The Affair Of The Bewildering Bell

by Martin Hill Ortiz

About the Author: Martin Hill Ortiz is a professor of Pharmacology at the Ponce Health Sciences University in Puerto Rico where he lives. Over thirty of his stories have appeared in print and online journals. Author of four mystery thrillers, he is an active member of the Mystery Writers of America. This is his third entry into the cases of Jules Pfennig, former weasel warden, and next-door neighbor of Sherlock Holmes.

Excerpt

The envelope bore no postage. I concluded, considering that its return address was that of my next-door neighbour, that it must have been personally placed in my mail slot. Using my thumbnail, I sawed a ragged opening along the gummed seal. Inside, I encountered a single page, thin and tri-fold. The missive began properly enough:

Mr. Jules Pfennig

223 Baker Street, Second Floor

London

Mr. Pfennig, sir,

The author addressed me as sir! Few people who have known me have graced me with such a formal appellation—unless accompanied by a sneer. More often it has been Mr. Pfennig, you wretched cur, you upstart, dunderhead, trickster … Already, I felt encouraged! The letter continued:

I hereby compel you upon the threat of civil suit that you cease to exploit my name for any and all purposes. Most especially you may not avail yourself of my reputation to lay claim to clients who seek my services for their very real crises. They expect my quality of expertise in detection. Mr. Pfennig, I am aware of your past record as a weasel warden. Consider it most appropriate that you repair to your former vocation.

Not so faithfully yours,

Sherlock Holmes

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