Author's Notes:

Pay no attention to the Diva smashing crockery in the corner. I told her it was not a good idea to expect reviews, bad or good, right away… She'll be fine soon, I promise. Or at least I hope so … oh dear, now she's eyeing the crystal… please pity me and my household and review already!

Seriously- is the tone right? I know technically it's not a journal or a diary but now I'm stuck with that as the title! It's slow starting, but She also doesn't like to be rushed, nor show her hand too soon. Bloody woman!

And if anyone suddenly gets the urge to be a beta-reader, don't be shy! PM me!

And now, back to the concert in progress…

The program was a shade too German for my taste, but it mattered little. Tania was right- I was bored and thus in a foul mood. I therefore amused myself with observing the crowd, the latest fashions, and the way the soloist's bald pate bobbed with his vehement bowing. Nearing intermission, Tatiana tugged at my sleeve, disturbing my musings on the new taste in dyed ostrich plumes, "'Rene, if I'm not mistaken, that's Dr Watson over in row across the hall- "

"Hmm?" I lazily inquired, thoughts still on my next trip to the milliners'

"Ma chere, I doubt he's alone. I could be wrong but, you may want to … oh never mind- I suspect his comrade is asleep, or …" I suddenly realized what my friend was insinuating, and focused my gaze across the hall in time to catch a glimpse of the great detective, legs tucked under himself, with a languid smile drifting across his undisguised face. Now that was not something one saw every day. Interesting. "… or something. " my friend frowned. " Shall we take our leave soon?" I nodded, and we slipped out with the crowd. I smiled as we left, no longer bored, now more curious than I'd been in over 5 years.

""Tania, I need to stretch my legs. " I announced as we reached her home. "I wouldn't hold supper." She gave me a long; steady, look as she slowly shook her head, calling to me as I went up to change- "You know you play with fire, my friend?"

The afternoon light had not yet faded; the walk was not particularly long. I slowed as I approached 220 Baker Street, to give my self a block to think and plan. As I pretended to window shop, my reverie was interrupted by an urgent tug at my sleeve as a small, very dirty face appeared in the reflection of the windowpane of the aphthocary shop.

"Oy! 'es not there, ya know!"

I turned to face the urchin, annoyed and in surprise- was I so transparent?

"Of whom are you speaking, mon petit?"

"Lady, " the boy rolled his eyes voice thick with sarcasm, "It's Baker Street; I know the regulars 'ere and no strangers ever come but to see Mr. 'Olmes. I'm Wiggins. He lets me know so that no one bothers waitin', specially ladies- they lets me keep the tips," he stretched out his hand awaiting a coin.

"Well, my good Wiggins," I smiled, pressing a penny into his palm, " It turns out I already knew that. Is the landlady in? "

" Oh, yeah- she don't go out much near dark anyhow, " he shrugged. "You know Mrs. H? "

I nodded

"Yeh, well, tell 'er she still owes me fer the new mouser, will ya? Two crumpets at least!"

I winked at him. "Two crumpets. "

"Thanks, lady. You're ever so much nicer than most of 'em who come round! "

Uh-oh. This could be trouble. I'd made an impression. This child knew Holmes somehow, and for my good, was too clever by half. Still, the question was – to bribe or not?

Then he continued." … pretty too. Ya look a little like that picture 'e keeps in the drawer…" Picture? He did not just say picture, did he! Oh, a now a bribe was certainly in order, or possibly something else.

"Say, Wiggins, could you find me a mouser? I'd pay you, not in crumpets either," I showed him a half crown. " Only, I'd rather you not say I'd been by. Would you mind?"

"Well… fer a lady, I guess so."

I breathed a sigh of relief inwardly and flipped him the coin, giving him Tania's address for delivery of the cat.

Author again. Whew! I wasn't sure what Wiggins was going to say! I am certain he's got orders to tell all, especially when bribed.

"Yes, yes, he does"

(Hey! I know that voice!)

" You know, he never did tell, : the Detective purred into the Diva's ear . Well, welll that explains the lack of smashing!

FYI- NEVER try and edit at 3 am. It leads to issues.