Sherlock Holmes and the King of Clubs by Steve Hayes Page A

Houdini’s personal business. It’s just something I find impossible to do. When he first hired me it was upon the strictest understanding that I employ discretion at all times. I am privyto a great many of his secrets – not personal matters, you understand, but the means by which he is able to perform the feats he does. Many times I’ve been approached by rival acts, offering large sums of money to make me break that confidence. I would never do that, and Mr Houdini knows it. And that’s why I’m so upset to have betrayed him as I’ve done tonight. But he can’t resolve this matter alone, I
know
he can’t.’
    â€˜Very well,’ Holmes said. ‘We will come and see him to discuss it, and if he is of a mind to do so, he may give us all the details himself.’
    Relief flooded across her tear-stained face. ‘Oh, thank you, Mr Holmes—’ She broke off as their tea was delivered and didn’t speak again until the waiter had left. ‘We had better not go together,’ she then added.
    â€˜In case we are seen by the press, you mean?’ Watson said, pouring tea.
    â€˜Not just the press.’
    â€˜You believe you are being watched?’ asked Holmes.
    â€˜I’m convinced of it.’
    â€˜And perhaps followed here?’
    â€˜Possibly – though I made every effort to evade any follower.’
    â€˜Whom do you suspect of following you?’
    â€˜I’m not sure. I It could as easily have been a reporter after the real reason behind the show’s cancellation as … as someone else.’
    Holmes studied her sharply. ‘This … difficulty … of Mr Houdini’s. Is it of a criminal nature?’
    â€˜I would rather he explained it to you himself.’
    â€˜Very well. Mr Houdini is staying at the Royal, I believe?’
    She nodded. ‘On the Stephansplatz.’ Then, suspiciously, ‘How did you know that?’
    â€˜It is in the paper,’ Holmes replied simply.
    Her lashes fluttered. ‘Yes … yes, of course. Forgive me, gentlemen, my nerves have got the better of me. The Royal. Room 414.’
    â€˜Splendid,’ Holmes said. ‘Now, finish your tea and then make your way back there. Oh, and take this with you,’ he said, handingher the newspaper he had bought earlier. ‘It may not be the best disguise, but it will suggest to whoever you believe is watching you that you left your hotel in order to do nothing more daring that buy an evening newspaper.’
    â€˜Y-Yes, all right.’
    â€˜Watson and I will give you fifteen minutes and then set out for the Royal. I should be very surprised if a hotel which has been so recently refurbished has not installed at least one fire exit. When you reach your destination, locate the exit and wait there. When we knock, you may let us in, and in this manner we shall be able to enter the hotel and talk to Mr Houdini unobserved.’
    She nodded again, too agitated to calm herself. ‘I understand.’
    She got to her feet and they rose with her. Impulsively Watson squeezed her hand and said, ‘Take heart, Miss Lane. If there is anything Holmes and I can do to help you, rest assured it will be done.’
    â€˜Thank you, gentlemen,’ she said tremulously. Then, turning, she walked out of the lobby without a backward glance.
    Watching her go, Watson felt his pulses begin to race. ‘Good Lord,’ he breathed. ‘This … it’s just like the old days, Holmes! I wonder what Houdini’s problem is?’
    Holmes reached for his hat. ‘We shall know that soon enough, my friend. That is, if you are up to it?’
    â€˜I would not miss this for anything … whatever it is.’
    â€˜Then let us go.’
    â€˜But … but you said we would wait fifteen minutes.’
    â€˜So I did. But I think it would pay us to keep a close eye on Miss Lane, to make sure that she really
has
eluded her pursuers