14. From Hades Lord of the Dead: "I'll play along with the charade."
Lestrade was never quite sure where he stood with Sherlock Holmes. Certainly, he respected the man, and sometimes quite strongly wanted to hit him, but he was invaluable as a colleague and sometimes seemed to even be a friend. Lestrade didn't waste his time trying to understand Holmes, merely accepting he was the way he was for unfathomable reasons. Holmes was often curt and even rude, but he had softened some of late; Lestrade found Watson an incredibly decent sort on his own merits, but what wonders he had worked on Holmes were incredible.
To his surprise, Watson came to his office a few days before Christmas with a small wrapped package. "How can I help you, Doctor?"
"I come bearing gifts," Watson said cheerfully. "The scotch is from me; the monograph on finger-print techniques is from Holmes, though I believe I was supposed to say both were from me."
"Thank you," Lestrade exclaimed. "I'm terribly sorry, I haven't got a thing for either of you. Can I at least offer you some of your own scotch?"
Watson chuckled. "Why, thank you, Inspector. I'd love some."
Lestrade poured them both a glass. "Cheers to Sherlock Holmes," he said. They clinked glasses. "I'm surprised Holmes thought of me for a gift."
Watson's eyes twinkled. "He claims a colleague sent a copy, and he's already read it and didn't need another copy. I assure you, you have his respect, which is not easy to earn. Personally, I think he's more comfortable being myth than man, and would prefer you or anyone else not know he's human."
Lestrade snorted. "I'll play along with his charade if he prefers. Still, I should like to send something round Baker Street. Will tobacco do?"
"Perfectly, I would think."