The Criminal Mastermind of Baker Street

by Rob Nunn

  “The worst man in London,” Holmes answered, as he sat and stretched his legs in front of the fire. “The back of the card says he will call at 6:30. He’s about due. Do you feel a creeping, shrinking sensation, when you stand before the serpents in the zoo and see the slithery, gliding, venomous creatures, with their deadly eyes and wicked, flattened faces? Well, that’s how Milverton impresses me. I’ve had to deal with the lowest men in London in my career, but the worst of them never gave me the repulsion which I have for this fellow.”

  “But who is he?” Watson repeated.

  “He is the worst blackmailer in all of England. Heaven help the man, and still more the woman, whose secret and reputation come into the power of Milverton. With a smiling face and a heart of marble he will squeeze and squeeze until he has drained them dry. The fellow is a genius in a way, and would have made his mark in our organization - heaven knows I’ve sent emissaries to broker an arrangement.”

  “And you detest him for his competition?”

  “No, Watson. It is his methods which repulse me. The few times which we have used blackmail, it has been only when needed, and even then our targets have been of the most substantial wealth. Milverton’s method is as follows: He allows it to be known that he is prepared to pay very high sums for letters which compromise people of even moderate wealth or position. He receives these wares not only from treacherous valets or maids, but frequently from genteel ruffians who have gained the confidence and affection of trusting women. I happen to know that he paid seven hundred pounds to a footman for a note two lines in length, and that the ruin of a noble family was the result. Everything which is in the market goes to Milverton, and there are hundreds in this great city who turn white at his name. No one knows where his grip may fall, for he is far too rich and far too cunning to work from hand to mouth. He will hold a card back for years in order to play it at the moment when the stake is best worth winning.”

  “His trade cannot be that different from our own, Holmes.”

  “But he is, Watson. I have said that he is the worst man in London, and I would ask you how could one compare the rogues in our employ who carry out a job that is meticulously planned so that no one is hurt in the process, to one who methodically, and at his leisure, tortures the soul and wrings the nerves of anyone in society in order to add to his already swollen moneybags?”

  “But surely the fellow must be within the grasp of revenge?” Watson asked.

  “Technically, no doubt, but practically not. His victims dare not hit back.”

  “And why is he here?”

  Holmes sighed as he looked into the fire. “Because the time has come for him to exert his power on me. He has, no doubt, finally found proof to link me with my crimes. Milverton must surely know of my successes and plans to take a princely sum in return for keeping the secret.”

  Watson’s face grew as hard as stone. “Then he must be dealt with quickly and forcefully. Would you like me to call for McMurdo, or someone more permanent? Mercer, perhaps?”

  “No. I have watched Milverton from afar and am aware that if he is harmed in any way that the secrets he holds will be made public immediately. You no doubt remember the row about the politician and the lighthouse?”

  “That was Milverton?”

  “Yes. The man landed a blow to the fiend’s chin. He quickly realized his error and offered to pay more than the original price, but Milverton chose to make an example of him.”

  “Then we shall go to war with him. I will stand by you until we bring him to his knees.”

  “No, Watson. He has wisely stayed afield of my operations for years. If he is calling on me now, he must surely have enough evidence to cripple me. Although we have shared the same room for some years, I would not find it amusing if we ended by sharing the same cell.”

  Watson looked out the window at the stately carriage that had pulled up to their door. “Then how will you stop him?”

  Holmes stared at the fire. “I won’t. I have examined every alternative and the only way to continue my livelihood is to let this snake have his way and be gone.”

  A stillness hung in the air as Watson gaped at his friend. He had never seen such a thing: Sherlock Holmes was allowing himself to be beaten. He had seen Holmes topple whole rival organizations, gain commissions from the highest seats of governments, and even return from the dead. But this one man had broken his friend before he had even spoken a word.

  A minute later that man was in the room.

