Sigmund Shaw: A Steampunk Adventure (21 page)

20.

Zachary, Sutton’s monkey, had overcome any fears that he had had at the unexpected visitor. Seeing the calm manner of Sutton and the non-threatening nature of this stranger, gave him the confidence to climb from his spot and investigate. Sigmund smiled as the monkey pawed at his clothing, examining buttons, his watch, and eventually climbing to his shoulder and playing with his goggles.

“He quite likes you Mr. Shaw,” commented Sutton. “Have you been around monkeys before, perhaps a visit to India?”

“No – to both questions. He seems friendly enough.”

“That he is and smart too. As I mentioned, he represents the culmination of my work so far, one step away from my life’s goal. Being so close, it cannot be hard to see why I had such an interest in the German invention. That said, creating the needed generator that would allow for artificial movement was not my main concern. You already made mention of the growing faction in the government that wants war. If they were to have gotten their hands on the fuel source it would have been devastating. Perhaps it was for the best that it was destroyed. The potential for good was certainly there, but the potential for bad might have overshadowed it. The saving of countless lives outweighs the healing of a few.”

With true curiosity Sigmund asked, “How did you find out about it, the German invention? You seemed fairly certain it was not a hoax.”

Sutton nodded, “There were a couple of things that brought it to my attention. As you can see, I am not working in a hospital or practicing medicine. As I mentioned, I didn’t graduate, but I have found that my knowledge of physical movement has given me a unique perspective to mechanical designs. I have even started to incorporate my nerve research into my designs. Imagine a machine that responds to your body movements as opposed to some kind of steering wheel. It would allow for a whole new breed of vehicle. With this in mind, a few months back I was asked to design a new war machine, which in my line of work is a necessary evil. But what really grabbed my attention was that the machines were to assume that the power source was small, very strong, and did not need replenishment – in short, the perfect power source. I found the request a bit odd but I obliged. Sometimes designing something without limits helped you to discover new ways to do things. I viewed it as merely a creative exercise as there was no actual power source that could meet the design. I came up with one of my best creations – innovative, strong, agile – a truly brilliant design, if I do say so myself. I delivered it and didn’t give the design any more thought. That is until the day Marcus Pratt visited me.”

“The man that was killed and hung on Tower Bridge.”

“Yes. Poor Marcus. He worked for the government, was involved in the Defence Department. His position and foolhardy aggressiveness allowed him to find out about the war faction and more importantly about the German invention – which is what no doubt led to his death. He questioned the existence of the invention, the possibility of it, but decided to let me know. When I heard about it I immediately thought of my designs. They no longer appeared to be a creative exercise but a real design for this new invention. I wasn’t completely convinced at that point as this would be a monumental change and usually changes are more incremental. So I did research as to who received my design and what they did with it. My hope was that it was filed away and forgotten, but it was not to be. Not only was it not forgotten, I found out that my design was being built.”

“What?” Sigmund asked excitedly. “Being built, already?”

“It was at that point that I didn’t doubt this German invention, this amalgam cube as you called it. They wouldn’t go through all the trouble and cost of production without a good reason. If I had known that my designs would actually be used, I would have been more reserved, cautious with a new technology. But realizing the parameters of the design included the impossible – or so I thought – I went forward thinking it as speculative creativity.”

“You couldn’t have known,” soothed Sigmund. “It was dependent on an invention that you didn’t know existed. That doesn’t exist anymore.”

A very concerned look crossed Sutton’s face. He asked, “Sigmund, are you sure it was destroyed that night?”

“I’m positive. Why?”

“Since the time of the explosion, I have tried to follow up on my design – for surely it was for nothing without the invention. But I haven’t come across the reaction of disappointment that I had anticipated. In fact, I have heard some rumors that the production of the machines has not stopped. Now, it’s possible that they are being retrofitted for coal but the mechanism would be crippled if they had to do that. It makes me wonder. Tell me, who was in the room that night at the hotel.”

Sigmund thought back, “The Defence Minister, of course, the two German scientists, and the minister’s companion.”

“Wait,” said Sutton with some excitement, “the companion was
in
the room? Where was he located?”

Sigmund wasn’t exactly sure where Sutton was going with this. It didn’t seem to matter where they were as a bomb wasn’t very discerning like that. “The two Germans sat on the foot of the bed while the minister and his companion sat opposite them on a couch.”

“Could the man sitting next to the minister have possibly left? Did you see him in the room right up until to the explosion?”

“I guess it is possible that he left, but unlikely. The meeting wasn’t over and there didn’t appear to be any reason to leave. However, I did have to turn away as one of the scientists came and opened the window that I was outside of. There was a little time where I guess he could have gotten up. But why would he?”

Ignoring the question, Sutton asked, “What did the companion look like?”

Sigmund thought back to the man. He hadn’t given him much attention but was able to recall a few things, “He had straight blondish hair, very fine, and a longish face. Average to maybe slightly above average height. I can’t remember much more.”

Sutton opened his briefcase and pulled out a newspaper, the
London Times,
and looked at the front page for a moment. Then turning the paper around and handing it to Sigmund he asked, “Did he look anything like this?”

