holmes_minor | Fic: Watson's Missed Connection: G

Title: Watson's Missed Connection
Form/Word Count: 345
Characters/Pairing: Dr Watson, Sherlock Holmes
Rating: G
Warning/Content: Watson's missed connection turns out to be of significance

By the time I reached Baker Street I was not in the best of humour. I had missed my connection at Swindon by less than five minutes, which had meant catching the slow train to Reading, where I, and several other irate passengers, had been able to change to the express for Paddington. I was therefore nearly two hours later back than I had anticipated and was feeling hungry.

My temper was not improved by discovering that Holmes had a client in our rooms and that therefore dinner would be further delayed.

“Watson,” Holmes said. “I was expecting you back some time ago. What kept you?”

“A missed connection at Swindon,” I grumbled. “Despite being assured that the train would be held for up to fifteen minutes if our arrival was delayed. We were only four minutes late by the station clock.”

“Did you say Swindon?” Holmes’ client said.

“I did.”

“But that is most strange, Mr Holmes. If the train left Swindon on time, and yet was late into Reading, what happened in the interim?”

“Was it due to stop anywhere between Swindon and Reading?” Holmes asked.

“That particular train should not.”

“What about Didcot?” I asked. “I understood the trains stopped there.”

“There are a few which don’t, but I doubt any of the passengers would be surprised to stop there. And indeed, occasionally one may make an unscheduled stop there if there are delays further up the line. I shall send a wire to the station master to ask what happened today.”

Holmes held up his hand. “I am convinced that a gang is involved. It is quite possible therefore the station master is implicated, either by choice or by force. It might be better if I contact Lestrade and ask him to bring some of his officers down so we can make more general enquiries.”

“Very well, if you believe that to be best.”

Holmes nodded and stood up ready to depart. “Watson, do you care to accompany us?”

“Thank you, but no. I have had quite enough of trains today.”