Tweet …. Is it still Tweet, or ...... an Odyssey update.

Does not matter. I am just updating my progress... (sounds more like I am still getting... never mind...) here I cometh......

I am 100K words now (179 pages) and still developing the tale. I am almost completing the journey of Odysseus; the adventure and the sex ……. maybe a trickle of it, but the steampunk contents are building up. I had a long time trying to figure out the chapters ahead…. Maybe the porn was not that stimulating at my age…. 

I once gave my view of the works when the technician was fixing the engines in my place ... "Yup, I've seen it all; it needs some lubricants, but I tell ya, 'kick in the butt and it will work as well...'" 

My bad, the technician was a lady then, and she did not appreciate my statement. I got a whopping bill for the repair.

Yes, back to Odysseus, I gave it many thoughts on the odyssey here. I had started off with the (intention; great imagination there) doing the integration of three tales, Odyssey, The Tempest and Othello by Shakespeare, then dropped Othello off from when the build up was at 90K words, and then came the …… Darned they do not make cushy cushions to sit, or was I losing my bump due to the lack of humps. 

Anyway, the tale needed Othello back. So, I improvise and be darned…… this odyssey may just take a trifle too long to complete… Honestly, (felt like I was facing God then listening to my list of penance. I had to embark on a tale ... well, to make it an epic tale. 

I had exceeded my 50K words per tale to now at 100K words; like sex, you come with a start and end time, and then you snore... Well, the tale looks like it just half its odyssey here …… Huh, not done yet? I thought I was the only one taking VIAGRA...

And was I talking in my sleep too…? My wife asked me last night when we were in bed, within the boundaries of our snoring perimeters, who is Desdomena? ….. My reply, Huh…. Our new neighbor? ……. I must do a shutdown when I am sleeping or asleep, or I will end up as a DOMESTIC ASSAULT victim…… Sept 21^st 2026……. still writing.

Heroes Return VI: Book One London Chapter 24

 

24. 

 

"Gi" (Justice/Rectitude) ……. Be honest in all dealings and do the right thing.”

“Yū (Courage)... Face danger and death without hesitation.”

“Jin (Benevolence) ……. Show mercy and compassion.”

“Rei (Respect)…. Be polite and respectful to all, including enemies.”“Makoto (Sincerity) ……. Keep your word and act honestly.”

“Meiyō (Honor)… Maintain your reputation and dignity above all else.”

“Chūgi (Loyalty)... Be loyal to your master until death.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata bowed his head. He had just said the codes of Bushido. He had acted as the second for Hiroshima-san, who had committed seppuku to restore his honour. He had committed his dishonour when he betrayed his Lord.

“Hiroshima-san, your honour is restored.” Doctor Mitsui placed the head of the samurai into the box he had brought. He reflected on his own honour; he was a ronin when his lord, Age Yomiuri, died. He recalled his battle with Sukimora. The katana he had used to commit the second was placed before the dead man.

“Sensei, I cannot do this.” Sukimora stopped his fight. He had attacked with the ‘Shako Ken’ strike, aiming to incapacitate the other.

“Sukimora, I taught you better than that.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata retaliated with the ‘Kiten Shuto’; the right-hand fingers firmed up to form a sword. He aimed at the left elbow but impacted the forearm.

“Sensei, I came to warn you. The Yomi demons are onto you.” Sukimora stepped back, nursing his forearm. “You sent me here to check on them. I did and found Ito Matsuke is the senior here. There is one other who oversees them.”

“I did, and did you not join them later? Why, Sukimora?” Doctor Mitsui moved in on the next move. The move was fast; the doctor had the other in an offensive manoeuvre. Sukimora had struck out with the Mikazuki Sokushi Geri (Crescent Kick), a kicking technique aiming to knock down an opponent. The doctor had anticipated that and did the Oni Kudaki (Shoulder Lock), a common, effective joint lock.

“You are predictable, Sukimora. I had a counter to that kick many times from you.” The doctor had moved in to deflect the kick and applied pressure on the right heel. He heard the bones there cracked. Sukimora fell backwards onto his knees.

“My apologies, Sensei. I was weak.” Sukimora bowed to the Sensei. “He caught me with some military papers of ours. Germany was keen to trade. I was to trade them for more updates, but Ito Matsuke had me framed. I had to comply with him.”

“For money, Sukimora. You sold out the country.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata went for the kill blow, the Shotokan blow on the forehead, a deadly blow focusing the strength on the knuckles aimed at the head. The young exponent fell to his side there on the flooring. Doctor Mitsui Ogata had then examined the bag brought by Sukimora. He saw the timer there and exited by the window, taking the grappling rope he had kept by it. He barely made it when the bomb exploded.

“Your timing is impeccable, Ito Matsuke.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata became aware of his surroundings then. He was still in the living area of the chamber of Hiroshima-san.

“Step forth, my disciple.”

Ito Matsuke appeared from the dark corner, dressed in black, and had the ‘ninjato’ on his waist belt.

“I came upon getting the report that..."

“You have me followed. I am aware.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata smiled. “I made myself known before I arrived here.”

“Ito, the Yomi Demons seem to be wide in their network. You have even the ‘gaijin’ in your employ.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata looked at his disciple. “I need you here to see the avenue to your betrayal; the way to redeem your honour.”

“I deem not my honour tarnished here, Sensei. I am … fulfilling another destiny of mine.” Ito Matsuke took his left foot back in the striking stance. It was the Renoji-dachi stance from the Shotokan art, with weight on the back leg for momentum to push forth. Ito had his right hand rested on the hilt of his sword.

“If it is honour, do not come with your lackeys as you also did at the forest.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata called out. Two other dark figures appeared from the dark corners. They were similarly dressed and held the long katana.

“More of mine or yours, Ito?”

“Mine actually. I had them come over a year ago. They are all ex-military and were once of the samurai class," Ito Matsuke replied. “The upheaval of the Meiji era: Japan was forced to open to the West, questioning the shōgun's political authority over maintaining Japanese sovereignty. The emperor’s rebuke of shogunal actions led to the emergence of an ideological divide within the samurai class concerned with their feudal obligations to both the shōgun and the emperor.”

“Some……"“Some samurai became shishi ("men of spirit") who were committed to the emperor’s proclamations to expel the barbarians. Factional disputes within the domains led some domains to conflict with the Tokugawa. In 1868, Emperor Meiji declared political power to be restored to the Imperial House, materialized in the Boshin War and the short-lived Republic of Ezo, but by the 1870s, the emperor's authority was practically unquestioned. The new government changed the strata of society, abolishing the old currency, the domain system, and eventually the class position of the samurai," Doctor Mitsui Ogata said. “I was there. I got most of you to train as warriors in the Oni Society.”