  Charles Augustus Milverton was a man of fifty, with a large head, a round, plump face, a perpetual frozen smile, and two keen grey eyes which gleamed from behind golden-rimmed glasses. He advanced with a plump little hand extended and murmured his regret for missing them earlier.

  Holmes dismissed Milverton’s hand and looked at him with a face of granite. This only caused the blackmailer’s smile to broaden. He shrugged, removed his overcoat and folded it over the back of the chair.

  “Good evening, gentlemen,” Milverton said in a smooth and suave voice. “I come to you on a matter so very delicate... “

  “Doctor Watson has already heard of it,” Holmes stated flatly.

  “I’m sure he has. Then we can proceed to business.”

  “What are your terms?”

  Milverton looked at Holmes for a moment and then turned to Watson. “Doctor Watson, I am asking for seven thousand pounds per year.”

  Watson’s face showed his puzzlement. “I am not Mister Holmes’ financial advisor. But if I were...”

  Milverton chuckled. “My dear doctor, I am not here to meet with Mister Holmes. He is a gentleman with protections that exceed my capabilities. I am here to conduct business with you.”

  For a moment, the only sound in the room was the popping of the fire.

  Realization hit Holmes, turning him grey. Through clenched teeth, he said, “What documents have you to warrant such a visit to my - our apartment?”

  Milverton’s insufferable smile became more complacent than ever. He regarded Holmes silently for a moment and then returned to face Watson. “You have done an admirable job in your position here, Doctor, but your recent crime in Norbury left one loose end: the telegram you sent to your man, Bradley. Normally, this wouldn’t have been enough, but you had a nice conversation with the telegraph agent that day, discussing South African securities, I believe. And, as we all know, your man was eventually arrested for his crime. Even though your organization is protected through more layers than I can possibly imagine, I have a telegram sent from you which dispatched a man who was arrested and convicted of a crime you ordered.”

  Watson’s mouth pursed into a small line. “I see. And if the payment is not made?”

  “My dear sir,” Milverton smiled, “it is painful for me to discuss it; but if the money is not paid there will certainly be interested parties at Scotland Yard. But if you think that it is in your best interest to let your friend here try to influence matters, then you would be foolish to pay so large a sum of money.”

  Milverton rose and seized his coat.

  “Wait a little,” Holmes said. “You go too fast. We would certainly make every effort to avoid scandal in so delicate a matter.”

  Milverton reseated himself on his chair. “I was sure that you would see it in that light,” he purred.

  “At the same time,” Holmes continued, “I assure you that my organization will do what it can to help Doctor Watson, but even two thousand pounds would be a drain upon our current resources, and that sum you name is utterly beyond our power. Operating expenses of such a large organization as mine require a goodly deal of my working capital. You speak of my protections, then you must also know that they only allow me to operate under strict conditions, and creating such a large flow of money into our organization would absolutely not be tolerated. I beg, therefore, that you will moderate y
our demands, and that you will meet us at the price which I indicate.”

  If possible, Milverton’s smile broadened even more. “I am aware that what you say is true about your conditions. At the same time, you must admit that someone of such renowned capabilities as yourself is a very suitable man for such a challenge. Instead of your odd writings now and then, I am presenting you with this opportunity for your talents. Consider this a favor I am doing for you.”

  “It is impossible,” said Watson flatly.

  “Dear me, dear me, how unfortunate!” cried Milverton. “I’m sure the inspectors will be interested to know about London’s gentleman crime lord who has plagued the city for years. And all because you will not find a beggarly sum. It is such pity. I thought I would have a pleasant conversation with one of London’s most eminent minds, and here I find you, a man of sense, boggling about terms when your friend’s future and honor are at stake. You surprise me, Mister Holmes.”

  “What I say is true,” Holmes answered, simmering. “The money cannot be found. Surely it is better for you to take the substantial sum which I offer than ruin this man, which can profit you in no way?”

  “There you make a mistake, Mr. Holmes. An exposure of such a grand scale would profit me indirectly to a considerable extent. If it were circulated that I made a severe example of someone so high up in a criminal empire, I should find all of my future clients much more open to reason. You see my point?”

