A/N: This is probably the best story I have ever written. It was based off of a dream I had awhile ago. My dream is in chapters 3 and 4, but to tell you guys what happened would be a spoiler. I want to thank my wonderful Beta, Masterofallimagination. This story is so much better because of her!
Maidstone, Kent
1896
It took a long time for the health of my friend, Sherlock Holmes, to return. Holmes had exhausted himself on his previous case, going a week without food or sleep until he collapsed. I decided that he needed a proper rest in the country and took up an invitation an old friend gave. It took persuasion for Holmes to agree, but he finally gave in.
It was late at night and Holmes was fast asleep on the sofa while my friend, William Hayes, and I talked over coffee. Our conversation was interrupted when shouts and pounding came from the front of the house. Hayes ran to the door and Holmes woke with a start, jumping off of the sofa.
"Timothy, whatever is the matter?" I heard Hayes shout.
Holmes's face went white and he sat back down. I rushed over to him and knelt by his side.
"Easy, old man," I said.
"I'm alright, Watson. Just a little startled, that's all," he gave me a reassuring smile as some color came back to his face.
A door slammed and all was silent, I turned to Holmes, who shared my curiosity. A few moments passed and Hayes didn't return.
"A late patient, I suppose," I said.
"I suppose," Holmes said.
"Come now; let's get you up to bed."
Holmes stood up and I helped him to his room where he fell asleep before he could change clothes. I left his room, and instead of retiring myself I decided to wait up for Hayes. He hadn't returned by the time I was nodding off, though, so I went to bed. By early morning I was sure Hayes had returned, for I found his bedroom door closed, and I went downstairs in ease. I found Holmes already awake and reading a large novel.
"Good morning, Watson," Holmes said without looking up.
"Good morning, Holmes."
Holmes was obviously engaged in the book. I had never known him to put all of his attention in a book; he hadn't even noticed the maid come in and ask us if we wanted tea or coffee for breakfast. I answered for the both of us then turned to Holmes.
"Holmes?" he didn't look up, "Holmes?" I said louder.
"Yes Watson?"
"Didn't you hear the maid?"
"No, sorry."
"I see. it must be an intriguing book."
"Yes; Great Expectations. Your friend must be quite the Charles Dickens admirer."
I laughed at Holmes' sudden interest; his eyes had recovered little of their natural sparkle. He went back to his book for a few minutes while I observed him. He was quite far in the book, indicating he had been reading for awhile.
"How long have you been up?" I asked.
"For awhile," he answered.
"Didn't you sleep well?"
"Of course."
"Holmes, the reason you are here is to rest."
"And rest I will."
I sighed. Holmes went back to his book. Hayes came down soon after, looking haggard looking and flopping down in an armchair.
"I say, Hayes, whatever is wrong?" I asked.
"Watson, you must forgive me for running out like that last night," said Hayes.
"Of course, but what was the problem?"
"Timothy, a young boy who lives around here, took care of his uncle. His uncle fell ill and died."
I was silent; Holmes had looked up from his book.
"It was honestly a matter of time, his uncle had been in poor health - but it doesn't make sense!" Hayes added.
"Was he on any medication?" I asked.
"He hadn't taken any for the past few months. As he was improving greatly."
We were all silent for a long moment.
"Excuse me, I need to have a word with the maid," Hayes said as he left the room. Holmes leaned towards me.
"Watson, does the death make any sense to you in your medical opinion?"
"Holmes, don't even start, it is personal to Hayes and your nerves are on ends."
"I know. That's why I'm asking you, you're close to Hayes and it wouldn't be rude if you were to get involved!"
I shook my head, "It won't work, Holmes."
"But-"
"No!"
Holmes stared at me. "Watson, it could be murder for all we know!"
"Holmes?"
"Yes, Watson?"
"Go back to your book."
To be continued…