Chapter 5
Watson walked cheerfully down the street, his arms laden with two grocery bags. It was rather late out, but that didn’t bother him. No one usually bothered robots, even if they did have elastomasks on. He was therefore surprised when his sensors picked up three humans in the vicinity behind him. He tensed before the readings finished, then relaxed when he realized who they were.
“I hope you know, it is almost impossible to sneak up on a level 7 law enforcement compudroid,” he told the intruders.
“Aww, we weren’t sneaking up on ya Watson,” Wiggins said coming up beside him, “We were just wondering if you needed any help.”
“Yeah, and to find out if you know anything about what’s going on,” Deidre qualified as she came up on the other side. Tennyson hovered into view beside Deidre.
“You mean Holmes’ new case? I am afraid not. Though I’m sure he’ll tell us all about it if he’s returned. And I can manage these two bags.”
The three of them exchanged glances, then Tennyson asked if he knew anything about Inspector Lestrade. Watson frowned. “Inspector Lestrade? I, Oh my!” He gaped in astonishment at the sight of several police cruisers surrounding 221.
The portly form of Chief Inspector Greyson was standing just outside the door, talking to another inspector. From this angle Watson couldn’t be absolutely certain, but he thought it was Gregson. As he and the kids got closer, he saw that it was.
“I say, what is going on here?”
Greyson turned around and smiled, though it was obvious it was for the children’s sake. Had Watson been looking at Deidre, he knew he’d see her rolling her eyes.
“Watson,” Greyson began, “Where’s the dead detective? And you kids better run along. Nothing to see here.”
“Okay sir,” Wiggins agreed, and with a motion of his head the three of them headed off. Watson frowned, hoping that whatever they were up to wouldn’t get them into trouble. That had been just a little bit too agreeable.
“Why don’t we go inside,” Gregson suggested once they had left. Greyson nodded and Watson could only agree.
Once they had reached the interior, Watson placed the bags on the table in the kitchen, then picked up the envelope adressed to him in Holmes’ handwriting. This might explain what’s going on. He opened it, ignoring the impatient demands of the two policemen in the main room.
Watson,
I have found some disturbing evidence that Lestrade murdered her own sister. She disappeared before I could question her. I am looking for her. I had no idea she could be so diabolical. Give your full cooperation to the Yard, but do not let them interfere. I will bring her in.
Holmes.
“Oh my...”
Watson walked into the main room, leaving the note in the kitchen. He drew in a mournful breath, then told the two men exactly what Holmes had said in the letter. Too his surprise, Greyson actually agreed.
“You did what!” Lestrade exclaimed, her eyes flashing dangerously.
“I left a letter explaining to Watson that..”
She waved him off. “I know that! Why did you do that?”
He raised an eyebrow, now a non descript brown. “I should think that would be obvious. One, Watson cannot be deceitful, which both his programming and the journals are responsible for. Two, we needed a way to keep the law enforcement off of our trail. By giving me full freedom we achieve that goal. Now, they will simply think you are on the run, and whoever was expecting us to go about the baby ring case will relax their guard. I should also tell you that the evidence is highly against you.”
She made a face and continued putting on her own disguise which consisted of a red wig. She wouldn’t change clothes until Holmes left the area. Not that he’d notice anything; it was the principle of the thing. He had changed sometime before she had snapped out of whatever trance she’d been in. She laughed softly to herself and neatly twisted the longer hair into a chignon, leaving a few strands to fall forward and frame her face. She turned to Holmes who had his own wig in place.
“Well? How do I look?”
“Like a socialite who has decided to degrade herself by wearing inferior threads,” he said, referring to the uniform she still had on.
“Well, if you would just leave for a sec, I can change into that very ritzy outfit you’ve provided,” she pointed out sweetly.
“Ah, of course.” He sketched a quick bow and walked away. Was it just her imagination, or had he blushed? She grinned and quickly donned the clothing and the black leather ankle boots that went along with them.
“Okay, you can come back now,” she sang out. To her surprise, four people walked in instead of just one. “What are you three doing here?”
“We were worried about you Inspector,” Wiggins said, “And, we overheard everything you and Mister Holmes said and we were wondering if we could help out somehow and..”
“Slow down Mister Wiggins,” Holmes said with a grin, “You most certainly can help us out. By helping Watson out.” He held up a hand when they started to protest. “You of course will know the truth of the matter, and I need you to keep an eye on Gregson. Make sure he still thinks I am after Lestrade. But do not, and I repeat do not place yourselves in danger. If you think he is on to you or us, give this to Greyson.” He handed them an envelope. “Now, get on with you.”
As they were walking out, bits of their conversation filter back. “I knew she couldn’t be a murderer. She might be all uptight and stuff but she’s an okay person,” Deidre’s voice began and then trailed off as they were now too far off.
Lestrade turned to face Holmes. “All right Holmes. Now all we have to do is mask our DNA and...” she grinned mischievously, “just how were you planning on fooling the doctors at the clinic that you’re sterile?”
“With this.” He placed a small electronic device in her hand.
She rolled her eyes. “You’re going to place false data in the scanning equipment. Now why didn’t I think of that. Oh I know. Because there’s a ten percent chance it won’t work!”
“I am open to suggestions,” he replied, sounding miffed.
“No no, it’s the best plan we have. I’m sorry. I guess I’m not holding up as well as I thought I was.” She turned away from him and walked down the tunnel. “We better get going.”
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