Doctor's Orders
I had just finished packing my bag, glancing worriedly at the limp form of my self-admittedly ailing friend, a fact which in and of itself would have been cause for worry without the obvious symptoms he displayed. I would have stayed longer, but he even in illness insisted he could do well enough alone and ushered me toward the door.
Apparently satisfied that I would follow his unspoken order, he had just closed his eyes when the abnormally accented click of a door-lock resounded through the room. Holmes's eyes flew open in astonishment and, perhaps, a trace of panic just as I slipped into my pocket the key which I had acquired from his dressing table.
"My dear Watson – !"
I merely folded my arms and, setting my bag back down, resumed my position in the chair at his bedside. "My dear chap, once I was forced to spend a total of two hours in this room without being able to help in any way or manner. As it appears you will not take care of yourself, it therefore falls upon myself to see the manner through to its conclusion."
He started to rise, undoubtedly with the intent to force both my bag and myself to be divorced from his presence and repossess the pirated key, but found himself too weak to accomplish the former and settled for glaring half-heartedly at me from beneath the coverlet. I firmly removed a retained piece of evidence from his tired grip, placing it out of reach on the mantle, and then settled my stubborn friend with a stern glare.
"Holmes, you will get your rest if I must tie you to the bed to do it, which I might add can be accomplished with incredible ease at the moment."
Holmes glared at me, then shifted uncomfortably when I wouldn't break our gaze.
"Now," I added, my voice softening as he closed his eyes resignedly, "unless you wish to put us both through a difficult night, I suggest you listen to what I tell you. You are far too weak and ill to accomplish anything on that case at the docks – which I might add Lestrade is handling with admirable skill – and in your state you would merely be a hindrance. I've instructed Mrs. Hudson to inform unnecessary visitors that you are away, and we should not be disturbed.
"Now, my friend, get some rest. We can speak of this in the morning."
Upon receiving no reply, I looked closer at my errant flat-mate and was obliged to give a reluctant smile.
Holmes had, for once, obeyed my doctor's instincts and was fast asleep.