THE NEW SHERLOCK HOLMES #2

THE NEW SHERLOCK HOLMES # 2 Sherlock Holmes was taking a rest, after her most recent case. Tabitha had decided that she needed a rest, after both the case, of the phony photos, and the next case. The case, which followed the photo-shopping case, had been one where a woman had come to the detective, asking Tabitha to consult, and verify that the womans husband was, in fact, having an affair. The woman MAY have been genuine, but the case was anything but. Doctor John Watson had taken time, away from his studies, for his pilots license, in order to facilitate Sherlock's investigation. The problem would be that NEITHER of them was prepared for what they were to learn. The detective, and the doctor, would come to an astonishing conclusion. Based upon evidence, and clues, leading to multiple locations, Holmes, and Watson, would find themselves not only confirming the husbands adultery, but his wifes adultery, as well. In fact, by the time Holmes declared the case "closed", Holmes, and Watson, had discovered that the couple were members, of a club, dedicated to mate-swapping. Holmes had, never, felt so "dirty" as she did, the day she made the discovery. Englands underground culture had an entire SERVICE, dedicated to mate-swapping. This contained a database, members lists, dues, and so on. Everything an adulterer needed, for a successful affair. When Tabitha had called the wife in, to give her report, John Watson was certain that the woman was NOT prepared for what Sherlock Holmes would tell her. Tabitha was right on the money, as she informed the woman "I have found information, not only verifying that your husband has been involved, in multiple liaisons, however, I have located information verifying that yourself is, at present, involved in two affairs. My sources verifies that both you, and your husband, have been involved, in such matters, for as long as three years." When the woman seemed about to say soomething, Tabitha had said "Please, do not bother attempting to deny this information. I have cross-referenced every fact, and interviewed your lovers. You knew what I would discover, all along. The only, remaining, question is that of "Why did you bother to retain my services, when you were, already aware of what I would locate?" When the woman had said "I needed to know if my husband was just having sex, as I was, or if he was in a relationship." When Tabitha would say "Define relationship, for me, if you would, please?" The woman would say "My husband has become most distant, in recent months. He has shown me less interest than usual. I needed to learn if he has found a replacement love." Tabitha had said "In that case, you may, now, relax. I have verified who the "other woman" is, and I can assure you that your husband plans to file, for divorce, soon. After that, you will be as "free", as you choose to be." By the look, on the womans face, as she left the Baker Street address, Watson could tell that the woman was NOT prepared to hear that her husband was planning to divorce her. The detective, and the doctor, did not have much packing away, to do, after the case, since neither wanted to view the materials, more than necessary. While neither Tabitha, nor John Watson, would claim to be "angels", morally speaking, the idea, of men, and women, having up to a dozen "lovers", per person, was revolting. This is why, after this case, Tabitha had goone to visit her family. This, while John Watson continued preparing for his pilots examination. Now, sure, both of them heard, and saw, the news, about a new exhibit, coming to England. Nothing new about that. The British Empire, often exchanged collections, with foreign museums. No, what Tabitha, and John Watson, found unusual, about the coming exhibit, was how the lending group, wanted things such as Lloyd's of London insurance, on the display, yet the owners would not allow insurance investigators anywhere near the exhibit. From the whispers, which Tabitha was hearing, even Scotland yard, which was being asked to provide extra security, for the exhibit, was not being allowed near the exhibit. When Tabitha's mother would say "Blimey, those are cheeky bastards. Expect all kinds of insurance, and security, yet wont let anyone near the display. Sounds downright suspicious, if you ask me. What do you think, Tabitha?" Tabitha would, only say "No way will Lloyd's, of London, or any other, insurance company, provide coverage, for any item, which has not been, properly, catalogued, and appraised. As for Scotland Yard, I can just hear Lestrade, right now. No way will security be increased, without just cause." Two weeks later, John Watson would take his first, official turn, at the joystick, of a helicopter. Whille the man insisted that "I am, by trade, a medical man, I suppose that the skill, of aviation, could come rather in handy." This, even as Lestrade would be calling in Tabitha Holmes, for a bit of a sit-down. Tabitha was not even surprised when a member, of Parliament, as well as a member, of Lloyd's, of London, were present. Holmes had a suspicion, of what this meeting would be about, due to the news. Lestrade would be the one who, after inviting Tabitha into the conference room, would say "Holmes, for the record, this gathering never occurred." Once Tabitha looked about her, the detective would say "Allow me some conjecture. Either you are about to request that I pilfer the piece, and replace it with a fake, until the exhibition is over with, OR, You are preparing to suggest that I commit grand larceny, by stealing the display." Lloyd's of London would be the first to say "Hardly." This is when Lestrade would say "Holmes, we have a most unusual suggestion, for your consideration. Should you agree to accept, I have been promised that you will be amply, compensated." Tabitha would add "On the condition that I am neither detected, nor apprehended, in the copurse of duty. Am I correct?" Parliament would add "It is imperative that neither the empire, NOR the royal family, be implicated, in any way, in this matter. Am I being clear enough?" Tabitha would say "As clear as pure water. Total deniability. Now, what adventure am I about to embark upon?" Lestrade would say "Holmes, I am certain that you are aware of the display, which is in the process, of being lent to the British Museum, am I correct?" When Tabitha would say "Ofcourse. That is the display which the owners will allow no one near, until the display is open, to the viewing public." Lloyd's of London would add "And the unit, whose owners will not allow PRE-inspection." When Tabitha would ask "Maybe I inquire. If I am, neither to purlion, nor replace, the display, then what action is the empire recommending I pursue?" Lloyd's of London would say "What we, and the empire, are asking of you, is a discreet surveillance, of the display." Parliament would add "To be more precise, the empire is suggesting that you "find your way", into the display, and document its contents. Once you do this, and report in, the empire would proceed, according to law." When Tabitha would look at Lestrade, asking "What will Scotland Yards involvement consist of?" Lestrade would suggest "I am empowered to detain the shipping container, for twenty-four hours, for a "routine inspection." I presume that you, and Doctor Watson, will be able to penetrate, evaluate, and extricate, yourselves, within that time frame." This is when Tabitha would ask "Is this ALL you are requesting? That I evaluate the contents, of the exhibit?" When Parliament would say "Not quite. It seems, my dear Holmes, that the owners are accepting few chances, of the display being "tampered with". Gaining access, to the display, will be similar to gaining illegal access to monetary funds." When Tabitha would say "I would have assumed as much. Tell me this. Why have no port, or regular, police units, intervened, before now?" Lloyd's of London would say "Under normal circumstances, such an inspection would be both routine, and common place, however, the owners PAID a substantial sum, of funds, for a special, "no search", admittance." Tabitha would say "So, this is where Doctor Watson, and I enter the scene. You want me to, covertly, examine the display, and report my findings." Parliament would caution "Remember, Holmes, this dislay is protected by some of the best, in modern, detection gear, on the planet. You will need to move, most cautiously, in order to avoid detection." This is when Lestrade would ask "Well, Holmes, what do you think? For the empire?" Lestrade knew, from years of experience, that Sherlock Holmes could, never, resist such a challenge. To accept defeat, without even engaging in an effort, was not in the Holmes blood. After some moments, of contemplation, Holmes would suggest "For this activity, I would require an extensive amount, of intelligence, as to what types, and what amounts, of security, the display has. This, as well as the security, of the container, itself." When Parliament would say "Excellent. We will proceed with the preparations, with necessary expediency." (Tabitha only hoped that John had succeeded, in obtaining his pilots instruction. This would be needed, no matter if the task was to take place, on land, or water.) Tabitha did ask one favor, of Parliament: "Would you happen to have any helicopters, available. One which would not be missed, if it failed to return, from an assignment?" Parliament would say "I shall have an answer, for that inquiry, shortly." While this was going on, at Scotland Yard, John Watson would be finishing his instruction. With points, given, for his military service, to the crown, the doctor would more than pass his instruction. He was just not prepared for how soon, and what manner, of flight, he would, soon, embark upon. Sherlock Holmes was more than curious, as the intelligence began arriving, via computer, at Baker Street. The display was being shipped, via freighter, along with top quality, destroyer escorts. What was puzzling, to the detective, was how SLOW the ships were moving. For some, un-specified, reason, the ships were travelling at only one-third, of normal speed. The freighter, and destroyers, all capable, easily, of 25 knots, were travelling at only 6 knots. Holmes had to wonder WHY this was. In the time it was taking, for the convoy, to reach British waters, Holmes, with both Watsons, and others, aid, and assistance, had converted a dis-used warehouse into a version of what Parliament THOUGHT the freighters interior MIGHT look like. Holmes spent a good portion, of this time, practicing her cat-burglar skills. She even had the electricians add some laser detectors, for her to practice with. Parliament had Lloyd's of London allow Holmes to "borrow" an object, of about the same, alleged, mass, as the display, for Holmes to practice on. While Holmes practiced cat-burglary, Watson was busy, checking, and re-checking, the medical supplies. That, and his extra clips, of ammunition. To the surprise of both the detective, and the doctor, Parliament had, surprisingly, come through, with a magnificent machine. Instead of a military "work-horse", of a helicopter, Parliament had allotted the detective one of the latest designs, of helicopters. With a stealth body, and more electronics, than Watson could learn, in six months time, the "bird" was a beauty, to behold. Watson only understood the purpose, of the second helicopter, which accomapnied the first, when the pilot, of the primary helicopter handed Doctor Watson the machines operations manual, then smiled, as the pilot told Doctor Watson "We were, never, here." Then saluted, marched over, and entered the second helicopter. Moments later, the second machine was gone. Just as Watson was about to ask Tabitha what was going on, Tabitha suggested "My dear Watson. I do believe you have some reading, ahead for you. Best you lay any doubts aside, for the moment, and study our latest means of transportation." Holmes was right, as always. The helicopter was the latest thing, in stealth technology. The machine, also, packed enough weapons to destroy a town, maybe half the size of London. What amazed Watson, most, however, was the overhead propeller assembly. When the helicopter was on the ground, the blades closed up, like a hand-fan. The blades tucked in, right behind the compact engines. What astounded the doctor was how, each time he put the helicopter into "attck/pursuit" mode, the double blades fanned out, like the intake, on a jet engine. When a Royal Air Force pilot checked Watson out, on the controls, Watson was amazed at how much versatility this helicopter had. (Who ever thought that a helicopter had a top speed, in pursuit mode, of 300 miles per hour.) For Tabitha, however, the most suspicious time she had was when, somewhere, near the mid-Atlantic Ocean, the convoy just stopped. G.P.S. showed the ships holding position. The question was "WHY?" When Lestrade was sent to inform Holmes of the suspicious holding action, Tabitha agreed that it WAS most suspicious. Why would the freighter, and the destroyers, just halt, in the "middle" of the ocean? Why at those coordinates? Tabitha was not certain, however, she thought she was onto something, when she noticed the ships loading logs. The logs showed that the point, of departure, authorities had filed a notice, stating that the exhibits owners insisted upon their own people, loading the cargo. When the shipments owners then requested that the dock-workers sign off, on the loading process, both the workers, and the supervisor, declined to sign. Result, this was a disputed shipment. Based upon the amount of time, that the ships were halted, Holmes realized that the ships cargo holds COULD have been cleared out, and the ships send on, either empty, or with different cargo within. With only Watson by her side, Sherlock would plan a discreet entry, onto the ships, BEFORE they reached port. Watson would fly the helicopter close enough, for Sherlock to board the vessel, then "peel off", into the night, to await her signal. If all went well, the operation should take no more than two hours, MAXIMUM. As Holmes prepared for the