Both Leave Again
-Holmes' POV-
By seven I had decided to go out again. I was tired, though had had napped in the afternoon. The strain of tension in the house diminished my motivation and I felt I needed to get away more than sleep.
I put on my disguise; the same as the other night—except the beard—which I traded for a less itchy one that was about the same length and color. I donned the tattered clothing of 'Jack', and tried to pretend that everything was normal.
My sharp mind remembered everything all too vividly.
I heard footsteps on the stairs to Watson's room. Heard him—Mrs. Hudson had a far lighter step—descend and stop near my door. There was silence for a second, and I went to the door to see if possibly we could talk. When I opened it, he wasn't there. I looked over the banister and saw the front door closing.
"Mrs. Hudson!" I called.
"Yes sir?" Mrs. Hudson asked, coming in.
"Did Watson receive or send any messages today?"
"He sent one this afternoon, and received a reply," Mrs. Hudson said.
"Do you know to whom and about what?" I inquired.
"It was to Mr. Weaver. I didn't read Watson's message, but the reply was short and unfolded," Mrs. Hudson said. "It said 'meet around back.'"