A/N: It was extremely coincidental and totally awesome that I got this prompt, as the premises of the prompt in question allow me to make it a continuation of the last one. So this is the story behind why Holmes is forbidden from setting foot in the kitchen. Enjoy! -SWS
Prompt: When experiments and cooking collide
From: Alice Wright
Date: December 11th
A shriek from the kitchen arrested my attention. I was somewhat puzzled, as this was the third time today.
Holmes froze in his tracks when he heard Mrs. Hudson's angry footsteps ascending the stairs. "Mr. Holmes, what have you done to my pie crust?"
I held up a hand. "What exactly is wrong with your pie crust, Mrs. Hudson?"
"It came out crumbled in the bottom of the pan!"
I knew our landlady's cooking was spectacular, and a ruined pie crust was certainly not the fault of a recipe with which the woman had years of experience. "Holmes..."
Both Mrs. Hudson and I were glaring at the detective, who merely furrowed his brow and nodded. "I'll note that down: cyanide in place of flour has an adverse effect."
"Holmes," I interjected, "if it hadn't completely destroyed the crust, were you going to allow us to consume pie containing cyanide powder?"
"Of course not! I would confiscate and dispose of it before the holidays."
One of Mrs. Hudson's hands left her hip and stretched out in front of her, pointer finger directed at Holmes. "That's three of my holiday dishes you've ruined today, Mr. Holmes! From this point on consider yourself forbidden to set foot in my kitchen!"
Holmes took a step towards the irate Scotswoman. "Mrs. Hudson, it could well be a breakthrough in the community of scientific cooking!"
I snorted and hid my face behind a newspaper. Holmes was not helping his situation at all.
A/N: And there you have it! Consider this for Book girl fan, who just reviewed the previous chapter by saying that there was probably a good reason Holmes wasn't allowed in the kitchen. Here ya go, darlin'! And thanks to everyone who's been reading! I'm giving you all virtual hugs! -SWS