Detective Bennet [Comprehensive novel]

Bentley left London, but Jane didn't.

Kelsey found Uncle Jane's clothing store.

It is not difficult to check the address. In the column of audience records for the premiere of "The Dark Castle", Gardner left his name and store name.

G's cloakroom is close to Liverpool Street, but it is east and west of Bentley's residence in London.

Fourteen more days to Christmas Eve.

There are not as many customers in the cloakroom as in the social season, but sometimes there are customers who come to buy Christmas gifts.

In mid-December, the cloakroom closes at 05:30 in the evening.

Mrs. Bennet had discussed with her brother earlier, asking Jane and Lydia to help look at the store for a few days, in the name of broadening their horizons and increasing their knowledge.

"It's five twenty, and the little girl hasn't come back yet. Mom, you shouldn't let her go out to play alone."

Jane Shou checked the shelves, knowing well that the real reason why her mother asked them to stay in London for a few more days to help look after the store was to hope that they would meet a suitable marriage partner.

Thinking of this, Jane couldn't help but think of Bentley whom she ran into at the Rose Theater for six consecutive days.

There was a smile on the corner of her mouth unconsciously, and soon, she pressed her lips together.It has been more than a month since the last meeting, and God failed to allow them to meet again.

At that time, Jane did not report the name of her uncle's shop, or felt that love at first sight was not reliable.

Or if the mother finds out when Bingley comes to the door, it turns out that the whole family will know, and it is logical that she and Bingley can get married immediately without hindrance.

Although she has various concerns, Jane has to admit that she is looking forward to seeing Mr. Bingley again, hoping that he can find herself in the crowd.

Jane shook her head, not thinking about her right now, this would be talking about Lydia.

Four days ago, several red shirts came to the store to buy things. George Wickham, who was the most handsome, somehow won Lydia's favor after coming and going.

Today, Wickham quickly asked Lydia to go to the park in the afternoon.

"Jane, what are you worrying about? Lydia is going to play alone? Your uncle's two maids obviously follow, and Mr. Wickham is a gentleman."

Mrs. Bennet thinks that Jane just thinks too much, she also considers this and that, and it is very likely that the opportunity will slip away.In comparison, she likes Lydia to do what she wants, at least dare to fight for what she wants.

Jane was helpless, "Now it's snowing outside. I'm worried that Lydia will go crazy and freeze."

It's better to come early than to come by coincidence.

When Kelsey arrived at the store, she realized that the business hours had changed. It was 8 minutes before closing time, and only Jane and Mrs. Bennet were left in the store.

"Hello."

When Mrs. Bennet heard the wind chime on the door, she immediately changed the topic, "Sir, may I help you?"

"At the Rose Theater before, I heard friends who watched "The Dark Castle" talk about the costumes of the G family."

Kelsey spoke slowly, looking around and glanced at Jane inadvertently.This went straight to the glove cabinet and pointed to one of the brown lambskin gloves. "Does this come in a larger size?"

"Of course there is."

Mrs. Bennet confirmed the size, and first took out the fitting money.Just about to introduce a few more words about the advantages of this pair of gloves, Jane poked her waist from behind.

Jane stopped her mother from talking too much in time.Again, her mother forgot that not all guests enjoyed a warm introduction.

After staying in London for more than a month, no matter what Mrs. Bennet's original intention of helping to look after the shop was, Jane felt that she had learned something in her uncle's shop.

Country life here is much more complicated than Longbourne's, and the people of all stripes are more often cold than warm.

"I want this one."

Kelsey had a panoramic view of the micro expressions and small movements of the mother and daughter while speaking.

Especially Jane's shock and anticipation when she heard Rose Theater and "The Dark Castle".

It was not a few musicals that left marks on Jane's heart, but someone she met in the theater left a shadow on her heart.

"Okay, wait a minute. I'll get a new one."

Mrs. Bennet was not bothered by the interruption of her warm introduction, for the simple reason that sellers do not like cheery guests.

Kelsey took the initiative to ask, "Excuse me, before I entered the store, I just heard words such as red shirts. It seems that Chief George William is also a frequent visitor to your house?"

"Sorry to misunderstand you."

Jane didn't pretend to pretend, "It's not William, it's George Wickham."

"Oh, sorry, I misheard."

Kelsey must have heard correctly just now, it was Lydia who met Wickham to go out.

It is not difficult to guess that Lydia's preference for faces has not changed, and it is not known whether this George Wickham is the one she knows.

Kelsey was thinking about the news he got from the Coconut Tree Bar. Wickham, who lingered in the flowers, followed a few prostitutes, and he went next to three or four rich widows.

So far he has not overturned his car. Of course, he has the ability to deceive Lydia, who is not deeply involved in the world, and Mrs. Bennet, who is eager to marry a daughter.

People and people, life and life are really different.

