Whispers of Bedlam Asylum (Sigmund Shaw Book 2) by Mark C. King Read Free Book Online Page B

his hands deeper in his pockets, he hunched his shoulders and pressed on through the grey drizzle. He envied his monkey, Zachary, as the little creature was sleeping in his bed near the fireplace. Sigmund didn’t have the heart to take him out in this weather. Zachary had better hope that Sigmund could not find a monkey sized overcoat.
     
    Since the called-in favor, Sigmund had been in a foul mood. The task itself was concerning enough, but he still couldn’t get past the audacity of Dr. Ferriss sending a telegram to Alexis. Sigmund had always put his family first, doing everything he could to protect them. The idea that they were in some danger because of him was a bitter and angering thought.
     
    Turning off of Albany Street, he was greeted by another grey road, with a few people about. London had never seemed so monochromatic as it did that day. Seeing Harold ‘Harry’ Thorpe’s home, with the stable building next to it, was a welcome sight. The house was small, but it had a warm cottage feel to it. Apart from Alexis, Harry was Sigmund’s greatest friend. More than that, Harry was a mentor and father figure. Sigmund’s own father died from an illness while he was young and his mother had been too devastated to be of much help. It was a difficult time for the family, but Harry was there to help get them through.
     
    The stables held horses for many cab drivers, just like Sigmund, and the boarding fees were how Harry made his living. Being that it was already late morning, most stalls were empty. Sigmund spied inside the stable and saw his horse, Ham, waiting patiently. Ham was the name that Sarah gave the horse when she was young. The family tried to talk her out of it, but to no avail. Sarah was adamant and since she was given the responsibility, Sigmund’s horse was named Ham.
     
    Looking around the stable, Sigmund was surprised to not see Harry out and about, working on something or another. Turning away from the entrance, he walked over to the front door of the house and knocked. Almost immediately he heard footsteps coming to answer.
     
    When the door opened, a kindly looking man exclaimed, “Ah, Sig! A little later than usual.”
     
    ‘Sig’ was not a nickname that Sigmund particularly liked, but Harry was allowed to get away with it. “Hello Harry,” Sigmund responded cheerfully, despite his mood. “Not out in the stables this morning?”
     
    “Out in this?” Harry asked incredulously, pointing through the doorway at the weather. “This is fine weather for a duck I imagine, but not for these sore old bones. Now come inside and warm up a bit.”
     
    Walking in the home, Sigmund quipped, “This is London weather at its finest! That is, if you can ignore the rain, the cold, and the wind.”
     
    “Oh, is that all?” The living room of Harry’s home felt as warm as the outside looked. This was the result of Harry’s late wife, Katherine. Sigmund sat himself at the kitchen table while Harry took a pot of water off the stove and poured a cup of tea for each of them. As he brought the hot beverage over, he said, “I was starting to think you were going to take the day off. Not that I would have blamed you with this weather.”
     
    Sigmund had decided earlier that he would tell Harry about Dr. Ferriss and the favor. He nearly lost him as a friend because of other hidden things, and would not allow that to happen ever again. “Well, Harry, I’m not exactly working today.”
     
    “Is that so? So you came out in the rain and cold to harass a handsome old man?”
     
    “Precisely. Please let me know when he arrives.”
     
    “Don’t worry,” Harry chuckled, “you’ll recognize him by the foot he will place up your bum.”
     
    Sigmund laughed. Harry may be getting older, but he was still quick. “Actually, Harry, I am fulfilling a favor that I owe. A favor that could be difficult, but needs to be done.” Sigmund proceeded to tell Harry about Dr. Ferriss and his questionable profession,