paper. May I read this to my colleague, Dr Watson? asked Holmes.

Looking towards me and giving the briefest of smiles, Mrs Carter nodded in agreement.

Holmes began thus, "Here are the five sovereigns, as agreed. Make the impression and give it to the man who, on Wednesday morning, asks if there is a train that runs from Putney to Pimlico and stops at Golders Green. He will give you the ticket for the bag. You can collect it