Fic: The Dubious Salesman

[smallhobbit]

Title: The Dubious Salesman
Form/Word Count: 221B
Characters/Pairing:  Mrs Hudson, Dr Watson, Inspector Lestrade
Rating: G
Warning/Content: A salesman calls on Mrs Hudson

 

“Ah, good morning, dear lady,” the man smiled, showing so many teeth he reminded Mrs Hudson of a shark.  “I am sure you are very busy…”

“Indeed I am.”  Mrs Hudson didn’t need a stranger to state the obvious.

“Perhaps I could come in and show you the latest in modern labour-saving inventions.”

“Very well,” Mrs Hudson said.  She opened the door further to let the man in.  “First floor and turn left.”

The man, rather surprised at her sudden agreement didn’t hesitate, but hurried up the stairs and opened the door on the left.  He received a sudden forceful push in his back and stumbled inside. Swinging round, he heard the door being shut and then bolted.

Meanwhile Mrs Hudson spoke to Annie.  “Run upstairs and tell Inspector Lestrade that the dubious salesman he warned me about is currently in my broom cupboard.”

Shortly afterwards heavy footsteps descending the stairs announced the arrival not only of Inspector Lestrade, but also Dr Watson.  Lestrade unbolted the door and grabbed hold of the man as he shot out.

As Inspector Lestrade escorted the man back outside, Mrs Hudson was heard to say, “And before either of you gentleman get any ideas, no-one has any business going inside my broom cupboard except to retrieve the tools stored there, such as mops and brushes!"