Watson sighed, closing the sitting room door. "Holmes, why didn't you take the case?" Those poor parents... "It wouldn't have hurt to visit the scene of the crime, at least."
"And what crime might that be?" Holmes countered wearily. "Abduction by persons unknown – since one kidnapper could hardly have spirited three children away unaided – and at least one of whom would seem to have the gift of flight!" He snorted, sinking further into his armchair. "Or perhaps you can explain why there were no signs of forced entry? Footprints only on the windowsill, indeed!"
Watson frowned, looking back over his notes: the nursery's bureau drawers turned out; a needle and spool of thread on the daughter's bed; the youngest son's stuffed bear missing, besides the eldest son's umbrella and top hat...
And these footprints... so perfect, no sign of nib marks on the paper, as one would expect if they had been drawn...
"Perhaps your current fantastic theory?" Holmes's sardonic voice cut through Watson's thoughts. "My dear Watson, I can tolerate most of your romantic nonsense, but I draw the line at believing in... in fairies!" He rose abruptly and stalked out of the room, but Watson barely noticed him go. His ears had pricked at the sound of a faint, tinkling gasp above his head, almost sounding like tiny bells...
A/N: Don't panic, still one more 'B' to go for this thread! =)