The small flat contained only the barest necessities. A table, two chairs, two narrow beds, and a crutch. The room had the desolate appearance of a place abandoned.
The Inspector swore softly.
“They’ve cleared out.”
Holmes walked slowly across the room, his sharp eyes noting every detail, including the still warm fireplace.
“Not, many hours ago,” he murmured.
I noticed then that a typewriter stood upon the small table by the window. A sheet of paper had been neatly inserted between the rollers.
Holmes approached it.
“Well,” said he quietly, “that is considerate.”
Gregson stepped forward.
“What is it?”
Holmes read the message aloud.
My compliments to Mr Sherlock Holmes on his admirable detective work.
We had hoped to remain in London longer as we had worked months to build trust, but your interest in our affairs has hastened a sudden departure.
I was not surprised to see you at my workplace but when you turned up at Gigliola’s workplace we knew it was time to seek easier pastures.
Let me leave you with advice though. In future a gentleman so widely known to the public might consider wearing a disguise when dining in fashionable restaurants.
Yours with sincere admiration. O&G
Ps Don’t look for us. We will never return to London.
Holmes allowed the paper to fall gently back against the platen.
Gregson stared at it in irritation.
“Mocking you, Mr Holmes.”
Holmes’s lips curved in the faintest smile.
“On the contrary, Inspector, Complimenting me.”
“They left during the night,” said I. “Everything essential is gone.”
Holmes nodded.
“The trunk is empty. The wardrobe contains only discarded garments.”
Inspector Gregson paced the room angrily.
“Confound them! We were within hours of catching them.”
Holmes walked to the window and looked out into the pale winter street.
I could not help but admire the coolness with which he regarded the situation.
“You do not seem greatly disappointed, Holmes.”
“My dear Watson,” said he, lighting a cigarette, “when a criminal takes the trouble to write such a letter it usually means two things.”
“And those are?”
“First, that they are pleased with themselves, having triumphed in a manner over a famous Detective.”
“And second?”
Holmes exhaled a thin stream of smoke.
“That they believe the game to be over.”
He tapped the edge of the typewriter thoughtfully.
“Which, of course, is when the game becomes most interesting.”
Inspector Gregson looked sceptical.
“They’re halfway across the Channel by now.”
Holmes’s eyes gleamed.
“Perhaps.”
He folded the note carefully and slipped it into his pocket.
“Remember, even the cleverest thieves leave crumbs upon a trail…..and, who knows, maybe our paths will cross again in the future.”