The Devil's Grin - a Crime Novel Featuring Anna Kronberg and Sherlock Holmes Read Online Free PDF

receive his refreshments.
    Holmes was giving Gibson the results of the dissection, but did not elaborate on the twigs and beetles, nor on any other thoughts he entertained on the case.
    ‘ Were you able to identify the man, Inspector?’ I enquired.
    He shook his head, showing me his annoyance. ‘No, I already told Mr Holmes I’m afraid it will be entirely impossible. He didn’t have any papers on him and no one who fits his description had been reported missing. I will not waste my time investigating this case. I hope you agree, Mr Holmes.’
    Holmes nodded without looking up and Gibson heaved himself off the chair with a satisfied smile.
    ‘ Dr Kronberg, if I have any other questions I will contact you,’ said Gibson and took his leave. I knew he wouldn't and that was just as well.
    As the Inspector trampled down the stairs, I stood with my back to the closed door and looked at Holmes. ‘Interesting,’ I noted and he opened his eyes, apparently surprised to see me.
    ‘ Is there anything else, Dr Kronberg?’ His voice was monotonous.
    ‘ Gibson is wrong and you know it.’
    Holmes raise d one eyebrow and I waved my hand at him, saying: ‘Well, when is he not ?’
    ‘ Indeed,’ murmured Holmes with an expression of impatience.
    ‘ My apologies for wasting your time Mr Holmes,’ I produced a warm smile. ‘I only have two questions. Did I miss anything of importance due to my late arrival?’ He shook his head in reply. ‘The second question is: could you find anything of interest in the bowl you took home yesterday?’
    ‘ It was full with insects, leaves, and dirt. Highly interesting,’ he yawned.
    His gaze followed mine as I looked at the violin and said: ‘She is on top of the bread crumbs - you played her before Gibson came in. Are you on a case at present?’
    He narrowed his eyes and I saw him getting ready for combat.
    ‘ What amused you about the maid?’ he asked calmly.
    I smile d, he wanted a diversion. So be it. ‘I was wondering why she was so extremely shy. Whether it could be her inexperience or a problem she has with you. The fact that I wondered at all, was, well… amusing.’
    ‘ Amusing?’ he asked.
    ‘ Mr Holmes, you are the most observant man I ever came across, yet you want me to believe that you don't know the impression you leave on others?’
    ‘ I have a theory, but I am involved and thus not entirely independent in my judgement.’
    ‘ You scare people,’ I state d simply. It was short and hit the nail on the head. He could digest it as he pleased. But Holmes’s response surprised me - he chuckled lightly.
    Accidentally, I cast a look at the woman on the mantle piece. His quick eyes followed mine and he said: ‘Another theory I would like to hear!’
    Seeing my startled expression he produced a flood of explanations: ‘I noticed you glancing around as you entered. You looked rather taken aback. What a contrast when coming in from that neat staircase. My piles of papers and the spots on the walls and ceiling amused you. I could almost see the pictures of small explosive experiments forming in your head. Very refreshing, indeed! Then you discovered the photograph,’ he pointed to the woman’s picture, ‘and your eyes lingered there for two seconds. You must have formed an opinion.’
    He put his hands back into his lap and sat there relaxed while monitoring his surroundings without the slightest movement of his head. The man had very long antennas indeed!
    ‘ I am curious Mr Holmes - if you don’t want to involve me in this case, why not simply ask me to leave? Another thing I was just wondering was whether you ever met someone who learned how to avoid your analytical skills. Someone who could observe you well enough and then avoid being analysed by you, avoid being obvious, so to speak.’
    ‘ You are evading my question.’ He still had that calm voice and I started wondering what could possible rattle his composure.
    ‘ What question again? I must have