a/n:prompt from Catherine Spark:-One incident that made each character hug someone.

This is written as a play, all the titles and descriptions are part of the pattern of verse.

This can stand alone; but is also a continuation of the tale written as "A Study in Drama"

Holmes and companions do not belong to me.

Hug?

The Cast

Sherlock Holmes- well respected detective

Doctor Watson-his tolerant friend

Lestrade and young Hopkins-the cream of the Yarders; defending the Law to the end.

Mrs. Hudson-proud owner of Baker Street lodgings. A cook, friend and confidante, too.

and

Elsie- the vengeful ex-bride of her nephew, and totally bad, through and through.

Act One

Late one night, in the Baker Street kitchen; a stealthy small figure in black

Climbs in through the window, and heads for the larder; she carries a small linen sack.

She's clearly intending some terrible mischief; another mass poisoning plan?

She jostles a plate, which disturbs Mrs. Hudson, who heads there as fast as she can.

~0~

Mrs. H-"Who on earth is invading my kitchen?

Mr. Holmes? Doctor Watson? Confess!

I hope you remember the last time I caught you;

You'd made such a terrible mess!

Let me see; oh, my Lord!

You're the mad, vengeful Elsie,

Who broke my young nephew's poor heart!

I thought we had dealt with the last of your scheming.

Get out of my kitchen, you tart!"

~0~

She lunges at Elsie, who sidesteps her neatly, then slips on the fresh polished tiles.

This gives Mrs. Hudson, the chance to move closer. Their squeals echo loudly for miles.

~0~

Down seventeen steps stride detective and doctor; alarmed at the ear-splitting sound.

They find Mrs. Hudson and Elsie, fists flying, and rolling around on the ground.

The doctor grabs Elsie; Holmes grabs Mrs. Hudson; they're still flailing fists, left and right.

They each hold their charge in a firm, tight embrace, determined to cut short the fight.

~0~

Lestrade and young Hopkins both hear the commotion, rush in; their jaws drop at the door.

They can see Doctor Watson, with Elsie beneath him; Mrs. Hudson and Holmes on the floor.

~0~

Lestrade-"Holmes you're held in the highest esteem;

Which this scene, in no way, has diminished.

We are souls of discretion, young Hopkins and I,

We'll go now, and come back when you've finished."

~0~

Holmes (glares as he pins Mrs. Hudson's right arm)-

" Will you please take a sensible look?

That girl, under Watson, is Elsie; ex-bride.

She's attempting to murder our cook!"

~0~

Lestrade (somewhat flustered)-"I see what you mean.

Your actions are perfectly clear."

~0~

Doctor Watson-"Perhaps, you could save the small talk.

I require some assistance down here!"

~0~

Lestrade and young Hopkins (with boyish moustache) untangle the limbs one by one.

They then put the derbies, quite firmly, on Elsie; whose great plans of vengeance have gone.

~0~

Mrs. H- "Now, young Hopkins, Inspector Lestrade;

What on earth did you think we were doing?

Did you really imagine a tiled kitchen floor

Was a suitable place for a wooing?"

~0~

Young Hopkins (a blush spreading slowly)-" I know.

I cannot excuse our mistake."

~0~

Lestrade (also red)-"we are terribly sorry.

A dreadful conclusion to take."

~0~

Elsie- "I'd hoped I could poison more puddings,

And send you all swiftly to Hell!"

(She cursed Mrs. Hudson, detective and sidekick,

Lestrade and young Hopkins as well)

"I'll never give up on my mad quest for vengeance;

I'll be there when you let down your guard!"

~0~

For now, she would have to continue her plotting, while spending some time at the Yard.

Epilogue

After some sleep and some breakfast;

Two Yarders appeared at the door;

With flowers and gifts, to appease Mrs. Hudson.

They hoped she'd forgive them, once more.

~0~