Chapter 3
Well, at least he’s straightened up a little, Lestrade thought as she once more stood in Gregson’s tiny office. She glanced over at Holmes, but of course he wouldn’t see anything out of the ordinary. This was the man who used to keep tobacco in a Persian slipper, and who used to use the walls of his flat as target practice.
Holmes returned her glance with a sardonic smile. Of course he would know exactly what she was thinking. He didn’t know everything though. She grew pensive as her mind returned to what had brought her to this office the first time. They would pay. Whoever they were. Her thoughts were interrupted by Gregson’s entrance.
“Great, great...” James was saying, his tone excited, “This is just absolutely perfect!”
“What is?” Lestrade asked with barely contained annoyance.
“Why, that you both are here together. It’s perfect.”
“That hardly explains anything, Inspector Gregson,” Holmes stated, his tone highly amused, “Though I do hope you aren’t planning on setting us up. I am afraid our professional relationship might suffer.” His lips curved into a slight grin when Lestrade shot him a lethal glare.
“Oh but that’s exactly what I’m planning on doing,” James insisted, a wide grin splitting his own boyish face, “In fact, you two are going to be married.”
“What?! James if this is some sick kind of...” She clenched her fists and advanced on him, ignoring the three foot steel desk between them.
Holmes put a hand on her arm, effectively restraining her. “Easy Lestrade. Let us hear the man out before you rip him to shreds.”
She folded her arms across her chest and settled on simply glaring at James. She could wait. Waiting was fine. But if he didn’t get on with it....
James was oblivious to his near death experience, and the danger he was still in and continued on excitedly. “It’s not exactly what you think...you see I found a couple who told me everything. Off the record of course. Only, they weren’t able to get a child. That’s why they came. They didn’t have enough money. So they didn’t get to see the big-wig. But I did find out the procedure they went through. I just need someone to pose as a couple, and go all the way. Then we’ve got these guys. In the bag. I was going to ask you anyway Beth, but I didn’t know who could be your husband. I can’t go because I’m head of the group...and one of the lackey’s might recognize me from snooping around....”
“So you thought of me?” Holmes asked, “An excellent idea. I am a master of disguise after all.”
James beamed. “Exactly. Anyway...I’m going to leave this entirely in your hands. That way, even if they’re on to my operation...they can’t trace your made up names back here. Don’t report in until you’ve got ‘em. Or if something goes wrong. Thanks.” He handed Holmes the information and then sat down in the chair, still beaming, obviously very pleased with himself.
Sitting at Lestrade’s kitchen table once more, Holmes pulled out the information that couple had given, and perused it quickly. It certainly seemed simple enough. And yet, the most simple things could turn into something complex, as he knew from experience. Like the woman who was stomping into her kitchen at that moment.
He looked up from the paper and smiled at her to get the expected glare. She knew more about all this than she was letting on, though he wasn’t about to question her. He also knew from experience that Lestrade could close up tighter than a locked door when cornered. He was content to wait and see how things played out.
“So,” she asked, “What exactly do we have to do?”
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