The entire Yard froze as I entered the building. I steadfastly ignored them, and slowly made my way to where Sherlock and the Doctor were standing with Gregson.

Gregson was staring at the cane I was using, as was Sherlock. If the Doctor was surprised, it was only at the fact that I was still using the thing.

I glared at Sherlock, and he decided to look at something else. Gregson merely grinned. "Back from the dead?" He quipped.

"Yes." I replied. I was in no mood to bandy words with the man. Then I realized the Doctor was looking worried. I sighed. "My balance is still a little off." I confessed. "Which you said was to be expected." His expression cleared somewhat at the reminder.

I raised the cane that I had been carrying more than actually using. I was still a bit slow, but I could walk just fine. "I lost my balance and fell down the stairs this morning." I clarified awkwardly. "My wife refused to let me out of the house without it."

"I thought only gentlemen owned those." Was Gregson's mocking reply, and I felt my face grow warm. "You just happened to have one around the house?"

I was in a foul mood today. I let him have it. "I'm surprised someone as smart as you doesn't remember having seen it before." I retorted. "After all, I made frequent use of it for a considerable period of time after that smuggling incident."

He flinched, as if at a physical blow. Satisfied, I continued in a less wounding direction. "It was a Christmas present from my mother-in-law."

"A thoughtful gift." The Doctor mused.

I decided against disagreeing with him. "I suppose it was."


Disclaimer: Sherlock Holmes does not belong to me.