My walk continued on through the busy and frantic streets of the great city. Men and women walked up and down the road, while the wheels of Hansom cabs rattled over the cobblestones.

It wasn't long however before I reached the door to my shared medical practice. I tapped lightly on the door which was promptly opened by one of the assistants.

"Good morning Doctor Watson, how are you?"

"Holding up, thank you." I said with a sad smile. " Is Doctor Jamison in today? I need to speak with him about something." I asked.

"Yes sir, he is just in his office, is there anything else I can do for you?"

" No thank you, that is all." I nodded farewell and scurried off down the hallway.

I had known Mark Jamison for many years and we have shared a practice for five. He was a good natured man and a very talented doctor. I knocked gently on the door to his office and awaited a reply.

"Yes" came the muffled reply from behind the door. The hinges creaked as I slowly opened the thick wooden door.

" Ah, Doctor, how can I assist you?" Jamison asked kindly.

" I was wondering if I could talk to you about something for a second, something quite serious."

" Certainly , take a seat." came the good natured reply from Jamison.

I pulled out the chair across from his desk and sat down in it.

"I'm afraid I will have to be absent from work for the rest of the week, and I was wondering if that would be too inconvenient to you." I felt guilty for asking so much of him.

" Don't you worry about it, it will be no trouble at all, this is the slow season after all, but..." Jamison paused " is something the matter Watson? You can tell me you know, and perhaps I will be able to help you."

I took a deep breath " It's actually about my good friend Sherlock Holmes, a few days ago he was found in an abandoned building, it seems as though he had been kept there for months, all the while I had assumed he was out of town; he has the habit of leaving the city without a word. Whilst he was there though he was subjected to torture, and beating. He lost a lot of blood and is incredibly malnourished, he has several broken bones and some very deep cuts. When they first found him and I saw Holmes, I thought I had lost him. I was sure he was dead," I paused and took I shaky breath. "I'm sorry, it's just quite a difficult thing." Jamison nodded understandingly at this and I continued. "He is far from healed, and it will take time both mentally and physically, although I am determined. I believe with some care and time, there is a chance for him to return to his old self."

Jamison looked at me intently for a few moments and then began to speak.

" I admire your dedication and loyalty Watson, Holmes is very lucky to have a friend like you. There are few people who will so willingly devote themselves to the aid of another human being. It is a quality I look up to and hold in the highest respect. You may certainly take the week off. I will cover your appointments and so will my assistant, and If you are in need of more time just tell me and I will see what I can do."

"Thank you so much, I am very grateful." I bowed my head and walked out of the door, hurrying back to my house. I was anxious to see the face of my dear friend.

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