“We are glad, Sensei. The evolution did not stop there. We had to begin another.” Ito Matsuke bowed to his sensei. “May I request your guidance to join us?”

“I am a samurai, by honour and by service.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata replied. “My blood oath (Kishōmon) is within the Oni Society, although I serve no master now but my own.”

Historically, samurai often solidified their commitments to a lord via a kishōmon (written oath), signed with their name and often sealed with a blood thumbprint. 

“I may be a ronin, but my last unfulfilled task makes void of my new direction. I will fulfil my task before I am to take on the new journey.”

“You leave me with no choice, Sensei.” Ito Matsuke held up his left hand.

“We will battle, but not that day and not today.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata held up his right hand. “I am to find out the leader of the Yomi Demons, and today is also the day of mourning for a good friend. Two friends I lost; the second faded away. We will battle soon, Ito Matsuke, but not today. I will leave now.”

Doctor Mitsui Ogata took his leave of the chamber, unharmed. It was dusk, and with the smog, London turned dark fast.

Meanwhile, Sherlock Holmes was settling down to his supper with Doctor John Watson. They were having roast dinner with Yorkshire pudding; roast features roasted meat (often beef), crispy roasted potatoes, vegetables, and savoury gravy, accompanied by light, puffy Yorkshire puddings. Yorkshire puddings are made by baking a batter of eggs, flour, and milk in hot oil, while gravy is created from meat pan drippings.

Sherlock was playing with his vegetables, assembling them across his plate like kids do when they do not want to eat. Piles of telegrams and messages were at the side of the table.

“I doubt you could create Waterloo there. Napoleon does not look like a green pea, and I am sure the French finest looked like pudding.” Doctor John Watson sliced the pudding in half. “Are you back to your cocaine? Your pupil looked dilated, and even when I looked closer, the blood vessel constriction could be seen.”

“Please, Watson. You are not my physician," Sherlock snapped out.

“I am not. I am just a busy parker (busybody for cockney slang), gaffer.” Doctor John Watson, in his irritation, makes up his words in cockney slang. “On me, Jack, I would prefer to treat the sows in the countryside rather than you.”

“Do not hitch on the horse just yet, Watson. I need you here.” The rare moments Sherlock pleaded with the doctor. “I did take a jab of the cocaine… it is a seven percent level. It is normal……"Then at that era, cocaine was being hailed both in Europe and the United States as an effective local anaesthetic and a treatment for morphine addiction.

“Cocaine is normal for the sick. And you are not sick. You are mentally challenged in your deductive logic. I drew that to mean you are still sane but intensely focused on the issue at hand; that insanity may follow on.” Doctor John Watson looked at the man; he shared a unit in London.

“Yes, you are insane, well, not thoroughly there, but your…… Holmes, if you persist, you will develop a pernicious behaviour that may……"

“Gall at you? Was that why you left for the countryside?” Sherlock took offense to the words. Doctor John Watson stood up and dropped his napkin.

“Leaving now? Are you?” Sherlock called out. It was then Mrs. Hudson appeared.

“If I had known the roast was overly done, I would not have served it to the both of you.” Mrs. Hudson looked at the spread prepared by her.

 “Do not squabble on. You got a guest.”

“I am not seeing anyone tonight.” Sherlock pushed the plate to the side.

“You will see me.” Lord Greystokes stood at the doorway. “I came to see you on some matters of mine.”   

 

Heroes Return VI: Book One London Chapter 23

 

23. 

 

Doctor Mitsui Ogata sat on his haunches in the living chamber of an old friend who came with the Iwakura Delegation in 1872 and remained in London. The living area was covered with the tatami cover, and an area was designed to heat the teapot.

“Arigatogozimas, Hiroshima-san.” The doctor bowed to his friend, an academician who was serving tea to him.

“I am ever thankful for your visit, Sensei Ogata.” The other man was an elderly man dressed in the montsuki (紋付) style, a typically black, often silk-made kimono worn over traditional Japanese clothing known as hakama. The man had his hair designed in the chonmage (丁髷), a traditional Japanese topknot haircut worn by men. “How is life here, Hiroshima-san?”

“Difficult, but so is the terrain at the horizon. Nothing is like home, but we adapt.”

“You could go back, Hiroshima-san.” The doctor raised the option.

“I could, but there is no one left there. My family is only me. I've never wedded and have no kids with anyone. My parents are dead in Japan.”

“True. I apologize for asking.” The doctor bowed once more. “It was rude of me."

“Do not be, Sensei. We are...rather, I am a ronin in some manner. I hold no association to any.” The man smiled. “I may be asking for your visit here now.”

“I shall not hold anything back from you, Hirohisma-san. You came with the Iwakura delegation, but your expertise was in mining. You had worked at Manchuria and copper at sites at Ashio.”

“I did and came here to learn more on the workings, but we are not much different. I begged to stay on to improve here.” Hiroshima-san sighed.

“Yet you were attached briefly to the mining operation of Leeson and Associate.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata looked at the man.

“I was, at the request of one named Ian Masterson. He told me to get involved with the Oni Society. I am not one to decline that request.” Hiroshima-san bowed to the sensei. “We all have our purpose, and mine was to be the engineer there.”

“Do you have the notes?” Doctor Mitsui Ogata asked. “You are an academic. Your true work lies in writing down the findings.”

“I did. The notes were given to Ito Matsuke when he asked for them. He is the senior member of the Oni Society. I cannot refuse him.”

“Do you know he also works for Ian Masterson?” Doctor Mitsui Ogata asked.

“Work for? No, he is the associate member of the Leeson Associates, which included Masterson.” Hiroshima-san bowed. “I apologize for not telling this earlier."

“What else are you not telling me, Hiroshima-san?”“I…… I will tell, Sensei.” The man looked down to tatami.

“I am not alone in the city. My real reason is I am with a lover, a gaijin. His name is Trevor Nottings. In our country, it is not disallowed, but here in England, it is a crime.” The man bowed his head. “I am not ashamed, but I fear the retribution towards Trevor.”

“Ito Matsuke knows?”

“Yes, he does. He threatened to expose me if I do not work for him," Hiroshima-san said. “Ito Matsuke is a member of the Yomi Demons. They are powerful and held many at their calls.”

“Hiroshima-san, I have no control over your afflictions, but your ……. Undisclosed information and working for the rebels have displeased me. Our honour in the society had been tarnished. You do know of the need to clear this dishonour?"

“Yes, Sensei. I know. But I have a request. I am not a strong person. Can you be my second?”

