A/N: A short one from me today, which makes a change, lol. Busy work day makes for sleepy minds. :-p Apologies in advance for any inaccuracies.
Prompt 11: From Ennui Enigma – Hanukkah.
Traditional Methods
Lestrade is standing outside a house in Richmond, his shoes in a shallow puddle and coat pulling heavy with water, a scowl etched on his face. It is late evening, and the night sky is pure black, spilled liquid ink, weeping steadily with a perfectly sliced moon rocking on its side.
"Come now, Inspector," says Holmes, smiling at him beneath an umbrella. "I did say we may be waiting a while."
His scowl deepens. "It was not raining when I left," he grumbles.
"It is now," Holmes observes simply. To Lestrade's surprise, he steps closer, edge of the umbrella offering him a slight reprieve from the downpour. "You must always come prepared."
"I'll note that for next time."
"You presume there will be a next time." Holmes eyes him with amusement. "My time is valuable, you know. It is not to be dwindled away assisting Scotland Yard in their investigations."
The fair arrogance of the man makes Lestrade's skin prickle with anger, hands curling inside the pockets of his coat. He steps away, back into the path of the rain. "Indeed."
"I mean no offence, of course," says Holmes, and they both know this is a lie, because his view of Scotland Yard is pale, at best. Were it not for the Superintendent, Lestrade seriously doubts he would ask for Holmes's assistance at all. He has only worked with the man twice before, and both times were enough to dissuade Lestrade from stepping foot over the detective's threshold.
"Of course," he replies curtly.
There is movement inside the house. Holmes grips Lestrade's arm, tugs him back under the shelter of the umbrella and away from the narrow steps which lead to the front door.
A shadow appears at the window nearest to them, and the warm yellow light coating the glass goes out. There is a sudden burst of orange light as a candle is lit. It is held aloft briefly and then, with slow, precise movements, the flame is touched to additional candles, nestled in a holder on the windowsill. Once finished, the candle used to light the others is placed in the centre. The shadow moves away, disappearing as quickly as it appeared.
Lestrade waits a moment. He turns to face Holmes, whispers angrily, "If you have brought me here to watch Harrison light a menorah–"
The faintest of scoffs reaches Lestrade's ears, Holmes's shoulders shaking with laughter.
"My dear man," declares the young detective. "I have brought you here to show you the murder weapon." Here he nods at the candle holder, the lit flames snapping hungrily at their respective partners, sharp sideway twitches. "Tradition or no, I do not think the purpose of the menorah is to smash your fellow man over the head with it."
End