Disclaimer: See part 1.
*****
When Holmes appeared in the morning, he seemed his normal self, if that is at all possible, however 'seemed' was the correct term as there were little details that betrayed his troubled mind.
"There is only one possible course of action." Holmes stated over breakfast, or at least, over his untouched plate of food that he had almost instantly pushed away.
"And what is that?" I asked expectantly.
"I would have thought that was evident, Watson. I cannot leave these rooms, you, however, can. You will carry out my investigations for me." He never took his attentive eyes off me as he explained, "I have composed a list of people that you should pay a visit on. And there is a letter for Lestrade."
My shock must have been evident to him, "I couldn't possibly!"
"And why not? You know my methods, and you are an intelligent man."
"But surely..."
Holmes' voice softened, "It is the only way, Watson. You must serve as my eyes and ears, and if possible you must start this very morning."
"But I cannot just..." leave all my other responsibilities is what I was going to say, but the statement was left incomplete, because I knew that I would. I thought back to the previous night, I had promised him that I would do anything to help him. And I would. So instead, I simply nodded, reached out and took the list of names and envelope, and went to fetch my hat and coat. As I went to leave, Holmes called out to me.
"Watson..."
I turned to face him questioningly. He gave me the barest of smiles, the first smile that I had seen on his features since he had received the unpleasant news the previous day, and said simply,
"Thank you."
I produced a warm smile to show that he was always welcome, and went on my way.
*****
When Holmes appeared in the morning, he seemed his normal self, if that is at all possible, however 'seemed' was the correct term as there were little details that betrayed his troubled mind.
"There is only one possible course of action." Holmes stated over breakfast, or at least, over his untouched plate of food that he had almost instantly pushed away.
"And what is that?" I asked expectantly.
"I would have thought that was evident, Watson. I cannot leave these rooms, you, however, can. You will carry out my investigations for me." He never took his attentive eyes off me as he explained, "I have composed a list of people that you should pay a visit on. And there is a letter for Lestrade."
My shock must have been evident to him, "I couldn't possibly!"
"And why not? You know my methods, and you are an intelligent man."
"But surely..."
Holmes' voice softened, "It is the only way, Watson. You must serve as my eyes and ears, and if possible you must start this very morning."
"But I cannot just..." leave all my other responsibilities is what I was going to say, but the statement was left incomplete, because I knew that I would. I thought back to the previous night, I had promised him that I would do anything to help him. And I would. So instead, I simply nodded, reached out and took the list of names and envelope, and went to fetch my hat and coat. As I went to leave, Holmes called out to me.
"Watson..."
I turned to face him questioningly. He gave me the barest of smiles, the first smile that I had seen on his features since he had received the unpleasant news the previous day, and said simply,
"Thank you."
I produced a warm smile to show that he was always welcome, and went on my way.