Lestrade kept walking, but the Constable behind him stopped and stared. Lestrade turned. "Is there a problem?" He asked.

Evans shook his head and started moving again.

Gregson was helping his wife with the laundry. He looked up, caught sight of Lestrade and the Constable, and sighed.

"It's my day off." He pointed out as he hung a shirt on the line.

"I know," Lestrade agreed, "I need your help."

"I have to finish hanging out the laundry." Gregson said.

"I know." Lestrade said again as the poor Constable made the mistake of snickering. Both Inspectors looked at him, and he felt his face go red.

Gregson went back to hanging up the laundry. Lestrade simply waited.

"Do you find something funny about a man helping his wife with the laundry, Constable?" Lestrade asked quietly as Gregson finished up and took the empty basket back inside.

Evans said nothing, but cast about in his mind for an appropriate prayer.

"Are you married?" Lestrade continued, when he realized he was not going to get an answer. The Constable swallowed nervously and shook his head.

"It isn't easy to be married to someone in the force." Lestrade said flatly. "If you want to make it last, you have to work at it. Sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference."

Evans stared at Lestrade as Gregson reappeared and joined them. He was still staring as the two Inspectors headed back toward the street and Lestrade began explaining the situation.


Disclaimer: Sherlock and the boys do not belong to me.