Sigmund was a bit confused but took the paper and saw on the front page the exact man he was just describing. The minister’s companion was on the front page of the
Times
. The headline above the picture read,
Grimkraken to be Announced Defence Minister.
“This is him!” exclaimed Sigmund. “This is the companion that was in the room!”

Becoming speechless, both men sat there in quiet reflection, implications swimming through their heads.

Sigmund looked back at the article and read the full name, Christoph Grimkraken. This meant that he survived the blast and that he almost certainly had the amalgam cube.

Sigmund finally asked, “How did you know?”

“I didn’t know for sure. I knew that one of the people killed was an official as you said, but he was a guard who was
outside
the hotel room door, not inside the room. Once you said there was someone inside, that meant that the death toll didn’t add up. It makes sense that Grimkraken was there – it’s rumored that he is the one that the Germans contacted in the first place. His grandmother was German.”

Small connections kept being made in Sigmund’s mind with all of this new information, “This means that the Coal Union had nothing to do with it. The bomb, the murder of the Defence Minister was by the hands of this man. Not only did he get the amalgam cube, presumably, but he also opened a powerful position for himself to take.”

“I doubt I have to tell you that he is part of the war faction. One of its more outspoken leaders.”

Sigmund smiled wryly, “I figured. The question now is what do we do?” At this point another connection was made, one that made Sigmund’s heart leap, “If Grimkraken has the process for the amalgam cube then it didn’t get destroyed which means that if we can get at it then your device for my niece could have a power source.”

Sutton thought about it for a second and then said, “Yes, you are right. However, that can’t be our main concern. You must understand.”

Sigmund did and nodded.

Sutton continued, “Everything you have been told about the war faction and my design is true. If someone doesn’t stop them, there will be war, I’m certain of it.”

Sigmund asked, “Why the desire for war? To what end?”

“There seems to be some grandiose thoughts of the British Empire spreading itself out like in olden times. Promises of wealth and power. It is so incredibly arrogant that it is hard to believe that there are supporters, but to my shock and dismay there are many supporters from all that I have heard.”

War did not any make sense to Sigmund. He was a simple man and matters of governments and nations were not things he gave much attention to. However, he did know that he was not in support of this war faction. “Mr. Sutton, can you find out where the manufacturing of your design is being done?”

With a sigh Sutton answered, “I’m not sure. With Marcus gone my information from inside the government is limited. I’ll try. What do you have in mind?”

“Proof.”

21.

As the clock neared 11:00 pm, Gabriel Holmes climbed his apartment stairs once again. Another fruitless day in the Defense Minister murder case. Sir Bradford, the Police Commissioner, had been reasonable thus far but even his patience would run out. As Holmes opened his apartment door his neck hairs stood up. It was the same feeling as the other night when the criminal, Sigmund Shaw, had broken in. Not one to be fooled twice, his gun was in his coat pocket this time. He whipped it out, turned on the light, and pointed the gun at the chair that Sigmund Shaw had been sitting in the previous visit… and was sitting in again.

Despite his warning senses, Holmes was surprised to see anyone, especially Sigmund, and even more surprised that Sigmund was not armed this time.

As if this was an ordinary visit, Sigmund said, “Good evening, Chief Inspector. Another long day I see.”

Holmes wasn’t going to let Sigmund escape this time. He demanded, “Stand up, Mr. Shaw. I’m placing you under arrest.”

Sigmund didn’t move. Holmes repeated, “Stand up now! I will shoot you!”

Sigmund, still in a calm voice, said, “I believe you, Chief Inspector. You no doubt see that I am unarmed. If it’s all the same to you, I would rather be shot sitting down than standing up. Frankly, I would hope not to be shot at all. But I will make a deal with you.”

Holmes was a bit flabbergasted.
A deal?
What is this man up to? “A deal? I don’t believe you are in any position to bargain, Mr. Shaw.”

Still not standing, Sigmund said, “Hear me out. I will volunteer myself to you if you listen to what I have to say. That is the deal. You give me a few minutes of your time and then I’m yours to do with as you want.”

Holmes was not a fool. He sensed a trap, although he couldn’t imagine what it was. He looked around the room for an accomplice or some sort of device to restrain him. He didn’t see either.

“Chief Inspector, I am telling you the truth. As I always have, I might add. Would you like to have a seat?”

Holmes laughed at the notion, “I don’t think so, Mr. Shaw. I will stand with my gun squarely aimed at your chest. But I will agree to your deal, although I have reservations that you will live up to your end. For that reason I give you fair warning: if you try to escape, I will shoot you. Are we clear?”

“Yes, Chief Inspector, perfectly so. Shall I begin?”

“Please do, you have my attention.”

Sigmund waited several seconds before speaking again. Holmes didn’t know if this was because he was rethinking his plan or just organizing his thoughts. Either way, the silence was beginning to be disturbing.

Then, without warning, Sigmund looked into Holmes eyes and said, “I know who set off the bomb.”

Holmes looked back at Sigmund, not giving any emotion.

