Sherlock Holmes, War: Sherlock Holmes, #25

By Michael John Light

Book Five of the Case of the Risen Series.

"Things can't get any worse," Challenger said, examining the horrid mess of goo before him.

"Oh, but it can," Holmes replied, stooping to take a sample.

"Much, much worse."

London is facing a contagion that threatens to wipe out its entire population.

Only a handful of men have any idea of what is creating it.

Will they be able to stop it in time?

It's no longer just a threat: it's war!

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Pirillo
• Release date: Sep 5, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386952183

Book preview

Prologue

Watson flew through the air, his thoughts in one direction only, securing a good footing on the other roof. Below, he knew Holmes would be watching, but he had no time to check. He just preyed that following his instincts this time was the right thing to do. Or was it his emotions.

The nearby roof neared.

He smiled with relief.

He was going to make it.

He did, but his right foot caught on the edge of the roof and sent him tumbling face first to the rooftop, where he slid with the force of his jump behind him. He looked ahead as a chimney’s hard surface neared.

He also saw something appalling and horrible to the senses waiting for him.

And that was the last thing he remembered.

Nightmare

Holmes sat on the edge of Watson’s bed, holding one hand and Mrs. Hudson on the other side, holding the other.

Watson was screaming.

Finally, Holmes let go and put his hand over Watson’s heart and shut his eyes.

Breathe with me, my friend.

He took a slow breath, then let it out; another slow breath, then let it out.

Mrs. Hudson clung to Watson’s hand as if she let go might cause him to die. She watched, terrified as Holmes strove to calm Watson.

Breath in.

Watson shook his head, his whole body trembling.

Breathe out.

Watson shook again, but this time less.

Breathe in.

Watson moved even less.

Breath out.

Watson became still.

Holmes gestured to Mrs. Hudson and left. She lay next to Watson and cradled his head against her bosom. His troubled face, sweat wet with fear, began to dry, his eyelids to stop fluttering and his breathing to slow down once more.

He began to snore.

If Mrs. Hudson hadn’t been so terrified for him just moments ago, she might have laughed. Now she was just grateful.

She shut her eyes and held him even closer.

She fell asleep.

Holmes Fear

Watson stepped into the back of the waiting Tesla Cab, and then reached for his medical bag, which he had left thinking he wouldn’t need it.

Will you be much long, sir? The Cabbie inquired.

Shouldn't be too much longer until my friend arrives. He will pay you for the remaining time.

Very good, sir.

Watson handed the Cabbie a bill, then walked swiftly away.

The Cabbie leaned his head out his window and hollered, Doctor, you’re headed the wrong way!

Doctor Watson didn't hear him, nor would he have answered had he done so.

At precisely that same time another Tesla Cab pulled to the curb and Tesla and Edison jumped up and ran into the constabulary, almost knocking a Constable down as they did so.

Doctor Watson stopped at the end of the block, looked back for a moment, as if trying to remember something, then lost his focus and continued the same direction as before, making his way to the next street and then along it to an alley, which he immediately stepped into.

Waiting in the alley was a horse and buggy carriage. He got into the back and its driver urged his horse and it began rolling away, until it reached the end of the alley and was gone.

A few seconds later Holmes and Constable Evans came running out, followed by Tesla and Edison. Holmes ran to the waiting cab. Have you seen the Doctor?

The Cabbie nodded and pointed towards the alley. "He went that way, but I thought he was with you, sir. He also