incursion, another thought came to her mind. The thought of HOW the owners could have financed, and won approval, of insurance, on a shipment, which no one had seen. Yes, there was a one million dollar policy, in effect, until the exhibit reached the British Isles. Holmes just could not understand HOW a company could underwrite something, without even SEEING the item?" Two days, prior to her departure, from England, for her trip, to the ship, the Royal Air Force had sent a group, of U.A.V.'s out, over the ships. While the freighter managed to jam all of the radar, and other, surveillance, systems, of the U.A.V.'s, the pilots, back in England, managed to fly the birds, manually. Since no one had thought of blocking camera images, the U.A.V.'s got close enough to send real time video, and photographs, of the ships. It would seem that, while the ships crews did not mind jamming electronics, there was no action, taken, to down the robots. As a result, Holmes, soon had a three-D model, to work with. Experts, from the royal army, verified what Holmes had thought. This ship was no ordinary freighter. This ship was armed with enough fire-power, to repel an invasion, of up to 100 soldiers. (And Holmes did not like the fact that the fire-power was out, in the open.) Why would pirates, or others, display fire-power, to a potential enemy? When Watson would say "It MUST be a trap. Its like they are baiting authorities, by saying "We DARE you to come aboard!" Sherlock would suggest "Maybe, THAT is the point. Display enough fire-power, that no one WANTS to examine the cargo." While Lestrade was ready, with his plan, to hold the freighter, in "quarantine", for a routine inspection, one, of Sherlock's "network" would bring the detective new information. As the agent would inform Tabitha "Word, on the street, is that the cargo owners KNOW of the plan, to hold the cargo, in port. They are planning to move the cargo to another, smaller, ship, then allow the freighter to proceed to port..." Tabitha would add "While the cargo heads for land, un-detected." What Watson would ask both persons "What is so bloody important that it is worth all of this? What are they planning to do? Smuggle in a nuke, to blow up Buckingham Palace?" When Sherlock would say "Dont bet against that." Watson would say "I was only surmising. What other reason could there be, for refusing access to the display?" The agent would say "Word, on the street, is that the display is full of diamonds, and gold. Enough to last anyone, for fifty lifetimes." Sherlock would say "Nice theory, yet most im-probable." When Watson would ask "WHY?" Sherlock would say "The contents, of that display, are very well known. No thief would cut it apart, and no jeweler, or smelting operation, would have it on their premises, since this would all but guarantee arrest." When Watson would ask "What, then? If not theft, what does that leave?" Holmes mind would race, for a moment, then she would say "Ransom. There will be a ransom." After the agent departed the apartment, and Waston would ask "Who would be dumb enough to ransom off something, which could, only, be sold, to the original owner?" Sherlock would say "That may be true, however, consider this. The insurance company, which insured the transit, did so, with-OUT inspecting the shipment. This is suspicious, in itself, since no shippers insurance will insure any container, without verification of the contents." When Watson would suggest "You dont think that the owner is shipping an empty container, to England, do you?" Sherlock would say "Doubtful. However, if I am correct, then the container does NOT house the original item." When Watson would ask "Where is the original?" Sherlock would say "Elementary. The original is locked away, someplace safe. The unit, appproaching England, is a copy. A "fake", if you will." When Watson would ask "For what purpose?" Sherlock would say "Most probable assumption is that the owner is planning to collect on the insurance, once the fake is discovered." When Watson would ask "HOW can the owner keep the original, AND collect the insurance? Wont the original show up, sooner or later?" Sherlock would say "The mastermind, whom I believe planned this, would have planned to store the original where no one would think to look for it." When Watson would ask "How do we PROVE this conjecture?" Holmes would say "Elementary. We follow through, on the original plan, and expose the fake, while it remains at sea." With the now-certified pilot, Doctor John Watson, at the controls, of the helicopter, and Sherlock Holmes seated across from him, the helicopter lifted off as silently as a bird, taking flight. With the propeller fanned out, like a jet intake, the helicopter would rise, effortlessly from the ground, and sail, into the night, as quietly as the wind. Even without engaging the turbines, the helicopter made excellent time, to the coast, then out, to sea. Sherlock only hoped that the model she had been practicing with was accurate. Once on-board the ships, one, bad, move, and she would not have to worry about her next case. While Sherlock would not have been surprised to find the freighter lit, as brightly as a city, she was a bit relieved when, after coming onto radar, that she, and Watson, could SEE the darkened outline, of the ship. This is when Watson would caution "They MIGHT have night-vision gear. Be careful." Sherlock would smile as she said "I am, at all times." Repelling from the helicopter (which the ships radar could not see), Sherlock landed on what appearred to be a shipment, marked "Frozen edibles". Once Sherlock was on-board the ship, Watson would bring the helicopter down, to the ships side (and well below its radar site), then hover, until Sherlock gave the word. What struck Watson as un-nerving, was the fact that, while hovering between the ships, he noticed no crew, on any of the ships. Why were these ships pretending to be fully manned, when all were computerized(?). This made no moree sense than Sherlock's own discovery. What surprised Sherlock Holmes was how "empty of life", the ship seemed. It was like she was all alone. But, HOW could that be, with a multi-million dollar cargo, in the hold? Slipping inside the superstructure, Holmes found the vents, that she wanted to use, to access the hold. She was just relieved that she had been correct, about the lasers. While she had, yet, to see a single crew member, she found plenty of evidence, of technology. When Sherlock sprayed a smoke mist down a corridor, she found what she had trained for. Enough lasers, to keep all except mice, at bay. It was a good thing that her "cat-suit" was made of radar reflecting material. This would allow her to lie, on the floor, and slide past the lowest sensors, with little effort. Sherlock did not encounter her first "booby-trap" until she made it within ten feet, of the hold. Sure, it had taken three hours, to reach this point, however, it should be noted that not one alarm had sounded. Once at the hatch-way, Sherlock put on her combination comm-set, and camera (a "gift", from Lloyd's of London, with which to examine the piece) As a result, Watson, Lestrade, Parliament, and Lloyd's of London, could watch as Sherlock worked her way through the lock, setting. Ten, long, minutes, later, and Sherlock was inside the hold. What she saw, in the near distance, amazed the woman. It looked like real gold. Maybe 500 weight, of the substance. And the diamonds. So bright, they would have formed rainbows, in the sun-light. The object stood in the center of the hold yet, upon closer inspection, Sherlock wondered why such an obviously heavy object did not place more strain, in its base. While Sherlock Holmes was aware, that lifting the object from its base would set off shreeking alarms, all over the ship, still, she lifted what she THOUGHT would be one heavy piece, of gold, and diamonds. Sherlock was surprised, and shocked, to find the object just a bit heavier than an industrial glove. The gold was spray-painted on, and the diamonds, Sherlock knew, from her own childhood, were from a childs "princess" kit. No wonder the owners would not allow anyone, to see the object, even to insure it. It would take an insurance expert all of five minutes, to de-bunk the fake. It was not, however, until Sherlock tried to leave the hold, with the object, that the electronics went active. Sherlock just smiled, as the gas began to pour from the vents. She had prepared for this. Her suit had a built in, five-hour, air supply. As for the lasers, in the hall, it took Sherlock all of five minutes to figure out the laser routine, and work her way through it, without touching it off. When she called upon Watson, for her extraction, Watson was, fully, prepared to come up, to the deck, facing missiles, and machine guns. This is why he was surprised when all of the weapons seemed to be pointing at thee hatch, where Sherlock was preparing to make her escape. Realizing what would happen, if the trap worked, Watson would choose the weapons, as best he could, and take out as much, of the fire-power, as possible, before Sherlock emerged from the interior. Sure, the explosions left plenty of debris, for Sherlock to navigate, but, as she would point out, she would, rather, run such an obstacle course than to try and avoid automated gun-fire. It was not until Sherlock was aboard the helicopter that Watson noticed the flashing beam, of a laser-targetting device. Watson recognized this, from his days, with military invasion forces. The laser was designed to seek out either stationary, or mobile, targets, lock in, then fire either guns, or missiles. Watson was just amazed that the laser had not locked onto the hull, of the helicopter, yet. The laser was, still, in "search mode". It was not until Sherlock tossed the fake object into the back, of the helicopter, then said "Let us return home, shall we?" Watson would say "I thought you would, never, ask." What shocked, and surprised, both the detective, and the doctor, was how, by the time they arrived, at Scotland Yard, with the fake object, that the owner was claiming that the original had been stolen. Thee owner was insisting that the original was on-board that ship, and that it was gone. When the owner had said "I will sue!", their insurance company would say "Now, hold on. First things first. Lets make sure the item is missing." When Holmes stepped up, to the monitor, asking "Are you referring to this?", the insurance company would say "That APPEARS to be similar, to our clients lost piece." When Holmes would inquire "You say it appears. How can you not be certain?" The insurance company would say "Its not that we do not trust Sherlock Holmes, but we would, rather, make the identification in person." This is when Lestrade would say "Happy to have your company. When shall I inform my staff to expect your arrival?" While the insurance company would say "Forty-eight hours should be fine. You understand. Permission to travel, at company expense, arranging flights, and so on." Lestrade was just saying "Fine, see you then." When the owner would interfere, saying "I want my money, NOW!" The insurance company would say "Patience. Once the unit is verified, everything will be handled." Now, ofcourse, when the insurance accuator arrived, and saw the copy, they no-sooner informed their client, when the client insisted that Sherlock Holmes had switched the objects, in the time between finding the ship, and the company's arrival, in England. This was debunked, when Lestrade lead the insurance comppany to police holding, and let the insurance company SEE the property. After the insurance company declared the copy, as FAKE as Holmes had, the owner insisted that the freighter crew must have switched the objects, during that un-schedulled stop, in mid-ocean. Problem was that this was impossible to prove, since, once the object was removed, from the freighter, the ship had changed course, due south. Add in the fact that Sherlock had seen no human crew, and the list, of suspects covered everyone, on Earth, with access to a computer. Then, there was the fact that the nation, where the owner lived, had NO law enforcement treaties, with England, and it would be impossible to gain a search warrant, for the owners property. The fake item, would be returned to storage, while the owner filed claim after claim, all stating that either the non-existant crew, of the freighter, or Sherlock Holmes, herself, had stolen the original. The insurance company would not pay off, as well, since no one had, actually, SEEN the object, prior to shipment. Result, somewhere, out there, there was a piece, of art, valued at over $500 million, and either no one knew where it was at, or they were not telling. Tabitha remained convinced that the reason why the owner nevver allowed anyone to VIEW the object, while in transit, was so that no one would suspect the fake. The escort ships would be found to be fakes, as well. Ships, purchased, from junkyards, and just made to appear as "muscle". While she could not prove it, Tabitha felt certain that, when the ships stopped, at sea, that either one, of two things, happened: 1) The crews were paid off, and sent out, on other ships, never to be heard from, again 2) The crews had been executed, and their bodies dumped, at sea. The ultimate graveyard. Could she PROVE either of these hypothesis? No. They just seemed the most elementary. Over the coming months, Tabitha's "network" would hear stories, about a similar piece, being placed, for auction. Seller: Unknown. Verification: UN-Available, at sellers request. Rumor had it that the object had been sold, atleast four times, and for no less then $750 million, each. Truth, or fantasy? All that Watson knew was that, within the next month, he would receive a post, with ownership papers, for a helicopter. The postmark was the Ministry of Defense. When Watson showed this to Tabitha, she would say "Elementary, my dear Watson. The ministry, and Parliament, expect future work, to come our way. Now that we have transportation, we may travel farther abroad, than ever before." The game is afoot! Tally Ho!