Doctor Mitsui Ogata nodded.

“We will do it at sundown. Get your personal matters resolved by then. I will be back.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata got up and left the house.

It was then Lord Greystoke got the telegram on the demise of his warriors. Only Megmu had survived to tell the truth.” He was at the porch of the mansion and hollered out.

“Bundolo!” Lord Greystokes called out. “Your deaths will be avenged.”

“John, what happened?” Lady Jane rushed to meet her lover. He handed over the telegram to her and then walked to the Waziri’s village. They will need to be told by him of the event.

"The devil whispered, 'You cannot withstand the storm.' The warrior replied, "I am the storm." Lord Greystokes stood there before the Waziri warriors he had gathered at the village. He had stripped to his familiar wear of the jungle and stood tall on the mound to address them.

“Here in this foreign land, we will not fear the devil. We are the warriors. We will survive anyway.” The leader of the warriors roared out. “Kreegah. (Beware).”

“We will thrive. Built from struggle. Formed from pain. Strengthened by adversity."

“Bundolo!” The warriors chanted back. “Your deaths will be avenged.”Lord Greystokes then announced the three days of mourning for the death. He walked back to the mansion and saw Lady Jane waiting there.

“John, there must be a reason. I know Mindy.”

“The leopard does not change its spots. Mindy Kewala will pay the price for the betrayal.” Lord Greystokes looked at his lover. “She may be our friend, but betrayal ceased to be our relationship.”

Let me find her.” Lady Greystokes looked at the man.

“You are with a child. You cannot be running out there. I will find her, and if it's proven, I will do justice. That I can promise to you.”

“No, John. Anger and vengeance are clouding your judgment. Find the others and get their help," Lady Jane pleaded. “You cannot be judge, jury, and … killer.”

“Who? The authorities? They know not of our ways.”

“Find Holmes. He will help.” Lady Jane looked at the man she loves.

“Do not shed the blood of the innocent. Find the truth and let justice prevail.”

“You are asking me to seek the devil who killed our child.” Lord Greystokes cried out.

“Our child was not killed by him. It was a part of the battle then. I cannot blame it all on him. He ……. We are also at fault there.”

“Fine. I will seek him, but you are to stay here. Be safe till I return.” Lord Greystokes looked at the lady he loves. “Our child here must survive.”

Lady Greystokes nodded.

Meanwhile, Doctor John Watson and Nayland Smith took their attendance with Holmes. They were brief on the happenings with Mindy Kewala.

"Unbelievable…" Nayland sighed.

“Is John…" Doctor John Watson was trying to piece the words together there.

“John is a … fine man. He will come to term with the issue.” Sherlock continued looking out the window. It felt like years ago when they had met then in Africa, the Greystokes and Holmes on an adventure with several others looking for King Solomon’s treasure. The loss of the baby for the Greystokes was inevitable.

“Yes, Lady Greystoke. They removed the …. child. It was tainted.” The frail figure seated on the seat voiced it in a concerned tone. (Heroes Return I Page 74). Jane Greystokes was devastated and never forgave all of them for causing her loss of the child. It also affected their relationship; the Greystokes retired to their estate and refused to have any contact with anyone outside. The Waziri warriors were brought in to bring balance to their existence, and John Greystokes loved his people.

“I dealt with many ladies who had lost their child. We can never comprehend their emotions.” Doctor John Watson said. “We are…" Nayland Smith was to cut in when Doctor John Watson continued. “Emotional bastards, are we? I know the accusation. I have removed a man's limbs or pulled a bullet out to have the patient die later. Yes, we are emotional bastards! We lacked empathy to death. She stands over us at every…"

“Enough, Watson.” Sherlock intervened in his rare moments of outburst. “Right now, we are solving a case involving the death of some… friends."

“Doctor, do you have anything for my pain?” Sherlock looked at Watson and then shook his head. “Never mind. Tell me the event surrounding Mindy Kewala brought in a different angle to the case. Is she a victim or an associate to the murders?” Sherlock looked to Mycroft. “How was she vetted by the Foreign Office?”

“Vetted… We are checking.” Mycroft bit his tongue there. He was too argumentative on the manner of the honour of the office but felt it was irrelevant then.    

Doctor Watson glared at Sherlock then.

 

Heroes Return VI: Book One London Chapter 22

 

22. 

 

“Ms. Kewala, I thought we were to go to Farrington." Ngamba, who was leading the Waziri warriors, approached the lady. He was dressed in the simple tunic and pants with sandals for his footwear. He had retained his rungu in the backpack.

“My mistake there, Ngamba. I was to say Farringdon.” Mindy looked to the street there. Farringdon was a booming area of London; the station then was a bustling hub of the Metropolitan Railway, the world's first underground railway. The steam trains were fully established, connecting commuters from suburbs like Paddington to the city. Due to the high frequency of trains, the area was often plagued by soot and smoke. The nearby Smithfield meat market was a hive of activity. That area was also populated by the African community, which stretched to the surrounding Clerkenwell area of London; it was small but established, existing with other broader, low-income Victorian communities. The mix of individuals from across the African diaspora, including African and Afro-Caribbean individuals who worked in various London trades.

“Are you uncomfortable, Ngamba? These are our people too.” Mindy looked at the Waziri warrior.

“No offense, Ms. Kewala. I hardly travelled out of the estate.” Ngamba looked to the community there. He then looked to the others.

“Be on alert.”

“Do not worry, Ngamba. My chamber is up ahead.” Mindy led the way across the street and then two blocks on; she took the alley in between the buildings. Ngamba looked at the surroundings. Instead of tall trees and canopied leaves, he saw concentrated structures with overhanging cables and stagnant smog.

“Here we are.” Mindy stopped at the doorway. She took out a key and unlocked the door. She went in first. Megmu, the other lady in the group, took entry, followed by another named Korak.

“Yarty, stay on guard here.” Ngamba held the last of the warriors back. “We will be fast.”

Fast was the reaction felt by those who stepped in. Megmu, who had stepped in, was slashed at the chest and dropped forward. Korak saw the attack had stepped to the left. He unslung the knapsack and deflected the slash at him. He reached into the backpack to remove the rungu, but another to his left had slashed the side of his neck. Ngamba, who was behind Korak, had his knapsack unslung and reached his rungu. He was facing two assailants then, with Ms. Kewala seen at the rear of the chamber.

“Bundolo!” (Kill) Ngamba called out. He eyed the two assailants there, dressed in black and holding short swords.

“Hai!” The assailant on the left charged at Ngamba, who sidestepped the downward swing of the katana blade. Ngamba had his body turned and swung the rungu hard at the back of the assailant. It impacted just below the back of the neck. The assailant staggered to the right side, wobbling in the steps, and then fell to the flooring.

