JHM part 2
“I thought the law forbade women from owning property.” Inspector Hopkins asked.
“It is very complicated. I would be honored to explain the full measure of the law if need be.” He looked around the room. After a moment of no comments, our young Mr. McFarlane continued. “The second oldest document is dated 15th, December, eighteen-seventy five. It is a deed between Mr. Parker and Mrs. Merryweather for a very large estate near Caernarfon – Wales. It is a wedding present from Mr. Parker to the new couple. I tell you what gentlemen, Mr. Parker was no fool. He was going to make sure that his daughter was well taken care. Mr. Merryweather couldn’t touch this house unless Mrs. Merrweather died. And believe it or not, this document would pass judgment if brought to court. This is a genius piece of work. Another piece of fine work by Justice Burkenstock. I marvel at the closeness that Mr. Parker had with him.”
“Closeness,” Holmes’ eyes were wide open at this point in the conversation.
“Yes,” Young McFarlane adjusted his tie. “Justice Burkenstock is known now and for some time for his reclusiveness. Not to put too fine a point on it gentlemen, he hates people. The rumor is that he became this way after his wife died during child birth.”
Inspector Hopkins spoke. “Gentlemen, let me see if I am following all of this correctly. Mr. Merryweather comes to my office not two weeks ago and reports his wife missing for nigh on thirty years. This is the same Mr. Merryweather mentioned in these documents dated from seventy-five?”
“The current information we have would speculate as much,” Holmes provided.
“Mr. Merryweather is unable to produce a body therefore is unable to inherit anything from his wives estate?” I added.
“Why now,” Inspector Hopkins asked.
We continued to sit in silence thinking.
Mr. McFarlane broke the silence, “shall I explain the third document?”
“Please,” Inspector Hopkins implored, almost out of frustration.
Holmes got up from his chair, with his unlit pipe still in his mouth and stood motionless in the window.
“The third and newest document is a will from Miss Araminta Elizabeth Parker (Merryweather) to Mr. Sherlock Holmes for a cottage in Sussex Downs. This cottage was acquired by Miss Parker after a long separation from her estranged husband. She says this cottage is payment for services rendered to Mr. Sherlock Holmes.”
We all stared at Holmes hoping that he would say something. Anything. But he did not.
Mr. McFarlane looked around the room. “I would also like to note that the second will was witnessed by Justice Burkenstock. He has not signed it as such but his seal on all three documents are the same. I would wager that no one on this island would contest this document.”
“Why is this man held in such high esteem?” I asked.
“Justice Burkenstock is known for his honesty and fairness. He was a stellar parliamentarian. An overall brilliant mind.”
“Where is he now?” Inspector Hopkins asked.
“He is still living though works very little. His age is catching up with him.” We three sat in silence not knowing what to say.
Young McFarlane finally cut the air, “Is there anything else you require of me gentlemen?”
“No,” Holmes spoke dryly from the window. “You have been of the greatest assistance.”
Our young solicitor left.
Inspector Hopkins took a deep breath. “This is overwhelming. If I may ask, how do you know that young man?”
Holmes turned to look at the good inspector, “I saved his neck from the noose.”
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