Inspired by Sherlock's line in HoB where he says "Well, I'm a show off, that's what we do!", Arty Diane challenged the ladies of Mrs Hudson's Kitchen to write a story where other characters get the opportunity to use that same line – here is my humble attempt!
Disclaimer: The pleasure of owning these characters belongs to ACD, SM & MG
"He'll never pull it off" Sherlock muttered sotto voce, as he and Greg watched John saunter into Costa Coffee, "She's far too smart to fall for that Army bravado routine."
"You got any better ideas? At least this beats asking her outright if she's looking for a hit man to kill her husband"
But Sherlock wasn't listening. He was staring at John, watching as his friend leered lasciviously at the smartly dressed redhead, slipping into the seat next to her and leaning in to speak quietly.
The two detectives watched as the couple discussed the newspaper clipping he pulled from his pocket – an advert – discreet fixer wanted.
John played up to be every inch that fixer, and within a short while they were agreeing terms, money up front which the lady slipped into his hand under the table.
Standing up, the ex-soldier turned and nodded to Sally Donovan, sitting a few table away. In minutes the redhead was arrested.
"Told you it'd work." John grinned at his flatmate.
"Oh stop showing off." Came the sneering reply
"Well, I'm a show off, that's what we do! And anyway – my acting convinced her I could do the job."
"What? That was the worst case of bad overacting I've ever seen!" Sherlock exclaimed.
John handed Greg the evidence, on a small tape recorder.
"Busted!"
A/N: Thanks jack63kids for the title inspiration