THE NEW SHERLOCK HOLMES

THE NEW SHERLOCK HOLMES The problem would begin when some doctored photos would come to light. The problem, which these photos would cause was due to the fact that the photos depicted members, of the royal family, involved in lewd, sexual, and provocative, situations. The problem, with which Scotland Yard was tasked, was either the retrieval, or destruction, of the photos. This left the venerable Inspector Lestrade with a puzzle to solve. According to the report, which Lestrade had received, Mi-5, or MI-6, had canvassed the property, in question, where the photos were being held. The extortionists motives were clear. If the royal family did not abdicate, within a specified period of time, the photos would be "leaked", to the media. Even if un-true, the specter, of doubt, might cause serious distrust, of the royal family. When Inspector Lestrade would be told "We have considered every avenue, available. The only answer, which seems plausible, at this time, is a tacticle, nuclear, strike." When the inspector would say "See here, my good man, there are villages, in that area. No one is setting off a nuke, without warning the public, and a general evacuation." The instructor would inform Lestrade "IF we issue such a notice, then we are playing into the terrorists hands. They can evacuate, before the civilians are gone. What we need is something a bit less than orthodox." When Lestrade would say "Tell me, you DONT mean HER." The instructor would say "For someone, without security clearance, she has the finest retrieval record, in the empire." Lestrade would say "Let me guess. You want me to contact her, strictly on the Q.T." The instructor would say "You do catch on, quickly, inspector." With that, the instructor would leave the conference room, leaving the inspector to ask his subordinates "Do we know where Sherlock Holmes is, at this time?" Thirty minutes later, Lestrade would arrive at one of the most well-known addresses, in the world: 221-B Baker Street When the venerable housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson, would invite the inspector into the residence, she would caution him "Sherlock is in one of her moods. All of that cat-and-mouse stuff. Not right, for an upstanding citizen." When Lestrade would thank the elderly woman, and make his way up the stairs, to the room, which he knew, so well, he would be surprised when he found the space vacant. The furnishings were, all, present, as if Sherlock Holmes had just stepped out, for a walk. Lestrade knew that he might have to wait for the "detective". How long? Who knows. It would not be until after some time, that Lestrade would check his pocket watch, asking "Where the devil?" This would be the moment, when a sleek, slender, form would appear, from the background, saying "Welcome Lestrade. I can see you are as "patient" as ever. By the way, I, still, prefer that you NOT smoke that vile tobacco, in my rooms. If you must smoke, use one of the tobaccos, which I prefer." When Lestrade would say "Dear me, I thought you gave up smoking, a good while ago." Sherlock would say "While I, no-longer smoke, I do not object if visitors indulge. Just smoke something which is not vile, to the senses." This is when Lestrade would say "Now, see here, Holmes, I did not come here, to have you trashing my preferred smoke. I came here because..." Sherlock would say "You are here regarding a case. A case, which Parliament has not had the ability to resolve. A case, involving some fake photos, of members of the royal family. The fear is that, IF the photos go public, no amount, of denial, will protect the royal family. Your job is to enlist my services, in order to "retrieve" the photo's, with as little embarrassment, as possible." When Lestrade would add "You should know that there are those, in authority, who are not in favor of your methods." Sherlock would say "Tell me something I do NOT, already, know." When Lestrade would ask "Will you take the case?" Sherlock Holmes would turn her head, as if in a light wind, saying "For the empire, ofcourse." When Lestrade would return to Scotland Yard, he would walk into a storm, of debate. A storm, which the man had expected. In the conference room, a speaker would be saying "She is a criminal! She was convicted of drug charges. There is no way we will allow her on our team." Lestrade would say "For as long as I have known Sherlock Holmes, being a "team-player", as you call it, has not been in her nature." While even Lestrade knew that it WAS true, that Sherlock Holmes had been convicted, of drug charges, and sentenced to serve five years, in detention, the inspector knew that there was much MORE, to the story. For Sherlock Holmes, being arrested, and charged, had been part of a plan. A plan, known only to Lestrade, and a few, select, people. Sherlock had made a point of going to a drug dealer, whom Scotland Yard had under watch. In order to make certain that the charge would "stick", Sherlock had made certain to obtain the Coccaine, in her pocket, from a very reliable source. This way, even if the "junk" she bought, on the street, was less than "pure", she could make sure that the police found the REAL substance. Sherlock was glad she had planned for this since, when she bought, from the dealer, in front of the police, she found that the pack she had bought was about 95% flour, and only 5% Coccaine. As a result, when the police arrested Sherlock, she had told them which pocket to search, for the REAL drug. The point, in going into prison, undercover, was to expose whether, or not, prison guards had, in fact, killed inmates, then just dumped bodies down the sewers. If the guards were innocent, Lestrade wanted absolute proof. Proof, which Sherlock Holmes could only gain, from behind bars. While the final report stated that it was a known FACT, that Sherlock Holmes had found, and reported, the evidence, that the guards had been framed, it was un-fortunate, that the mastermind had fled Great Britain, before an arrest could be made. Still, Sherlock Holmes had asked the police NOT to release her, at that time. According to official records, Sherlock's real name was Tabitha Holmes. The reason why she bore the famous name was due to a combination, of the family, she had been born into, and her ability, to solve cases, which no one else could solve. Un-like most criminals, who see prison as a place to "cool their heels", until release, Sherlock had used her time, behind bars, to meet, know, and understand, the skills sets, of the finest criminals, which Europe could create. When the prison warden made regular reports, stating that Sherlock Holmes was "conspiring", with some of the nations worst criminals, and these reports reached Lestrades desk, with workers asking "Whats going on?" Lestrade would, only, say "She knows what she is doing." Lestrade was correct. During her stay, in prison, Sherlock Holmes had learned from the very "best"? Everything from Cat-Burglary, to auto-theft, and computer hacking. At her out-mate review, Lestrade would have the reports suppressed, of her interractions, with other prisoners. The prison warden might have been opposed, to this, except for one reason. Due to what would turn out to be aged piping, and degraded seals, tanks, containing a "crowd control" gas, had mixed with tanks, containing "fire control" gas. The resulting mixture would be deadly, if inhaled. Un-fortunately, the prison gates had been programmed to prevent prisoner escape. This is why, when the warden ordered the gates open, to prevent gas-related deaths, the 21st century computer system, built into the prison, decided that the evacuation was, in fact, an escape attempt. As a result, even the Warden, and guards, were locked inside the prison, as the computer announced "Riot in progress." When the warden shouted, at the computer "OVERRIDE", the computer told the warden "Overrides dis-engaged. Riot MUST be contained." It was when the guards were asking the warden "How much time do we have?" That Sherlock did not like the answer, anymore than guards, or inmates did. The problem, that the prison had, that day, was that, among both prisoners, and guards, there was no one, of a slim enough build, to slip through the ventilation system, and shut off the gas. That is, not until Sherlock would ask "Where is the gas coming from?" The warden, with a cotton mask over his mouth, would point at a building, and say "There." A guard would point out "Sir, under roit conditions, the doors are disabled. Even our keys wont work." This is when Sherlock had spotted a grated vent. Now, her skills, learned in this prison, would be put to the test. Using skills, learned from a former acrobat, turned small time crook (after reaching a certain age) Sherlock had, acrobatically, swung herself up, to the vent, kicked it open, without it falling (learned from a former, high rise thief), and made her way into the vent. Sherlock had listened, and learned, that this was an air-cycling vent. This was to keep the air fresh, even within all of the concrete. Moving more like a snake, than a human, Sherlock had made her way, un-detected, past a battery of sensors, and into the storage area. Knowing she had only seconds, before the thick gas would kill her, Sherlock would grab a workers safety mask, and sinch it, tight, to her face. Now, sure, she DID receive a microscopic breath, of the gas, but her coughing passed as fast as it had come. Knowing that lives were "on the line" (even if they were law-breaking criminals), Sherlock found what she sought. Namely, sealing tape, and flexible hoses. Attaching one end, to bio-hazzard disposal units, and the other end, in both directions, to the tanks, Sherlock directed the deadly gas OUT of the prison, and into industrial strength air cleaners. The tanks would vent as safely as possible, even as the gas, in the venting system would be back-flushed, back to the building, then vented, through the filters. No lives would be lost, that day. The boring part, for everyone, in prison, was the DAYS that it took the computer geeks to disable the computers, allowing water to flow, and the delivery of food. While Sherlock declined any fan-fare, she did accept her release papers, and was on her way. Still, in the modern day, Lestrade would listen to managers, who would insist that "The woman is a convicted drug user! She cannot work with the police. That is in violation of the law." While Lestrade KNEW that Sherlock Holmes HAD used drugs, in the past, her goal, was, always, clear. Each time she took a drug, she made a list, of everything that she used, and how administered. Sherlock then kept a detailed account, of the drugs true effects, on her body. (NOT the supposed affects, as claimed by America's Drug Enforcement Administration). The D.E.A. was NOT happy, with the investigators reports, in medical journals. Especially those reports which stated that "Only LONG-term, Chronic, use, will result in claims, as promoted by the D.E.A. Casual users will have little to no side effects." It was not until Lestrade heard Dr. Watson's name being used, that the inspector began paying attention. Sure, Inspector Lestrade KNEW, from evidence, that Dr. John Watson was a medical doctor, and that he had been called, to combat duty, in the "endless invasions", of the Middle East, when other, combat, doctors had been injured, or died. Inspector Lestrade also knew why John Watson had been disabled out of the military. One day, Doctor Watson had no-sooner hot-wired five humvee's, for transporting wounded soldiers, when, the next day, after a morning raid, by American forces, on an Islamic temple (Where, it was CLAIMED, that insurgents were taking refuge), and the Americans had bombed the temple, when the soldiers realized that the "insurgents" were just as well-armed, as the Americans were. When American bombs reduced the temple to powder, infuriated members, of the local community, had opened fire, on the Americans, from all sides. Those soldiers, who survived the morning THOUGHT they were safe, inside a heavily defended American base. The problem was that the destruction, of the temple, brought the full RAGE, of locals down, even on the camp. Without a weapon to fight with, Dr. John Watson had made a fateful call. A call which