“Bundolo!” Ngamba went for the killing blow on the back of the head, but he had to sidestep when the other assailant did a front thrust of the sword at him. Ngamba felt the sword had pierced his left side of the chest, but it was not fatal. He swung the rungu in a right swing at the second assailant who had stepped back. Ngamba retreated holding the wound on his chest.

“Hai!” The second assailant charged at Ngamba with the sword held in the right hand, and on his left hand, he had on the dagger drawn from his waist belt. The assailant went in for the kill move at the neck, and Ngamba took his rungu with both hands, holding it. He swung the rungu at the assailant right, and at the last moment, he twisted his wrist to divert the blow to the side of the lower chest.

It worked, for the assailant was hurt by the low blow and fell to the side. Ngamba was to follow on with the deadly blow to the head when the bullet impacted his chest. He looked to the shooter.

“Ms. Kewala…" Ngamba muttered.

It was then that Yarty rushed in and was shot in the face by the lady. Mindy Kewala then stepped over the Waziri warriors, making sure they were dead.

“You are not a bad shot after all.” Lieutenant Gavin McLeod stood at the doorway holding the sabre and revolver. “Get the papers and we can leave.”

“The others…" Mindy looked at the two assailants.

“Done!” Lieutenant Gavin McLeod plunged the sabre into the back of the neck of both assailants. Mindy rushed to collect the papers and then fled the scene with the lieutenant

.It was a successful operation, but they overlooked the condition of the lady warrior. Megmu, wounded, had crawled to the doorway and was met by the neighbours there.

“Nisaidie” (Help me), Megmu called out in Swahili (Kiswahili), the Bantu language spoken by millions across East Africa. Meanwhile, Sherlock Holmes was in deep thought on the case. He had picked up the violin but did not string the chords. He was still trying to piece the puzzle together on the people he assumed were involved.

Mindy Kewala was seen in London according to his boys, but her destination was unknown. The boys reported her being with a group of her own people. The boys were not familiar with the different ethnicities but called them "Zulus," the term used to describe any African descent then. It may be referenced to the Battle of Isandlwana in 1879: The Zulus achieved a stunning victory, wiping out over 1,300 British troops—a major blow to British prestige.

Sherlock knew that the group was Waziri, but why was Mindy back in London?

“Greystokes ……. How deep is your involvement?”

The Oni Society is the other puzzle; how deep was Doctor Mitsui Ogata involved? He knew of the Oni Society and had wondered about the role of the doctor, now presumed dead, but it was made known to him by Doctor John Watson that it was Sukimora who was there.

“So, where are you, Doctor?”

The minister was killed on the presumption of his link to the treasury functions, but there was a reference to mining. Brian Leeson was a successful miner before, and why did he join the exchequer and get killed? How much does he know and with whom? The mining rights in the Congo were one weak link, but with the numerous deaths related, more doubts were surfacing

“Congo mining?”

Then it came to his baffling message: the prefix M. Well, it will mean Moriarty, but he may be wrong. The trail of the message was that it came from the PM’s office, but it baffled him why Armstrong wanted him to be involved. He was tasked by the prime minister before to find a stolen, potentially war-triggering letter, forcing him to navigate high-level political secrets. Or recover stolen submarine blueprints vital to British national security. He did once investigate the theft of a crucial treaty, preventing a diplomatic incident that would have embarrassed the government. All in, he did serve the interests of the Crown, but most often managed his workings with the assistance of his brother.

“M may not be Moriarty, but someone else.”

Mycroft is not off the link; he is family, but his methodology was at times tangent to his brother's. Mycroft's involvement here may be more than a liaison from the Foreign Office; he brought in Nayland Smith, and well, he spent more time at the chamber of his than he did at the club.

“Who are you, Mycroft?”

“Hello, old boy. I am back.” Mycroft stepped into the living chamber of his brother. He was dressed in his usual tweeds and sported an envelope

.“I had requested Mrs. Hudson for the afternoon tea with a generous helping of marmalade for the scones.” Mycroft sat down at the seat reserved for Watson. “I heard you missed your lunch. Anything the matter?”

“Where is Watson?” Mycroft was full of questions.

“One, I was not hungry during lunch.” Sherlock looked at the violin. It helped him in his moments to think, but his other inducement was cocaine; it could inhibit the urge to eat and the accumulation of these neurotransmitters that leads to euphoria, high energy, and intense alertness.

“Two, Watson may be back in this countryside.” His boys reported that they lost Watson in the streets.

“Three, I am in need of time to think. The death of the minister and, of course, Sukimora.” Sherlock sighed. “A good exponent of the physical arts.”

“So much to consider…" Sherlock brought his violin bow to his forehead.

“Well, I have more bad news.” Mycroft handed over the envelope. “Mindy Kewala is seen at Farringdon and then seen leaving with one lieutenant, leaving a trail of bodies in the chamber there, supposedly leased to Ms. Mindy.”

“Bravo, Mycroft. You could read those syllables without losing a single breath.” Sherlock looked at the other. “Mindy’s eluded us, and the Lieutenant may be piecing the puzzle pieces. Tell me…"

“Argh …... my headache aches. I need my medication.” Sherlock walked to his personal chamber and then stopped. “What do you know of Ian Masterson and his …….”

“Done that. Lieutenant Gavin McLeod was assigned to watch over Ms. Mindy ever since she arrived. I was to find out that he is related to Minister Leeson from his wife’s side, a third cousin’s son, and unknown to us, he is also related to Ian Masterson, the stepson of Mrs. Masterson's previous marriage.

“Wild sows, they were.” Sherlock laughed and then grabbed his head with his hands. “That hurts.”

“I think they will take offense to that, Shelly.” Mycroft cut in. “Anyway, the information was not relevant as no one checked it. Presumably then.”

“However, now the game is afloat……. Your words, Shelly. We dug and found out more about it. Ian Masterson was involved with Leeson in mining in the Congo, an exploration some many years back on the edge of the Congo basin, and suddenly he requested the transfer to the Far East. It was logged in that Ian had travelled extensively to northern China and … to Japan.”

“There were reports of him meeting Doctor Mitsui Ogata, filed as miscellaneous for there was no alert raised. While he was there, he also got into the involvement of Emperor Fu Manchu; obvious.”

“An omission of yours. Never too late.” Sherlock turned towards the window. “I can hear the carriages arrived.”

“Ah, Nayland is here and so is the good doctor, Watson. I knew those footsteps well.”

 

Heroes Return VI: Book One London Chapter 21

21.

