A/N: Ack, I'm late! *Darts around like the White Rabbit* … sorry folks! My updates and reading/reviewing will be a little slower due to a chaotic schedule kicking off, but I promise to catch up on all your awesomeness very soon! My huge thanks as always for your feedback – and for offering to take the angsty tea off my hands, lol.

Going backwards to fill prompt eight … oh, and speaking of angsty tea … I think that bit of fluff in the last brew has evaporated. :-p

Prompt 08: From sirensbane – Holmes turns to crime. Scotland Yarders are dispatched to bring him in.

Compromise

It was gone midnight and Holmes was in Whitechapel, coat collar tugged high and hat pulled low, when someone called his name.

He debated whether to ignore it, but he recognised the voice and decided to see how events played out.

He turned slowly, kept his voice neutral. "Constable Burton. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

The young constable came up aside him, somewhat breathless. Varden Street to Church Lane to Finch Street, Holmes saw. The detective wondered if it was luck or careful observation on the constable's part that he had found him.

"Inspector Lestrade requires your presence at Scotland Yard," Burton told him.

"It will have to wait, Constable. I am very much engaged at this moment."

The constable shifted awkwardly on the spot, cleared his throat. "It is most urgent, Mr. Holmes."

Holmes met his gaze steadily. "So is this. Now if you will excuse me." He turned on his heal and started to walk.

Burton fell into step beside him. "The Inspector has asked that we do not take no for an answer, sir."

"Commendable," Holmes replied, increasing his pace. "Let me reassure you that I am not declining your request, but I cannot be in two places at once, and my attention is required here."

Burton grabbed his elbow and they both froze, Holmes shooting the constable a warning look.

Burton immediately released him, said, "I checked in on Doctor Watson," and Holmes inhaled quickly, too low for Burton to hear. "He is doing well."

Holmes's eyes flashed. He swallowed hard, said too fast, "I am aware."

"The Inspector has also asked that you leave Lucas to the police."

Holmes's hands fisted in his coat pockets, tension rolling swift across his shoulders. Burton's gaze flicked over him, perceptive, and Holmes thought he had the makings of a great Inspector in him.

Holmes nodded, lied smoothly, "Very well. Now I really must be going."

He knew that Burton wanted to object, could see it clear in the constable's face. Equally, Burton could see the determination in Holmes, the air between them palpable as each man studied the other.

The constable sighed, breaking the moment. "Please take care, Mr. Holmes," he said finally. He touched his fingers to the brim of his hat. His voice was cautious, hidden meanings meant for the detective's ear alone.

Holmes tilted his head in acknowledgment, then walked away.

Constable Burton watched him go, a deep trepidation in his chest.

End