The Retired Colourman: Ambition, G

[tweedisgood.livejournal.com]

The Adventure of the Retired Colourman

Author: tweedisgood

Title: Ambition

Rating: G

He's gone. Left London for good to hide away in the country: says he's tired of crime.

And here's me, ready to make 14, Lorrimore Road the most famous address for detection in the twentieth century.

But I won't. He was there first, and last; he had a friend and storyteller like no other. He'll never really leave Baker Street.

Comments

[snycock.livejournal.com]

Heh, a very interesting take - I really wondered about this "rival" when I read this story. Too bad Doyle didn't include him in more stories! I like this look from his point of view.

[tweedisgood.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Yes, it struck me too, and I fell to thinking, what might he have thought of Holmes in his turn?

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Poor Barker. Forever in Holmes' shadow, and without a "biographer" to sing his praises. I'm glad we got to see a bit from his perspective here.

[tweedisgood.livejournal.com]

Yeah, he must have felt a bit unsure about the whole "acting as Holmes' agent' business. On the one hand it's a compliment, on the other hand there's a definite pecking order going on there.

[hisietari.livejournal.com]

Barker should have realised that to become a legend such as Holmes, being like Holmes would not do, and it might even become a hindrance. I hope he did what he did for the sake of solving crimes, not becoming famous. ;)

[tweedisgood.livejournal.com]

Oh, sure. The lure of fame must have been tempting, all the same...