December 21: Write a story where Watson attempts to master the art of making deductions from the observations of trifles. (from Galaxy1001D)
A/N: An all dialogue fic. Just picture them at Regent's park.
"Now, Watson, what can you tell me about the man sitting there on that bench?"
"Well, he is tall and heavy set, middle aged, somewhere in the lower middle class, judging by his clothes, shoes and hat…he is a bachelor, as he seems to be doing his own shopping…hmm, goodness that is a tremendous beard, isn't it?"
"Come now, surely there is something else you can see!"
"I don't know! Wait, there is some ink on his hand there, and oh, when he reached up to scratch behind his ear, did you see how shiny his sleeve was? That means he's done a lot of writing lately, right? So maybe, this middle aged bachelor's job involves writing. Hmm, is there something else we can figure out about him based on his shopping? It looks like he has…books in that bag maybe, though we're too far away for me to be certain."
"You are getting warmer. Now, notice the beard. It is tremendous, is it not? But notice the color."
"Why, it's a completely different brown from the hair and eyebrows, isn't it? Is it a false beard then? Is this man in disguise? For what reason, then? Is he spying on someone, or doing something illicit? Oh! He's standing up now…Holmes, he's coming right towards us! Do you suppose he noticed us talking about him?!"
"Do not worry, Watson."
"Good afternoon, gentlemen. I have come to inquire as to what you find so interesting about me."
"Mycroft, you can take off the beard now. Oh, Watson! You're an excellent friend, but not much of a detective."