John was struck dumb. Had Sherlock just deduced him and said I love you?! He shook his head quickly, than stared at Sherlock. "YOU WHAT?!"
Before Sherlock could open his mouth to repeat the sentence, Lestrade shot through the door, a ruffled looking Mrs. Hudsen standing in their doorway. "Oh Lestrade!" Mrs. Hudson chided. "You really shouldn't burst in. Sherlock is still angry at you." Lestrade glared at her through bloodshot eyes.
"You look dreadful!" Sherlock said happily. It was clear any state of pain Lestrade was in was a bit of make up for getting rid of Sherlock.
"I haven't slept for the whole week you were gone?!" Lestrade snapped.
"Welcome to my world, Lestrade. I usually don't eat or sleep while I have an unsolved case." Sherlock replied, clearly knowing it would make Lestrade that much more angry.
"Well, good for you! We are not all exactly like you Sherlock!" Lestrade ranted. The lack of sleep had also made Lestrade a great deal crankier. "I can't do your job for you."
"You sent me away because you said you could, and much better." Sherlock reminded the small crowd not so helpfully.
"I know, but apparently I can't. I have found only one clue, from visiting the Care center at all hours they were open, and the boss was never there. Apparently, if anyone has an issue, they are to CALL him. And this person isn't certified for child care, all of that is left for the employees. All the boss wants is some easy cash." Lestrade sighed. He looked questioningly at John, knowing Sherlock would not permit him a seat or some tea after their previous conversation. John nodded and moved off to the kitchen while Lestrade sat on the couch. Sherlock looked at Mrs. Hudson pointedly.
"Why don't you come in, Mrs. Hudson? You are already here and you have not had tea with us for some time." Sherlock invited quite politely.
"Oh no, this is your business Sherlock. I am not part of your department, or what ever. I rather don't think I am qualified to attend this meeting." Mrs. Hudson refused, waving a hand in the air.
"I insist." Sherlock refused the decline. "This is no meeting. Lestrade simply wishes to apologize to me." Sherlock gave an angry glance towards Lestrade. Mrs. Hudson grinned and hobbled over the threshold and Sherlock helped her down onto the couch next to Lestrade.
"Why, thank you Sherlock. You are right, it feels it has been forever since we have had a tea together." Mrs. Hudson gratefully took the first cup of tea from John and touched it to her lips. Sherlock made a point in taking the next cup, and sat down in a chair as far away from Lestrade as possible in their tiny flat. John gave Sherlock a death glare for being so rude while he carefully handed Lestrade his cup before sitting down in the one other chair. The couch might have fit one more person, if that person also happened to be skinny and small.
"I am assuming you hit a dead end, and came to see me because you could simply not continue?" Sherlock pressed, wanting to find just one more reason to embarrass Lestrade. The latter took a large gulp of tea and swallowed before looking up again.
"Actually, not yet." Lestrade replied, a slight smug grin crossed his lips as he took another, smaller, sip of the tea. John fought back a look of surprise. Sherlock swallowed and asked another question.
"Well, what did you find?"
"The boss. His name is Jacob Mindd, he is forty-three, lives twenty-six miles down this road to the south and his phone number is 763-159-37-0934." Lestrade riddled off. Sherlock sat thinking for a moment, his long fingers brought together at their points, holding his cup against his chin.
"Do you have an exact address?" Sherlock inquired.
"No." Lestrade replied, closing his eyes as he took another sip.
"Of course." Sherlock replied impatiently. He swapped out his phone and got ready to send a text to a brand new recipient.
To: 736-159-37-0934
I am Sherlock Holmes. I am coming to your home
Tomorrow for morning tea and a
Chat. My Flat-mate John Watson will also
Be attending. Be ready to talk about the murder of
Seventeen children.
SH