The Mammoth Book of New Sherlock Holmes Adventures - Mike Ashley [147]
“He might be a gentleman in station, Holmes,” I replied, “but he is a rogue at heart. The insufferable gall of the man, Holmes!”
“Actually, I thought his posts were quite clever,” said Holmes, who then proceeded not to say another word.
Girac met us personally at the house located only a short distance from the Chamber of Deputies. That he came alone was yet another indication of his mistrust of those in his own office.
“I have done exactly as you requested, Mr Holmes,” said Girac as soon as we were alone. “I informed several members of the Chamber of Deputies that the President, at my urging, has agreed to take a much-needed vacation in the country. They accepted my story that this constant bickering over the Dreyfus affair has him weary of Paris. Though I refused to reveal the exact location of his hideaway, I did mention a secure villa in the south of France, guarded round the clock by my most trusted assistants.”
“Good work,” said Holmes. “The trap is set.”
Girac grimaced. “You suspect one of the ministers is involved in the plot? Or several?”
“Perhaps, perhaps not,” said Holmes mysteriously. “However. I feel confident that news of Casimir-Perier’s trip will soon reach Huret. Aware of his limitations, he will try to strike before the scheduled journey.”
Holmes made no mention of what those limitations might be, and as Girac said nothing, I felt it best to remain silent. Lighting his pipe, Holmes deeply inhaled the smoke. “You have the President’s itinerary for the next few days with you?”
“Of course,” said Girac. “He is scheduled for a full round of meetings tomorrow. In the evening, he travels to his club for an informal dinner with the Belgian ambassador. Afterwards, he plans to attend a reception for a few close friends at their embassy. The next day, he consults with the Minister of Finance. That night, he is scheduled to attend the opera. The following morning, his supposed vacation begins.”
“The opera,” I declared, “that is where Huret will strike. What better location for the rogue. A huge crowd, plenty of noise. A meeting place for the Boulevard set. The perfect place for an assassination attempt.”
“You have the mind of a policeman, Watson,” said Holmes, drawing in another puff of smoke.
He nodded to Girac. “I’m sure the Doctor would enjoy dinner at the President’s club, Girac. Why not arrange for him to accompany you while you keep watch tomorrow evening?”
“But what of you, Holmes?” I asked.
“I shall be nearby, Watson,” replied Holmes, the smoke curling about his head like a mask.
Upon rising the next morning, I discovered Holmes was already gone – on errands, according to Girac – but that he would meet us in the evening. Though he rarely discussed his far travels after his final duel with Professor Moriarity, I knew that Holmes had spent considerable time in Paris. Much of that period was spent investigating the curious affair of the Opera Ghost. My friend knew every twist and turn of the fabled Paris Opera House. I felt certain he was visiting old haunts and making preparations to deal with a new phantom.
I spent most of the day with Girac, reviewing his plans for protecting the President. The Inspector’s greatest challenge was to make sure that his men always remained in the background, not noticeable. News of a plot to assassinate Casimir-Perier could be almost as damaging to the state of the nation as the act itself. The President was surrounded by police, but all in disguise, and all at a distance. It was a difficult assignment, but Girac handled it with a cool head and keen mind. I could find no fault in his preparations.
Dinner was at nine, and Girac and I arrived by carriage shortly before it was scheduled to begin. There was no sign of Holmes and I was beginning to worry. Huret had killed a dozen men. Holmes was quite capable of defending himself in a brawl, but what chance did he have against a professional assassin?
The dining room of the club