 

Professor Moriarty's personal residence was in Pimlico, but he was mostly at the university campus, where he maintained a small chamber to call his restful area. It was a sparse chamber with the single bed and the privy, with the corner adorned with the kitchen top and drawers. He had returned to get a change of clothes. The university was kind to allow him a place to rest, but the amenities stopped there.

The professor let himself in and took his bag of sodden clothes to the kitchen area. His housekeeper, Mrs. Melois, will come over once a week to do the cleanup and his laundry. He had walked in with his walking cane and then proceeded to his study area. That was his personal sanctum for him to think. He picked up the glass and poured himself a huge glass of sherry. He took a huge gulp and then approached the drawing board that was fixed to the wall near the window. He started his notation of the variables.

‘Treasury’

‘Japan’

‘Doctor Mitsui Ogata’

‘Sherlock’

‘Oni Society’

“You may want to include my name.” The voice was behind the professor. Professor Moriarty turned and saw the intruder into his home.

“Doctor John Watson. Why am I not surprised?”

“Good day, Moriarty.” The man known as John Watson approached the other at the board.

“How did…. Ignore my curiosity, Doctor.” The professor stepped to the working desk of his at the study. “I do not invite guests to my home here in particular.”

“I am aware. You have three guards on the house opposite and one other as your right neighbour." Watson stepped to the seat in front of the desk. “I am an ex-assassin, as you may be aware, and stealth is my expertise.”

“You have your…expertise, which I was told declined since you retired to the countryside.”

“A scenario I portrayed to elude my enemies. It is difficult to leash my expertise, for I am who I was. Anyway, your neighbour is fast asleep, courtesy of the drug I induced into him. A burly cockney but lacking the ferocity of the bulldog. We nocked and exchanged some blows, but he does lack practice. Once done, I have learned from Holmes to position him so the others can see him but are unaware of his condition.”

“Surely, the former regimental best cannot be deceived so easily.” The professor towards the window.

“I had known that. I had to give them a lesson in opioid drugs, courtesy of Holmes. It was enough to intoxicate them for a restful evening. Men of the regiment also love their ale from the barrel. I was the lucky one to deliver that this morning. The efforts of Holmes to coach me in disguise helped. Who denies the barrel man in his weekly delivery?"

“Bravo, Doctor Watson. I am impressed.” The professor moved to the board and scribbled the new name there with his right hand while his left hand rested on the edge of the board.

“Oh, Professor. I removed the gun behind the board. And given your untimely urge to drink, I believe the word "opioid" may be registered with you as a variable.”

“You also poisoned my drink, Doctor. I am awed by your brashness. I am not a fighter like yourself.” Professor Moriarty lowered the glass.

“A good shooter, if I am to recall of yourself. Your bi-weekly visit to the shooting range may elude many, but Holmes told me of your skills there. Was it a Bulldog design? Small and compact is that design.”

“Now tell me why you are here. We hardly meet in the dark.” Professor Moriarty stepped away from the drawing board.

“I am, for one, attacked by an assassin of oriental origin when I was to head home. I was then dragged into the case of the murdered minister and followed up on the death of one emissary. Honestly, I am not keen.”

“Shed the cover, Doctor. We know why you were targeted. One, the assassin was not mine; as if I ever knew, there would be none. I will have you kept intact. Better to keep one’s own enemy alive till they are done. And you are not done yet with my variables. However, your silent role with the Oni Society was made known to me for some time. I believed Holmes knew that too. It was no coincidence that you were involved.”

“I think the subtlety of denial will not be needed.” Doctor John Watson looked at the professor. “I was approached by the Oni Society a year ago after I went into retirement. I will not deny nor confirm my participation in their tasks, if any. They do pay well, but I am a retired assassin and now a simple countryside healer. I do not kill for money.”

“However, the murders of the three persons are assumed to be the work of the Oni Society; the mode of the kill does not surprise me. But it came to my attention that it was not the works of the Oni Society but one other named the Yomi Demons.”

“Yomi Demons?”

“Do not patronize me, Professor. You knew of the Yomi Demons, but how deep are they involved? The latter is working with some other person or persons that want to establish here. and to get the mining rights. It was to fund their treasury. You knew that too. They had approached me. I declined. They do not like to be rejected. Now, they may be sorting out the loose ends.”

“Viola! The new variables make the formulation more challenging.” Professor Moriarty laughed. “You did not surprise me, Doctor. You amazed me here. You will make a good mathematician.”

“Among other skills. I am baffled by your role. You are a bystander to me. Or perhaps I am wrong.” Doctor John Watson approached the board. He wrote on it the name "Professor Moriarty." “Sometimes, we tend to see the variables but never the ones that may be us."

“Then I will add in your name, Doctor Watson.” Professor Moriarty wrote the name on the board.

“Tell me, Professor. Why did you meet the doctor at the café?” Watson asked. “You have your informants, as do I."

“I am intrigued. You have never been an exponent of mine. I met the doctor because …… I have interest in the mining rights in Africa and the Yomi Demons, whom I was approached to be their adviser here in London. It was never made known, even to my associate, Colonel Moran.”

“You do not trust the Colonel?” Doctor John Watson asked.

“Trust is not the same as personal rewards. I am to retire soon, and all I have here is to be handed down to the colonel. However, I am to have a personal treasury of mine. What did they say in economics: "inflationary factors.” Professor Moriarty added another name to the board: Ian Masterson.

“Ian Masteron was to give me the full report on the mining. He, rather unfortunately, died… or rather went missing at sea.” Professor Moriarty looked at the doctor. “In my world, missing and dead are two distinct variables.”

“Are you indicating to me that Ian Masterson may not be dead?” Doctor John Watson asked.

“Nothing is fixed in the mathematical question until we equate it out.” Professor Moriarty smiled. “Like yourself, you were not a variable until now. I am ……”

“I should have assumed. Ian Masterson knew of the mining reports. He was in China and may have made arrangements with the Oni Society to get the mining done in the Congo. He was to return here to consolidate his reports and not report to the ministry.”

“You are misdirected, Doctor. It is not an incision but a suture needed. Ian Masterson was to meet the one who knew more on the mining, and the minister was a removable variable. He had done his part to piece together the missing puzzles and was removed. Minister Leeson was killed by the Yomi Demons, as far as I know. They had to remove him, for he knew enough to implicate them. Mindy Kewala is the next piece, for she held the reports. She is missing now.”

“She is with the Greystokes.” Doctor John Watson said.

“Is she? My network mentioned that she left recently. I am implying that she may know more than you may know.” Professor Moriarty added the name Mindy Kewala.

