The Snake and The Rabbit

“All things die good doctor. To me a bird in a cage is a sad bird; they fail to hold their splendor . Their colors are never as brilliant. Their songs never as lively as when they are in their natural element. Being in that cage does bad things to them.”

“Surely people are different. More resilient than a bird.”

“Are they? What about Mrs. Tarter’s brother? How resilient was he?”

“As Holmes would say, we have insufficient data to make any assumptions.”

“Indeed.” She sighed.

Inspector Hopkins returned. He had scheduled his meeting with Mr. Parker and was half an hour earlier than he. He looked at Lizzie with the greatest of concern, “are you sure you are ready for this?”

“Of course,” She smiled.

Lizzie was hiding in Holmes’ room when the elderly gentleman appeared. “Mr. Parker,” I smiled. “Do come in.”

Holmes was staring out the window. “I believe you have met Inspector Hopkins?” I stated.

“Yes, we have met.”

The inspector moved a chair from the table close to the couch. I sat on the couch with Mr. Parker, Holmes remained in the window.

Inspector Hopkins spoke, “Mr. Parker, I have here a document for you to sign.”

The old man lowered his head, “death certificate.”

“Sorry. No sir, it would be a confidential statement.”

Mr. Parker was in shock, “what is the meaning of this?” He stared at Holmes.

It was the inspector that answered, “Mr. Parker, we are going to talk about things in this room today of which cannot under any circumstances leave this room.”

“I am sure I do not understand.”

“We will explain everything; however, in order to do that, we insist you sign this document.”

He read over it with the greatest of care. It must have taken him ten minutes or more to study it. He then added his signature to the page; followed by myself, Holmes, and the inspector.

“Why did you all sign the thing?” He huffed.  

Lizzie stepped into the room. “Because no one can know that I am here.”

No one in the room said a word for a moment. All eyes were on Lizzie except her father’s.

Finally he roared, “What kind of trick is this, too fool an old man? I know you hate me Holmes but I do declare.” He stood “look”, turned and looked to see his daughter standing there smiling.

“Hello dad, it is no trick. I am alive by the grace of God, fine medicine, and caring friends.” She walked to him. He walked toward her, studying every inch of her. They embraced. He must have squeezed her because she said, “not too hard. I am still sore.”

We talked way into the night. We deduced that Mr. Merryweather and the governess was poisoning her with animal urine. The times when her father was by her side, they were unable to get to her; therefore, she would start to get better. My head was spinning at the pure madness of it.

“I will kill him.” The old man shook his fist in the air.

Lizzie held his arm and smile, “no dad. He will get his comeuppance.”

He stroked her face, “my little girl, always believing that life will correct itself.”

“I have not been proven otherwise yet.”

At the end of our visit, they embraced. He kissed his daughter on the cheek and told her how much he loved her. How sorry he was that all this mess had happened to her. He thanked me for saving his daughter. When he turned to Holmes, he just stood there for a long time. “I have wronged you Mr. Holmes and you were right about,” he shrugged. “In a manner of speaking, I am America’s biggest nincompoop. You may never find it in yourself, though, I beg your forgiveness. I am truly sorry. Thank you so much.” He kissed Lizzie again before leaving.

Lizzie was standing on one side of the window and Holmes on the other.

“He will kill Cooper.”

Inspector Hopkins cleared his throat. “Do you think so?”

“Yes.” Her answer was straight forward and with no show of emotion.

The Snake and The Rabbit