Paul Gilbert - The Chronicles of Sherlock Holmes

‘The Walkers first came to my attention during the course of my grand tour of Europe in the early 80s, when my troupe packed out the ancient amphitheatre of Padua. The entire tour had been a triumph and the finale in Padua was its magnificent culmination.

‘It was while we were breaking camp on the following morning that the Walkers first presented themselves. This first meeting was not an auspicious beginning to our association. They had, evidently, been unemployed for some time. Their attire was worn and dishevelled and Alfred was badly in need of both a haircut and a shave. His movement was hampered by a club foot. The only aspect of their appearance that was worthy of note was a beautiful pair of bright-red shoes that adorned the feet of Sonia.

‘In all honesty, I was so distracted by our preparations to depart that I gave those two little or no attention and his insistence that he was the greatest knife-thrower ever to grace the ring of a circus, fell on deaf ears. It was only when I discovered that they had followed our show all the way to our base in London that I decided that their perseverance, if nothing else, warranted giving them an audition.

‘Despite their somewhat tattered appearance in Italy they had, evidently preserved their stage clothes in good repair and when they eventually presented their act they looked impressive indeed. Alfred was attired in a black suit that was richly bordered with a striking red brocade. His club foot was disguised by the great width of the hems of his trousers. Sonia wore a dazzling red leotard decorated with jet beads and silver diamante and the same red shoes that I had seen briefly in Padua, the whole ensemble being crowned by a sparkling tiara.

‘Their act was every bit as sensational as their appearance. Upon my word, Mr Holmes, throughout all my years under the “big top” I have yet to witness a finer exponent of the knife-thrower’s art than the “Remarkable Ricoletti”. His speed and accuracy are unparalleled and his ability to almost shave the skin of his target, while yet leaving it unscathed, borders on the uncanny.

‘This much I recognized at once and I lost no time in signing them both up for the next season. It was a decision that I have never regretted. They created a sensation whenever they appeared and, up to two days ago, they have proved to be our biggest draw.’ Carlton Clarke now paused as he sipped his tea disconsolately.

Holmes now opened his eyes and leant forward.

‘Mr Clarke, you must spare me no detail, no matter how trivial it might appear to be, as you relate the events of two days ago.’ Holmes quietly instructed him.

‘Those events are still so indelibly imprinted on my mind that to omit any of them would be impossible,’ Clarke reassured him.

‘I should preface my statement by making one thing clear from the outset. Despite their teamwork in the ring, the Walker’s marriage was not a happy one. There was not one occasion when this affected their performance, indeed their public rejoiced in the fact that the “Ricolettis” were a couple rather than just a performer and his assistant. However, once they were backstage they rarely enjoyed a happy moment together. Sonia would not give Alfred a minute’s rest. She was forever scolding him over one thing or another and would pursue him for a new frock or a pair of shoes, to the point of distraction. This despite the fact that her obsession was bringing about their financial ruination.

‘On the other hand Alfred was a man of moderation and after a fearsome argument he would eventually give in to Sonia’s feverish demands. Nevertheless, it was becoming harder for him to continue with the act and at last, two days ago, things appeared to be coming to a head.

‘“Goldie” had made off with another pair of Sonia’s shoes and—’

‘Who or what is “Goldie”?’ Holmes impatiently interrupted.

‘My apologies, Mr Holmes. I should have mentioned that “Goldie” was Alfred’s closest friend and his only harbour from the storm of his marital turmoil. He was also a Golden Labrador with a peculiar penchant for ladies’ shoes.’

‘So “Goldie” is a dog.’ Holmes stated, clearly becoming exasperated. ‘Yet you refer to it in the past tense?’

‘When the accident occurred he became most agitated. He ran around their changing room barking hysterically, chewing up everything in his path, until he eventually disappeared through the tent flap, to be seen no more.’

‘So you are still referring to the tragedy as an accident,’ I observed, full of admiration for Clarke’s continuing loyalty to his beleaguered friend.

‘Indeed I do, Doctor, but before I can convince anyone of Alfred’s innocence I must first explain the reasons for his suspected guilt. Sonia’s reaction to Goldie’s mauling of her pair of shoes was, perhaps, the most verbally violent that we had yet witnessed. She compounded this by hurling various objects around the room and she insulted Alfred in the most objectionable and personal terms. He was only able to calm the situation by offering to replace the shoes and by promising to give the dog away. Such is the man’s dedication to his art that he was willing to make so great a sacrifice for the preservation of his act. Then they continued with their rehearsal.’

‘What, exactly, are the circumstances and conditions in which these rehearsals take place?’ Holmes asked.

‘The intensity of their concentration is such that they always practise alone and in the confines of their room. You may ask why Sonia needs to concentrate at the same level as her husband, but when I tell you that their show, even in rehearsal, is performed throughout with Alfred fully blindfolded, and that Sonia’s positioning and stillness is of life preserving importance, you might then well understand.’

Holmes called a pause to this narration by holding up his hand before him. ‘You are absolutely convinced of the total efficacy of these blindfolds?’ Holmes asked. ‘Have no doubt as to the importance of the accuracy of your answer, Mr Clarke.’

‘Oh, I have no doubt, Mr Holmes,’ Clarke replied emphatically. ‘The very first thing that I did before their first audition was to test the thoroughness of his blindfolds. Furthermore, every so often I conduct random inspections, to ensure the continued authenticity of the act. I have yet to be disappointed. Therefore I am convinced that all was as it should be on the night of the tragedy. The camp settled down soon after Sonia’s histrionics and the Walkers continued with their rehearsal in absolute silence. So it was only when the dog began his crazed yelping that we were alerted to what had befallen Sonia. We raced to their tent and there found Alfred sobbing inconsolably over the body of his wife, who lay there soaked in the blood of her awful, gaping head wound. Alfred’s beautiful knife was still hanging there embedded between Sonia’s darkened eyes. The police surgeon confirmed, subsequently, that she had died instantly.

‘Mr Holmes I implore you to take up my friend’s case, despite its unpromising appearance. Do not let the circumstances cloud your instincts, as they have clouded those of others.’ Clarke now glanced briefly in Lestrade’s direction. ‘Despite all that he had endured in the face of Sonia’s vile, avaricious temperament, Alfred was still very much in love with his wife and his pure nature would preclude his carrying out so heinous a crime as he has been accused of.’

Carlton Clarke now sank back into his chair with the relief of one who has been exhausted by his efforts.

‘Have no fear, Mr Clarke,’ Holmes declared, though glowering towards his old adversary from the Yard. ‘As Watson here will attest, your friend’s predicament will not be the first, nor, I am certain, the last forlorn cause that we have taken up.’