From summer to winter, some people are busy investigating and solving cases at the same time, while others spend their days and nights, and others pay the bill with money.

I've been free recently, and Kelsey has itchy hands and wants to do good deeds every day.

Some of the women who were scammed by Wickham did not regret it afterwards, but some of them realized the problem and stopped the loss in time.Now the money can't be recovered, but there are always people who want to let out a sigh of relief.

Kelsey doesn't mind helping out.Just wait at the corner of the street to determine whether this Wickham is Peter Wickham.

It might be cold this winter.

There has been light snowfall in London for two consecutive days, and it is expected that the snow may get bigger and bigger.

In order not to be blocked by the wind and snow, some people changed their Christmas return plan and left London early.

Even if it was sunny today, Lydia felt that it might not snow again in the next few days, but she had to accept Mrs. Bennet's arrangement and return to Longbourn tomorrow.

The day before yesterday, yesterday, and today, she and Wickham only met three times.The happiness was too short, they only visited the park, and they had to say goodbye without having a cup of afternoon tea.

"Miss Lydia."

Wickham stood by the carriage, staring at Lydia with reluctance, and seemed to try his best to restrain his expression of reluctance to leave, and his words were reduced to one sentence: "Together with you makes me forget the time, we are going to meet today. respectively."

Wickham and Lydia were in two cars.

The carriage is parked near Liverpool Street, and if you drive another 10 minutes, you will find G's cloakroom.

Reluctant to give up on each other, the two got out of the car one after another, and walked back to the store to seize the last part of the journey.

Lydia also stared at the man beside her, the more she looked at his handsome face, the more she liked his moving language.

She began to fantasize about the daily life, and she would be happy every day.

"Mr. Wickham, I..."

Just as Lydia was about to speak out, she suddenly heard the sound of chaotic and hurried footsteps.

On Liverpool Street, the security is relatively stable.

At that moment, a group of strong men rushed out from the side alley, blocking the road ahead.

Taking a closer look, these people's faces were all smeared with gray and black, and they were wearing peaked caps, making it impossible to recognize their faces at once.

Wickham lowered his face and stood in front of Lydia, questioning the group of unexpected guests. "Who are you? What are you going to do to Miss Lydia!"

"Nonsence--"

The strong man in the center spit in Wickham's direction with a mouthful of saliva. "Listen, what are you thinking? Are we like bad guys? Like bad guys who embarrass ladies?"

Another person directly pointed it out: "George Wickham, you've got to play first! We're looking for you, and you don't know what to do? Forget how you cheated money and sex these past few months?"

"Who asked you to come and ruin my reputation?"

Wickham's heart skipped a beat, but he tried not to show his timidity on his face. He turned his head to comfort the frightened Lydia, "Miss Lydia, don't worry, I will definitely catch the culprit..."

Before Wickham could finish his word 'come out', a group of strong men started cursing passionately:

"George Wickham, young and short of memory. Last month Mrs. Hazel gave you five thousand pounds to buy bonds.

If you lose everything, I'm sorry to see you again, madam, and you disappear without a trace. Isn't this cheating money and running away?Don't say that you haven't done it, which bank you look for has a record of the correct money order. "

"George Wickham, you are young and thick-skinned. You have the ability to take off your thousand-pound coat and waistcoat. This suit was bought by Louise on the Golden Street. Do you want to confront the clerk? ?”

"George Wickham, young and full of lies. You suck at women, cheat women, and say that you can sell Lily's necklace at an auction for a good price.

Lily was blind, saw you in a mess, and believed that you were robbed on the way to send money to her.Need evidence, right?The pawn shop can give evidence, you go sell the necklace! "

"Miss, you're lucky enough. Before you're fooled by this scum, run away—"

"Yes, yes, run away! Otherwise, you will lose money—"

"Run!" "Run!" "Run!"

These strong men blocking the way and looking for trouble actually persuaded others to run away?

Passers-by who heard the movement nearby heard the news, and were somewhat confused about what was going on.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Wickham never expected that the women he had cheated would gather together and find someone to denounce them at the same time.

"Miss Lydia."

Wickham turned to Lydia, quickly thinking about how to quibble.

At this time, there are two sounds of 'click, click'.

Two stinking raw eggs cracked open on Wickham's head.

The egg white and yolk were half stuck to Wickham's hair, half along his eyebrows and nose, and half of his face.

"Oh, God!"

Lydia screamed, recovering from the sudden siege.Amid the pungent smell of rotten eggs, she felt disgusted when she saw Wickham whose face was covered with yellow, yellow and white.

Lydia didn't listen to any explanation, and turned around and ran away with the two maids.

I was afraid that Wickham would be implicated if she moved too slowly. Maybe she would also be covered with rotten eggs, or Wickham would catch her as a shield.

As soon as Lydia ran away on the front foot, the group of strong men on the back foot immediately surrounded Wickham.

