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“This is the door to the archives, Watson.”
“Good.” Watson reached for the doorknob.
“We won’t be going there.”
Holmes went to the middle door instead and carefully opened it. It was pitch black. A stark contrast to the semi-lit hallway they stood in.
He peered inside a moment, and then nodded to Watson to precede him.
Watson entered.
Holmes started to follow, and then stopped. He didn’t turn around. He just stood there.
“Coming, Holmes?”
Holmes smiled. “At once.”
Holmes entered and shut the door behind him.
“Whatever you do, Watson, do not be alarmed.”
“Alarmed? Why should I be alarmed?”
“To the right at once,” Holmes whispered.
Watson did so.
Not a moment too soon.
The door opened.
Holmes reached out and grabbed a man by his arm and pulled him roughly inside.
“Light, Watson!”
Watson turned his Tes torch on the man.
“Manley!” Holmes exclaimed.
“Mister Holmes, I’m glad I caught you in time...”
Manley jerked hard to the sound of ripping and tearing. He collapsed into Holmes arms, blood spurting from his mouth as he did so.
Watson threw the door open wider and rushed outside.
“John, come back!”
