I'm back! I had a great holiday, and now have some more stories to share. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!


"I'm back," Watson said cheerily as he opened the door of the sitting room. Holmes appeared not to notice.

Watson quickly opened the window, waving away the clouds of smoke that had permeated the room. Holmes had been smoking for hours, and was still sitting in his armchair with his pipe. Watson sat in the opposite armchair, knowing it was useless to talk to his friend just then.

Suddenly Holmes leapt up and paced the room. "Why did he not escape at once?" he asked himself. "What did he have to gain by remaining in the room? The girl was dead, he did not bother with evidence, what was his purpose?"

"Perhaps a memento?" Watson ventured.

Holmes stopped in his tracks. "A memento..." he breathed. "I do believe you've got it, Watson! Quickly, we must go back to the scene. Come along!" He spun around and headed to the door, throwing Watson's coat in his general direction. Watson smiled, knowing that in his own way, Holmes was saying 'Welcome Home'.