Andrea Frazer - Holmes and Garden 01 - The Curious Case of the Black Swan Song by Andrea Frazer
Authors: Andrea Frazer
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used – and things are mistakenly assumed.
‘In your case, you concluded that your mother disapproved of you to the nth degree, and avoided her company even more, becoming more and more withdrawn with your messages. You do see that, don’t you?’
‘Sort of.’ Garden found it difficult to let go of the idea of his mother as a dragon.
‘You need to go over in your head what life has been like for the last few years, and then reassess how you may have over-reacted.’
‘’Spose so.’
‘Your mother must have been very upset when your father left, but she said she’d done her best to build a busy social life since you had reached your late teens, and she expected you to do the same until you decided to fly the nest. I think you’ve seriously misjudged her.’
‘Might have.’
‘Look, we’re going to need to stay on longer in the hotel – don’t worry about the cost, because I’ll pay. It’ll be your first experience of being awarded expenses on a case. While we’re still there, just think of the whole “mother” thing, while knowing that I’m always available to talk to if you need a sounding-board.’
‘Thanks.’ John H. seemed to be taking hard the elimination of his own personal demon, but he’d cope, given time.
‘I know!’ Holmes suddenly exclaimed. ‘Let’s take a run past my place so that you can see your room. A look at the old bachelor apartment might cheer you up.’
‘Excellent idea!’ Garden already had the bit between his teeth – anything to stop him thinking about Mummy.
Holmes pulled up in front of a row of older terraced properties, all of a good size for sub-division, and pointed at the black-painted iron railings outside his own building. ‘There she is. And look at the red of that front door. Had to pay an arm and a leg to get the colour that smooth and shiny, but it’s a real beacon, don’t yer think?’
‘I think it looks very business-like and welcoming, all at the same time,’ agreed Garden, and they exited the car and mounted the few steps to the front door of the ground floor accommodation.
‘The entrances to the other apartments are round the side, so it doesn’t give the impression of a house in multiple occupation, which was a feature I rather liked when I bought it.’
‘I can hardly wait to see inside,’ almost panted Garden with enthusiasm as his new friend inserted a key in the lock.
As the door swung open, Garden was immediately transported to a bygone age. In the black and white checkerboard-tiled hall floor stood a venerable old oak coat-stand with antlers for decoration, and a large mirror for checking one’s appearance before going out, or even answering the door. Below, an umbrella-and-stick stand stood for use by the respectable Edwardian gentleman. A couple of large prints on the wall were also contemporary with that age.
First, Holmes ushered him to a sitting-room that looked as if the great man himself had just popped out for an ounce of Bradley’s best shag. Radiators for central heating were cunningly disguised, and there was an open fireplace with tiles contemporary with when the house had been built. Large battered chesterfields adorned the room, and even a violin had been ‘carelessly’ discarded on an old Georgian table.
A quick view of the kitchen showed that what looked very much of its age also managed to hide modern conveniences which it would be nigh on impossible to live without today. ‘This is cunning stuff, you old fox,’ commented Garden with admiration.
‘Not too difficult, as I have sufficient funds, with only myself to take care of. And now, of course, nothing matters in the financial department. But I shall keep the old place on, of course. Not only is it convenient for our new business venture, but I’ve spent years getting the right address, and creating the interior. No, I’m quite happy here, and need nowhere else. Let me show you the facilities and your room. By the way, you’re not
‘In your case, you concluded that your mother disapproved of you to the nth degree, and avoided her company even more, becoming more and more withdrawn with your messages. You do see that, don’t you?’
‘Sort of.’ Garden found it difficult to let go of the idea of his mother as a dragon.
‘You need to go over in your head what life has been like for the last few years, and then reassess how you may have over-reacted.’
‘’Spose so.’
‘Your mother must have been very upset when your father left, but she said she’d done her best to build a busy social life since you had reached your late teens, and she expected you to do the same until you decided to fly the nest. I think you’ve seriously misjudged her.’
‘Might have.’
‘Look, we’re going to need to stay on longer in the hotel – don’t worry about the cost, because I’ll pay. It’ll be your first experience of being awarded expenses on a case. While we’re still there, just think of the whole “mother” thing, while knowing that I’m always available to talk to if you need a sounding-board.’
‘Thanks.’ John H. seemed to be taking hard the elimination of his own personal demon, but he’d cope, given time.
‘I know!’ Holmes suddenly exclaimed. ‘Let’s take a run past my place so that you can see your room. A look at the old bachelor apartment might cheer you up.’
‘Excellent idea!’ Garden already had the bit between his teeth – anything to stop him thinking about Mummy.
Holmes pulled up in front of a row of older terraced properties, all of a good size for sub-division, and pointed at the black-painted iron railings outside his own building. ‘There she is. And look at the red of that front door. Had to pay an arm and a leg to get the colour that smooth and shiny, but it’s a real beacon, don’t yer think?’
‘I think it looks very business-like and welcoming, all at the same time,’ agreed Garden, and they exited the car and mounted the few steps to the front door of the ground floor accommodation.
‘The entrances to the other apartments are round the side, so it doesn’t give the impression of a house in multiple occupation, which was a feature I rather liked when I bought it.’
‘I can hardly wait to see inside,’ almost panted Garden with enthusiasm as his new friend inserted a key in the lock.
As the door swung open, Garden was immediately transported to a bygone age. In the black and white checkerboard-tiled hall floor stood a venerable old oak coat-stand with antlers for decoration, and a large mirror for checking one’s appearance before going out, or even answering the door. Below, an umbrella-and-stick stand stood for use by the respectable Edwardian gentleman. A couple of large prints on the wall were also contemporary with that age.
First, Holmes ushered him to a sitting-room that looked as if the great man himself had just popped out for an ounce of Bradley’s best shag. Radiators for central heating were cunningly disguised, and there was an open fireplace with tiles contemporary with when the house had been built. Large battered chesterfields adorned the room, and even a violin had been ‘carelessly’ discarded on an old Georgian table.
A quick view of the kitchen showed that what looked very much of its age also managed to hide modern conveniences which it would be nigh on impossible to live without today. ‘This is cunning stuff, you old fox,’ commented Garden with admiration.
‘Not too difficult, as I have sufficient funds, with only myself to take care of. And now, of course, nothing matters in the financial department. But I shall keep the old place on, of course. Not only is it convenient for our new business venture, but I’ve spent years getting the right address, and creating the interior. No, I’m quite happy here, and need nowhere else. Let me show you the facilities and your room. By the way, you’re not
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