Sherlock Holmes Murder Most Foul by Gordon Punter Read Free Book Online

a heavily-built police constable.
    Lestrade turns to Mary, who inadvertently burps in his face.
    Shaking his head despairingly, Lestrade indicates the line of soldiers, “It’s very simple, miss. If you see either man, just touch them on the shoulder.”
    Strolling over to Piggott, Lestrade introduces himself, “Inspector Lestrade. Scotland Yard.”
    Piggott scowls disapprovingly, “May I remind you, Inspector, that this regiment fought under [71] Wellington at Waterloo. These men are not murderers, they are soldiers of the Queen. Are you prepared to discredit this regiment because of the death of an unfortunate? A penniless whore, Inspector.” 
    Offended by the statement, Lestrade replies sarcastically, “Ah, yes, the honour of the regiment. Then, perhaps, we should allow her killer to escape?”
    Piggott, his face flushed with anger, roars at Reynolds, “All right, Colour Sergeant, get on with it.”
    Clutching the ledger tightly, Reynolds salutes Piggott, “Yes, sah.” He then turns to Lestrade, “This way, Inspector.”
    Taking Mary by the arm, Lestrade escorts her to the head of the line, “I’ll be right beside you, miss. Take your time.”
    Walking unsteadily, she slowly begins to inspect the soldiers.
    Piggott edges up next to Reynolds, who lingers just behind Mary and Lestrade, “Is that woman drunk, Colour Sergeant?”
    Using one side of his mouth, Reynolds whispers, “I doubt she’s ’ad a sober day in ’er entire life, sah.”
    Piggott sneers, “That, Colour Sergeant, may help us.”
    Pausing in front of Private Law and recognising him, Mary smirks. 
    Immediately noticing her expression, Lestrade murmurs, “Do you know this man?”
    Mary shrugs her shoulders.
    Lestrade confronts Law, “What’s your name, son?”
    Staring straight ahead, Law remains impassive.
    Lestrade wearily shakes his head, “I asked you a question, son. What’s your name?”
    Feeling threatened, Law blurts, “Colour Sergeant?”
    Loathe to assist Lestrade, Reynolds nevertheless growls at Law, “Yer name an’ rank, son.”
    Law reacts timidly, “Why me, Colour Sergeant?”
    Lestrade groans, “Because you’re here, son. Because we’re all here.”
    Reynolds adopts a fatherly tone, “Bear in mind the ’onour o’ the regiment, son. Answer the Inspector, there’s a good boy.”
    Law gulps and glances at Lestrade, “Private William Law.”
    Scornfully, Lestrade grins, “There, that wasn’t difficult, was it?”
    He indicates Mary, “Know this woman, do you?”
    Mary hiccups and then giggles mockingly.
    Law promptly shakes his head.
    Lestrade casually scratches the side of his neck, “Ever been to Whitechapel, son?”
    Law gulps again, “Whitechapel?”
    Lestrade nods, “Yes, Whitechapel.”
    Again, Law promptly shakes his head.
    Lestrade indicates over his shoulder, “Less than half a mile from here. Quite a lively district. Popular with young soldiers, I hear. [72] Ring a bell, does it?”
    Law shakes his head once more.
    Exasperated, Piggott howls, “For heaven’s sake, Inspector, enough of your futile questions. These men are supposed to be on duty. Will you please move along?”
    Grudgingly relenting, Lestrade resumes his slow walk along the line with Mary, who spots Leary standing beside another soldier, Lance Corporal Benjamin. Alarmed and feeling queasy, she falters, staggers sideways and bumps into Benjamin, shakily placing her hand on his shoulder for support.
    Taken completely by surprise, an incensed Benjamin glares at Mary, “’Ere, wot’s goin’ on?” He shoves her away, back into the arms of Lestrade.
    Stepping smartly around Lestrade and Mary, Reynolds glowers at Benjamin, “Shut up, Lance Corporal!”
    Benjamin pleads, “I swear it, Colour Sergeant, I ’aven’t seen ’er b’fore t’day.”
    Infuriated, Reynolds barks, “I said, shut up! Now, step forward.”
    Obeying Reynolds, Benjamin takes a pace forward.
    Edging closer to Benjamin, Piggott pompously sneers at Mary, “Now,