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Alexander took a moment to divest himself of the no longer necessary scarf and remove his hat and coat, which I hung for him. Finally, he took a deep breath and spluttered, “It's awful, Mr. Holms, simply awful.
Jimmy Henderson, you've heard of him, of course? He's simply the hinge that the whole team turns on. I'd rather lose one from the back, and have Williams in goal. Whether it's passing, or tackling, or dribbling, there's no one to touch him, and then, he's got the head, and can hold us all together. He's a right midfield maestro. What am I going to do with a game against our fiercest rivals coming up? No, Mr Holms, we're done for unless you can help me to find Jimmy Henderson.”
Holms arched his eyebrows as he tried to make sense of the Scotsman’s rantings. “I confess, Mr Alexander, that I am no great follower of our national sport, and was unaware of this … Jimmy Henderson.”
“But he's the greatest player of his generation, the captain of his country. Dear God, you're not a cricket man?”
Holms snorted. “If anything I favour rugger. I take it you have mislaid your captain? Pray tell me of the event.”
A tremor seemed to run through the Caledonian as he related his tale. “There’s not much to tell. We were at training yesterday when he got a text on his mobile. When he read it he went totally white and rushed off without a word. We haven't heard from him since. I came to you directly I realised something was amiss.”
“I assume you have made enquiries?” Holms asked.
“Everywhere. He's not been home or at any of his usual haunts. It we lose this next game with Liverpool, we lose the league, it's as simple as that. And then there's England’s World Cup qualifier with Spain coming up.” He paused. “You'd be handsomely rewarded if you could find him.”
“I rarely work for financial gain,” Holms said coldly.
I was more worldly than my inimitable friend. “The rent, Holms, the rent,” I hissed.
But the great detective ignored me, “Have you informed the police?”
“God no,” Alexander positively screeched, “It would be in all the papers then and Liverpool would say he'd ran away, scared of playing them.”
Holms considered for a moment, gathering his thoughts. Finally, he let out a loud sigh as if the matter were of little importance. “Very well, in this case, as he is our national captain, I shall find your Jimmy Henderson for you.”
The manager jumped up joyfully, “Thank you, Mr Holms, thank you. Manchester United Football Club and the English nation will forever be in your debt.”
Holms rose and escorted the shorter man to the door. “I shall call at your training ground tomorrow morning. Please ensure that all who were there at the time of his disappearance are present for questioning.”
Once Alexander had left Holms returned to his seat by the fire.
“Sounds like a right good earner,” I suggested, “United are one of the most wealthy football clubs in the world.”
“Indubitably,” Holms replied sourly.