  Holmes’ building rage had reached its zenith. He sprang from his chair. “Get behind him, Watson! Don’t let him out!” Holmes turned his cold, blazing grey eyes upon the blackmailer. “Now, Mr. Milverton, let us see that telegram. You speak of my organization, then you know of my power and reach. I am not a man you want to anger, and I have had enough of your petty game with my friend’s good name.”

  Milverton had glided as quickly as a rat to the side of the room, and stood with his back against the wall. “Mr. Holmes,” he said, exhibiting the butt of a large revolver from the inside pocket of his coat. “I have been expecting you to do something original. This has been done so often, and what good has ever come from it? I assure you that I am armed to the teeth. Besides, your supposition that I would bring the telegram here is entirely mistaken. Trust me, gentlemen, the doctor’s telegram is safe, and will remain so as long as I remain unharmed. And now, gentlemen, I have one or two little interviews this evening.”

  He stepped forward, took up his coat with one hand, with the other still on his revolver, and turned towards the door. Watson picked up a chair to bash the man with, but Holmes shook his head and he laid it down again. With a bow and a smile, Milverton slid from the room, and a few minutes later, Holmes and Watson heard the slam of a carriage door and the rattle of wheels on pavement.

  Holmes looked at Watson mournfully. “I give you my word, Watson, I that will turn all my mental efforts to this problem.” With that, he sat motionless by the fire, his chin sunk upon his breast, and his eyes fixed upon the glowing embers for a half an hour.

  Suddenly, Holmes sprang to his feet.

  “You have a plan?” Watson asked eagerly.

  “I do. It will take a few days, though.”

  “Shall I call for any employees?”

  Holmes placed his hand on Watson’s shoulder. “No. I would trust your predicament to no one except myself. This will be a problem that I will see to completion on my own.”

  With that Holmes passed into his bedroom, and a little later he reappeared. “I’ll be back some time, Watson. Keep business running as usual in my stead. This matter could take some time.” With that, Holmes vanished into the night.

  Over the next few days, Watson hardly saw Holmes, except for fleeting glimpses at all hours, always dressed as a rakish young workman with a goatee beard and a swagger. Finally, Watson could wait no more and pressed his friend on his progress.

  Holmes laughed heartily in front of the fire. “You would not call me a marrying man, Watson?”

  “No, indeed. But what does that have to do with my blackmailer?”

  “You will be interested to hear that I am engaged - to your blackmailer’s housemaid.”

  Watson could only gape at this news.

  “I wanted information, Watson. I am a plumber with a rising business. I have walked with the maid, Agatha, each evening, and I have talked with her. Good heavens, those talks! However, I have got all I wanted. I know Milverton’s house as I know the palm of my hand.”

  “But the girl, Holmes. I cannot let you hurt an innocent to protect my name.”

  “Milverton’s employees are hardly innocents. They are well aware of their master’s trade. However, you will be happy to hear that I have a hated rival who will certainly cut me out the instant that my back is turned from my new fiancée. Now, Watson, for a bit of dinner, and then I am back out into the night. For tonight, I mean to burgle Milverton’s house.”

  “For heaven’s sake, Holmes, think what you are doing. You are quite out of practice. I beg of you to bring in one of your experts on this matter. If you were to be caught, your name, the organization...”

  “My dear fellow, I have given it every consideration. I would not adopt so energetic and indeed so dangerous a course if any other were possible. I am in sole possession of the knowledge of the house’s layout and where his papers are kept. If I were to send a confidant in my stead, there are too many variables to consider, and Agatha expects to see me, and me alone each night. That is why she puts up Milverton’s beast of a dog and leaves the side gate unlocked. This is too delicate of a matter for a subordinate. My self-respect and your reputation are concerned, and for that I will fight it to a finish.”

  “Well, I don’t like it; but I suppose it must be,” Watson said. “When do we start?”