“And, Doctor Watson. May I inform you that Ian Masterson may be in London. Or Liverpool. He is elusive. Or the other person. The old man. He may be feeble, but his mind works well. Do not underestimate the old man.”

“And please leave by the front door. Colonel Moran will not shoot you yet. He just wants to see you leave. However, he does value your solution to his field of security more than me. He just signalled me from the opposite house. He is there with a team of his own.” Professor Moriarty smiled. “Doctor, I am a careful man. I do travel with my personal guards.”

“And my regards to Sherlock Holmes. I hope he sleeps well every night.” Doctor Watson ignored the man, and walked out.

“However, I do not need to share my thoughts with them on my variables.” Professor Moriarty left alone then wiped the board of the names. “All I need is my beautiful mind. Cheers, Holmes. May yours be clear too.”

 

Heroes Return VI: Book One London Chapter 20

 

20.

 

Epping Forest is a huge area of ancient woodland and other established habitats, which straddles the border between Greater London and Essex. It lies on a ridge between the valleys of the rivers Lea and Roding. It contains areas of woodland, grassland, heath, streams, bogs, and ponds, and its elevation and thin gravelly soil (the result of glaciation) historically made it less suitable for agriculture. It was designated a royal forest, meaning that only the monarch had the right to hunt deer.

“I would expect this to be Sherwood Forest, as we cannot hunt deer here.” The man approached the other, who stood by the tree lines there, canopied by the thick leaves above on the branches. The one addressed turned and did a bow to the one who approached him.

“Sensei, I am relieved to see you.” Ito Matsuke bowed to the Senior Member of the Oni Society. “I thought you had…"

“As I am relieved to be alive.” Doctor Mitsui Ogato smiled. He was dressed in the tweed three-piece and had on the black leather shoes. His face was partially covered by the homburg that he wore there.

“They found a body in the chamber. Who was it in the chamber?” Ito Matsuke asked. He was dressed in the dark Manchurian-design jacket, buttoned to the neck, and matching pants with dark shoes. He also carried a dark blue duffle bag that was lengthy.

“I am surprised that you want to know. I will tell you anyway. It was the military attaché, Kataka Sukimora. He was a disciple of mine, sent here two years ago to check on the rebels within the Oni Society. They called themselves the Yomi Demons.

“He met me there with that concern. I also queried him on the three missing disciples, whose deaths he told me were unclear, but it could be the works of the Yomi Demons. I assumed it was the local crime lord, but Professor Moriarty denied it.”

“I will avenge their deaths.” Ito Matsuke voiced out.

“Ito, we are in London, and we must respect the local laws and culture. We cannot declare ourselves like a wild fire.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata took a few steps to stand beside the local emissary. “How long were you posted here?”

“Three years, ten months. Short of four years here. Every day, I crave to go home," Ito replied. “London is not like Osaka. The everyday commotion is all rushing, and no one tells you sorry for knocking into you.”

“You are well remunerated, Ito?”

“Yes. I was. I am also made to keep an eye on the Oni Society’s interest.” Ito smiled. “It was not much then, but of late, the interest has become diverse. The Yomi Demons ……"

“The treasury functions and the numerous transfers of money to the banks. It raised queries.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata stood there. “The last were the mining reports. It represented great interest to us, even back in Tokyo.”

“The geologist, Edward Thorne, and Ian Kingsley from Thames University. And Daniel Jones. They were our recruited members. The rebels may have gotten to them to stop them from reporting, and Ian Masterson was mine. He was a good friend and was with Minister Leeson when they were in Africa. He got news on the mining reports while in Shanghai, intercepted it, and was to report to London. He was a double agent.”

“The three were killed by whom, and our operatives were sent, and yet they were deemed dead. The only operative sent to kill Ian Masterson was on my instruction, and more deaths were assumed when the steamer he was on sank in open seas.”

“I pray for their deaths. They may have died for the society." Doctor Mitsui Ogata sighed. “Ian Masterson was a good friend, but still a Gaikokujin (外国人, "outside country person"), the Oni Society comes first. The mining intrigued me, and I decided to come to London on the pretext of discussing treasury functions, which I am well versed in. But my other intention was to find the killers. They are linked here to London.”

 

 

 

 

“Everything happened so fast. The minister was killed, which was baffling as it happened the day I was in London. And then Mindy Kewala went missing; she was the key to the mining rights. Apparently, she had the know-how and data on the mining there. Doctor Mitsui Ogata sighed. “I was equally surprised to meet Sherlock Holmes there. His brother, Mycroft, was expected as the Foreign Office liaison, but why Sherlock? I did not know who invited him.”

“Could the mining reports linked them all?” Ito Matsuke asked.

“It does, but how baffles me. And then I got to meet Professor Moriarty. He is the local crime lord. He told me more baffling news.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata looked at the trees. “Beautiful forest, like the Sea of Trees in Aokigahara. Have you been there? We had a training there once, you and me with a few others.”

The other remained silent.

“The forest has a historical reputation as a home to yūrei: ghosts of the dead in Japanese mythology. You may not be familiar with that. I took yearly visits there to improve on my wisdom and skills.”

"この世に偶然なんてないわ。あるのは必然だけ。" ((Kono yo ni guuzen nante nai wa. Aru no wa hitsuzen dake." Doctor Mitsui Ogata said. "There is no such thing as coincidence in this world. There is only inevitability.”

“Yes, you taught me that, Sensei. Everything happens for a reason, and events are connected by fate or karma.” The disciple spoke then. “I am forever grateful.”

“Then tell me what I may know but not say." Doctor Mitsui Ogata looked at the disciple.

“I, Ito Matsuke, am thankful to the Sensei for this guidance and teaching. However, I ……”

"Have I learned to be a better man than myself?” Doctor Mitsui Ogata continued his stare at the disciple.

“Yes, 'Oubaitori' (桜梅桃李) (a Japanese concept inspired by the cherry, plum, peach, and apricot trees, reminding that everyone has their own timeline to bloom and should not compare their growth to others). “I have become my own when I left your side.” Ito Matsuke replied. “I saw a new vision for the nation, the people, and for ……"

“And for yourself, Ito.”

“Yes, the Meiji Empire. It needed a new…. Generation to grow.” Ito Matsuke looked at the trees. “The trees here are old, and one day they will need to make way for new growths. Maybe our cherry blossom will be here.”

“There is a reason why the cherry blossom is not grown here, Ito. It is our heritage; as we do not grow as White Ash is to this country, we have our own ash tree. They may not look the same, but they held their own features.”

“Yet, we are here to learn from them treasury functions?” Ito challenged back. “And our mining wealth too?”

