Lestrade stood unassumingly and calmly revealed the facts about a cold murder, giving the clues and then telling Holmes how he had solved the case. He faltered often for fear Holmes might tell him he'd done something wrong, but he didn't interrupt him and nodded slowly through the narrative, indicating each move was correct.
"So what was the name of the murderer?"
"You think I convicted the right man?"
"Yes." Lestrade's eyes light up, but he regained composure quickly. He understood that he hadn't beaten Holmes; he'd merely been independent once. He stood and began to collect his coat and hat, placing his tumbler on my desk.
"It was… Milkman. Yes. George Milkman, that is, not his wife."
Holmes sighed heavily and grinned at me. At this I laughed.
Lestrade paused in the hall, probably wondering how we were mocking him now. It was quite unfair of him. "What is it, Mr Holmes?"
"Oh, nothing, Lestrade. Take care."
We waited until he'd left and Holmes sat heavily into his armchair. "Not another 'M', Watson! How evil must a letter be before it drives a man to crime simply for it appearing in the poor fellow's initials?!"
"I wonder whether Moriarty would have been doubly devious had his Christian name been Matthew."
"No, the rule only applies to surnames. Otherwise my brother would have had me killed years ago. Mind you, I wonder whether your upside-down 'M' makes you inherently good?"
"Such is why I am your room-mate- you needed my influence."