The Science of Deduction- A Study in John's Taste in Women
At first all he could make of her was that she was very unwell. Maybe it was the shuddering arms, the sickly-pale skin or the dark crevices under her eyes that alluded to this, but the doctor felt that the air about her had itself gone stale and dense. Or maybe that was just the barrage of feelings he had just experienced. Either way, he didn't like this situation at all.
He bent his head down slightly as he walked forwards, trying to catch her attention.
"Hello? Are you alright?"
Her gaze rose with uncertainty. Long strands of dark hair fell from her shoulders down in front, and when she blinked up at him, John suddenly found himself standing very, very still. Not because he hadn't expected her to look tired or run-down or whatever, no, those things were obvious from a mile off- he stopped because it wasn't fair that somebody that beautiful would have to be these things. This seemed just another proof that the Universe had everything against human beings in general.
Getting a hold on himself and switching into doctor mode, John moved slowly forward so as not to frighten her further, and crouched down to her eye level. Gently peeling her fingers from her arm, his steady hands sought out her pulse, all the while smiling faintly and reassuring her that everything was fine.
His kind words were stopped in their tracks moments later. His eyes fixed to the skin at the root of her thumb, the crease in the tiny folds that extended along the edges of the palm. Three small scars, one fiercely inflamed, punctured the smoothness. The girl's problem became suddenly clear to the doctor, whose gaze had not shifted from those dots in the disappointment at finding them.
"How long have you been going cold turkey?"
John spun around, having forgotten that he had been waiting for Sherlock. The detective stood over them, peering with a creased brow at the girl.
"Almost two days… I think."
John placed her hand on her knee and drew himself up to stand by his friend. "She's not good Sherlock. She needs treatment; her heart can't handle this. Pulse has gone mad. We have to bring her to a hospital."
"The hospital, John? Not a chance."
The shorter man indignantly pulling him aside. "I am a doctor, Sherlock. I've seen this plenty of times before and I'm telling you, if we don't get her to a hospital, we're putting her life at risk!"
Sherlock looked sincerely unimpressed. "You may have seen it before, but tell me John, who of us has more experience in the matter of drug withdrawal?" John searched his face and offered no answer.
"We're bringing her to Baker Street," Sherlock stated. John turned to look at the ground. The other walked back to his new charge and kneeled in front of her, hand on her shoulder. John forced himself away from the gum-infested pavement to watch the exchange with confusion.
"I don't think you should stay here in this state. John and I can help you if you come with us. I think I've got something at home that will help ease the symptoms. You'll be fine." He placed a hand on her back and held her arm with the other to keep her from tumbling downwards as she tried to stand.
John smiled slightly into his frown. He had witnessed something rare, and he knew it. Sherlock, being kind?
He was a medically proven sociopath, something he pointed out only too often, but in that moment John found himself doubting that. Unlike when he would act overly friendly to Molly simply to get access to some hard-to-come-by chemical, the look on Sherlock's face was an honest one, showing that he really did care. With a gulp John realised that the only other person to have the honour of receiving such a warm, human expression, was him. It wasn't a welcome thought, but the doctor found himself smiling sadly anyway as Sherlock helped the girl into a cab.
Hey guys, it's been a while. I would really appreciate some reviews for this chapter, I'm not overly happy with it. The reviews for the last chapters have been lovely, so thanks for the support, but drug use and such is kind of alien territory. I would be delighted if someone with more extensive knowledge could tell me if what I'm doing is right, I don't want to get something this delicate wrong. This little arc will extend to next chapter too, so please please please give me feedback in case I completely screw up. I'm doing all the research I can on the topic, but a reader's opinion is most definitely more worthwhile. Thank you and good afternoon.