HOLMES & WATSON
A series of short stories
Rather, a unashamed series of stories where Watson is often right and Sherlock is wrong, because it almost never happens in the TV show.
Chapter III
The X Factor
Watson's POV
...
Sherlock," I asked, as we both focused on our laptops, ignoring one another. A sudden thought occurred to me, and I truly wondered what his answer might be. "What do you do about x factors?"
"Do you really think I pay attention to talent shows?" Sherlock looked up with disgust. "And I cannot predict the victor for you, if that is what you are asking."
"No—no I don't mean the telly show. I mean the x factor. In your cases."
Sherlock was suddenly interested. "Do elaborate?"
"In mathematical equations, one solves for x. What about in scientific formula, when for example, the x factor is not known until later—something you couldn't have known to begin with."
"I am well aware of the function of solving for x or including an x in scientific formulas. What is your point?"
"Well—I can phrase this differently, I suppose," I sat back and took a sip of tea, sighing. "That was just the first thing that came to mind. I guess what I'm really wondering is, what happens when you're surprised?"
"Surprised? You mean when I'm wrong?"
"No—no! You could be entirely right. About something. Say you've got a case, and not only have you pinpointed a criminal and where he is hiding, but say that all your deductions leave out an x factor. A sniper. Waiting for you. He's the x factor. He does not show up till later, and there's nothing to deduce that would leave you to suspect he is there."
Sherlock shook his head. "That is a terrible example."
"I know it is, but it's the best I can do. Now you're intelligent enough to know what I mean, so don't ask me to explain it again."
"Touchy, aren't we?"
"I'm just curious, Sherlock."
"I'm rarely surprised by x factors. There usually aren't any."
"Usually?"
Sherlock shoved back his chair, his ridiculously lanky figure nearly upsetting the tea on the desk. "When I am surprised, my dear doctor, it usually means I lose. Unless I can react quickly enough."
"Lose?"
"Lose the game, Watson. I am never surprised. If the misfortune arises in which I am surprised… then…"
Without finishing the thought, he suddenly whisked from the room, hollering loudly, "Mrs. Hudson! You're home! I can explain the state of your refrigerator. Do not panic."
The End