"Well, the computer in my office is currently being de-bugged and reformatted so I can't touch it. And I don't have the keys to anyone else's office…" I trailed off, wondering where at this time of night could I get to a secure computer connection. "We'd have to go elsewhere if you want to do this tonight- the police station, perhaps?"
"Why there?"
"For security reasons, we can't access the database from public computers. The security feature will pick up the unfamiliar IP address and then block your access, even if you entered in the right password. The only places you can login are this office, the station, or your home, if you have it set up," I explained.
"Or if you can find some way to mask the IP address- a proxy, perhaps?" he mused.
A hacker too? This guy knew everything! "You can do that?" I ventured.
"Unfortunately, I can't. Though I would like to learn sometime. Information these days is limited by one's knowledge of technology."
"So, to the station?" If Holmes answered in the affirmative, it meant I most likely would encounter Lestrade again- though Holmes seemed to take some air out of t hat hothead. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad.
"I don't know if that's a good idea. I think you've had all the Lestrade you could handle today- and I know he's sick of you. Perhaps someplace else?"
He was perceptive. "Yeah. We really don't get along. Maybe tomorrow morning then? It is getting late."
Holmes began to pace. "Dr. Watson, homicide cases are either solved in the first 72 hours or never solved at all. There is a murderer out there- and if my conclusions are valid, this would not be the first time he has killed. I need to finish this and get him off the streets- so I need your help. Tonight."
"Well, I guess you could come over- to my apartment. I can access the database from there," I hastily offered, taken aback by the passion in his voice.
As soon as the words left my mouth, I was cursing myself. What are you, dumb? You're letting someone you barely know into your own apartment to access secure files under your name- that alone could cost you your job. And not to mention that this guy could totally turn out to be some psychopath…
"If you're not comfortable with me coming over, Dr. Watson, I won't impose." His calm, collected voice broke my train of thought.
I was uneasy. "I just don't know anything about you Mr. Holmes. I mean, you're not law enforcement- not that that means anything…"
"Ask me something about me, then."
My curiosity got the better of me. "If you're not law enforcement, how do you know so much about investigative techniques? And why do you help Detective Lestrade?"
"One question at a time, Dr. Watson. You're correct- I'm not Lestrade's colleague. Both Lestrade and Gregson bring me in to relieve their workload. Officially, I'm considered a paid consultant- but it must be obvious to you by now that I am their superior in deductive reasoning.'
'As for your next question, Lestrade is difficult- but he knows enough to follow my advice- which is more than I can say for some of the other detectives on the force, and because he provides me with these wonderful… brainteasers, I don't mind when he takes all the official credit for solving them."
Something in my gut told me to trust this guy- and his answer did seem sincere,
though quite arrogant. This was a murder, not a mere brainteaser!
She was dead... and she looked like me. Perhaps it might be better to have some company
tonight after all, regardless of arrogance.
"Well, let me get my stuff and we can go," I found myself
saying as I proceeded to cover the body.
AN: Thanks again to snowwolf for your review; the story is set in present time!