A Double Fake

by BV Lawson

About the Author: BV Lawson’s short fiction has appeared in dozens of publications, been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, honored by Derringer, Golden Fedora, and Gemini Magazine Awards, and BV was also a contributor to the Anthony Award-winning Blood on the Bayou. BV’s Scott Drayco crime novels have also been named Best Mystery in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, chosen as a Featured Library Journal Pick, and been a finalist for Shamus, Silver Falchion, Daphne, and Foreword Book Reviews Awards.

Excerpt

I’d long become accustomed to the double-takes and the snickers, but even I had to roll my eyes as the man in the Belstaff Milford coat and deerstalker cap, smoking a long-stemmed cherrywood pipe, strolled into the outdoor cafe. Before taking his seat, he inspected one of the tables and chairs carefully. Looking for weapons, perhaps?

As I watched him through the glass of the restaurant’s interior, a woman standing next to me said, “Who does he think he is, Sherlock Holmes or something?”

I sighed. “Reincarnated.”

She stared at me. “What?”

I just shook my head and paid for the bag of coffee beans in my hand before joining the man at the table. “Ah, Johnny,” he said. “So glad you could join me. Nice weather for a spot of tea.” He took off his cap and laid it on one of the empty chairs.

“My pleasure, Uncle H.” The “H” actually stood for Henry, but due to my uncle’s peculiar, um, beliefs, “H” seemed to kill two birds with one stone.

I was too young to remember when he announced to the family that he was in actuality the reincarnation of Sherlock Holmes, but I do know how the family has reacted ever since. Let’s just say Uncle H isn’t often added to the guest lists for weddings or birthday parties.

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