The Black Crow Conspiracy Read Online Free PDF Page A

was misquoted,” Monty replied, an indignant blush colouring his cheeks as he recalled the match report. “Besides,” he continued, turning now to face his employer, “he has made me a rather exciting offer that I believe will be to your liking, Penelope.”
    Penny’s smile faded slightly.
    “An offer?” she enquired.
    Monty grinned.
    “The chance to make literary history,” he replied. Draping his striped blazer on the coat stand, the actor eased himself into the chair behind Penelope’s desk. “Arthur has proposed to me that we collaborate on a new story pitting his creation against mine – Sherlock Holmes meets the Black Crow in the ultimate tale of mystery.” With a flourish, Monty perched his cricket shoes on the corner of Penny’s desk, then reached into his top pocket to draw out a cigar. “A capital idea, I thought.”
    The swish of her long skirt followed Penelope as she strode across the office. As Monty fumbled for his matchbox, Penny plucked the cigar from his fingers, fixing the actor with an exasperated glare.
    “But, Monty, how on earth can you collaborate with Arthur Conan Doyle when you haven’twritten a single word of a story in your life? The only black crow I have ever seen you take an interest in is the one on the label of your whisky bottle. I trust you haven’t agreed to this preposterous proposal?”
    Monty’s smile wavered.
    “Ah, well, the thing is…”
    “Oh, Monty!” Penny clapped her hand to her forehead. “How am I supposed to write Montgomery Flinch’s part of the story when you and Doyle are ensconced in the confines of your gentlemen’s club?”
    “Details, details,” Monty replied, recovering his bluster with an airy wave of his hand. “I may have to share a few drinks with Arthur at the club as we work out the details of the plot, but when it comes to the serious business of writing then I’ll return here to the office and let you work your magic on the page.”
    Penelope frowned, not fooled by Monty’s attempts at flattery.
    “Just imagine what a story you could tell,” he continued, casting a rueful glance at his confiscated cigar. “To have the Black Crow pit his villainous wits against the famous Baker Street detective – the reading public will be eager to see who gets the upper hand.”
    Penny glanced around the office to check the reactions of the others to this unexpected proposition. Familiar furrows lined her guardian’sbrow, but Alfie’s face was lit up with a beaming smile.
    “Sherlock Holmes versus the Black Crow – you simply have to write that story, Penny.”
    Penelope pursed her lips as she turned back to face Monty. The idea was an intriguing one, she had to admit that. And the chance to write a Sherlock Holmes adventure was almost too delightful to resist.
    Sensing that Penelope’s interest was piqued, Monty pressed home the proposal.
    “Arthur suggests that we split the publication of the serial between the
Strand
and
The Penny Dreadful
. He reckons that this will help both magazines to increase their sales as the subscribers to the
Strand
then purchase
The Penny Dreadful
to read the next instalment, and our readers do the same in return.”
    “Ahem.”
    At the sound of Mr Wigram clearing his throat, all eyes turned towards him as the elderly lawyer rose from his desk at the rear of the office.
    “It does seem as though Mr Doyle’s proposal might have some pecuniary benefits, Penelope. Perhaps we shouldn’t dismiss it out of hand.”
    Meeting her guardian’s gaze, Penny slowly nodded her agreement.
    “It seems as though the Black Crow will take flight in a new adventure,” she declared. “One where he will match his wits against the greatdetective, Sherlock Holmes.”
    “Bravo!”
    As Alfie clapped his hands together in delight, Penny turned her attention to Monty again.
    “But before you depart for Esher, we must discuss some initial ideas for the story. You must convince Conan Doyle that the thoughts of Montgomery Flinch