Author's Note: This is a story submitted to the LJ Community Watson's Woe's Challenge Fic :)
The Shootist
Dr John Watson sat back in his chair rubbing his eyes. It had been a long and trying day. Many patients had visited his surgery today, thanks to the latest outbreak of influenza. Watson put his head in his hands ignoring the knock on his door. He knew it was his maid, but Watson was not wanting to acknowledge her. He was tired and worried about Holmes from whom he had not heard in several days having been engaged on a case. Had it not been for the influenza I would have gone with him thought Watson bitterly. No longer able to ignore the knocking on his door Watson gave permission for his maid to enter.
To his horror he looked up to see his maid enter but with a burly man's arm wrapped round her neck. The intruder was tall, well built and muscular. He had curling grey hair and small black beady eyes that shone nothing but hatred. The young maid, not a day over nineteen looked pale and drawn, her eyes wide in fear. Watson tightened his jaw in anger. He reached for his drawer remembering his old service revolver. But just as Watson had got a gun from his drawer the intruder fired and Watson was flung back against the wall and slid down clutching his side which radiated white hot spears up his side. He let out a half stifled gasp as the pain almost overpowered him. His service revolver fell to the floor with a metallic clatter
"Where is he?" shouted the gunman violently pushing away the maid who fell heavily into the empty fireplace banging her head.
Watson looked up at in the direction of the voice trying desperately to focus despite his blurring vision.
"I don't know who you mean" replied Watson weakly.
The gunman walked over to Watson and grabbed him by the hair shaking his head violently.
"You know very well who, lie to me again and you'll be sorry Doctor". Snarled the gunman who had pressed his face so close to Watson's.
Watson replied definitely
"If you mean Mr Holmes, I'm afraid I can't help you, I have not seen him in days" Watson gasped.
The gunman picked up Watson's revolver and used it to hit Watson heavily across his head. Watson let out a cry. The gunman's hands tightened round Watson's neck and he slowly began to choke. Watson struggled for air. Suddenly the weight was lifted from Watson who opened his eyes to see Holmes bending down over him, and then felt himself being gently lifted up and carried over to a nearby examination couch. Holmes tore open Watson's bloodstained shirt and applied pressure to the gunshot wound.
Watson groaned and clutched Holmes jacket as the pain tore through him.
"It's alright Watson, I'm here old chap". Said Holmes worriedly.
"I know you are Holmes."Watson replied.
Watson smiled. With Holmes at his side he knew he would never be alone. Brothers in arms and friendship.
Hope you enjoyed that !! All reviews and comments welcomed ! :D