John found himself staring at a pair of deep brown eyes. Their owner didn't move, or even blink. Instead they watched this apparent intruder with a calm air and manner. John slowly closed the door and stepped back into the hallway. Immediately he was met by a tall figure, who also saw but said nothing. Fortunately for John Watson, this was someone he knew.
"Sherlock" he began, somewhat exasperated. "There's a dog in the living room."
Sherlock didn't register even an ounce of surprise. "I know" he said. "Honestly, John, do you think I don't know that?" He reached past John and opened the door, causing the large brown Labrador to look up once again at this latest intrusion.
"It's alright" Sherlock continued. "He belongs to a client".
"And you're what, dog sitting?" John asked with a raised eyebrow and the sound of worry in his voice. "Please tell me it's not Adler's".
Sherlock looked over. "John" he began. "Why on earth would you assume it was hers?"
"First person who came to mind" John replied, watching the newcomer occupying the best position on the settee. Instead, John sat instead on the armchair and Sherlock was left standing next to the fireplace, apparently contemplating the skull which sat there.
Sherlock looked over. "Are you ready?" he suddenly asked John, who looked up from the paper he had been reading.
"Ready for what?" John asked. He never knew quite what answer would follow this question whenever it was asked. A trip to Baskerville, maybe? Or perhaps a swift journey halfway along the Orient Express. It could be anything.
Sherlock watched as John considered the various responses possible. He smiled. "No" Sherlock began. "Don't worry, it's not Baskerville again".
John never quite knew how Sherlock was able to deduce these facts, but he'd long ago given up trying to work it out. This time, however, he wanted to know something.
"Why Baskerville?" he asked.
Sherlock looked at the dog. "Simple" he began. "When you thought about where we could be going, you automatically recalled places we had travelled to for cases in the past. Then, you looked at Hugo over here". At the mention of his name the dog briefly raised his head before continuing to doze
Sherlock continued. "After that it was a simple matter to connect the different thoughts to lead me to your belief we might be returning to Baskerville". He smiled, and then produced from his coat pocket a collar and leather lead. At the sound of this, the dog raised itself from the settee and sat waiting by the door, ready to go. Sherlock put the collar and lead on the dog and headed outside. John sighed and folded the paper, then followed Sherlock and the dog out on Baker Street. He hoped they weren't going to have trouble finding a cab today.