Sigmund continued, “I know who set it off and why they did it. It was not the Coal Union as I first told you about. Although I believe I was clear that it was my theory and not a proven fact. I also know who the stranger was that visited me, who blackmailed me, and started me down this path. His name was Marcus Pratt.”

Sigmund paused and Holmes searched his memory for why that name sounded so familiar. In a moment he made the connection. He couldn’t help but blurt out, “The man found dead on Tower Bridge?”

Sigmund nodded.

Holmes sneered, “A bit convenient don’t you think? The man behind this, the man that could prove your innocence happens to be dead?”

“I wouldn’t call that convenient at all. He was only one of a few men behind my involvement, none of them behind the explosion, I must note. You see, Chief Inspector, the faction of the government that is determined to start a war is real.”

Holmes didn’t say anything, but a little side research since Sigmund’s last visit proved that there was some truth in the statement.

Sigmund continued, “They want the amalgam cube in order to power their war machines. The advantage of machines powered by these cubes could be insurmountable.”

Holmes interjected, “But if it was destroyed, they do not benefit. Your argument falters, Mr. Shaw.”

“That would be true, Chief Inspector… if the amalgam cube was destroyed. It was not.”

Sigmund paused again which allowed Holmes to think over what was just said. If any of this was true, it would indeed be a bad turn of events. Holmes said, “You said yourself that the bomb destroyed everything. The cube is gone.”

“I believed that to be so. But I have come across some information that I previously didn’t know. Tell me, please, who were the victims of the explosion and where were they situated?”

Holmes wasn’t sure what Sigmund was hoping to gain, but answered, “There were a husband and wife in the adjoining room, there was the two Germans in the room with the bomb, the Defence Minister also in the room, and lastly the minister’s guard outside the hotel door.”

Sigmund nodded. “I believe you are absolutely correct. However, those were not all the people in attendance that night. There was a fourth person in the room. He came in with the Defence Minister.”

Holmes didn’t want to admit it but he was intrigued. “And who was this fourth person that you allege to have been present?”

“I saw his picture in the paper today. His name is Christoph Grimkraken.”

“The new Defence Minister?” Holmes exclaimed and laughed at the absurdity of it.

“Yes. He was there. He is the one who set the bomb and the one who now has the amalgam cube process. Chief Inspector, Grimkraken is one of the leaders of the war faction. He now has the ability, and the position, to wage the war they want.”

Holmes, still standing, felt his legs go a little weak. He wanted to say that Sigmund was mistaken, that this was a story to cover his own guilt. However, things that were being said matched up with many things that Holmes had been hearing. Was it so absurd to think that Grimkraken could be behind this? He also had to admit that Sigmund was either completely convinced of his innocence or completely mad in order to show up in this way. Holmes had heard many false stories over the years but it was easy to see through them. This one was not proving transparent.

“Chief Inspector,” Sigmund continued, “I have told you the complete truth. I ask that you allow me to leave. Allow me to continue to help you to gather more proof. I’m working on a lead on the location of the cubes. I’m trying to help you, help the Empire. I’ll even tell you where I am staying.”

Holmes couldn’t believe that he was considering the offer, but he was. He could just arrest Sigmund, be called a hero, and let the judicial system handle the rest. But if Sigmund was telling the truth, then the case was nowhere near solved. Holmes had always trusted hard work and logic, but he knew enough to not completely ignore his intuition. His intuition was telling him that Sigmund Shaw was innocent. Even a clever criminal – and Holmes reluctantly admitted that there were a few – would not try the things that Sigmund had done. They would have a more believable story, simpler, nothing of the magnitude that was presented – nor would they show up at an inspector’s home.

“Where are you staying?” Holmes asked flatly.

“So we have a deal?”

“Undecided. Where are you staying?”

Sigmund paused in reflection and finally said, “I’ve been staying in the stable where my horse is kept.”

Holmes knew that he had a man watching the stables at all times. The incompetence was infuriating. Almost as if sensing Holmes thoughts, Sigmund said, “Don’t be too hard on your watchmen. There is a back entrance that I’ve been using. It would have been near impossible to spot me.”

Holmes wasn’t ready to let the watchman off so easy but put the thought aside as he needed to decide what he would do with Sigmund Shaw. There were definite holes in the case against Sigmund – no explosives found at his residence, he was on the outside ledge when the bomb went off, no clear motive for setting a bomb. The alternative version of events that Shaw had given him were of a scale that made them hard to believe at first glance but with a second glance there was truth to be found.

Lowering his gun, Holmes said, “Mr. Shaw, I may regret this, but I will let you leave. However, I have conditions. You will continue to stay at the stables so that you may be found if needed and you will provide me with any proof you find. Are we agreed?”

Holmes watched as Sigmund showed the first sign of emotion, relief. “Agreed, Chief Inspector. Thank you.”

After Sigmund left, Holmes thought about what he just did. The most wanted man in London was in his home and he just let him walk out. He waited for the regret to start, the anger at his foolishness, but it didn’t come – another sign that he really believed that what Sigmund said was true. The war faction, the existence of the cube, and a high official that could be a murderer.

Holmes went to bed not long after but didn’t sleep. His investigation had moved from merely frustrating to very dangerous.