no one would disagree with. The doctor hid under a mound, of dead Americans, as locals reduced the camp to ruins. (Ofcourse, American media was forbidden to speak about the temple bombing, yet made PLENTY of mention, of the "terrorist assualt", on the American base) Still, it was not until John Watson noticed that guns were no-longer firing, around him, that the doctor was prepared to resume his duty, providing medical attention, to injured soldiers. To his complete dis-belief, not one person, in the camp, had been left, alive. The doctor was in the middle, of a pool, of blood, and piles of bodies. No matter how long, or HARD, the doctor searched, he found no one alive, except himself. It was not until after a series, of American missile strikes leveled what was left, of the village, that an American patrol found the doctor. By this time, John Watson was so far "out of it", that HE was drugged, and sent to be med-evac. Even upon his return, to Great Britain, the doctor remained so "caught", in the memory, of the blood, and death, that he had to be sedated, until he was just short of comatose. A brilliant doctor, a fine soldier, and a good, odd-jobs man, was left in the psych ward, with doctors having no idea how to bring his MIND home, from the battle. It had not been until Sherlock Holmes got hold of the man, and had him FIGHT his way all the way from his deployment, through the massacres, and restraining the man, as the doctor screamed "WHY did I SURVIVE?! I SHOULD be DEAD, right NOW! WHY ME!!!" Sherlock had held the man, in a vice lock, as she asked "Yes, Why YOU?! WHY DID you survive?! What made you SPECIAL!" When John Watson crumbled to the ground, at Sherlock's feet, Sherlock would speak softly, as she asked "Name, rank, and serial number, if you please" It was then that John Watson repeated what he remembered. This is when Sherlock would tell the man "Face your demons! Take control! You are alive. Take control! You cannot change the past! You CAN help people, now! What will it be?! Help the living, OR rot in here!" All that John Watson could think of, at that moment, was to ask "Was I a coward, to hide among the dead?" Sherlock would say "You were un-armed, and under assault. Your desire was to ride out the attack, then tend the wounded, RIGHT!" It was when John Watson had said "Yes, I needed to tend the wounded. I hid because I had no weapon. I expected to spend days, treating the wounded." When Sherlock would ask "How many wounded DID you treat, on the battle-field?" John Watson would stumble as he said "I think, maybe 1,000. Maybe a bit more." When Sherlock would insist "How MANY of these soldiers LIVED to return home?!" John Watson would say "I think maybe 100 died, during, or after transport." Sherlock would emphasize "So, 900 soldiers came home, ALIVE, due to YOUR efforts. Even I would call that an equitable trade. 900 people, who are ALIVE, today, thanks to you. Dont you think its time for YOU to come home, now?" John Watson had to think about this, for awhile. John Watsons therapist would be astonished, yet delighted, when the formerly un-receptive patient had asked "Would you check the records, and find out how many patients I aided, who made it home, safely." When the therapist would look into his file, and say "Very impressive. Rendered medical, and evacuation, aid, in over 35 missions. Stole military vehicles, to transport wounded. Rendered care, under enemy fire. You know, John, if I did not know this to be fact, I would wonder if I were reading either General Pattons, or Field Marshal Rommels, record." When John would say "Just doing my job, ma'am." Lestrade remembered that, after Sherlock Holmes had ripped the man out of a living nightmare, Doctor John Watson had returned to his former self, and was seeking a new life, as a civilian. Like so many victims, of the Middle East invasions, once the people came home, they wanted no more part, of the military. What Lestrade had found so humourous was the fact that, as Sherlock began handling more cases, of bizzarre, human, circumstances, Sherlock began to call, regularly, on the good doctor. It was because of Sherlock Holmes that Doctor Watson became, first, an observer, and advisor, to the detective, then, as his "soul" returned, Doctor Watson began returning to physically aiding the detective, in the proper gathering of evidence. Nowadays, Doctor John Watson was a more-or-less, regular companion, to the detective. Not that Sherlock needed medical attention, very often. It was the fact that, those, around the woman, needed care, when Sherlock was too focused to remind people, of potential hazzards. Sherlock was most grateful, when Doctor Watson began saying things like "Atleast in battle, we KNEW what to expect." Sherlock had, only asked "What fun is there, when you KNOW what to expect. Isn't it the element, of danger, of the un-certainty, which makes us feel ALIVE." Doctor Watson would only say "I dont know who is crazier. You, for being who you are, or ME, for hanging around." Yes, Sherlock Holmes, and Doctor Watson, made an extremely effective pair. No doubt, this is why Parliament wanted this, distinguished pair, to handle this case. According to the information, which Scotland Yard had provided, the trip, to collect the evidence, would be a "piece of cake". Even Sherlock Holmes was not stupid enough to believe this. This is why, with Doctor Watson in tow, Tabitha (a.k.a. Sherlock), would activate her own "network", of "eyes and ears". With a small chunk of "food expense" money, in hand, Sherlock would visit various parts, of the city, making "contact" with cabbies, street-performers, newspaper venders, the (supposedly non-existant) homeless, and various others, Sherlock would offer a small "retainer", to each person, saying "You know what I want. Information, on those photos. That, and information, on those, who possess them. Remember, the BETTER the quality, of the information, the better the reward will be." This was all the "nudge" that people needed, to find the highest QUALITY, of information, for the detective. Since Sherlock knew that many businesses would not allow these people inside, it was a well-known (if secret) fact that, if information/assistance, proved most satisfactory, that sources would return home to find deliveries, of food, and personal, items. Now, the "game" was, really, afoot. The question of just how reliable Scotland Yards sources were. While Tabitha awaited word, from her "network", the detective did NOT sit still, at all. Doctor Watson never got over watching how, when not researching a case, that Tabitha was, constantly, refining her skills, learned in prison. Her outfit was, always, skin hugging. Doctor Watson had only inquired, a single time, if Sherlock planned to use the outfit to set others "off-guard", while she passed. Tabitha had corrected the doctor, saying "This outfit allows the most freedom of movement. If you are aware, of another outfit, which would allow as much, or more, freedom, then I am listening. Now, while awaiting word, Tabitha was flexing, and stretching, for coming combat. (Doctor Watson had returned to doing daily, military-style, exercises, since coming into Tabitha's life.) It would be a coule of days, before the "network" yielded results, yet the results seemed worth the delay, as the "agent" spoke, to Sherlock, of the differences between what Scotland Yard THOUGHT was true, and what was, actually, true. After this conversation, the detective, and the doctor, would be on their way, to meet with Inspector Lestrade, when they would find the inspector being berated, by some bureaucrat. It would seem that Lestrade was being berated, for not moving FAST enough, in apprehending the blackmailers. The rationale, for this: A picture, supposedly of a young, crown, prince, dressed in some kind of feathered costume, and "torturing" a victim, with whips, and bats. While the picture was digitized, to make it SEEM more realistic, the problem was that, FACTUALLY, the picture was impossible. The reason: At the very time, when the photo was, allegedly, taken, the prince, along with his family, were attending a social affair, for visiting royalty. Even her majesty, the Queen, was in presence. For security reasons, no one was to know, about the gathering, until the next days news. Add in the fact that the picture seemed to be taken, on one end, of the empire, while the prince was at the opposite end, and Parliament wanted to know WHY Lestrade was not making more progress. When Lestrade had asked "Why bother making a scene, about this. We KNOW the prince was present, at the gathering. We can bring in over 500 witnesses, to the fact." All that the bureaucrat would say was "Close this case, immediately! Send in special forces, if you have to. Bomb the place off the map." This would be when Sherlock would say "I would advise AGAINST such an assault." When the bureaucrat would ask "Tell me, "detective". Why would you advise against an assault?" Sherlock would say "That would provide im-proper motivation, for rumors, that the photo MIGHT be genuine. Otherwise, WHY bother with an all-out attack?" When the bureaucrat would say "May I presume, YOUNG woman, that YOU have a better plan, in mind." Lestrade would mutter "Dont bet against it." Sherlock would say "As a matter of record, I have coordinated a plan. With the aid of Doctor Watson, here, I intend to enter the location, where the photos are being kept, and, without firing a single shot, I intend to destroy all of the evidence. In the name of their royal majesties, ofcourse" When the bureaucrat would ask "May I presume to inquire about your motivation?" Sherlock would say "At present, an international criminal, named Natalya Novaskia, is enroute, to attend an engagement, at the fortified residence. On the surface, the gathering will be a fund raiser, to benefit the victims of the endless invasions, of the Middle East." When the bureaucrat would say "Yes, yes, we are aware of such information. How would you intend to proceed, in this matter." Sherlock would say "Elementary. With the aid of Inspector Lestrade, and his department, I am suggesting that Novaskia be "delayed", due to "questions, regarding some recent "purchases"", which will be found in her car. If Lestrade agrees to assist, then I will take Novaskia's place, at the gathering, and access, via the interior passages." When the bureaucrat would look at Lestrade, all the inspector would ask Sherlock was "Will twenty-four hours be enough, to accomplish your task?" Watson would say "If it takes us HALF that long, then we will have failed." Lestrade would say "If it saves lives, AND the reputation, of the crown, count me IN. I will have the Novaskia woman detained, at her entry point." This is when Sherlock would say "Very well inspector. Now, I must go, to DRESS for the part. There is plenty of work, to be done." Watson KNEW what this meant. While the doctor was cramming himself into a formal tux, Sherlock would be busy, transforming herself from "able detective", and into "ravishing beauty". Still, it was times, like this, when Tabitha both thanked, and HATED, her parents, for making the girl take dance lessons, during childhood, and her teens. Tabitha had hated waltzes, concertos, and all of that "high-brow" stuff, since, if it was played just a bit too slowly, it caused drowsiness. This is why Tabitha had built her own, home, music, collection. She preferred soft, to medium, 70's, rock. While she understood that Bach, Beethoven, Brams, and so on, had written, for heads of state, she preferred to fill her time with soft rock. This was never more true than when dressing for formal occassions. The times, when a formal dress had NO sleeves, and women were appearing, dressed in the finest jewels. While her mother had Sherlock's ears pierced, during childhood, telling the girl that "Young ladies should present themselves, properly, to both society, and potential mates." For as long as Sherlock could remember, her mother had spoken of the mating process. Sherlock wondered if her mother really believed that all that women were were sex objects, to fulfill mens desires, and to raise yet another generation. Or, COULD it be that, generations, of expectations, had caused the woman to act, automatically, with