A Case of Paternity

By: Yvonne Stevens

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

A/N: I’m starting this sequel from my alternate ending to The Case of the Mad Slasher.

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Chapter One: Four Months Later

About four months after the Mad Slasher case ended, I went once again to 221 B Baker Street, to see my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

“Hello, Holmes,” I said, sitting on the settee across from where he sat in his usual armchair.

“Hello, Watson,” said he, setting down the paper with a sigh.

“Anything interesting in the paper,” I asked.

“Not really,” he admitted.

“Anything on the Mad Slasher’s whereabouts,” I questioned.

Harmony Bulstrode, also known as the Mad Slasher, killed eleven people, and dismembered their bodies. She also raped and tried to kill Holmes. That was four months ago, and not a word has been heard of her since.

“Neither hide nor hair has been seen of Miss Bulstrode,” Holmes said, picking up the paper again.

“Got any new cases,” I asked, quickly changing the subject. It was still a sensitive subject, and best not to dwell on it for too long.

“Well, Mr. and Mrs. Angus Vaughn of 1222 Whidbey Road want to consult me on behalf of their governess,” replied Holmes, handing me the letter.

It was dated last post.

Dear Mister Sherlock Holmes [it read],

We wish to consult you on behalf of our new governess, Miss Felicia Fuchs. We will call at 2.00 tomorrow afternoon.

Sincerely,

Mr. Angus Vaughn

Mrs. Portia Vaughn nee Pike

“I suggest that you join me for luncheon tomorrow, Watson,” said Holmes, after I set the letter down.

The next day, at exactly two o’clock, there was a knock at the door.

“Billy, please show Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn in,” called Holmes.

 “Yes sir,” said Billy, and opened the door.

In came a tall, thin woman with her auburn hair in a bun, two black chopsticks in her bun, green eyes, a thin, hawk-like nose, a light blue dress with black buttons, and black shoes. Next, there was a tall, thin man with short graying brown hair, and brown eyes, square glasses, a white shirt, green tie, blue waist coat, and a tan frock coat, and matching trousers, and black shoes.

“Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn,” asked Holmes.

“Yes,” replied the Vaughns.

“Please take a seat,” answered Holmes, indicating the settee.

Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn sat on the settee.

“What, pray tell, do you wish to tell me,” asked Holmes.

“Our new governess, Miss Fuchs, is not married, obviously, and just found out that she’s pregnant,” began Mrs. Vaughn.

“She claims not to know who the father is, and she doesn’t seem to care much about finding him. We really would like your help in finding who he is,” finished Mr. Vaughn.

“Why haven’t you consulted the official police,” asked Holmes.

“Miss Fuchs wouldn’t have it, Mr. Holmes. She’s terrified of them for some odd reason,” said Mrs. Vaughn.

“Very interesting,” mused Holmes.

A/N: Well, that’s chapter one. Chapter two should come soon!