The Case of Vigor, the Hammersmith Wonder

by Larry Lefkowitz

About the Author: Larry Lefkowitz has had published over 150 stories, as well as poetry and humor. His literary novel, "The Critic, the Assistant Critic, and Victoria" is available as an e-book and in print from Amazon. Lefkowitz’s humorous fantasy and science fiction collection, “Laughing into the Fourth dimension” is available from Amazon books. His story collection, ”Enigmatic Tales” published by Fomite Press is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble.

Excerpt

This case began, like many another, with a message from Inspector Lestrade. The messenger was a stout, puffy, red-faced but jovial constable. “Inspectors Lestrade and Gregson could use your help, Mr. Holmes. And you, too, Dr. Watson. There is a four-wheeler at the curb should it suit you to come now.”

“It does suit us, does it not, Watson? A summons from both Lestrade and Gregson can hardly be ignored.”

Our cab turned off the Strand into a small street and continued for a while before turning into a smaller street and stopping before a seedy residence. Lestrade, almost as dapper and ferret-like as ever, and Gregson were waiting outside.

“They looked stumped,” I said.

“It sometimes happens,” Holmes observed dryly. “Where?” he said to Lestrade.

“Ground floor, back room.”

Holmes strode rapidly into the old, neglected building, and thence into a large, square room, simply if tastelessly furnished. A thick layer of dust coated the floor.

My attention was centered upon the single, grim, motionless figure which lay stretched upon the boards with vacant, sightless eyes staring up at the discolored ceiling. She was a woman of about twenty-eight years of age, with crisp, curling black hair, dressed in a somewhat bohemian black and white checked skirt with red stockings which matched a red shirt. On one corner of the mantelpiece was stuck the stump of a wax candle of almost the same shade of red.

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