Fic: Not A Time For Levity: PG

[smallhobbit]

Title: Not A Time For Levity
Form/Word Count: 330
Characters/Pairing: Dr Watson, Sherlock Holmes, Inspector Stanley Hopkins
Rating: PG
Warning/Content: Watson is not ready to share in the laughter

"Of course I recognised Lestrade at once,” Holmes was describing to us the events of the morning.  “Even with his collar up he is quite distinctive.”

“But why did Lestrade have his collar turned up?” I asked.  “Surely he wasn’t trying to disguise himself.”

Holmes gave a bark of laughter, which Hopkins joined in with.  I glared at them both.

“Watson, you forget it was raining heavily with a strong wind first thing this morning,” Holmes said.  “Lestrade turned his collar up then and with all that was happening forgot to turn it back down again.”

“Since I was with my patient at that point, which was why I was unable to accompany you, I was not in a position to notice the weather.”  I found it hard to keep the anger out of my voice.

“I’m sorry,” Hopkins said.  “I presume it was a difficult visit.”

“Yes.  I lost the patient.  Forgive my anger, Hopkins.  It was a young mother with two small children.  She worked in the shirt and collar factory and there was nothing I could do to save her.  I’m just not in the mood for levity.”

Hopkins took out some coins from his trouser pocket and handed them over.  “It’s not much, but could you see this gets to the family, please.  What we achieved this morning will enable a few with money to sleep sounder tonight but will do nothing for the many who have little.  Sometimes I wonder whether I really achieve anything in my job.”

Holmes was about to speak, but I shook my head.  “I frequently feel the same.  But then I remind myself that whenever I am able to help one soul who is truly in need, I have fulfilled my calling.”

“Thank you, Doctor, I shall think of this when the doubts come.  In the meantime, I hope you will be able to pass on that money.”

“Of course I will.  And it will most certainly help that family.”