no, conscious, effort. Had her mother been "programmed", by her grand-mother? If so, how many generations did the "programming" go back, in time? What Sherlock knew, in the present, was that, while her ear-lobes remained pierced, she never used the holes, for jewelry. Instead, Sherlock preferred clip-ons. Quick on, and quick off. After slipping into her "work-clothes", Sherlock then set about finding the right dress, to cover her suit with. She needed a dress which was both "feminine", and easy to remove, what it was time for work. While Sherlock was doing all of this, Watson was busy, checking, loading, and "padding" his own weapons, inside his vest. Watson remained impressed that Sherlock had been thoughtful enough that she asked an armaments manufacturer to create a suit, which could not only deflect small calibur arms, but had "shielded" pockets, which scanners would "pass over", as though regular material. After the call, from Lestrade, saying that Novaskia was "in hand", Sherlock, and Watson set out, for the gathering, looking, to all the world, like a modern day couple. Scotland Yard had even managed to fax a copy, of the gatherings invitation, to Baker Street, cautioning Sherlock "Novaskia claims that NO one gets past the front gate, without an invitation." Sherlock would say "I expected that." Since neither Sherlock, nor Watson, maintained an automobile (and it would look suspicious, arriving, in a cab), Scotland Yard had agreed to allow the detective to borrow an impounded car. Sherlock had left the signing OUT, of the car, to Watson, while she checked the auto's interior. Watson would not prefer the way the mechanic would ask the detective "Any chance you might return THIS one, to the garage, in one piece?" Sherlock would say "THAT, my good man, depends, entirely, upon our host." On the drive, to the estate, the two would review their plans, for the evening. If all went well, Doctor Watson would be a "wall-flower", keeping watch, over both the guests, and the host, while Sherlock completed the assignment. If things went "south", it would be Watsons duty to secure their escape route, and to mangle any attempts at capturing the detective. By the time the duo reached the estate, Watson would notice the first hint, of trouble, just as Sherlock did, herself. In short, THESE gate guards were not the normal rent-a-cops. These men were built like a cross between a marine, and a football player. It would be Watson, the former, military, man, who would notice the biggest problem, with the guards. Watson would note "Sherlock, did you notice? The guards are not wearing regular pistols." When Holmes would say "Yes, I noticed. American M-16 series. Banana clip fed." Watson would say "Not just banana-clip fed. Did you see the SIZE of those clips? I would wager a years worth of my earnings that those magazines hold full-armor piercing rounds." Sherlock would add "Raises the question. Are they trying to keep people OUT, or IN?" Sherlock was a bit disappointed, when there was no valet parking. The parking attendant just showed each driver where to park. When Holmes and Watson climbed out of the car, a security officer (also wearing an M-16, with extended, banana clip), came forward, saying "Good evening, fair lady. May I trouble you for your invitation?" When Holmes presented Novaskia's invitation, the guard would say "Welcome. Enjoy the party." No sooner had Sherlock said "Thank you." when the guard turned on Watson, saying "With apologies, sir, unless you, also, have an invitation, I am to request that you remain with your car." When Sherlock would say "Officer, this man is my assistant. If I transact functions, within the gathering, he will record the information." (Not exactly the "truth" yet not a lie, either.) Still, the guard would say "With apologies, ma'am, I am under strict orders to allow no one to enter the party, without an invitation." Watson would tell Sherlock "I will be fine, really. I will wait, right here, by the car. If that is fine with the officer." The guard would say "Thats fine. By the way, if you find you have need, we have some first class "facilities" just down, past the end of the building." As a result, Sherlock Holmes would be entering the party, with-OUT back-up. It would be up to her to "wing it", or die. The only "good thing", about this party, was how many men wanted to dance with Sherlock, claiming "You are the most radiant woman, here." While classical music filled the room, Sherlock would use the dances to "scope the room". When men dipped her, she scanned the ceiling, as well. From what Sherlock could see, just about every entrance, in this place, was covered by camera's, and gratings. These black-mailers were serious, to the max. Time for plan "B". Slipping away from the party, and into the kitchen, Sherlock would toss her ball gown into a hamper, then don some workers clothes. If this plan worked, she could access to building, through the mechanical room. Her plan, now, was to bluff her way into the mechanical room, find the vent entrance, then dump her work clothes, and enter the air ducts. While attempting to ignore more than a few leering looks, from men, Sherlock made her way into the mechanical room, and to the entry point, of the vent. Sherlock smiled at the fact that, whomever designed this room had not bothered to grate the vent, since it was about twelve feet above the floor. Thanks to Sherlock's time, in prison, she noticed what a construction contractor would, never, notice. While there was no ladder, in place, Sherlock found that clamps, and other protrusions, would make for an easy climb, to the vent. While there was no need, for silence, in removing a grating, Sherlock DID find herself in a somewhat confining space, in the air duct. This is when she was relieved that she had her cat-suit on. While Sherlock slipped through the vents, as quietly as a kitten, outside the entrance, Doctor Watson was relieved, when another driver produced some drink, saying "We may be in, for a long wait." After that, a bit of rum turned into a casual conversation, with most drivers asking how LONG such benefits would last. One driver would caution "One night, I slept, in the car, since my mistress spent an entire night, in a party." Another driver would say "My master lost his position, after spending atleast a full evening, at such a party. That is why I am with a new master." While the conversation was allowing John to be less bored, while all of the drivers listened to party-goers, enjoying themseles, Sherlock Holmes would have spent 45 minutes inside the ducts, looking for the room that she wanted. While she found the room, she found herself feeling so impressed by the quality, of these crooks, that Holmes decided to video the entire room. She knew that, even if she stole the "evidence", currently in the possession, of the black mailers, it would take less than three hours, for the black mailers to create new "evidence". While Sherlock's sources were correct, about the fact that, when the detective activated a self-destruct program, within the computers, that an alarm would be sounded, there was one thing, which no one, except for the blackmailers, knew about. Even as Sherlock returned to the air vent, and began making her way to an exit shaft, from the pparking lot, John Watson would have to give her bad news. As Sherlock was saying "Prepare for extraction." Doctor Watson would say "About that, I have some bad news." The news being that, at the time when the alarm had sounded, the drivers, who wondered WHY they had been encouraged to park, in this location, found out the reason. As the alarms had sounded, the drivers had stood, in amazement, when spikes, of steel, would rise, from the ground, puncturing all four tires, on each car. When drivers went to call their employers, another voice would join each conversation, saying "This is a precaution, in case any of you are involved in the un-folding theft." When Sherlock had informed Watson to "Go to Plan C", Watson would ask "Plan C? I didn't even know we had a Plan B." Sherlock would say "You are a military man. Improvise! I will join you as soon as possible." After Watson looked at the cars four, flat, tires, the doctor realized why the Scotland Yard mechanic had asked "Any chance of returning this one, in tact?" Doctor Watson MIGHT have considered a nearby Land Rover. There was just one problem. HOW to clear the truck of the six guards, who waited within. Doctor Watson, next, considered a nearby tank. Watson knew that this tank was a relic, from World War Two. A King Tiger, if the doctors memory served. People kept them as lawn ornaments. No way would the tank be either functional, or efficient. Doctor Watson was left to scratch his head, until he heard Sherlock whisper, in his ear "I am heading for the roof." "Swell", Watson thought. To get to the roof, of this place, the doctor would need an airplane. But, that had to be nonsense. Even if he found an airplane, there was no room, on the roof, to land, or take off. What Doctor Watson needed was an "elevator". Something, which could RISE, to the roof, land vertically, then depart, vertically. Doctor Watson was just asking himself "Where am I going to find an elevator?" when he held a very familiar sound. The sound, of helicopter prop-wash. The doctor tried not to get his hopes up, figuring that, IF a helicopter was coming, it would be one of those hyper-complex, civilian, versions. No-doubt having key-code access. It was not until the helicopter came close did the doctors hopes rise. The approaching helicopter was a MIILITARY-style helicopter. One, of the very type, which the doctor had, once, hot-wired, to fly wounded soldiers out of danger, when "insurgents" began blowing up ambulances. It was not until Sherlock reached the roof, and called out "John, where are you?" That the doctor would say "On my way. Just be patient." Moments later, when the military helicopter was preparing to land, a security guard appeared, on the roof, and Sherlock would shout "GO!", at Watson. As Doctor Watson would move the helicopter AWAY from the building, Sherlock would do a "hire-wire" act, jumping, from cover, and catching the helicopter strut, as Watson veered away, and applied power, even as guns began shooting at the departing helicopter. While Watson was correct, that this helicopter was DESIGNED, and BUILT, to withstand small arms fire, the problem was that Sherlock was, still, outside, fully exposed, on the strut. When Sherlock did manage to climb inside the cockpit, some moments later, and put on her own helmet, asking Watson "May I inquire in regards to our original mode of transportation?" Watson would explain "When the alarms sounded, some kind of steel spikes rose, from the ground, and flattened all of the tires, on every visitors car. A voice, then informed us "In case any of you are involved in this."" Sherlock would say "So, my informers were correct. These people are VERY WELL equipped." Watson would say "As criminals go." Sherlock would say "Ofcourse, that is what I meant." Obtaining permission, for the helicopter to LAND, at Scotland Yard would take Inspector Lestrades every once/second, of time, between the time, when Sherlock called in, and the helicopter arrived, at Scotland Yard. During the debriefing, Sherlock had emphasized that the problem was dealt with, but only for the moment. The machines, which the black-mailers had, was very easy to come by, on the open market. Even the photograpic forgeries would be no problem, for Photo-Shop, or other computer programs. When Inspector Lestrade would say "If this is all fact, then HOW do we put an end to this?" Sherlock would say "Elementary, my dear Lestrade. We pitch our net, and hook the ring-leader. Until we place "Mr. BIG" behind bars, he, OR she, will just set up, someplace else." When MI-5, or 6, would ask "HOW do we catch this "Mr. BIG"?" Sherlock would suggest "We KNOW WHO was at that party. I have video, as proof. I suggest that Scotland Yard allow ME to use the departments own software, to create our own fakes. Make the party guests feel "violated", and see how long it takes either Mr., OR Mrs. BIG, to come forth. When MI-5 would ask "Why should this BIG person even CARE, about some party-goers?" Sherlock would say "An