Seven or eight people used their fists and legs together, avoiding Wickham's important parts, and all greeted his cheeks and limbs.

While beeping, beeping.

Counting Wickham's deception of money and sex in detail, the eloquence always stops the passers-by who originally stepped forward to help.

The unilateral beating lasted 10 minutes.

"If you are not convinced by this beating, then you can make up for the money that was eaten, used, and worn by other people."

The big man in the lead threw a handful of gold coins at Wickham who was curled up on the ground, "I think you can't do it, this is your medical expenses, and you can also treat it as a beating fee."

"Hahaha--"

The other strong men laughed loudly, and a group of people came and went in a hurry.

Only Wickham got up from the ground in pain.

He really wanted to yell who wants your money, but when he opened his mouth, the wound on the corner of his mouth was pulled, and the pain made him shut up immediately.

After thinking about it, Wickham picked up those gold coins again.

After being beaten, the next target of deception, Lydia, also ran away, so the money is not for nothing.

"God, that man actually picked up money!"

"Oh, I have to remind those relatives who have daughters to pay attention, there are scum infested here, be careful!"

Amidst the crowd's discussion, Wickham stumbled and fled.

Not wanting to be pointed out by passers-by, he walked along the alleys with few people, hoping to meet a medical clinic as soon as possible.

After half an hour.

Not only did Wickham not see the hospital, but he walked further and further away, and he couldn't hear other people's footsteps at all.

"His fuck!"

Wickham poohed, only to feel that the saliva smelled bloody. "It's really unlucky today, the car overturned. How did those women get together?"

Complaints echoed in the empty alleys.

There was no answer, and Wickham began limping forward again.

One step, two steps, three steps.

Wickham's body froze suddenly, and he felt the wind behind him, and then his back was suddenly pressed against a cold column.

—Is it a gun?

Wickham realized that his already injured leg became weaker.

Oh, God!Who did he provoke? Could it be that one of the women he cheated on had a ruthless character who hired a killer?

"You, no, who are you?"

Wickham subconsciously looked towards the ground, trying to make sure that it was a human being quietly appearing behind him, but he didn't have the courage to turn his head.

"Get on the wall."

The hoarse male voice sounded like a broken bellows, without a trace of ups and downs, he said, "Hold your hands over your head and spread your legs apart. I'll give you three seconds. 3, 2..."

Without the last 1, Wickham immediately laid down.

"What do you want? I, I, have only fifty pounds with me. Take it all."

"George Wickham, you know Paul Goodman."

The husky male voice said with certainty, "Where is Goodman?"

"Goodman?"

Wickham was taken aback when he heard that, but he was not sent by any woman to take revenge on him.Then he replied with a sigh of relief, "Goodman, went to sea last spring and died."

"Go, sea, die, die."

The man spoke word by word.

Wickham nodded again and again, "That's right, Goodman died at sea, and everyone in the army who knew him has heard about it."

next moment.

'boom! ' With a bang, the bullet passed through Wickham's legs and nailed straight to the wall.

Wickham only heard a sneer behind him.

I heard the man say: "I'll ask again, where is Goodman? Guess, if you lie, where will the bullet fall on you first? I heard that you are very good at deceiving women, why don't I help you destroy that tool How about it?"

What!What was lost?

At this moment, Wickham felt that the strong men who besieged him just now were angels.The shot was a little crooked just now, and it was going to destroy him.

Not daring to delay for half a second, Wickham blurted out, "America! Goodman is in America!"

But the man questioned suspiciously, "Are you lying again? You thought it would be impossible for people to verify the fact that Goodman was on the other side of the ocean."

"I'm not lying!"

Wickham swears this moment is the most honest moment in his life, "I met him once in the United States. Before June this year, I was stationed in the Canadian province. Before returning home, I sneaked to New York to play and met Goodman. .”

Wickham said that he saw Paul Goodman, who was said to have been shipwrecked in a storm and died,

The man had changed his name to David Goodman, and Goodman was the only survivor of the shipwreck.

The ship that Goodman boarded was actually a gambling ship. A group of people sailed secretly to the high seas for high-stakes gambling.

When the storm came, the ship could not get external rescue in time.

Before the boat capsized, Goodman died with a handful of other people's expensive jewelry.He didn't expect to be so lucky that he was washed up on a small island and survived.

"Goodman sold his jewelry and stopped working in the army. In order to avoid people's eyes and ears, he went directly to the United States with the ship. After bumping into me, he asked me to keep it a secret, and said that if I went to the United States in the future, he would support me."

Wickham didn't believe the second half of the sentence at all, "I went to the address Goodman left the next day, it was a fake at all, and I couldn't find it here."

The man's hoarse voice sounded again, "That's all? You didn't hide it? Or are you going to tip off Goodman tomorrow morning?"

