Chapter Ten. The Way Home

Holmes stared into the dark street. Watson's slow breathing continued behind him. The room that had been their home for these past long months was beginning to take on its previous hotel room like state, their belongings having been gradually packed away ready for their departure the following evening. Holmes was restless, the heat in the room stifling his thoughts. He turned to look at his sleeping friend, not wanting to wake him he slipped quietly out of their room and down the hall to the lobby of the hotel A small man stopped him on his way, bowing politely,

"Something I may help you with Mr. Holmes?" He asked smiling.

"No thank you Bennett, I was just going for a quick walk."

"At this hour Mr. Holmes? It is very late."

"Yes, I realise that but I shan't be long."

"Very well sir. If you need anything.."

"Yes, yes." Holmes cut the man off waving his hand imperiously as he went. Bennett shook his head and smiled before turning away.

The cool air as opposed to the heat of his room was a shock to Holmes who wrapped his coat tighter around himself. He walked quickly, unsure of where he was going but feeling the need to be moving. Now the case was over and Gardenia had been punished, not in the way Holmes had wanted but at least he was dead. Holmes smiled at the thought, how he would have longed to be the one to have done it. Still, he must be thankful it was all over and he was. Irene had been revenged. He closed his eyes, this case, such as it was, had taken more from him than he had realised. He suddenly felt very old and very tired. He scanned the street for people, but it was deserted. Sighing he turned and returned to the hotel. He climbed the stairs to their room and paused outside. Stillness, he carefully opened the door and was shocked to find Watson seated before a freshly stoked fire with a tray of tea before him.

"Watson what on earth are you doing up at this hour?" Holmes said, removing his jacket and sitting opposite his friend.

"I thought you might like some tea." He smiled, handing Holmes a steaming cup which he took gratefully.

"Thank you but you really didn't have to deprive yourself of sleep just to furnish me with cups of tea."

"Well if I didn't you wouldn't do it yourself I dare say."

Holmes smiled and shook his head.

"No I dare say I wouldn't."

"Besides tea helps the nerves." Watson cast a glance at Holmes who returned it but remained silent.

"And I believe your nerves could do with all the help they can get."

Again Holmes nodded, his eyes lost in the fire.

Watson watched him for a while.

"I am sorry the outcome was not what you wanted Holmes."

"On the contrary Watson there could be no better outcome.."

"Holmes you cannot mean that you would have wished…"

"I wish Mr. Gardenia the warm fires of hell."

Watson raised an eyebrow and sighed.

"I am glad to be going home."

"As am I Watson, it will be good to be back in London again."

"Yes, maybe then we can get back to some sort of normalcy." Watson said, glancing knowingly at his friend.

"I fear Watson that things will never be quite so normal again." Taking his cup Holmes stormed off to the bedroom leaving Watson alone by the blaze, which he gazed into with fear.