I've been going through a Gael Garcia Bernal phase lately, has anyone seen "The Motorcycle Diaries"? It's a really wonderful film, everything about it, not least the totally cute actor playing the lead. - Highly recommended!

Hmm, I don't have anything much to say but, here's chapter 3

xxx

After reaching Greenwood's home, we settled down in the parlor for a drink. They lived in a rather comfortable abode, very modern stylings for the time. I commented my findings to Greenwood, "oh, my wife's doing" he replied. As these words left his lips, a stunning, icy blond descended the staircase.

"Wife? Goodness, I hope you weren't referring to me' she said.
"Ah, this is my soon to be ex-wife Claudette" Greenwood murmured. We all stood up and strolled towards the bottom of the staircase. Well, more accurately, I strolled over. Holmes was still engaged in deep conversation with Greenwood as I greeted Claudette.

"Delighted to see you again Claudette" I replied, kissing her hand. She nodded politely in reply. When her eyes fell upon Holmes, Claudette subtly pulled me aside, whispering "That's Mr. Holmes, isn't it?"
I nodded.
"I've read all your published works concerning Mr. Holmes. Is he really all you say he is?" she inquired, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"That, and more" I replied humorously.
A small smile creased the side of her lips as Holmes and Greenwood finally reached the stairs.

Holmes, ignorant, simply looked her up and down commenting "rather interesting flower you have there."
She looked down at the flower pinned to her blouse "oh yes, it's a-"
"black orchid" Holmes interrupted.
"Why yes . . . Mr. Holmes, isn't it?" Holmes nodded. "Black orchids - incredibly rare flowers, and highly perishable. Approximately two to three hours." Holmes recalled.
I couldn't help but smile, he had a passable knowledge of botany after all.

Claudette quavered slightly. "John I'm feeling a little light headed, and generally ill. Give me something, won't you?" Claudette demanded. Indeed, she was looking rather pale. Greenwood wandered towards his medical bag and rummaged through it.
"Go fetch a glass of water" he told Hilary, who had been hovering nearby. She bobbed, with a noticeable look of disdain on her face at the sound of his voice. 'Well, it is to help madam', she thought silently, and dashed to the kitchen.

"So Mr. Holmes, what exactly do you do? What I mean is, do you work for Scotland Yard?" Claudette inquired, her voice begining to sound somewhat strained. "You could say I'm an unofficial consulting detective who has, on occasions, aided the Yard in their investigations - a profession which is even rarer than the orchid you wear."
She was deeply impressed by this gentleman, so intelligent, perceptive, and strikingly handsome. Appearing especially impressive when he was standing directly by her good-for-nothing husband. Husband? Not for much longer. Then she would be free, to pursue whatever, and whomever she desired.

When Hilary came in with the water, Greenwood scattered a pinch of bright orange powder, fizzling when in contact with the water in the glass.
"Here, drink this draught" he instructed. Claudette took the glass, eyeing it suspiciously "what is it?"
"Never you mind, just take it - it'll make everything better".

Shrugging nonchalantly, she drained the contents of the glass. Hilary took it back to the kitchen without a word. Claudette gingerly sat down, resting her hand on her lap. Suddenly, she started to laugh "I suppose you're planning to marry that sister of mine, aren't you?"
Before Greenwood could answer, she continued "do you know the law, in regards to such things? Probably not. Well, I'll tell you - you can never marry Emily. That's right, never! It is not permitted to marry your divorced wife's sister!" she exclaimed in a joyous tone, obviously pleased with herself.

Greenwood's expression, rather than the one of stupefaction Claudette had clearly anticipated, simply remained stoic.
"I know. Mr. Holmes kindly informed me of such a fact at lunch today."
Claudette, to say it simply, looked as if she had been slapped in the face. She stood up indignantly, then silently turned away to collect her purse.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Not quite the reaction you were hoping for darling?" Greenwood replied with feigned sincerity. Claudette glared daggers at Greenwood, even as she stumbled towards the door.
Greenwood sighed. "Where are you going?"
"Outside for some fresh air, not that it is really any of your business!" she snapped indignantly, before turning to Holmes and I. "Dr. Watson it was lovely to see you again. Mr. Holmes, it was an absolute pleasure to make your acquaintance" she said quietly, her voice rapidly growing fainter. We nodded simultaneously in reply.
Without warning, Claudette's legs gave way beneath her. Holmes and I swapped curious glances.
'My my, she isn't looking well at all' I thought silently. Holmes withdrew an umbrella from their stand and handed it to her. "Here, use this for balance" he instructed. She leaned towards him and kissed him on the cheek. Holmes, it appeared, wasn't quite sure how to react to this, so he simply nodded and took a step back.

With her bag in one hand, and the umbrella used as a makeshift walking cane for balance, she left without another word.

Slowly, we wandered back into the parlor, until a high-pitched shriek pierced the air. We raced to the door to see what all the commotion was about. Only a few yards away lay Mrs. Claudette Greenwood's motionless body.

xxx

Hey, does that count as a cliffhanger of sorts? Hmmm, probably not. Hope this chapter was OK, feedback appreciated!

Oh, and special thanks to Hermoine Holmes - for actually reading my story and giving some very good advice. Thanks very much!