It was a drowsy, cloudy, typical British summer day. That is to say, it was warmish. But the people of London were enjoying what well could be the only day of the year without rain.
The park was packed full of tourists, joggers, dog walkers, screaming kids, romantic couples, harassed parents, various assorted businessmen, and finally, the two men standing on the edge of the Serpentine.
These were not your average old fogies throwing stale bread at ducks.
One was looking as annoyed as the most harassed parent, arms crossed, lips pressed, foot tapping.
The other was apparently as oblivious as the loudest child, peering into the water with rapt attention.
Several ducks had gathered round hopefully, though no bread was forthcoming.
"Sherlock, seriously. We should get Lestrade." John snapped, forcing a smile as somebody gave him a queer look.
"No, no, no. He'll take ages to get here." Sherlock replied in good natured tones.
"If you called him when I told you to, he'd be here by now."
"John, do you really want to ruin everybody's day by calling in a load of idiots? They'll tramp round, scare all the ducks, probably cordon off the area, and get Anderson."
"Since when have you cared about ducks?" John asked, rightfully suspicious.
Sherlock tore his gaze from the less-than clear water, and turned a cool gaze on John.
He decided just the reproachful glare was enough however, for the consulting detective turned back to the water, shuffling along the bank a few steps.
"I'm calling him." John said firmly, pulling his phone from his pocket.
Sherlock sighed, stood from his crouched position, and easily snatched the mobile from John's hand.
"Hey-!"
"If you try and get it back, I'll throw it in the water."
"That's blackmail!"
"Tough."
"So one minute you're going on about duck's rights, and the next you're threatening me?"
"John, please. I am trying to find the key piece of evidence that will-"
"A key piece of evidence in which case, exactly?"
"In a murder case." Sherlock replied stoically.
"What, the murder case without an actual murder?"
"Jennifer Wilkes has been missing for six days."
"Yeah, and do you remember what her boyfriend said?"
"Do enlighten me."
"That she had gone to Australia!"
"How very convenient."
"What? You don't think he was lying?"
"Of course he was lying John! Murderers do tend to."
"Murderers? Wha- Am I missing something?"
"Currently yes, but if you stopped nattering on, I might be able to find it."
"Look, you haven't even told me what you're looking for."
"Ah, yes. Tell me John, what tells you a murder has certainly take place?"
"Er... A body..?"
"Exactly."
"Oh god. Please don't tell me we're looking for Jennif-"
"Very well, I won't."
Silence, as Sherlock dropped to his knees, and gazed across the miniature sea. The din of tourists, joggers, dog walkers, screaming kids, romantic couples, harassed parents, and various assorted businessmen seemed to rise now that the pair had stopped talking.
John gave his best 'I'm not his friend' smile to everybody who passed by giving Sherlock goggle eyes. Sometimes he wondered why he bothered.
Finally Sherlock gave a little hum of appreciation.
"Found it?" John asked warily.
"Yep," Sherlock handed the mobile over, thankfully unharmed. "It's floating up now."
John hastily dialled Lestrade's number, eyeing the water warily.
"Yeah, it's John. Yes. We're in Hyde park. Uh huh, about Jennifer. Sherlock's found something, you'd better get down. Great, see you then."
John hung up, and turned to to the Serpentine and his crazed flatmate.
He then spotted the murky shape floating up. Sherlock flashed him a grin.
As the body of Jennifer Wilkes floated up, the first scream of many sounded with a resoundingly loud frequency.
There! Just a brief idea. Character ain't mine. I hope you enjoyed.