Sophia Holmes and His Last Vow (Sherlock's Daughter Fanfic)

Chapter Eighteen - Silver Blaze Part VIII

After riding back to Beth's house and arranging transport and stables for Silver Blaze in Wessex, her dad drives us back out to King's Pyland. 

Hopkins is sat down with Colonel Ross as we enter, breaking what appears to be the bad news to him. "We've found traces which show that a party of travellers were camping a mile away from the murder scene on Monday night. Ryan Simpson may well have an understanding with them over hiding the horse."

"Nevertheless," Ross says, shaking his head and drawing in a breath. "I think I owe it to the public to remove Silver Blaze's name for the entrance for the cup."

"I wouldn't, Colonel," I say, betraying no sign of my glee. "I should let the name stand."

"But I've already withdrawn Bayard," he sighs.

"I have every hope that Silver Blaze will be at the Wessex Cup on Saturday, so have your jockey ready."

"I'm very glad to have your opinion, Miss Holmes."

"Of course, we still have the matter of who killed James Straker."

"Doubtless you will be devoting yourself to that problem."

I shake my head. "No, I don't think so. There's not a lot more I can do on that matter, so I'm taking the late train back up to London tonight." 

Beth turns to me in shock, but has the good sense not to say anything. Ross breaks into laughter. "So you've despaired already of arresting the murderer of poor James Straker? I must say I was expecting more from you, Miss Holmes. I'd heard such great things."

"At least you have her assurance that Silver Blaze will run," Beth speaks up.

"Oh yes, I have her assurance. I'd much rather have the horse."

I smile sweetly back at him, then turn to Hopkins. "Do you have a photo of Straker? It might be I can put in a few enquiries in London, pull a few favours." Hopkins hands me his picture and I head for the door. "Do you think you could drop me at the train station on your way back to Exeter, DI Hopkins?"

"Yeah, that's no problem." Before we cross the yard to the car, I notice a pen of sheep outside the stable and think back to the dish of mutton casserole that Straker's wife served Hunter. I divert across to it and catch one of the stableboys as he comes out from feeding them.

"Hiya, sorry. Who looks after these sheep?"

"I do, miss."

"Okay, and have you noticed anything different about them lately?"

He shakes his head. "No, not really." He pauses for a second. "Well it's not much account, but three of them have gone lame."

I smile. "Thank you." Beth turns and gives me a confused look, and I shake my head. "Just a long shot." I meet Hopkins and Colonel Ross over at the police car. "Inspector, you might want to look into the problem Mr Ross is having with his sheep."

Ross looks at me in surprise. "You really consider that to be important?"

"Considerably."

"Anything else I should be taking a look at?" Hopkins asks.  

"The curious incident of the dog in the night-time."

"But the dog did nothing in the night-time," Ross protests, but Hopkins has a look of realisation. 

"That's the curious incident."