Act 2 London
Scene: 1
A bustling pub in London, filled with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. Holmes sits at a corner table, a pint of ale before him and a thoughtful expression on his face.
Holmes: (murmuring to himself) "The simultaneous button push... a feat requiring precision, coordination, and a deep understanding of time zones. But to what end?"
Bartender: (approaching with a fresh pint) "Another round, Mr. Holmes?"
Holmes: (nodding, lost in thought) "Thank you. Tell me, have you noticed anything unusual in the pub recently? Any new patrons, or perhaps old ones behaving out of the ordinary?"Bartender: (thinking) "Well, there was a gent the other night, kept checking his pocket watch. Seemed a bit anxious, he did."Holmes: (leaning forward, intrigued) "Interesting. Do you recall anything else about him? His appearance, perhaps, or any peculiarities?"
Bartender: (scratching his head) "He was a tall bloke, wore a long coat. Kept to himself mostly, but I did overhear him mention something about 'his blond wife."
Holmes: (stroking his chin, a glimmer of realization in his eyes) "Intriguing indeed. Thank you for your assistance."
Scene: 2
Scene: The same London pub, later in the evening. The crowd is lively, and the Bouncer is keeping a close eye on the crowd. Holmes approaches him, a determined look on his face.
Holmes: (leaning on the bar, casual but focused) "Good evening. I'm Sherlock Holmes, and I'm investigating a peculiar incident that occurred here recently. May I ask you a few questions?"
Bouncer: (pausing, curious) "Sherlock Holmes, eh? I've heard of you. Sure, ask away."
Holmes: (nodding, getting straight to the point) "I'm interested in the night of the simultaneous button push. You keep track of the work schedules, correct? Who was on duty at midnight?"
Bouncer: (thinking, then nodding) "Yeah, that's right. It was me, the bouncer, and a couple of the regular waitstaff. Why, something strange about that night?"
Holmes: (nodding, thoughtful) "Perhaps. Of the four suspects, who was working the 10 pm to 10 am shift?"
Bouncer: (frowning, thinking) "Well, let's see... That would be me, the bouncer, and... Ah, yes. It was Gary Crosby and Edgar Plows, they both play basketball and work the late shift that night."
Holmes: (leaning forward, intrigued) "Interesting. That narrows down our list. Thank you for your assistance."
As Holmes leaves the pub, he feels a sense of anticipation. The pieces of the puzzle are starting to fall into place, and the mystery of the simultaneous button push is slowly unraveling. The next step: New York, where he will meet with Twain and share his findings.
Prelude
Act 1
Act 3