Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 262 Scotland...The Big Circus?
Colonel Howard Vincent's expression grew even more grim after hearing the detailed report from the detective in charge.

He almost laughed in anger: "A stage? A pre-arranged scene? So, we were tricked by a lousy third-rate painter and some bastard?"

The detective replied helplessly, "At this point, yes, Colonel. There is no evidence at the scene to suggest that a murder occurred."

The words on the wall are paint, the ring is a prop, and the chalk outline was obviously drawn later.

Homeowner Stan Murdoch, a key figure in the case, absconded with the money, but his whereabouts are currently unknown.

Howard Vincent waved his hand impatiently, dismissing the detective.

He was in a very difficult position – if he immediately issued another statement insisting that it was all a deliberate hoax and had nothing to do with Scotland Yard, would the public believe him?
Amid the fervor created by the serialization of "A Study in Scarlet," such a statement is likely to be interpreted once again as a cover-up.

But if nothing is done, the rumors will only intensify.

Just then, Secretary Avery cautiously knocked on the office door again.

Avery's expression showed both urgency and worry: "Colonel, regarding the current situation, I...I have another idea."

Howard Vincent gave him a cold look: "Go ahead, and hopefully your 'brilliant idea' won't turn Scotland Yard into a complete circus this time."

Edgar Avery swallowed hard: "Colonel, now that we've confirmed there was no murder and everything at the scene was staged."

So, instead of blocking, we should guide—why don't we... make use of this situation?

Howard Vincent raised an eyebrow: "Use?"

Edgar Avery thought about it more and more and felt that his idea was brilliant: "Yes, we can choose reporters from several reputable and influential newspapers..."

Oh, and select a few ordinary citizens who are on site, and have them enter the empty house to check the situation, accompanied by our people throughout the process.

Let our people point out to them on the spot that the 'blood writing' on the wall is paint, the outline on the ground is chalk drawing, and the ring is a prop...

Let these 'witnesses' see and hear for themselves to confirm that this was just an elaborate prank scene and that the events in the novel never actually happened.

Then, through these journalists and citizens, the facts were clarified to the public.

Isn't this kind of 'truth' more convincing than a cold, hard statement?

Howard Vincent fell silent. The CID (Criminal Investigation Bureau) had only been established for two years and lacked experience in handling media and public opinion.

Edgar Avery's proposal was indeed somewhat unexpected, but if handled properly, it might actually reverse public opinion...

After careful consideration, he realized that there seemed to be no better solution at the moment, and passively waiting would only make Scotland Yard more embarrassed.

Howard Vincent finally made up his mind: "Okay, Avery, we'll do it your way. This time you keep a close eye on things, and every single step has to go wrong!"

The selection of reporters and citizens must be careful, and the accompanying detectives must be the most composed and eloquent! Let's proceed immediately!

I want to show those who have been blinded by novels how ridiculous the so-called 'Mystery in Scarlet' really is!

Edgar Avery, seeing his suggestion adopted, immediately perked up. "Yes, Colonel! I'll handle it perfectly!"

------

On the afternoon of July 29, sunlight barely pierced through the haze over London.

The atmosphere in front of the empty houses on Somerley Lane was even more lively than the day before.

Under tight police control, a small group of lucky individuals, including journalists from The Times and The Daily Telegraph, as well as several bank clerks, teachers, and shop owners who claimed to be avid readers of A Study in Scarlet…

With a mix of excitement and trepidation, led by a senior police inspector, we crossed the mysterious security line and entered the empty house.

Edgar Avery personally oversaw the operation on site, constantly giving the accompanying detectives meaningful glances, signaling them to proceed according to plan.

The detectives dutifully began their explanation:
"The red writing on the wall, after examination by the coroner, was not blood, but some kind of special red pigment that mimicked the effect of flowing blood..."

"The white human-shaped outline on the ground was drawn with chalk, clearly to imitate the posture of the deceased in the novel..."

"This ring is made of ordinary material, shows no signs of wear, and looks more like a prop..."

However, the detectives soon discovered that their explanations were almost like background noise.

The reporters and readers who entered the scene had no interest in listening to these disappointing explanations.

Their eyes gleamed with excitement, completely absorbed in a frenzy of "role-playing".

"Look! This angle! Sherlock Holmes was standing right here observing the body!"

A bespectacled teacher imitated an imaginary detective, gesturing with his hands.

"The location where the ring rolled off the ground! This must hint at the relationship between the murderer and the victim!"

The bank employee took out his notebook and pencil and began taking notes with great seriousness.

"Paint? I don't believe it! Detective, I think this is blood!"

The Daily Telegraph reporter, notebook in hand, refuted the detective's explanation.

They even started to "reason" spontaneously:
"The murderer chose to commit the crime here because it's remote!"

"This is the German word for 'revenge,' which suggests that the murderer may have German connections or be trying to frame a German!"

"It's not enough to just look inside the house; we also need to go outside and check for any suspicious footprints!"

……

The detectives tried to bring them back to "reality," but their efforts were in vain.

These selected individuals are less "witnesses" seeking the truth and more "actors" personally participating in a large-scale immersive drama.

They preferred to believe they were "Dr. Watson," assisting the great Sherlock Holmes in investigating the scene, rather than coming to Scotland Yard to announce "game over."

The senior police inspector accompanying them looked at the group of people trapped in collective delusion, his face filled with helplessness and despair.

He glanced at Edgar Avery, who was standing in the doorway, his face gradually turning pale, and suddenly felt a sense of schadenfreude...

------

The following day, the front pages of major London newspapers did not feature the "truth revealed" that Scotland Yard had hoped for.

The Daily Telegraph's headline was simply: "Inside the 'Scarlet Letter' Site: Mystery Lingers, Many Unresolved Questions!"

The Times' report was relatively restrained, but it also hinted in its detailed descriptions that the police explanation was not entirely convincing, and it recorded in detail the various speculations of the "Holmes fans" at the scene.

The tabloids went to great lengths to exaggerate, embellishing the reporters' "reasoning" and "discoveries" at the scene, as if they had truly found irrefutable evidence that a murder had occurred.

Instead of being "clarified," the public became even more excited upon reading these reports.

Scotland Yard's decision to allow journalists and readers into the site was itself interpreted as a form of "tacit approval."
The amusing anecdotes of reporters and readers imitating Sherlock Holmes's reasoning on the spot added a touch of absurdity and charm to the entire event.

"Even a reporter from The Times felt there was something wrong with the police's account!"

"Look, even a true detective enthusiast can see the secret of the scene!"

"Scotland Park must have been desperate to come up with this idea of ​​letting outsiders in to watch, right? But it backfired and exposed their scheme!"

……

The rumors spread even more fiercely in pubs, clubs, cafes, and family dinner tables.

The name Sherlock Holmes was mentioned at an unprecedented frequency.

Although there were fewer people under the windows of 21B Baker Street, there were still some who were unwilling to give up and were waiting.

All eyes were on the second half of the month's issue of "Good Words" magazine, which would be released tomorrow.

The anticipation for the latest installment of A Study in Scarlet has reached a fever pitch throughout London and among British readers, thanks to this absurd drama.

(End of this chapter)