"And where, may I ask, is my beloved brother?" Lizzy inquired with a sarcastic undertone. She took a seat at the small breakfast table and joined the good doctor for some eggs. However, Sherlock was absent.
"He's working," Watson replied, patting his mouth with a napkin, very fastidiously.
Lizzy laughed, "And yet you're the one with a professional career, doctor…" she shook out her napkin and placed it into her lap. "So tell me, John…" she began, "how is it you're still around?"
"Beg your pardon?" John smiled, "I'm not sure I quite understand what you mean …" he said, his fingers pausing over his fork.
"Dear Sherlock," she said, "God knows I couldn't handle living with him and he's my family. And yet, you live and work with him….does it have you pining for the Afghan War?"
John chuckled and filled his fork with egg and toast. "Sometimes…" he admitted with a smile, "But Holmes is a very…" he paused, and there did not seem to be a word to describe Sherlock Holmes, "He's my partner…" he said, "We went into business together…I wouldn't have done that lightly," he assured her, taking the bite of breakfast he'd prepared.
"Are you on a case at the moment?" Lizzy questioned, her brows raising in interest.
"Ah, now that is what he is working on…" John replied, "I've done everything but lock him in that room. He needs his work…" he explained. "Especially after…well…it's what he does…" Watson quickly finished and stuffed a bite of toast into his mouth.
Lizzy nodded, though she knew full well what Watson had meant to say. But her attention turned to the presence that entered the room. "Ah, glad I have you both here at the same time..." Sherlock entered the room, buttoning his sleeve. That's when Clarky followed him into the room, carrying his helmet.
"Clarky," Watson greeted. He set his napkin down and stood up, leaning on his cane.
"Doctor," Clarky nodded his head. "Ms. Holmes," he greeted second, obviously informed by Sherlock. Lizzy nodded back, "There's a slight…problem…" Clarky began nervously.
"Though, to my disbelief," Sherlock started, "LeStrade couldn't have possibly prevented what Clarky has informed me is our current situation…" he took a seat and propped his feet up on the table, "As you were, Clarky, tell my colleague what you've told me…"