operation, of this scope, and effort level, MUST have multiple backers. No doubt, that was the REAL reason for the party. To raise operating capital. Investors are needed, for such an operation. Multiple investors, if my hunch proves correct. These are people who do NOT WANT scandal, of any kind, connected to them." Lestrade would add "I think that what Sherlock is saying is that, if we expose the activity, the investors will "vanish", as will the black mail. After all, even black-mailers need income, to finance themselves, between pay-off's." Sherlock was correct. As soon as the media began running stories, about those who MIGHT have been involved, in the "benefit", Sherlock's "network" would inform her that the backers, of the black-mail, had fled the empire. The royal family would be safe, once more. The empire would live, to see another day. As for Sherlock Holmes, she did as she, always, did. She converted her financial reward into hard currency, then sent shipments, of food, and other, personal, supplies, to each of those who had aided, in the case. The "network" had taken care of the detective, again, and she made certain that they were rewarded, for their work. As for Doctor John Watson, the charges, of delivering a STOLEN, military, helicopter, were dropped, once it was known WHERE the doctor got the helicopter. After all, HOW was the doctor to know that the helicopter was black-market goods? Inspector Lestrade would have the charges dropped, in return for a favor, from the doctor. "Sir, I will see that your record is cleared, on this condition. Since you have flown helicopters in the past, and present, may I encourage you to apply for a regulation pilots license?" John Watson had been about to ask "What would I need a pilots license for?", when the reason occurred to him. Legally, even under her majesties government, flying any airborne vehicle required such personnel to have proper, flying, credentials. No one was allowed to fly, unless certified. The only reason why John Watson had not been prosecuted, to date, was because the doctor had only flown, when lives depended upon him. Parliaments only request was that the doctor have a regulation permit. Add this, on top of his, regular, studies, in keeping his medical license up-to-date, and the work Watson did, with Sherlock Holmes, and the doctor wondered if he would have time, for a "private life", ever again. "The game is afoot. Tally-HO!"

THE NEW SIXTH SENSE # 17

THE NEW SIXTH SENSE # 17 Doctor Johnathan Rhoades, medical doctor, and licensed psychiatrist. A man who DARES to look PAST the obvious, and discover what is at the HEART, of patients conditions. The following is case-file number 17, of Doctor Rhoades highly unusual approach to treatment, of mental disorders. Case-file #17 would mark another, new level, of "bizzarre", even for me. The reason was simple. According to the case-file, this time, it was not a patient, whom I was to diagnose. This time, I was being requested to diagnose a property. A piece, of land, and a building. Now, sure, everyone knows that ALL buildings have "personalities", but, if the case-file were accurate, this place had a bit much "personality". The claim was being made that people, who "visited/trespassed" on the property, were disappearring. The property appeared to be the "prime suspect", for no other reason than the fact that it was the last place each "victim" had been known to be bound for. As for the photo's, contained, within the file, these could have been any, of over 1,000, left-over, "haunted houses", which counties just had not taken down, yet. What I found most curious, and decided to mention, as early on, as possible, was the mention that the accused property was, reportedly, a "make-out" point, for the younger generation. This did not make sense. If people were afraid that a property was TAKING lives, then WHY would people be using it as a "make-out" spot? I intended to make a POINT of inquiring, about this. After renting a car, at the airport, I was set to drive, directly, to the city council hall, for my primary meeting. That is, until something "called" to me, as if ASKING me to visit the subject location, first. Normally, since I do not receive such sensations, upon arrival, I would have suggested that it was just imagination. The problem, in this case, was that voices seemed to be calling to me, asking "Help us." This is why, on my G.P.S. device, instead of calling up the address, of city hall, first, I called up the address, of the funeral home. While the roadway, from the airport, to town, could have used some re-paving, what astonished me was when I approached the driveway, for the funeral home. I might have been prepared, for "No Trespassing" signs, but what I was NOT prepared for was to see a "Road closed: Out of order" sign, on the drive way. This confused me since, for as far as I could see, the driveway was in good condition (for its age). When I checked the "Road Closed" sign, and found that it was not even bolted down, I moved it just far enough, aside, to allow my car to pass. After that, I put the sign back in place. (As a precaution, in case someone might think this road was "public".) Driving, cautiously, up, and over, a hill, I could neither mistake the funeral home, nor its environs. While, from a distance, the funeral home did appear just as dank, and shabby, as the photo's showed, this was just as deceptive as the grounds looked, from a distance. Even I, a medical man, could see that, at sometime, in the past, the wild plants had been well-tended flower beds. To my surprise, not only was there a lake present, behind the main house, but a playground, as well. (The people, who had operated this place, had understood that children grieve, differently, than adults.) Still, despite all of the rust, and over-growth, of plants, the location had a sense of formality. A sense of order, and purpose. Still, the voices seemed to be drawing me towards the house. It was like they were begging "Come closer. Closer." Stepping onto the wrap-a-round porch, I noticed that this place had not been painted the drab grey, which it presented the public. Even my un-trained eye could detect various colors, on pieces, of wood which, for the most part, were protected from the weather. While I had no idea what the design, of the front door was, I could tell, by the massive piece, of ply wood, covering the center, of the door, that the wood was either protecting the public from broken glass. That, OR, the ply wood was protecting the age old glass. From feeling around the edges, I could tell that, whatever it was, it was of an oval shape. That, and the wood, of the frame, was of high quality lumber. What I cannot understand was what happened, when I reached out, for the door handle. As if "out of nowhere", just before my hand touched the door handle, a heard a loud "bloop-bloop", behind me, followed by "Dont move. Stay right where you are." When I asked "May I ask why?" The voice said "You are trespassing, on private property. Unless you have good cause, I am placing you under arrest." As the male voice approached, Doctor Rhoades heard what sounded like a weapon, being un-holstered. When Doctor Rhoades would ask "May I ask why you have un-holstered your gun?" The voice had said "You may not. Now, lets see some identification. Nice and slow." When Doctor Rhoades removed his credentials, from his pocket, and presented them, open-faced, he thought he glanced a police officers uniform. When the voice said "It says, here, that you are a doctor?" Doctor Rhoades would say "That is correct. I am a medical doctor, and a psychiatrist." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "May I lower my hands, and turn around, now?" The officer would say "Why not. I dont see no weapons. Just STAY where you are, until I check in." After Doctor Rhoades would say "No problem, by me." He would listen, as the deputy called him in. When the response was "He is due, at the council hall. Before you bring him in, ask him just WHAT he THINKS he is doing, out there?" After the deputy would respond "Roger. Over and out." Then the deputy would turn, to Doctor Rhoades, asking "Well, doc? You heard the man. WHAT ARE you doing, out here?" Doctor Rhoades would say "Since I have been called in, to review this property, I was on my way, into town, when I THOUGHT I saw something?" When the deputy would ask "Something like WHAT?" Doctor Rhoades would say "If I could identify what I saw, I would not have used the term "something"." The deputy would say "Fair enough. Now, I will escort you to your correct destination." Following the deputies lead, Doctor Rhoades could, almost, sense the pleading of "Dont leave us, Please!". The doctor had projected "I will be back, soon. Just relax, until then." From the moment, when the deputy, and the doctor, entered the building, they could hear a mans voice near-shouting "There are NO ghosts! How many times do I have to tell you that." When another, female, voice would ask "Then, tell me where Leroy, and Monica, are." The male voice would shout "I TOLD you. I dont know." When the female would say "Why dont you admit it. That HOUSE got them." The male would say "Dammit, Irma, there aint no proof of that. Now, stop trying to cause trouble." It was after Irma stomped out, of the building, that a man, looking angry enough to eat metal, would see the deputy, and the doctor, then ask the deputy "Who is this fool?!" The deputy would say "Sheriff, this here is Doctor Rhoades. The man the mayor invited into town." The sheriff would bark "I know what our fool mayor did. It dont make no difference. Houses, and "ghosties" do NOT just make people vanish. People vanish when they dont want to be discovered." Doctor Rhoades would point out "Interesting, if true. The problem is evidence. How do you intend to prove your conjecture?" When the sheriff would ask "Prove my con-what?" Doctor Rhoades would ask "How do you intend to prove your point?" When the sheriff tried to look "mean" as he asked "What was that con word you just used?" Doctor Rhoades would say "The word is con-jec-ture. It means that you believe that something is true. This leaves the question of PROOF. HOW do you intend to prove you are correct?" The sheriff would say "I dont have to "prove" myself, to any out-of-towner. If I say the people are just gone, then they are, just, gone. End of story." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Is that what you are telling the families, of the missing?" The sheriff would say "Mister, for a city feller, you sure dont know much. Un-like your big city police departments, all I have is myself, and two deputies. One on the day shift, and one, for nights. Now, just HOW do you expect me to search this whole county, with just three of us, to cover everything?" Doctor Rhoades would suggest "That may be one of the reasons why I am here. Now, why dont we go, have a "talk", with the people I was sent to meet with." The sheriff would add the condition "Just so as we understand each other. I dont want NO talk, of "ghosties", understand? If anyone mentions it, dont act like you believe." Doctor Rhoades would promise "I will do my professional best." This would be exactly what this community needed, as the doctor was brought before a large group, of people, all of whom were claiming that "monsters", "demons", and so forth, had taken their family members. And all by the merest coincidence, had been heading for the funeral home. While Doctor Rhoades would take to asking "witnesses" "What do you THINK you saw?" and "HOW do you KNOW that is what you saw? Could it not have been..." Even the abandoned cars, found on the property, COULD be explained, with little effort. What, it seems, that the people, of this town, did not know, of the outside world, was just how often people arrange to "disappear". While Doctor Rhoades had not handled such cases, himself, as part, of the medical profession, he was required to be well-read, on various nerouses, and what caused them. Thanks to modern technology, it was even easier, than ever, for people to vanish. IF they wanted to. Someone even sold "New Identity" kits, on the internet. These kits explained everything from buying un-trace-able cars, to changing wardrobes, to faking death. While