A/N – Apologies for the shortness in advance. Sherlock can be so annoyingly succinct that he gets facts quicker than the normal rambling Plod (no offense Lestrade)

They caught a taxi to a plush hotel, the kind that everyday people only see on TV or read about in books. They met Peter Halburt by some leather sofas and were swiftly served tea and cakes. Peter was tall, grey haired and slightly less jolly and rosy than he would normally be, thought John. He had no doubt that Sherlock knew if he was lying or really upset though.

After the introductions, Peter spoke first. "I understand you are representing the Government on this case."

John saw Sherlock's jaw clench and resisted a small smile. Life presented a lot more joy now he was with Sherlock, he thought for a second, before returning to the man in front of him.

"Yes," Replied Sherlock bluntly, "Could you tell us your whereabouts on the night? Please." He muttered the last word as an almost afterthought.

Peter nodded, "I was out at a do at the local Gentleman's Club. Went on a bit late, some of the chaps can talk for England. Got back about 1am. Caught a taxi. Chauffeur had the night off. All was quiet, assumed Diane was asleep so crept into my room and went to bed. I didn't see anyone
around. Everything was normal."

"Did you hear anything unusual? Any windows or doors normally closed; open?"
Peter thought for a moment, "Not that I can recall, although, I probably had a whiskey too many last night. It's slightly less clear than normal. Heard that pesky dog barking because it made me jump and I stubbed my toe on a camphor chest. Bought it in India you know, had it shipped all the way back. Lovely place." He smiled sadly, remembering the good time with his deceased wife, then looked up, "But that is it."

Sherlock paused for a second, "And what was your relationship like with Mrs Halburt?"

"Well," Peter looked like he was carefully measuring his words, "We were unofficially separated. We still have enough love for each other to be civil and well represented in public, but at home we have almost separate lives. Within marital boundaries of course." Sherlock's eyes narrowed a fraction and he nodded slightly.

"Well, thank you for the tea. We had best continue our investigation, we have other people to talk to. Thank you for your time, Mr Halburt, and sorry for your loss."

Sherlock strode purposefully away towards the road with John hurrying behind him. As soon as they were seated he turned to John, eyes watching his response.
"So, what do you think, John?"
John stared at him questioningly. Sherlock had a small smirk playing on his lips. Don't think of the lips, thought John, mentally rolling his eyes.
"About what?"
"Case two. Did he kill her?"
"I'm not answering that, Sherlock! You'll make me look like an idiot!"
"Come on, John, like with the trainers, I like a second view."
John sighed. "Fine. He was in the house in the time boundary. He had been drinking, so your personal limitations are fewer. If he had any qualms then they may have been resolved last night."

"And?"
"And? Um, no, I don't know." John avoided eye contact.
"He knew his wife was having an affair."
"Really?" Sherlock looked at John despairingly. "Oh! And they were stab wounds of passion! It all fits."
Sherlock smirked "A lot of the facts do, indeed, fit. But there are two more people we must interview and then we must recheck times with Jeremy Barnes.

A/N – If the next one turns out short too, I shall upload the next two interviews at the same time. I thought it would go on for a while.

Has my writing style changed? I feel it may have slightly; just curious.

What do you think plot wise? Are you eagerly anticipating the next scene where John and Sherlock talk things through? In which case, sorry for Case 2 taking over, I can not control the mind of Sherlock Holmes and he is trying to collect the evidence for him to be proved right, yes, he thinks he knows who did it. I am not entirely sure he does… Who do you think killed Diane?

Thanks to Verander for being my Beta reader!

(I have just updated my profile, if you care to take a look)