This one is actually based on the prompt for December 5th, but, as it was completed sooner, I felt it ought to go up before the one for December 4th. Catching up, bit by bit!
December 5th prompt from Hades Lord of the Dead: A character is pick-pocketed!
"Holmes, have you seen my key?"
"Yes, Watson."
"Well, where is it?"
Holmes sat back in his chair, his eyes darting back and forth as he performed his mental calculations. "I should say it is in Birmingham by now."
"Birmingham?" Watson cried. "What should my key be doing in Birmingham?"
"Well, that's obviously the town from which the man who pickpocketed it last night on the train comes. I suppose he could have gone to Manchester, but that would be something of a stretch."
"It was pickpocketed?"
"Yes, Watson. To be perfectly honest, I was surprised you didn't notice. He was in very poor form."
"You mean to tell me that I was pickpocketed on a train and you just sat there and watched?"
"Had it been anything of particular value, I would have drawn your attention to it. As it was, your billfold was in your inner coat pocket and your watch hidden beneath your coat. The fellow scarcely had enough talent to steal your wedding ring from you. All in all, it was a relatively harmless act."
"Harmless!" exclaimed the poor doctor. "Holmes, I have been stolen from!"
"I have already called for a locksmith to have the locks replaced. You should have your new key by Monday morning."
"That is not the point, Holmes. The point is that you watched while a crime was being committed on me and said nothing."
"What was there to say? Your key was being stolen from you. Had I alerted the thief, he should have scampered off as quickly as possible and caused absolute chaos on the train. As it was, I was able to study him in depth and determine where your key may very well be without causing a fuss on the train. I have alerted the police in Birmingham and they should be on the lookout for the thief. If you have a more satisfactory solution, pray tell it to me before the scent gets too cold."
Watson grumbled to himself, even though he knew that Holmes was right.
"Just…next time, Holmes," he said with some bitterness. "If it is not too much of an inconvenience, might you tell me when a crime is being perpetrated on my person?"
"Of course, my dear fellow," said Holmes, the sarcasm lost on him. "Consider it done."
Reviews appreciated as always!