some people were caught, after having bumbled the process, the best cons were, never, found. Two, of the bumblers, whom Doctor Rhoades had read about, were a man, and a woman. The mans stupid mistake was in the fact that, AFTER he made it look like he died, in a fiery car crash, he had been stupid enough to return to a self-storage unit, for something he had forgotten. He had ignored the "Premises under electronic surveillance" signs. The time-stamps, on thee video, PROVED that the man was alive, hours after the crash. The womans mistake was that, after she created a scenario, where it APPEARRED that she had been murdered, for some cash she was carrying. The mistake was that, even as police were investigating the "crime scene", the woman decided to return to her home, for a family, photo album, she had, previously, forgotten. This blunder was added to by the fact that two, of her neighbors were willing to swear that they had seen her, at her house, AFTER her death was reported. Both cons were, currently, in prison, on felony charges of faking their own deaths. The question was "Even if this were the case, what was the motive?" While Doctor Rhoades would, openly, admit that he was no expert, on automobiles, the doctor did ask to see both the reports, and the vehicles, which were found at the funeral home site. When Doctor Rhoades had asked the police "Were there any other tire-marks, at the scene?" The deputy would say "Doc, that place was a BUSINESS. We could pull tracks from almost every vehicle, in town. Even my own cruiser marks are out there." Still, with police permission, Doctor Rhoades would load up, on herbal, pipe tobacco, as well as his other "equipment", then head back out, to the funeral home. For some reason, it just didn't add up, that people would use such a well-known location, to plan escapes. The risk, of exposure, would be as likely as 2-to-1. What Doctor Rhoades had not thought about, until this gathering, were the local legends, about "ghosts". In fact, the very, local stories, which the sheriff had warned the doctor about. Now, Doctor Rhoades understood the warning. Several people, at the meeting, were insisting that it was the "ghosts", of the dead, which had taken loved ones. When Doctor Rhoades had asked "ON WHAT do you base that conclusion?" and the local seemed confused, the sheriff would ask "What the doc means is "HOW do you KNOW that someone took your kin?"" When the local would say "I SAW them! I watched them, moving about." While the sheriff just shook his head, and groaned, having heard this story, so many times, already, the sheriff was happy to let Doctor Rhoades take over, at this point. This is when Doctor Rhoades, calmly, took out his note pad, and pen, then asked each witness for a time, and date, when they would be available, for a PRIVATE discussion. When a panicked woman would, nearly, screech "What happens to my child, while you are doing your talking?" Doctor Rhoades would speak, calmly, as he promised the woman "The more information that I have, the sooner I may be able to locate your missing family. Now, who would like to be first." As locals began lining up, to share information, with the doctor, the sheriff would duck out, of the meeting, and return to his duties. Maybe, the mayor had been right, in calling in the psychiatrist. The doctors presense DID seem to have a calming effect, on the populace. That is, until three nights later. This was when, after a couple had gone missing, for twenty-four hours, that the police invited Doctor Rhoades to join in the search, of the funeral homes grounds. For reasons, un-clear, even to Doctor Rhoades, the families, of the missing, insisted that the funeral homes ground be searched, IMMEDIATELY. Doctor Rhoades noticed how calm the sheriff seemed to be, as the group went to investigate the property. A property search yielded no automobile nor any personal belongings. The day-time deputy did locate some fresh tire tracks. The sheriff would suggest "Either they went, willingly, or, maybe, the girl was taken, and the boy followed." Since neither the sheriff, nor the doctor, could find either drag marks, or evidence, of a struggle, neither would say, conclusively, that ANY event had occurred, at this location. Sure, it was NEAR the funeral home, but what did that "prove"? Still, even as the police gathered evidence, Doctor Rhoades would sense the spirits, of the funeral home, calling out, to him. When Doctor Rhoades stepped away, from the police, and engaged his "third eye", the doctor had a hard time, dealing with what he saw. While locals, whom the doctor had spoken with, so far, had stated that the funeral director, was well-respected, and dedicated to the care, of the deceased, what Doctor Rhoades vision showed him was an entirely different man. When the vision showed the doctor a vision, of the funeral director, not as a compassionate man, but as a man, who enjoyed inflicting PAIN, Doctor Rhoades would question "Am I witnessing the truth?" In the first, of several, visions, which came to the doctor, he watched as a young woman was stripped down, to her underwear, then bound, to a bed frame, before the funeral director would take a leather whip, and swat her flesh. All while calling her un-holy, for some reason, regarding a funeral. The next image, Doctor Rhoades guess that he could understand. After all, the man, being lashed, this time, had asked a girl away from a long, boring, funeral, and the two had some erotic fun, while the funeral went on. Now, the man was lashed, to the bed frame, stripped to his shorts, and the funeral director was procliaming "Defiler of the dead. Since you have no respect, for the dead, around you, I will show you the meaning of respect. While other visions showed Doctor Rhoades vandals, and trespassers, as well as others, who had crossed the land, it sees that the funeral director was the most passionate, about the sanctity of the dead. It was not until the day-time deputy roused the doctor, asking "We are finished, here. If you want, you can ride back to town, with me." On the ride back to town, when Doctor Rhoades would ask the deputy "What would you, or any one else, know, about the director, of the funeral home, himself?" The deputy would say "Best place I can think, to check, would be the local library. Just be careful of Miss Prudy. That woman can "smell out" a persons true intentions, in seconds." Doctor Rhoades would promise to be both respectful, and discreet. As a result, of this promise, Miss Prudy would take as much as an hour, to figure out what the doctor was searching for. When Miss Prudy would inform Doctor Rhoades "The funeral director was a man of principals. He was dedicated to the sanctity, of the burial experience." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What would he do, if a person did NOT show the deceased proper respect?" Miss Prudy would say "Depending on how "bad" he felt the dis-respect was, his reaction might be a subtle as a whispered warning." "What about if the man felt that a person was either openly profane, or if the person did something, which was of terrible "taste", at a funeral?" Miss Prudy would look about, then whisper, to the doctor "You never, heard this, from me." When Doctor Rhoades would say "I understand." Miss Prudy would whisper "It is not in the official records, but word has it that the funeral director took action, himself, against those, who violated the sacred ground, of the cemetary." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "In what way?" Miss Prudy would say "If you, really, want to know, go, check out that place, yourself. Check the basement. Check it GOOD. Now, if you will excuse me, I see I have other customers awaiting my assistance." Doctor Rhoades was left to read through countless reports, all of which described the funeral director, as one of the best men in the state. The funeral home was listed as "The most respectful place", to hold a funeral, within five counties. What Doctor Rhoades found odd, as in strange, was how little vandalism, occurred, in the nearby cemetary, even on Halloween. While small parties were, often, broken up, by police, the only damage done was for the vandals to pick up their mess. And, WHAT did Miss Prudy mean when she said "Check out that basement. Check it, GOOD!" What was that all about? When Doctor Rhoades would, next, visit the Hall of Records, asking for any information, on the funeral home, the clerk would say "Sorry, sir, but that place was built before official blue-prints even existed. All I can show you are drawings, which were done." When Doctor Rhoades would say "That will be fine", the clerk would lead the doctor to some very dusty, old, volumes. To the doctor surprise, the clerk would ask "Please be careful, with these documents. The Hall of Records has been asking for digitizing, for YEARS. All we hear is that "When the county can afford it." Doctor Rhoades would say "I understand. I will be very careful, with the documents." (What Doctor Rhoades had not mentioned, to the clerk, was that he had no intention of handling the documents, by hand. He had snuck in a digital camera.) What the psychiatrist had not considered was the fact that, with many, old, buildings, blue-prints were little more than sketches. Doctor Rhoades was just thankful that he had read up, on digital photography, and would be able to highlight, and enhance, the photo's. Another problem, and one which the psychiatrist could NOT solve, with technology, was the fact that, when some, older buildings had been built, not everything had been listed in the plans. After Doctor Rhoades had photographed all that he could, his next stop would be his temporary quarters, and a call, to a collegue. In case the phones were tapped, Doctor Rhoades used words, which only certain people understood. Doctor Rhoades felt that, IF the phones were tapped, he did not want any persons knowing what he had in mind. It was not that the psychiatrist wanted the notoriety, of being the discoverer, it was that he did not want persons, currently unknown, to sabotage the property, before the doctor could complete his research work. Two days later, when the equipment, its operator, and his overland vehicle arrived, the worker had whispered, to Doctor Rhoades "Just in case." Two hours later, it would seem that this precaution was "paying dividends", when the truck pulled up to the drive, for the funeral home. On his past visits, Doctor Rhoades had seen, and moved, a simple, construction, barrier, marked "Road Closed". On this visit, and to Doctor Rhoades astonishment, the construction barrier was gone. Now, the construction vehicle faced a wall, built of masonry block. This is when the worker asked Doctor Rhoades "Permission to travel overland?" When Doctor Rhoades would wave a hand, while saying "Proceed", the overland vehicle would, as carefully as possible, drive over the wooded area. The driver would do his best to leave as little evidence, of passage, as possible. Once at the funeral home, while Doctor Rhoades could, psychically, "hear" the souls, crying out for help, the doctor noticed that his driver felt the presence as well. By the time the police arrived, at nightfall, and shot up the visitors machines, while mentioning "Doctor, I thought we made it clear, to you. We do NOT want you off, by yourself." Doctor Rhoades thought it was hilarious, the way a deputy brought forth the doctors laptop computer, then put five bullets through the "core", of the device. Both the scanner operator, and Doctor Rhoades, would spend three hours, at the police station, while the city council tried to decide what to do, next. The mayor had been observed, slapping the heads, of two people, a man and a woman, who suggested "Just get rid of the bodies." The mayor had asked "Do you want both the state police, AND federal authorities, coming down here?" When another man asked, the mayor would say "Simple. With their machinery destroyed, they have NO evidence. Even if they publish a report, the lack of evidence will make it no more than another, ghost, story." In order to depart town, alive, Doctor Rhoades, and the scanner operator, would sign the most generic document, which they had, ever, seen. A document, which promised non-disclosure, under penalty