From mrspencil: Watson is being followed
This one has been a lot of fun!
I had spent a long day working cases of my own and the hour was approaching ten o'clock when I finally turned my weary footsteps in the direction of home.
The weather was bitterly cold! Snow had fallen during the day, but now a freezing fog had crawled in from off the Thames. I shivered as the frozen snow crunched noisily beneath my feet; all other sound was muffled slightly by the ice crystals which surrounded me.
I was still a long way from Baker Street when I became aware of the sound of a second set of footsteps crunching along behind me. I stopped a moment to look in at the window of a shop alongside me and the footsteps behind me did the same.
Using the window as a mirror, I attempted to get a good look at the owner of these footsteps, but the street was too dark and the fog made a perfect cover. Cold and weary as I was, I had no choice but to press on. The footsteps started again after I had gone on three paces.
All thoughts of home were quickly dashed from my mind as my fear rose steadily. I was without my revolver, in a far from pleasant neighbourhood and I wanted to get in off the street as soon as was possible.
Lestrade's home was nearer and so, without so much as a glance to look behind or the slightest quickening of pace, I altered my route ever so slightly.
My limp was becoming the more pronounced as I turned onto Lestrade's street but I made an effort to keep up my pace. The footsteps were directly behind me, now; whoever this was was getting bolder and I was becoming increasingly nervous.
As I strode up to the Lestrade Family's door, the footsteps once again stopped. I again used the glass of the window beside me to look into the street at my back and could clearly see a rough standing under a lamppost, watching me carefully.
"Doctor Watson!" Mrs. Lestrade greeted me, upon answering the pull at the bell. "Do come in! You look frozen. Not lost your keys again, have you?"
I checked my pocket at her words as I stepped inside. No, my keys were still in my pocket.
"I hope I am not intruding," said I. "Is your husband at home?"
She shook her head. "He should be back by now, but you know how it is."
"Then I should not intrude," said I, preparing to depart.
"Nonsense, Doctor! Please, at least come and warm yourself beside the fire. Would you like some tea?"
"Well... only if you are having a cup."
She lead me through to the parlour and urged me to remove my outdoor clothing and to be seated close to the fire. I was truly grateful, though I did regret calling upon the family so late at night.
The kettle had not yet boiled when the front door opened and I heard Lestrade's familiar tread in the hall.
"Sorry I'm so late," I heard him say. "You just wouldn't believe the night I've had!"
Upon hearing that I was waiting for him, he entered the parlour with quite obvious misgivings.
"Hello, Doctor! Has Mr. Holmes sent you to collect me?"
I shook my head. "No, I fear I have intruded upon you of my own volition," said I, standing to shake him by the hand.
He brightened considerably and looked me up and down. ""What brings you here?"
I told him of being followed and finding myself to be somewhat vulnerable without my old revolver.
"I decided to come here, as your home was nearer than Baker Street," I finished.
Lestrade nodded pensively. "I think I might've caught a glimpse of the man," said he. "He was there still when I came home. Took one look at me and scarpered, quick as a wink. If you're being followed by unsavoury characters, I think you should stop here for a while, Doctor. Stay the night. I'll take a message to Mr. Holmes."
"But you have only just came home!" I protested.
"It's not too far. Besides, I'll take a cab. I'll not be long."
I watched him shrug on his coat and then he was gone.
That was last night. I have slept not a wink and have instead lay awake all night, wondering who it is that would wish to follow me about London and whether Holmes is safe or not. I am somewhat anxious to return to Baker Street.