To:The Office of the Director of Scotland Yard
From:DI Gregory Lestrade
Dear Sir,
I simply will not have it.
For fifteen years, I've crossed every t and dotted every i on every piece of paperwork that has come across my desk. I haven't cut a single corner. I haven't complained when you've assigned me the forensics experts with the worst attitudes in the whole department and the most misanthropic female assistant in all of Scotland Yard. I never once asked for transfers or special favors. I'm not claiming to be brilliant. No one would call me that, least of all myself, but I've done my job, and I've been honest, nearly to a fault.
That's why I'm putting my foot down. I will not sign off on the report of the Holmes-Moriarty affair unless Sherlock Holmes is absolved of all wrongdoing. With both men dead and evidence nearly nonexistent, the department no longer has any reliable way of ascertaining where the fault actually lies. You've heard my explanation of the arrest of Holmes and my opinion that his subsequent escape was a matter of national security. If you cannot accept my word that the man was innocent, at least change the report to reflect the ambiguity in the investigation.
My staff has accused me of liking Sherlock Holmes. I have no intention of denying it. He was my friend and my colleague, one of the best I've ever known. Others will tell you he was not perfect. I'd ask them to find me a detective who is, whether in the Yard or out of it.
I'm sorry it's come to this, but I'm completely sure. I will resign before I will certify that Sherlock Holmes was a criminal. That is my final decision.
Sincerely,
Greg Lestrade