Watson looked down at the motionless form on the table. He glanced up at his friend warily. "Are you sure about this Holmes? Where the devil did you get permission?"

"I have connections of my own in Whitehall." Holmes replied breezily. "As for certainty... I thought a medical man such as yourself might embrace the curious nature of this specimen. And what better case study for that lecture for anatomy you were asked to give at St Bartholomew's?"

The Doctor pointedly ignored the fact he had neglected to mention anything of the kind to Holmes. "Don't you disapprove of sensationalising science?"

"Of course I do. There is nothing worse than a failed application of logic and sound reasoning that merely panders to the public imagination. However, in this instance I am merely concerned that those students will fall asleep after listening to that recitation of textbook drivel I found on your desk. Even I find practical demonstrations to be of infinite use to conclusively separate theory from fact."

"I suppose you're alluding to your love of showing off."

"I merely state the facts and how I find them." Holmes retorted; he was carefully avoiding Watson's disbelieving gaze. "Come now, we mustn't waste away the day in complete idleness when there is an investigation to be done."

Watson sighed and reluctantly gave in. "Fine. Pass me my scalpel from my bag."

After a few moments digging Holmes proffered the said instrument to the Doctor, but raised a brow as Watson froze as he stood with an arm raised in midair and jaw hanging. "My dear chap, you're going to catch more flies in that mouth than I did all yesterday evening."

"I- it couldn't possibly-"

"Watson, it won't do to vex me with such vague details."

"Pardon me, Holmes, but it- it-"

Holmes tutted impatiently. "Out with it, man."

"It moved." Watson finally managed with exasperation.

"Oh?"

"What do you mean 'oh'?! His bloody hand moved!"

"No need to swear, what would Nanny say?"

"Holmes!"

"Although it would be quite possible she'd never believe me, you've always been her favourite. I think I shall have to catch you with witnesses-"

"Holmes!"

Oh dear. That feral voice was most certainly not Watson. It was a shame. He'd been certain he'd have another couple of minutes or so. The agent must have been slightly more potent than he'd thought.

It was at this point that it was clearly Watson who gave a terrified shout (shriek? Sherlock pondered, but he of course would never tell his friend of that particular conclusion) of surprise. Stumbling backwards, he was only prevented from falling ungraciously onto his rear by the steady arm of his friend. They stood still for a moment as Holmes' keen eyes flickered from observing the table to the Doctor's pale face. Watson was breathlessly stammering, unable to formulate a coherent thought to voice. Sherlock didn't blame him in the slightest.

Lord Blackwood was back from the grave and crouching, with very little but a sheet to cover his modesty, on the mortician's slab in the prison.

"Most engaging." Was all Holmes had managed to say before Blackwood charged them like a wild animal.


Did anyone else not notice Blackwood's expression when Holmes mentioned it? (Yes, indeed this was his worst nightmare) Could. Not. Resist. Had to get this up here before anyone else (but feel free to use plot bunny). Also opportunity to shock poor Watson.