Hopkins hesitated outside the door, debating.

On the one hand, it was not likely he would gain anything by knocking. Except maybe Lestrade's ire. Certainly not a contribution.

On the other hand, Bradstreet had said to talk to every Inspector. And he had emphasized the word every, as if he had already known then what Hopkins would be going through now.

"Either come in or go away, but don't just stand there." The summons was enough to make Hopkins jump guiltily. He opened the door and stepped inside.

Lestrade was working. He was always working when in his office. He was always working anyway. Even when he was supposed to be off duty, chances were he was working.

Hopkins swallowed nervously, and Lestrade looked up. "May I help you?" He asked.

Hopkins swallowed again. "We're taking up a collection." He began. Lestrade's eyebrows went up.

"Oh?" He was waiting for more information.

"Well, everyone knows it's hard raising a family on our pay." Why was he terrified? It wasn't as if Lestrade was going to murder him or anything. Maybe refuse to help out, maybe even be irritated, but that would be the most of it. So why did Hopkins feel as if he were challenging Sherlock Holmes to a battle of wits?

Lestrade was still waiting. He had even been polite enough to put down his papers and give Hopkins his full attention. Hopkins licked his lips and continued.

"And well, it's hard when you first start out, especially if you actually want to make any sort of deal about the whole getting married thing." Lestrade didn't ask why Hopkins, who was still very single, was telling this to a man who a wife had three children of his own. He simply waited.

Hopkins resisted the urge to mumble 'nevermind' and make a break for the door. Just say it. "Bradstreet and some of the others had this idea that if everyone could chip in a bit, it might make things just a little bit easier on those starting out, so we're taking up a collection…" Hopkins hesitated only a second, "for Gregson and his bride-to-be."

Hopkins gaped as Lestrade reached into his pocket and pulled out a small handful of coins. He stared as the man counted it out, considered for a moment, and stuffed it back into his pocket before going for his wallet and pulling out a one pound note.

Hopkins almost didn't remember to accept it and add it to the hat. "Thank you." He managed to stammer as he began backing for the door. Lestrade simply nodded and went back to his work.

It was only after Hopkins was gone that Lestrade allowed himself to smile, and allowed his thoughts to drift back to his own marriage.


Disclaimer: Sherlock Holmes and his world do not belong to me.