The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 829: After revision: Chapter 384 Performing Miracles, Scotland Yard’s Genes (6K)

Resurrection is the miracle of conquering death, it is the deepest affirmation of life and the noblest victory.

Arthur Hastings, what meaning does this name hold for Scotland Yard?

Its significance is as Wellington is to the Army, as Nelson is to the Royal Navy of the same era.

He is the soul that dwells in this physical form.

Working miracles, that is the very gene here.

— Gilbert Keith Chesterton “Scotland Yard’s Legend, The Secret of Sir Arthur Hastings”

If asked where in London lies the oldest, most profound square, different people might give different answers. But if asked which is the most bustling square in London, the answer would indisputably be Trafalgar Square, located in the heart of London.

This square, which was completed in 1805, connects to London’s commercial district on its eastern side, borders the vibrant Soho District to the north, is adjacent to the Whitehall filled with government offices to the south, and not far ahead lies the seat of Parliament at Westminster Palace, while gazing southwest, one can see the majestic and grand complex of Buckingham Palace.

As its name suggests, Trafalgar Square was established to commemorate the decisive naval victory of the Royal Navy over Napoleon’s fleet—the Battle of Trafalgar.

At the same time, the approximately 53-meter-high memorial column standing at the center of the square, along with the statue atop the column, signifies that this place is dedicated to a person of special significance to the Royal Navy—the fleet commander and soul of the Royal Navy who perished in the Battle of Trafalgar, Horatio Nelson.

He fell on the eve of the battle’s victory, at the final moment of the fight, when a bullet fired from a French warship struck the epaulet on his left arm, piercing through his lung and spinal cord.

Under the radiant glow of Nelson’s brilliance, St Martin’s Church situated in the northeast corner of the square looks significantly smaller. Although this church holds far less importance in the hearts of Britons and the Royal Navy compared to Nelson, in recent days, its position has been significantly elevated in the minds of Scotland Yard officers.

Because they know, within a certain coffin in the church, lies the shell of a Scotland Yard legend.

Arthur Hastings, a young man of 23, with wide-ranging interests.

He enjoyed playing the piano, had conducted scientific research, and was adept at swordsmanship.

His attitude towards people was kind, always wearing a polite and friendly smile, often styling his hair slicked back, with a police officer’s sword hanging at his waist that rose and fell with his stride, complemented by a spotless uniform, riding boots, and white gloves—this was his iconic appearance.

Of course, everyone naturally remembers, this young man was simultaneously a big figure at Scotland Yard. He was the principal of the London Police Academy and the director of the Police Intelligence Department, a prominent figure who fought for collective pay raises for officers, who led the efforts against murderers and grave robbers, and pursued criminals into the high seas, addressed by parliamentarian Harrison, the end of thief General Fred, the Foil Napoleon’s Waterloo.

And, the police hero who died on June 5, 1832.

The tall, pointed arched windows let in a soft yet solemn light, which passed through the colorful stained glass, casting dappled patterns on the cold marble floor.

This Gothic church, with its wide and deep internal space, perhaps due to the frequent presence of choir members, even in this quiet atmosphere, one could almost hear the deep organ music echoing.

Biblical stories are carved into the stone walls, appearing deeper and more historically rich after the passage of time, complemented by the black oak coffin placed in the center of the church, everything appears sorrowful, heavy, and solemn.

Around the exquisite black oak coffin are wreaths woven from white carnations and green ivy, symbolizing endless mourning and eternal remembrance for the deceased.

Within the coffin, the pristine uniform, white gloves, and police officer’s sword are laid out as he was dressed on his ‘Day of Passion.’ Arthur’s face showed no signs of pain, nor any joy or sorrow, the posture of his arm resting on the sword hilt gave him a serene and dignified appearance, as if even in the afterlife, in that other realm, he continued to silently fulfill his duties.

On one side of the coffin, William Turner was engrossed in his work.

On the easel before him was an unfinished portrait, the charcoal pencil in his hand moved across the canvas like a spirit snake, with each stroke adding more color to the face on the canvas.

The slicked-back hair, the dark corner wound, the meticulously detailed uniform creases, and the face that found peace after many ups and downs, all these details vividly conveyed his valor in life.

The candle-lit chandelier hanging from the church ceiling swayed gently in the breeze, its faint light shining on Turner’s focused face and reflecting onto the canvas, making the whole scene appear like a historical tableau, filled with deep mourning and profound respect for the departed.

The onlookers around were all solemn-faced, speaking in hushed tones, fearing to disturb the solemn ritualistic ambience and the pervasive atmosphere of sorrow and pain.

They watched the lifelike face of their friend gradually emerge on the canvas, and suddenly a surge of indescribable and oppressive emotions rose in their chests.