Expeditious: to act with speed and efficiency

A/N: This is a 221B fic, meaning it is 221 words long and the last word starts with 'b'. The stream-of-consciousness writing style is inspired by (a blatant rip off of?) the amazing ivyblossom. You can find her work on A03.


Female, 27, brunette (a science teacher). Sprawled on the grass, but it's obvious she wasn't killed here. Bruises on her neck (from large fingers—male) indicate cause of death: asphyxiation (dull).

Crouch down to look at her face more closely. Her lipstick (Dolce and Gabbana, ruby) was smeared before she died, I'm certain of it. Fairly certain. Stab of irritation. The rain is eroding more evidence with every passing second.

'Sherlock, you're getting saturated. Please take it.'

John. Glance up. He's holding two (black) umbrellas, one over himself and one out towards me. Become vaguely aware that he's been harping on about this since we arrived at the crime scene. Why? What harm is a little rain? Must hurry if I'm going to solve this one before the weather ruins everything.

Turn back to the body. Hear John sigh as he steps closer to hold the second brolly over my head. Water runs off the edge of the black nylon onto the woman's face, smudging her makeup further. Flare of annoyance. Snatch the umbrella from him.

'Coffee, John.' Jerk my head towards the cafe across the street.

Pause.

'Oh, right. Yes, good idea. Sally? Greg? Want a coffee?'

Wait until John is crossing the road before I snap the umbrella shut and throw it aside. Now, back to the strangled brunette.


A/N: Thank you, as always, for reading :)