Chapter 4
Sherlock Holmes
Cogito, ergo sum
(I think, therefore I am)
Sherlock followed Mrs. Hudson up the stairs with John on his heels as their made their way up to 221B. Sherlock opened the door to the flat while Mrs. Hudson moved into the kitchen and started making tea. "Just this once, dear, I'm not your housekeeper." She warned both Sherlock and John. Sherlock glanced at John taking in the deep frown on his face as he glanced around the flat for the first time. Sherlock looked around and belatedly realized the he should have tidied up. There was clutter everywhere, everything from clippings and papers to charms and wards, weapons, and everything in between.
"Obviously, I can straighten up a bit." Sherlock placated. John's expression morphed to one of confusion and then to suspicion as he moved about the flat, picking up a wooden stake and the jar of holy water beside it.
"What are these?" John asked as he continued to survey the room his eyes landing on he skull on the mantelpiece.
"Experiments," Sherlock replied evasively.
"Experiments?" John asked raising an eyebrow skeptically.
"Of course!" Sherlock insisted attempting to look innocent.
"Is that a skull?" John asked as he continued to stare at it in disbelief.
"Friend of mine." Sherlock muttered under his breath causing John's frown to return.
"What exactly do you do?" John asked as his eyes took in every tool of the trade scattered all over the flat.
"Consulting…detective. When the unexplainable happens, the met often gives me a ring." Sherlock replied evasively clearing his throat as John narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
"Detective?" John asked disbelief coloring his words.
"Are you just going to repeat everything that I say? Don't be dull John." Sherlock implored. He could practically see John putting the pieces together; perhaps he wasn't as idiotic as the rest of humanity.
"What are you hunting?" John inquired. Sherlock's eyes widened in surprise as John deduced his true calling. Few humans knew of the existence of supernatural creatures and the ones who hunted them.
"What do you know about hunting?" Sherlock asked fishing for information trying to figure out where in John's background he may have come across the little known knowledge. John smirked happy to have gotten one over on him. Gloating bugger, Sherlock thought bitterly. He would get the whole story. It was only a matter of time. As he plotted his next move, his phone buzzed with a text. His eyes widened when he saw that it was from Lestrade. The priest was good, very good. He didn't ask for assistance often. This would be a least a nine.
"Case, I have to cut this short I'm afraid. Have a cup of tea. Make yourself at home." Sherlock said as he gathered up a few tools. He reached for the doorknob then paused turning to John.
"You're a doctor, an army doctor." He said in a considering voice.
"Yes." John replied looking a bit annoyed at him for pointing out the obvious.
"Any good?" Sherlock continued gently probing.
"Very good." John insisted a hint of pride in his voice.
"Seen a lot of injuries, violent deaths?" Sherlock implied.
"Yes, of course." John confirmed.
"Seen your share of trouble?" Sherlock questioned.
"Enough for a lifetime." John whispered looking a bit haunted for a moment
"Want to see some more?" Sherlock invited.
"Oh God, yes." The haunted look faded away and in its place came determination and a hint of exhilaration.
Sherlock smiled and pulled something from around his neck handing it to John. John looked down at the necklace. It was a small stone carving in the shape of the Eye of Ra. A protective ward, John slipped it around his neck with a nod of thanks. "One more thing, John." Sherlock insisted. He then pulled something from his pocket and placed it into John's hand. "For your Browning." John looked down and three silver bullets lay in his hand. John shook his head in awe of both Sherlock's deductive skill and his gull.