Sorry for the update gap - I was working on other stories. Have a little nod to an original ACD story for today :)
"You know, Sherlock, I'm starting to think with enough practice and enough study, anyone could do what you do."
Sherlock cocks his head, one eyebrow creeping upwards inquisitively.
"Really? Well then, go on." He makes an encouraging gesture with his hand. John pauses, studying him.
"Well, if you must know, I think I've observed that you made some bad investments."
Pursing his lips, Sherlock nods at John to continue.
"Well, you came down this morning without having shaved. You're fastidious. You never wander around unshaven, so I assume that you're distracted. You're already dressed, like you need to go out for something important. Yesterday, you got an email that you looked distressed while reading. Just now, you opened up the financial section of the paper and yelped. All this leads me to the conclusion that you've gotten some unpleasant news of a monetary nature."
"Oh, excellent observations, John." Sherlock genuinely looks proud, but also somewhat amused. "Shame they're all entirely incorrect."
John splutters. "What? But..."
"I'm out of razor blades. I'm about to head out to buy more."
"But what about the newspaper? The letter?"
"I was reading the police blotter, there's an interesting case. It just happens to be in the same section. As for the email, it was nothing more than a reminder from my insufferable dentist, Dr. Barlow."