17. From mrspencil: a snowstorm blocks a train journey.

I would be forever grateful to Sherlock Holmes for recognizing some use underneath the grime and bravado of my street days and offering me work, connections, and friendship. I led the Baker Street Irregulars for sure years, until I became a man myself, and then, he quietly sponsored my admission into the police academy. Though he was rarely warm, often curt, and not quite paternal, he was the greatest mentor I could have asked for, and coupled with the kindness and practicality of Dr. Watson, I did not lack fatherly guidance despite the death of my father at a young age.

As a young constable, I was invited to bring my new wife to Christmas at Sussex Downs, where Holmes had retired and Dr. Watson had followed. I wrote Holmes and Watson on alternating weeks, but had not seen either in person is some years, as both had begun to find trips into London arduous and exhausting. It is a frightful thing to see your heroes age. Holmes sent the train tickets himself, and though I could've bought them myself, I was grateful for his continuing generosity.

The snow began shortly out of London, and I thought with a sinking feeling we would be turned around. My wife, sensing my anxiety, merely said, "Come, Thomas, we must be patient." Sure enough, the snow thickened, and the train stopped entirely. Worst still, our conductor came round to tell us we could neither go forward or back, and we would have to wait it out, or exit to find shelter in the village.

"And to think I can't even get a message to Mr. Holmes," I said to my wife, bitterly.

"I'm sorry, darling," she said gently. "You have spoken so highly of him, I'm sure he will understand."

"Wiggins, looking for a Wiggins," a voice called from the aisle. I moved forward and a young, bright-eyed page handed me a letter. To my astonishment, it was written in Holmes' own hand.

Wiggins,

I will be waiting for you and your lovely bride in the Havisham Inn in the village. Watson will meet you at the station. We have secured rooms for the night and will resume our journey tomorrow all together to Sussex Down.

Best,

S. Holmes

"Why, I don't know how," I cried, "but Mr. Holmes is waiting for us now, and Dr. Watson is awaiting us at the platform!"

Sure enough, after securing our luggage and arguing with the porter to let us out in the weather, we found Watson, gray but cheerful, waiting for us.

"Dr. Watson, I can't imagine how you and Holmes knew-"

"Elementary," he said, laughing. "I have been studying the weather closely, knowing England's temperamental ways, and told Holmes this afternoon I was quite sure a storm was brewing that would delay you. Holmes and I did some calculations of time and wind speed, and guessed you'd be delayed here. We traveled ourselves as quick as we could, and waited. Holmes has wine and food awaiting, so let us go enjoy it."

"Thank you," I said, clasping his hand. "I was distraught to think we'd miss Christmas Eve together."

"Oh, think nothing of it, dear Wiggins," he said. "We are delighted to have you, and very proud of the man you have developed into. As you must be as well," he said with a wink to my wife, who blushed. "Come now. The snow is piling, and the cab had be bribed with Holmes' deductive skills to go out in this to begin with."

He clasped his cane, which he used all the time now, and led the way confidently. Aged they were, but still, heroes nonetheless.