of law. What the document FAILED to define was WHAT it was that neither man was supposed to mention. It was not until the men were back, in the scanner operators lab, that the man asked Doctor Rhoades "Doc, WHAT are you smiling about? Our equipment is all destroyed." Doctor Rhoades had responded with "Our mechanical equipment might be destroyed, but not our information." Sure enough, while Doctor Rhoades was a "miracle worker", with the mind, he was clue-less (as most of us are), about on-line storage, of documents. It had been a patient, who had clued the doctor in, about on-line, document, storage. The patient had even assigned the doctor a code-name. This way, only the doctor could access his files. Now, inside the scanner operators lab, Docotr Rhoades would go on-line, open the files, and show the scanner operator what no one, else, had seen. From what the men could see, it seems that the funeral home had been built on top of an old, mine, shaft. The magnetometer showed that the shafts were built of rebar, and concrete. Just enough to stabilize the shaft, and tunnels. When the scanner produced a crystal clear image, of most of the underground, there were spaces, where the signal was distorted, by some form of energy. Still, the place looked positively beautiful. While the scanner had noted the presence, of the garage, a distance from the home, Doctor Rhoades hopes were dashed when all the scanner showed was funeral home vehicles, and some classic vehicles, which local records showed that the funeral director owned. Doctor Rhoades idea, that the missing cars were being stored, underground, evaporated, when the scan turned up no trace of the automobiles. When Doctor Rhoades began to wonder, aloud, if the cars had been dumped into the lake, the scanner operator would say "Too many cars. Too small a lake." When the scanner operator would suggest "Too bad they wont let us test the cars, in that garage." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "WHY?", the scanner operator would say "Consider this. If someone had access, to the funeral home, what would prevent this person (or persons), from driving a victims car away, to be dumped, then hitch a ride, back to the funeral home, with the driver?" Doctor Rhoades would suggest "Plausible, but how to PROVE." The "answer" would come, hours later, and after bboth men had, un-knowingly, fallen asleep, in the scanners office. In the "vision world", as Doctor Rhoades referred to the "dream world", a man came, to the doctor, asking "Can you help us?" When Docotr Rhoades would ask "How may I be of assistnace, to you?" the mans spirit would say "I need you to find my body. That, and my mistresses." When Doctor Rhoades would, calmly, ask Tell me more?" The spirit would inform Doctor Rhoades "It was not until AFTER we were married, that I found out just how "possessive" my wife was. Anytime I even SPOKE to another woman, my wife insisted that I was starting a new affair. After my wife "caught" me, five times, she refused to let me sleep in my own bed. This is when I DID begin an affair. She was an out-of-town woman, who said her husband was just as paranoid. The last thing I remember was driving her out, to the funeral home, looking at the lake, and doing man-woman things. After that, everything went black." When Doctor Rhoades had asked "Do you remember WHERE you parked?" The mans spirit would say "Tire marks were gone, years ago. Its been decades, since our deaths." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Do you know where you are buried?" It was at this moment, when the scanner operator would whisper "Doc, who is that guy you are talking to?" The spirit would fade, after whispering "I dont know if I can tell you, but I CAN show you." While Doctor Rhoades, and the scanner operator, would use totally seperate roads, to re-enter town, and enter the property, at seperate times, no one had any idea what the doctor was doing. The problem, that the doctor, and the scanner, had, with Marks (the ghosts) directions was that Mark lead the two to one of the very spots, where energy distorted the image, from the scanner. Mark would, then point to another distortion, saying "Emily." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "How do we prove this?" The scanner operator would suggest without 3-D, all was can do is dig." This would be when Mark would ask "Why dig? There is an old shaft, inside thhe funeral home." Doctor Rhoades would be the first to say "Son, I understand your grief. The problem is that the house is locked up." The WAY Mark said "Come with me", gave Doctor Rhoades a chill feeling. After Mark walked the doctors, to the front door, of the funeral home, thewn said "Wait here", there was nothing the men could do, but wait. Moments later, the men heard the door un-locking, then it opened, and Marks spirit waived a hand, saying "Come on in." The one thing no one had mentioned, to the living, was that the shaft, inside the house, had stairs. The men would not have to climb ladders. After Mark found, and pointed out, his remains, he took a short walk, then said "Emily is over here." It was not until the scanner operator would find other remains, and haddle up, to Doctor Rhoades, that the doctor would whisper "Relax. They have been dead, for a very long time. They wont hurt you." Mark would add "You have my WORD, as a ghost, that none will harm you." When the scanner operator would ask "Who are all of these people?" Doctor Rhoades would say "A very good question. Care to supply some information, Mark?" Even as Mark began pointing out skeletons, whisps, of smoke, would drift up, from bodies, swirling in the air, for a moment, then solidifying into human bodies. Just as Doctor Rhoades had suspected, once the funeral home was closed, the property became a meeting place, for people, to have affairs. Doctor Rhoades had little doubt that, if he checked UNDERGROUND magazines, he would find this place listed. Still, this left the question of "What happened to the cars, these people had driven? Where could a person hide up to five DOZEN cars?" The idea, that the cars were just "dumped" made no sense, now, since so many cars, going missing, or turning up, abandoned, would have been enough to alert atleast the state police. When Doctor Rhoades took a look, at the inside, of the front door, he understood the REAL reason why the window was boarded up. It was the etched glass. It portrayed the likeness, of a man and woman, enjoying some sex. Between this, and the supposed adulterers, buried beneath the home, Doctor Rhoades would be surprised that there were not MORE reports, coming in. Still, even if the missing adulterers were buried, beneath this house, this left not only the question of WHO had murdered, then buried, the people, but what had become of the victims automobiles. In Doctor Rhoades mind, it would have been so much easier if the adulterers/missing persons, had, simply, changed identities, and used clothes, and cars, purchased with cash. In this scenario, the cars could have been dumped, either in a river, rock quarry, or even a forest. A case, of runaway lovers, would be the easiest to explain. The problem was that this case involved murder. That meant that there was a motive, to be un-covered. Murderers, like other criminals, had motives. When Doctor Rhoades had a hacker friend check on the savings, and checking, accounts, of the missing, there was no leads, here. None, of the missing, were worth huge sums. Most just had regular bill-paying money. When the scanner operator suggested that sex might be the motive, Doctor Rhoades would say "If the killings were by spouses, THAT would make sense. Problem is, these people were nowhere near their homes. Even revenge killing did not make sense. This, since most arrangements had been made only a single day before arrival. That was no time to plan anything. When Doctor Rhoades reviewed the funeral homes records, again, he found that, while the man lead a proper life, the funeral director never "judged" anyone. He simply accepted fee's, and carried out family wishes. When the scanner operator asked about those, who came AFTER the funeral director, Doctor Rhoades would say "There was no, next, funeral, director. Once the man died, the business was closed." This is when the scanner operator would ask "I wonder WHO installed the glass, in the front door, and WHY? I mean, I just dont see a funeral home as a whore-house." Doctor Rhoades realized that the man had a point. A point the doctor had missed, until that time. Sure, the funeral home might have closed, but WHAT had come, AFTER the funeral home? Several hours, of investigation, later, and Doctor Rhoades had discovered that the funeral home HAD been purchased. This, by an out-of-state, investment, group. It was this group, which had the etched glass installed, in the front door, and promoted the place as a "hide-away". According to the records, the place had been profitable, atleast until patrons began disappearing. This, Doctor Rhoades, noticed had begun when the management company had hired a reclusive Christian to watch over the place. Management had hoped that a person, with Christian values, would keep the place, in proper order, while honoring guests privacy. Doctor Rhoades did not like the direction his mind was thinking, at this point. The doctor was opposed to "invading" anyones religious values. The question was: How FAR would a Christian-values person go, to prevent "sin"? To test his theory, Doctor Rhoades brought in two, of Heidi's fellow actors, and instructed them, on what to do. If the doctor was correct, the murderer would attempt to strike. Instead of renting as car, as, originally, planned, the scanner operator suggested buying an old junker. It would, ofcourse, be made comfortable, for the actors. As per instructions, the actors parked the car in the correct place, then, acting like an adulterous couple, they would pretend to carry on, just loud enough to attract attention. This, the "couple" would do, while the sheriff, and his deputies, along with Doctor Rhoades, would observe. It seems that the spirits had been correct, even about the timing. The sheriff, and party, watched as the suspect moved about the car, pouring what the sheriff would say looked like a mixture, used to keep demons underground. Once the car was encircled, the suspecct brought out an enormous weapon, and began attacking the car. Now, the sheriff had the evidence, which he needed, for arrest. The actual arrest was not so simple. In fact, the deputy had to shoot the suspect, with five darts, before the suspect went down. When the actors inquired, even the sheriff had a hard time accepting WHO the suspect was. It was the reclusive, hard-core, Christian. The suspect had to be held, in maximum security, since hospital staff could, barely, contain them. In fact, throughout the processing, the woman just kept saying "It is against the will of GOD. Adultery is satantic evil. The un-holy MUST be punished! They must be! Satan MUST be kept under control!" While Doctor Rhoades would smile as he thought "If Satan did everything he was accused of, he must be on triple-time pay, and with a fantastic benefits plan." After the local lab identified the substance the woman had used, to trap the spirits, then created a counter-agent, Doctor Rhoades, the scanner operator, and the sheriff, would, ALL, be on -hand, when Doctor Rhoades would spread the mixture around the funeral home. As the mixture blended into the ground, theh sheriff, and the scanner operator, stood, motionless, and dis-believing, as whisps of smoke began to appear, to the living. When the whisps took on human form, Doctor Rhoades would find himself receiving dozens of whispered "Thank You's" from the spirits. Spirits, which would, then, glide away, like angels. When the sheriff would ask "Did we, REALLY, see that?" Doctor Rhoades would ask "What doo you THINK you saw?" The way the sheriff would say "Nothing. Nothing at all." Doctor Rhoades knew the truth. As for the bodies, and the home, the decision was made. Since all that was left was bones, and the house was of historic significance, both would remain as is. A monument to the best of man-kind, and a resting place, for the deceased. May they rest in eternal peace.