Prompt: "Hello, can you unlock this, please?"

From: Stutley Constable

"I must say, Holmes, that quite some case you cracked there! But what the deuce led you to discovering it was Mrs. Candle behind such a nefarious plot?" Asked Lestrade, as he and I walked towards Baker Street.

"It was elementary, my dear Lestrade," I replied. "I remembered Lord Dartford mentioning to me that his wife was allergic to nuts, which immediately eliminated her from the crime, for there was walnut husks on the floor, next to the fireplace, where the murder took place."

"The devil!" Exclaimed Lestrade. "And here was me, thinking these husks held no significance to the case at all, save for perhaps recommending a better housekeeper to the lord and lady."

"Never underestimate even the smallest of clues, for they could be your most significant, Inspector." I replied.

"Something you take great pleasure in reminding me, Mr. Holmes." He grunted, and I allowed myself to smirk.

"Perhaps, Lestrade, if you and your men paid attention to these details, you wouldn't need my help so much. Now, here is my humble homestead. Do you have any questions to put to me, any matters you need clarifying before I turn in for the night? Of course, if you need me for further questioning, or to provide statements, I will be available within the next few days."

"Noted, but I think I can take over for now, Holmes." Lestrade replied gruffly. "There's no pressing issues I want to clear up. You best get some rest anyway, Holmes, you've worked yourself to the bone."

"Piffle, Inspector, I am perfectly fine." I retort, turning to go up the steps to my front door- before Lestrade suddenly grabs my arm.

"What the devil, Inspector"-

"Intruder!" Lestrade hissed, deftly aiming his revolver at a silhouetted figure, hunched over the lock, cursing under his breath. He was average height, had an athletic build, and… a stiff shoulder.

I instantly recognized who it was, and instantly had my arm on Lestrade's, warning him not to fire. "Can I help you, Doctor?" I called, amused.

The figure jumped and turned round to face us.

"Oh, hello! Could you unlock this, please?" He asked sheepishly, stepping aside.

I burst out laughing in response, as did Lestrade, who carefully returned his revolver to its rightful place.

"Yes, care to explain how, and why you ended up in such an unfortunate position, my dear Watson?" I asked, bounding up the front steps to unlock the door with my key.

"It's quite a story…" he admitted, embarrassed.

"So is my nearly shooting you, Doctor!" Snorted Lestrade. Watson blinked at me in surprise.

"Well, in that case, gentlemen, if I am not needed to arrest any intruders"- I chuckled at Watson's reddened cheeks- "then I shall head off and sort out these odds and ends."

We bid him goodnight and waited till he was out of earshot.

"We have plenty to discuss, dear fellow." I said, jovially. "Lestrade and I wrapped up the case of the murder at Lord and Lady Dartford's Christmas Ball."

"I look forward to hearing the conclusion," he replied. "I'm just sorry I missed it."

"Never mind- once I recount the case to you, you can amuse me with your case of the missing key," I replied, with a chuckle, and he laughed too as I finally unlocked the door and shepherded him inside and out of the cold.