Subject: 29th Dec Prompt From Wordwielder: Hide and seek
Subject: 28th Dec Prompt From Domina Temporis: In which neither Holmes nor Watson like parties
Subject: 27th Dec Prompt From Stutley Constable: The art gallery on Fleet Street
Hide and Seek part three
A secret mission might replace
Our current scheme,
Thus saving face...
~0~
Now...lies can swiftly escalate.
In retrospect, we tempted fate,
Inventing an important crime,
Explaining how we'd spent our time.
A case which might affect the nation,
Was why we'd spurned each invitation.
We'd act quite circumspect, discreet,
Drop hints, the details incomplete.
An artwork disappeared...perhaps...
A Fleet Street gallery...just scraps
Of information here and there
Which people felt compelled to share.
The whispered rumours swiftly spread
While we relaxed at home instead;
Well rested, and, of course, well fed.
This happy state, alas, was marred...
When details spread to Scotland Yard.
A missive from the Yard appeared;
Suspicious of our tale, we feared;
No famous art had disappeared.
Holmes frowned and then, his forehead cleared.
"The only option we have left,
Dear Watson, is an actual theft."
Yes, Holmes required an actual theft...
~0~
As faithful Boswell, thusly asked,
I watched his back, alert and masked.
We found the Fleet Street gallery,
Two seasoned burglars; Holmes and me,
And broke in, quite successfully,
Then crept towards the chosen art,
With careful step and racing heart.
Then stopped, quite stunned,
We weren't alone.
A stealthy figure, quite unknown,
Approached the painting, looked around.
We hid in shadows, made no sound,
And stared at him in disbelief
A real-life genuine art thief!
We made a citizen's arrest.
Lestrade was called, at Holmes' request,
Bemused, but really quite impressed.
The thief was on his Wanted list;
A truly satisfying twist.
~0~
So, back we went to Baker Street,
The proof to back our small deceit
Quite unexpectedly complete.
Relaxing by our blazing fire,
Was still our Christmastide desire.
Our prize, we felt, had been hard-won
Our days of subterfuge were done.
Goodwill and peace to everyone.
~0~
From Holmes and I to everyone.
~0~