Fic: The Clay Pigeon Shoot: G

[smallhobbit]

Title: The Clay Pigeon Shoot
Form/Word Count: 497
Characters/Pairing: Dr John Watson/Mr Sherlock Holmes
Rating: G
Warning/Content: Retirement era.  Holmes and Watson have been invited to a clay pigeon shoot.

 

I am not really sure what made me accept the invitation to go clay pigeon shooting.  That is to say, I know I accepted because Holmes wanted access to the estate, but neither why I should desire to take part in the sport, nor what Holmes hoped to obtain, were at all clear to me.

Nevertheless, we arrived at the rendezvous at the stated time, having declined the invitation to stay overnight the night before.  We were both agreed our host, Viscount Havercourt, was an odious man, and I was fully prepared to claim a toothache and let Holmes go by himself, but he explained that we had grown use to going to bed early and that it would be better if we did not accept the hospitality.  That had been a blatant lie, there is only one reason why we go to bed early, and that reason we would definitely not have employed in that particular situation.

So it was that I presented myself ready to take part in the clay pigeon shoot.  Holmes, of course, had unaccountably disappeared, leaving me to make up an excuse for his temporary absence.  I have remonstrated with him often enough that it would be helpful if he could forewarn me when he plans to play this trick, so I have time to construct a plausible excuse, or, what would be even more helpful, if he could provide me with one.  Naturally, he does neither.

It was Havercourt’s turn to shoot; he had proved himself a good shot with his first attempt.  He then shouted ‘Pull’ and something went wrong. 

“Damn!” he said.  “A misfire.”

At the same time there was a cry of pain, and we hurried to where the shout had come from.  I had turned to order one of the staff to fetch my bag and was slightly behind the others.  When I arrived, there was some consternation.

“There’s no-one here!”

“But I heard…”

Havercourt seemed to be searching the area furiously, and it occurred to me that he wasn’t so much looking for someone who had been injured, which would have been understandable, but someone who hadn’t been injured when they should have been.

At that point, Holmes stepped out of the undergrowth.

“Where is he?” Havercourt snapped.

“Who?” Holmes replied.

“O’Donnell, of course.”  Havercourt stopped suddenly, realising what he had said.

“Mr O’Donnell is quite safe,” Holmes said.  “It was I who cried out.”

By now everyone was looking at Havercourt, who started to bluster.

The Deputy Chief Constable, who was one of the party, said, “Viscount Havercourt, attempted murder is a serious charge, and, if I understand Mr Holmes correctly, that is what he is accusing you of.  I must therefore ask that you accompany me.”

Havercourt protested that this was entirely unjustified, and that Holmes had tricked him, but the Deputy Chief Constable was unmoved. 

We left shortly afterwards; Holmes having promised to call in at the police station on our way home.

 

 

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Oh, this is great. I can really see the scene. It's like that Poirot (there may be more) where the hunting party goes awry. And it's inspiring me for Sussex Neighbours, too. It can't be garden & hives all the time for Holmes & Watson.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you - the Poirot scene was also at the back of my mind. Garden and hives are a significant part of Holmes and Watson's lives, but the village has plenty of other things going on too.

[mightymads]

I adore retirement era! At least no one caught cold during the shoot, unlike the poor Poirot. It's always a special joy to see Holmes and Watson in retirement investigating local mysteries and crimes of their neighbours.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. I have a long retirement series and I enjoy adding to the stories. And all kept well, too!

[debriswoman]

Trouble magnets...both of them:-)

[smallhobbit]

Can't go anywhere without causing problems!

[scfrankles]

All very intriguing ^__^ I particularly liked the lines Havercourt seemed to be searching the area furiously, and it occurred to me that he wasn’t so much looking for someone who had been injured, which would have been understandable, but someone who hadn’t been injured when they should have been and That had been a blatant lie, there is only one reason why we go to bed early, and that reason we would definitely not have employed in that particular situation. ^____^

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much. I'm pleased you liked those lines.

[gardnerhill]

Good to see the old bloodhounds' noses are as keen as ever!

[smallhobbit]

Oh yes, still not much gets passed them!