Prompt from cjnwriter: It was the perfect Christmas dinner, until...

"Mrs Lestrade?" The officer asked, expression stern. Beth nodded. "You need to come down to the station, ma'am."

Beth swallowed. She turned to look at the children, who were playing a clapping game in the hall, before turning back to the officer. "Is.. Is my husband…" She couldn't say the word.

The officer shook his head, softening slightly. "No, ma'am. Inspector Lestrade is alive and not in danger."

Beth held on to the doorframe with one shaking hand, near-collapsing from the sudden surge of relief. The officer reached out, face creasing in concern, then just as quickly resumed his impassive posture and expression. "I can't tell you any more until we get there, ma'am, but the inspector is not in trouble and nor are you."

Beth kept her white-knuckled grip on the doorframe, but managed to give the officer a smile. "Thank you. I can't tell you how good it is to know that. Let me just call my sister to look after the children and I'll come right with you." The officer nodded his understanding, and she went back inside, heading straight for the telephone. After that sudden shock, she needed to see her husband as soon as possible.