“No, we are not. We are sharing our knowledge, and while we learn, they do from us. It is called education," Doctor Mitsui Ogata replied. “As I have spoken, I am here not for the mining but to investigate the deaths of some of our operatives. Namely the rebels who are here. Which is the matter here.”

“My apologies, Sensei.” Ito Matsuke bowed to the other.

“Ito, why was Kataka Sukimora killed?” Doctor Mitsui Ogata's tone was direct. “Be true, my young protégé.”

“He was to tell you about me.” Ito Matsuke replied. “Sukimora…"

“He was sent here to assist you.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata cut in. “He was my…"

“Your informant on us is the Yomi Demons. I knew when he was keen to join us, the Yomi Demons. That is those among those who were from the Oni Society.” Ito Matsuke looked at the man he regarded as his sensei. “You placed another to oversee me when I am the senior. And he was to tell on my involvement with the Yomi demons."

“I knew you were a member of the Yomi Demons. However, Kataka Sukimora was my student and a member of the Oni Society, but he does not report to me.”

“I do not understand, Sensei.” Ito Matsuke was baffled.

“Within the Oni Society, I am seen as a threat to some, for I am the senior. I am the protégé of Lord Age Yomiuri, and we saw this rebellion building up, and I took the opportunity to come here to find the Yomi Demons members here, and yet they found me instead. They had acted after I left Osaka. Lord Age Yomura was dead the day I left Osaka. I am also marked and deemed to be a ronin now.”

“Lord Yomiuri dead? We were not informed.” Ito Matsuke bowed to the news.

“Unimportant now. I was given a task to find the Yomi Demons here by my Lord.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata looked at the man he regarded as his disciple.

“I understand, Sensei, but let me explain some things that you missed.” Ito Matsuke looked back at the man. “Kataka Sukimora did not know of the bomb that was in the bag. He only knew that he was to bring it there and leave after handling the message.”

“That means I killed the man in anger.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata bowed his head. “Atonement (Shokuzai)……” The concept of taking responsibility for actions is frequently seen in voluntary apologies and public humiliation to make amends. “I will do it after I have done my task.”

“It was I who detonated the bomb set at twenty minutes soon after he was to enter your chamber.” Ito Matsuke looked to his waist pocket. “I told him there was a grappling rope to the chamber below. He was to exit there and from there to the next meeting place. When he reached there, I was to kill him and place the fault on him as a traitor.”

“And I killed the man who was still loyal to the Oni Society.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata sighed. “In war, we cannot contain all the killings.”

“Yes, it is what you told us then.” Ito Matsuke bowed to the sensei. “Why did I have the agents killed, which you did not ask of me? But Sukimora was not sincere. He was working with the Germans against us.”

“In our line of works, we are all expendable. And greed over our loyalty.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata nodded. “As the need for the treasury to accumulate, it does not matter how it can be done.”

“Treasury?” Ito Matsuke asked.

“The nation and sometimes our own. For the nation. The mining option in the Congo was too far for us to exploit. It was a diversion for me to meet Minister Leeson. We were already focusing on Manchuria and the northern lands of China. Why would we exploit something so far away? I came here on my task to check on the rebels.”

“What about Moriarty?” Ito Matsuke asked. “You did not ask.”

“Moriarty, yes…. Tell me there. That was one unsolved riddle. And why Sherlock?”

“Sensei, the man was placed there because of me. I got my informant, who told me that the PM’s office was to send the telegram and place M’s name there. He may think that Moriarty is involved. A diversion there.”

“The fog is lifting, but the trail ahead is still unseen clearly.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata smiled. “Your diversion may be your downfall. Mr. Holmes is a formidable opponent.”

“Anyway, I thank you for telling me of your involvement with Yomi Demons. You hold the right to your cause as I taught you to think independently.”

“I am obligated, Sensei.” Ito Matsuke bowed to the other. “The river stream may make its own flow where the water may flow. Join your flow with mine, Sensei, and offer me your guidance.”

“I am masterless now, Ito Matsuke. I am a ronin, but in my heart, my task for my master remains.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata looked at the trees. “Like the forest, the spirits here are free of their shackles, but they remain here, for this is their obligation. I have mine.”

“Are you to challenge me, Sensei?” Ito Matsuke stepped back holding the bag.

“No, Ito Matsuke. I am unarmed. You may keep your katana in the bag. I now know some of the puzzle pieces. I will find out more on the puzzle pieces. Our duel is delayed.” Doctor Mitsui Ogata turned and walked away.

 

Heroes Return VI: Book One London Chapter 19

 

19.

 

After their hefty meal, the trio retired to the armchairs, with Sherlock holding the violin. He was strumming the strings there when Mycroft asked him to stop.

“Be a jolly fellow and play Auld Lang Syne." Mycroft said.

“I was playing Cliffs of Maher. It is in Ireland," Sherlock said. “It is a lovely jig…"

“Was until you played.” Mycroft cut in. “Shall we discuss the case? I just got words from the office that the Greystokes estate was under attack late morning.”

“Any casualties?” Watson asked.

“A couple of assailants of the far eastern origin and one Waziri warrior.” Mycroft read the numbers from his head.

“Oni Society?” Sherlock lowered his violin. “I am……"

“Yes, Oni Society.” Mycroft said. “One of the intruders confessed. He was questioned…. I was told it was by the Waziri warriors. They are efficient in that.”

“Let us piece the puzzle now.” Sherlock cut in. “We have the so-named participants, the Oni Society? Who are they? A syndicate, as in with criminal intent? Let us recap.”

“The Oni Society was mentioned by Doctor Mitsui Ogata when he met us in London. Prior to this, there was no mention of it. I knew of the Oni Society, for they've been around in London for over five years or longer. Like many, they are migrants from the Far East.”

“Doctor Mitsui Ogata is here as a delegate of his government into the functions of the treasury, which in this requirement got Minister Leeson involved, but during the discussion we were diverted to the Oni Society.”

“Let us focus back on the Oni Society. Doctor Mitsui Ogata claimed in his words, "A network of intimidators, including criminal elements that are here to prevent their expansion.” Sherlock looked back into his memories. “The Oni Society was claimed to be managed by a group of influential names, including the military. Since then, they have eliminated over a dozen leaders here and in the Far East and held to their influence over more.”

“They are no different from the Bolsheviks, then.” Mycroft cut in.

“No, Mycroft. The Bolshevik, as a distinct political group, did not formally exist during the 1800s; there were some roots taking place then, but the real roots of the movement were established during the late 19th century through the development of Russian Marxism.” Sherlock corrected the other one. “Please do not look at this with a narrow focus as an anarchist movement."