  “You are not coming.”

  “Then you are not going. I give you my word of... “

  “Watson, I appreciate your concern, but this must be handled as deliberately as possible. You have not acquainted yourself with Milverton’s household and his security. You would be a liability.”

  Miffed, Watson sat back in his chair. Holmes quickly ate a cold supper and then slipped a burgling kit and black silk mask into his overcoat.

  Holmes clasped Watson on the shoulder. “With any luck I should be back here by two with the telegram in my pocket.” And with that, he departed Baker Street.

  At three that night, Holmes burst through the door of Baker Street, waking Watson from his chair.

  “It is done, Watson. Here is the wretched telegram,” Holmes said tossing it to his friend. “Gaze upon it, and then throw it into the fire, just as I have done with every other piece of blackmail Milverton held in reserve over London’s elite.”

  Looking at the telegram in his hands, Watson beamed. “By Jove, Holmes! You’ve done it!”

  “And quite a sight it was, too,” Holmes replied, pouring himself a glass from the tantalus. “Milverton lay dead when I left his home tonight.”

  “Holmes, you didn’t-”

  “No, my good doctor. Milverton’s end came from one of his former victims who unloaded her revolver into his chest.”

  “But how did she get into his house? Had she scheduled an appointment with Milverton?”

  “No, she scheduled her appointment with me. For a small fee, I was able to provide her safe passage into his inner sanctum. And what she did from there was her own choice. There are certain crimes which justify private revenge.” Watson nodded solemnly. “Now, if you will excuse me,” Holmes continued, “it has been quite a night, and I would like a few hours’ sleep before our planning session in the morning on the Conk Singleton forgery. While I rest, Watson, would you make a few inquiries as to Milverton’s agents? There may be one or two of use to our agency.”

  Chapter 16: To Avoid All Public Scandal

  The turn of the century fo
und Holmes’ organization reaching new heights. Through a discreet partnership with the American Gold King, Neil Gibson, Holmes was flush with operating funds, and he used them to pull off two of the most remarkable disappearances London had ever read of.

  Monty Wolder and Joshua Monken were two men Holmes employed infrequently, but when they brought a bank opportunity to Holmes that rivaled that of Holmes’ score from the Red-Headed League caper, he allowed them to take up the charge, only guaranteeing protection. Holmes did not fully trust these two men’s finesse with such a crime and wisely kept his distance. The crime was almost completely botched, and Holmes had to act quickly to protect them from Scotland Yard. He shuttled them onto the cutter Alicia after receiving a hefty payment and sent them off one spring morning. But as far as anyone in London knew, the ship sailed into a small patch of mist and she never emerged. Nothing further was ever heard of the ship, her crew, or the two escaping criminals, except for a payment three months later with a note attached “Cargo delivered. -Alicia.”

  Later that year, Mr. James Phillmore came to Holmes with pressing hopes to also disappear from London. He had been challenged to a duel by the journalist Isadora Persano, and chose to flee rather than face his accuser. Persano was well known for his dueling, and Holmes agreed, but knew that Persano would be watching Phillmore closely. The next day, Mr. Phillmore stepped back into his own house to get his umbrella and was never more seen in London. Persano took to solving this disappearance himself, and he was said to have gone stark raving mad from his inability to solve this puzzle.

  On the heels of these disappearances, a young man by the name of John Hopley Neligan, the son of a failed Cornwall banker, called at Baker Street. He was looking for a seaman by the name of Peter Carey. Neligan believed that Carey had murdered his father and stolen a large amount of securities from him. After cajoling the young man to turn over half of the securities to him, Holmes traced the sailor, only to find out that he had been murdered three years prior. Holmes tracked the murderer, and found that he was ignorant of the value of the securities he held. The murderer was an old shipmate of Carey’s and had murdered him out of hatred. He had only taken items from Carey to make the murder seem like a robbery, and to lead the police on a false trail. Holmes easily convinced the sailor to hand over the securities, and gave young Neligan his share.