Fic: Opening The Door: G

[smallhobbit]

Title: Opening the Door
Form/Word Count: 448
Characters/Pairing: Dr Watson, Sherlock Holmes
Rating: G
Warning/Content: Long experience has taught Watson to open the door to 221B carefully

 

Dr Watson cautiously opened the door to 221B Baker Street.  From long experience he knew he could be confronted by always anything as he crossed the threshold. 

***

Three days’ ago, he had found two clients in the room; one in tears and the other standing over Holmes and waving a stick in a provocative manner.  Watson’s appearance had distracted the client sufficiently for Holmes to stand up and say, “Mr Carmichael, I suggest you resume your seat and continue this discussion in a more responsible fashion.”

The Carmichaels did not remain for long.  Having discovered Holmes was impervious to both tears and threats, they departed, Carmichael announcing they would consult a more understanding detective. 

“What was that all about?” Watson asked, once they had left.

“They have accused the lady’s brother of stealing some of their late mother’s jewellery.  Although whether in fact they have any entitlement to them is debatable.”

***

Two days’ ago, Watson had opened the door to find the floor completely covered in papers.  He had tried to cross the floor, but Holmes had uttered something about avoiding the pit of Vespasian, so he had retreated downstairs to warn Mrs Hudson and accept some tea in her rooms until such time as it was safe for him to enter again.

***

The day before, Watson had found a non-conformist minister apparently deep in his devotions.  Although, upon listening carefully, he had realised the minister was not, in fact, saying his prayers, but instead muttering, “Fleet Street, Fetter Lane, Bream’s Buildings, Chancery Lane, Carey Street.  Yes, it is just possible.”

“Off to Temple Church, then, Holmes?” Watson had asked.

“Oh, now there’s a thought,” came the reply. 

Watson picked up the newspaper and ignored the continued mumbling.

***

Watson carefully opened the door.  There were no clients present.  The room looked much as it would have been left after the maid had been in to clean it.  There were no individuals in strange garb; indeed, there was no-one else in the room.  It was quiet.  It was too quiet!

Holmes’ hat and overcoat were still hanging up, so unless he had gone out in disguise again, he was somewhere around.  Watson had seen him at breakfast and Holmes had made no mention of going anywhere; Holmes had implied he was planning on completing an experiment he had been working on.   But there was no evidence of any experiment.

Watson tried to remember what Holmes had said.  Something about escaping from a straightjacket?  Was it possible Holmes had had problems?  He supposed he’d better try to find out.

He knocked on the door of Holmes’ room.  There was a faint scuffling sound.  Once more, Watson carefully opened the door.

 

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Oooh! Ending on an ominous note! I like it!

[smallhobbit]

You never know what might be there ...

Thank you.

[scfrankles]

Although, upon listening carefully, he had realised the minister was not, in fact, saying his prayers, but instead muttering, “Fleet Street, Fetter Lane, Bream’s Buildings, Chancery Lane, Carey Street. Yes, it is just possible.”

“Off to Temple Church, then, Holmes?” Watson had asked. Are they playing Mornington Crescent? ^__^

Watson is a saint - here's hoping he gets Holmes out of the jacket with the minimum of embarrassment to all parties ^___^

[smallhobbit]

The Victorian equivalent - never play with Mycroft, he always wins.

I'm sure he will, and then for the next couple of weeks whenever Holmes is being annoying Watson will cross his arms and raise an eyebrow.

[debriswoman]

Nicely done, and a challenge for Watson at the end:-)

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. At least Watson is used to facing challenges ;)