"No, no, I don't think so at all!"

Wickham felt deeply wronged, and he found that the top of the gun in his lower back was tightened, and he was really afraid of being silenced all at once.

"Goodman has also deceived many people. The men call themselves brothers, and the women deceive their feelings. I dare not be with him. What if I get involved?"

House seemingly endless rain.

Wickham only felt that he was being implicated today.He and Goodman are not friends. Speaking of which, people like them have no friends, and they hope that the other party will be unlucky.

The man asked again, "Oh? Do you know who Goodman scammed?"

"I do not know!"

Wickham was about to cry, "Although Goodman is showing off, he won't name people, just like I never say it everywhere. That's not taking the initiative to hand over the case, but giving some people the opportunity to contact the victim Those who find out will take revenge on me.”

"You guys are quite tight-lipped!"

The man said sarcastically, "I hope you can keep your mouth shut about what happened today."

Wickham again and again should be.Xin said, can you let him go now?

The man made up the knife again, "It's fine if you talk too much, it can give me a chance to practice shooting. You might as well go to Liverpool Street a few more times so that I can find you smoothly."

Wickham shook his head again and again, secretly thinking that he would never look for Lydia again after today, that person is definitely his bad luck, the one who is accompanied by death.

"No, no, no! I must keep it a secret. Besides, I haven't seen you, so how could I say anything to others."

The man smiled coldly, "Hehe, do you want to meet?"

Wickham shook his head again, really shaking his head and almost falling off. "No, I don't want to see you! You give me a chance, I will run forward now and never look back."

The man just said, "Lie down facing the wall and count down to thirty loudly and slowly. You are not allowed to leave until you count to one. In fact, I really hope that you will miss a number."

At this moment, Wickham felt the hard object on his waist leave.

He immediately counted aloud, not daring to make any mistakes.He focused on listening to the sound of the man's footsteps going away.

The man's footsteps were very light and fast, and he couldn't hear it when the countdown reached 24 o'clock.

Wickham didn't dare to take chances, and honestly counted down to one.

Looking back, the alley was empty, as if nothing had happened.Fearing that the man would turn back, he ran forward with all his strength, hoping that the bad luck would end here.

Can Wickham's wish come true?

On the other side of the dark alley, Kelsey, who had just besieged Wickham, walked onto the street, and she disappeared into the crowd in the costume of Mad Wolf Booker.

The news that Booker revealed to the victims today is also the beating plan provided by Booker, which makes it even more certain that those people will not let Wickham go easily.

This time it was just a beating.Wait until Christmas is over, when Wickham thinks everything is calm, and give him another blow to the head.

The victims decided to jointly sue Wickham to Wickham's company, and what awaited him would be the punishment of the military order.

Let's say the sky cleared up for just one day.

In the next few days, the snow, as predicted, fell more and more.

Kelsey had prepared a few Christmas presents and was sending them out one by one these days, and her eyes casually glanced at the world map on the wall.

Wickham's business was easy to settle.

But she was in London, and she couldn't help Goodman, who changed his name and surname in the United States and didn't know the exact whereabouts.

At eight o'clock in the evening, there was a knock on the door.

It was Sherlock, with a gift box in his hand.

Sherlock handed the gift to Kelsey, "The snow has been getting heavier these two days, I'm afraid it will be more inconvenient to travel later. I will go back to Yorkshire tomorrow morning, and say Merry Christmas in advance."

"Thank you."

Kelsey accepted the gift with a smile, turned around and took a copy for Sherlock. "You're a step ahead this time, I was going to give it to you tomorrow. Merry Christmas."

This reminds me of another Mr. Holmes.

"Did Mr. Mycroft return to the old house early? Already set off?"

If so, Kelsey will give the candy gift box to Sherlock, and he will pass it on to Mycroft.

"No. My respected brother is busy with business and won't be home for a few days."

Sherlock added, "Last Christmas, I was not at home, and I had a thrilling experience. This year I have a rare free time, so I will do more things on behalf of Mycroft, and go back to decorate the Christmas tree first."

Where was Christmas last year?

The two in the room recalled the experience.

Both of them traveled in disguise and went to the Alps at the invitation of Earl B.The original intention was to meet the real people of "Apep" and "Chocolate Cake", who would have thought that they would encounter a dark castle.

Kelsey sighed sincerely, "I don't want to experience the situation last year again. Christmas should be warm and peaceful."

"Indeed."

Sherlock nodded sympathetically.

The two gave gifts and received gifts, and said Merry Christmas to each other, and the atmosphere was a little quiet.

Sherlock might have said goodbye and left, but he was silent for a few seconds and said, "Jerry, are you staying in London alone this year? It might be peaceful, but isn't it warm enough?"

So Kelsey should have read what he was saying?

Do you want to go back to Sherlock Holmes' old house in Yorkshire for Christmas?