Fic: The Library Book: G

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

Title: The Library Book
Form/Wordcount: 221B
Characters/Pairings: Mr Sherlock Holmes, Mrs Hudson
Rating: G
Warnings/Content: Not everyone got on as well as Dr Watson did (see gardnerhill Rebooked) when it came to renewing a library book.

“Mr Holmes,” Mrs Hudson began, in the tone of voice which had both Holmes and Watson looking round desperately for a means of escape.

The doctor made a hurried exit to his own room, but Holmes was not as fortunate.  Mrs Hudson was standing by the main door to 221B and Bessie was in front of his bedroom door.  Holmes was therefore forced to remain.

“Mr Holmes,” Mrs Hudson repeated.  “When you asked me if I could take your book back to the library and renew it, you could have told me it was already overdue and there was a rather large fine on it.”

“Ah, I must have accidentally forgotten to mention it,” Holmes replied.

“How very convenient for you.”

“Did you manage to renew it?” Holmes asked hopefully.

Mrs Hudson gave him a very hard stare.  “I believed the book to be called British Birds: Their Habitat and Identification for such was the title on the cover.  However, on removing the dust jacket it became clear the book was in fact Stab Wounds: Their Cause and Identification.  The librarian gave me a most peculiar look.”

“But did you renew it?”

“Certainly not.  I’ve borrowed The History of Gin and Associated Spirits.   I shall find this a far more edifying read.”

“But Mrs Hudson”

“Not another word.  Come along, Bessie!”