December 17: "Libraries" (from sirensbane)
"Well, at least we learned something after all of this nonsense," Watson groaned as they trudged up the stairs to the sitting room of 221b.
"And what's that, old fellow?" asked Holmes.
"I don't know," Watson replied. "But it feels as if we ought to have learned something. It should be illegal to spend 14 consecutive hours in a library and learn nothing at all."
Holmes sighed. It had been rather a wild goose chase, putting the pieces together on this latest case.
Watson sat down heavily in his chair by the fire, flexing his sore fingers. "My poor hands! I am getting too old for this nonsense. If I have to cut brittle twine off another ancient tome and hold it at a 30 degree angle to prevent the spine from cracking while I try vainly to peer inside… Well, I do not get paid enough for such things, Holmes!"
Holmes laughed. "You have always been a highly inexpensive helpmate, old fellow. Would you consider the debt paid if I take you to Simpson's? If your hands are feeling up to the task of holding silverware by dinnertime, of course."
"What a funny thing!" replied Watson with a grin. "It seems they feel much better already."
A/N: Shoutouts to Dextrous Fred and SheWhoScrawls—the description of the old books is inspired by an experience while exploring SheWhoScrawls' local library. Of course, we had much more fun than Holmes and Watson had here. :)
And if I ever get to meet any of you guys in real life, I will happily explore your library!