The Veiled Detective by David Stuart Davies Read Free Book Online Page A

“Doctor Walker, I am so pleased to meet you. I am Lincoln Scoular.”
    Dumbly I took his hand and shook it. Like a gas mantle being turned down, the smile faded quickly.
    “I have a carriage waiting. We shall repair to Reed’s club for drink and refreshment, and to provide you with a night’s accommodation. Over our meal we shall discuss your future. I trust that these arrangements are in accordance with your wishes?”
    I nodded. “Indeed,” I said, unsure whether they were or not. I knew that in reality I had no other option. Once again, it was a decision that was to change my life for ever.
    “Where is he now?” Professor Moriarty handed his two visitors a glass of brandy each before seating himself behind his large desk.
    “At my club, snoring his head off no doubt,” grinned Reed, cradling the brandy glass in both hands. “We made sure he had plenty to eat and drink.”
    Moriarty nodded and turned to his other visitor. “Impressions?”
    Scoular pursed his lips. “There is steel and fire in his nature, I am sure. At present he is demoralised, but, given time, the phoenix will rise.”
    “With our help, eh, Professor?” Reed raised his glass in a mock toast.
    The Professor did not seem amused. “You are rarely wrong in finding the organisation effective recruits, Reed, but this time I must be absolutely certain about this man. I have a particular project in mind for him — if he is the right man.”
    “There is no doubt that all the biographical details are true. I read all about his case in the local press in Candahar and thought then that he might make a suitable candidate for recruitment. When I learned that he would be sailing on the same boat back here, I made it my business to find out all about him.”
    Now Moriarty did smile. “Your thoroughness is commendable — but facts do not always reveal the man.”
    “Ah,” said Reed, warming with the compliment, “but I watched him closely on the voyage and I spent several hours in conversation with him. He has all the qualities we look for in a recruit: nobility, courage, but a life damaged and a nature simmering with bitterness. He is ready, I am sure.”
    “I believe Reed is right,” agreed Scoular softly. “In his present state of mind, Walker is rather like a dog that has been rescued from being destroyed. He will give obedience and loyalty to anyone who shows him any form of kindness and generosity.”
    Moriarty sipped his brandy, trapping the mouthful until it began to burn his tongue before releasing it. “I am encouraged by your words, gentlemen. If what you say is accurate, it is so very opportune that this remarkable individual has been washed up on our beach at this particular time. He seems to have all the qualities needed for the job I have in mind.”
    “May I ask what job that is?” enquired Reed.
    Moriarty grinned. “Of course you may. However, you should not expect an answer. Not yet, at least.”
    Reed looked nervously away and took a large gulp of brandy.
    The room fell into silence, a silence both visitors knew it would be inappropriate to break. The Professor was thinking, and he would be the one to speak first. Scoular and Reed sat impassively as the silence settled on the room, accentuating the crackle of the coals in the grate and the soft tick of the clock on the mantel. At length the Professor began tapping his fingers in a staccato rhythm on the desk, and then at last he spoke.
    “You are excellent lieutenants, and I trust your word and your judgement implicitly. However, on this occasion, I need to judge for myself before we go any further with this matter. Reed, I shall call round to your club tomorrow at noon. Make sure there is a private roomavailable where I may have a meeting with Doctor John H. Walker.”
    “It shall be done.”
    “Very good. Now, gentlemen, I do not think I need keep you any more from your beds or what other pursuits you have in mind at this late hour. Therefore, I bid you