“You did ask what that has to do with us." Sherlock looked at Mycroft. “Doctor Mitsui Ogata quoted a parable that Fu Manchu may be involved.”

“Fu Manchu is……. Retired. Nayland Smith was reassigned to this case.” Mycroft said.

“A diversion or a red herring here, I am unsure.” Sherlock looked at the other. “However, I have my information. Supernatural was mentioned. They are said to be cannibalistic or savages in their methods. Most Far East organizations I had investigated are that capable. It is in their operation mode. We tend to frown on it, but when has any killing been humane?”

“I asked for their real works from the doctor. He said they wanted colonization as we did, but it was not sanctioned. They are looking at alternatives. And you, Mycroft said we are the best teachers at it.”

“I did?” Mycroft was puzzled.

“I questioned the doctor on the assassins called the ninja. He denied them, as the Oni Society has its own. Then you, Mycroft, referenced the minister as a possible target. Why?”

“There was a reported threat, and it was true.” Mycroft affirmed his action. “The minister was killed by assailants that resembled the ones mentioned by the doctor.”

“That intrigued me. Why the Minister?” Sherlock looked at Mycroft. “Assuming the doctor knew that beforehand, why did he involve the minister in the discussion?”

“And what was the agenda that day?” Treasury functions? Which we did not touch on? Surely, the country needs the expertise of Minister Leeson if they are to create the treasury function.”

“Let us move on," Sherlock then placed his fingers at his forehead. “Minister Brian Lesson was in the exchequer, but his other field was mining.”

Sherlock looked at the fireplace. “He was previously the man who argued for coal price control. He was killed shortly that day.”

“Then the focus went to his aide, Mindy Kewala.” Sherlock continued.

“You did mention Moriarty. Nasty chap to be included.” Watson snapped in. It was Nayland Smith who stepped in.

“My apologies for being late. I was held up by some other matter.” Nayland took the seat next to Mycroft.

“I invited Nayland as he is adding me on the case. He is also familiar with the Far East operatives.” Mycroft looked at Watson. “He was also posted to India once.”

“I believe you were at the sea port.” Sherlock looked at the other.

“Yes, I missed the steamer that Charlie Song was on.” Nayland brushed the stains off this jacket.

“I am sorry you missed it. The train to the sea port is erratic at times. They prioritize the cargo trains to there," Sherlock said. “The sea salt on your jacket and shoes reveal your call.”

“Let us move on.” Sherlock looked at Mycroft. “Leave aside Moriarty. Let us focus on Mindy Kewala. She is the aide to the minister but doing the work of a geologist at best.”

“Why are we hiring geologists to work in the Treasury? An extra lining not reported to the prime minister?"

“Mindy was assisting the minister with my knowledge on the mining rights there in her Congo area. If it were done, it would add to our coffers here.” Mycroft smiled. “I was told of it just today when the staff revealed the works there. And she is not the mistress of the Minister. They work close and why is it so absurd to say that man in power have mistresses. I am without one.”

“We are aware of that," Watson cut in. “And Mindy Kewala took sanctuary with Lord Greystokes. Why?”

“The country home was invaded by persons unknown. The staff there was killed. And the lady was at the village to get supplies. She was informed by her guard, Lieutenant Gavin McLeod and on her advice took her to the Greystokes estate. She is a friend of Lady Greystokes.”

“Naturally.” Mycroft muttered. 

“And that was why the Greystokes estate was attacked? Was Ms. Kewala there?” Sherlock asked.

“No, she was not. Not even Lieutenant McLeod knew of her whereabouts. Lord Greystokes was not to tell. He is more stubborn than a baboon.” Mycroft said.

“Yes, baboons are considered extremely stubborn, persistent, and intelligent animals, particularly when searching for food or navigating human-dominated landscapes. John Greystokes told me so. But I am sure your reference to them was John did not like you, and so was the baboon we met as kids in the zoo.” Sherlock looked at his violin. “Memories ran deep inside me.”

“Anyway, I got the report from there. And added to that, I was not afraid of the baboon.” Mycroft corrected Sherlock. “It was the goose who chased after me.”

“I will assume she is not in hiding but running again, or to find what she has not.” Sherlock interjected in. “I meant Mindy Kewala.”

“That left us with Moriarty.” Sherlock looked at Watson. “Your question raised.”

“No, that is now my cue to speak. I was attacked on the train after leaving here. I have no knowledge of the killing, and yet I was targeted.” Watson sounded upset. “Why?”

“That is most intriguing.” Sherlock then looked at Nayland. “I believed you were too.”

“Yes, by old man Fu Manchu’s men, apparently. I was told by the old man that the case was more than met the eyes.” Nayland sighed.

“You sure did not meet his eyes when you eloped.” Mycroft smiled.

“I ……. I shall not discuss that now.” Nayland looked away.

“Okay, we can summarize that our findings are at best still open," Sherlock said. “I can add to that the dead body found in the hotel chamber was not Doctor Mitsui Ogata but one named Kataka Sukimora. He is one of the military attachés to the consulate. His remains were identified by the amulet he wore and the wound on the forearm.”

“Why was he……” Sherlock was interrupted by the arrival of one of his boys. The lad handed over the messages.

“There is something from Collins and Thames. I met them downstairs.” The lad smiled.

“A guinea for you, and one each for Collins and Thames. Be good, boys.” Sherlock looked at the written messages.

“A guinea for delivery? Pardon me, old chap. You are putting the delivery business on top, dry.” Mycroft tossed a protest there.

“Not when I am getting fast-needed messages.” Sherlock said while reading the messages. “Says here a person fitting the description of Kataka Okimura met Doctor Mitsui Ogata at the hotel; they went up together.”

“If that was the person whom you said died in the explosion, then Doctor Mitsui Ogata is alive.” Mycroft called out. “I will get the yard to locate him."

“The other message was Mindy Kewala is with the entourage of warriors headed to Farrington. I assumed she was collecting something or meeting someone.”

"Are you to go to Farrington then?” Watson asked.

“No, I do not think that is needed. Ms. Kewala is in capable hands, and she will return to the Greystokes estate.” Sherlock shook his head and then read the last message.

“One other message was somebody did see a person abseiling from the window of the chamber and enter the chamber below. A few seconds later Doctor Mitsui Ogata’s chamber exploded.”

“I will check on that. The doctor was under my watch.” Nayland stood up. “I will also check on some associates who are familiar with the Japanese.”

“Another message. I believe we are going to have tea soon. Mrs. Hudson is on the way up.” Sherlock picked up his violin. “Cliff of Mahor, anyone keen? I have to think.”