Prompt from Ennui Enigma: Inspector Lestrade attends a Christmas ball and finds himself in the midst of mystery.
"A murder mystery ball?" Beth turned to her husband, eyes bright with excitement. "What a brilliant idea, don't you think?"
Lestrade hesitated. He hadn't had any idea this Christmas ball was themed, or he would not have come at all, especially for a fake murder. He saw enough death in his regular days. But now that he was here, and faced with his wife's enthusiasm for the idea, he couldn't really back down now. Besides, as a police inspector, surely he would have an advantage in any mystery game, and at least the body wouldn't be real.
"Of course!" he agreed, nodding at their host. "Though I hope costumes are not required?" He half-hoped that costumes were required, and they would have to leave, but those hopes were dispelled when their hostess shook her head, beaming at them.
"No costumes at all!" she laughed. "I wanted it to feel as real as possible." She led them inside, talking all the way. "I've always been fascinated by mysteries, especially since reading all of those stories in the Strand about the detective, Sherlock Holmes. It's just so fascinating, how he can see so much! I did try to invite him," she confided, leaning in close, "but I received word back that he was on the continent for a case. He must be so dedicated, not even taking time off for a party."
Lestrade, who had seen Holmes in Baker Street that very morning watching Watson tell stories to the Irregulars, couldn't stop himself from snorting.
Beth elbowed him in the side. "If you don't mind me asking, how did you set all this up?" she asked, gracefully distracting their hostess. "I've never been to a mystery party before."
"I do hope there is no real body," Lestrade added with a warning look. If she had taken a body from the morgue just to have as a prop for her game, he would be arresting her for it, no matter what protests she tried to give.
Their hostess brushed him off. "Of course not! No, I hired someone to play the body. As for everything else, it will all be revealed in time..."
Lestrade rolled his eyes. What was the point of going to a party if he had to deal with all the mystery and dramatics he normally had at work? Holmes' occasional dramatics were a small price to pay for the feats he was capable of, but this hostess had not even that to recommend her.
Their hostess interrupted his thoughts with a sudden shriek. "My vase! That was hiding the first clue!" She turned to look at Beth with devastated eyes. "My mother gave that to me."
"Don't worry, Marie," Beth said firmly, putting a comforting arm around the other woman's shoulders. "My husband is the best detective at Scotland Yard. He'll find it for you."
Lestrade held back a smile, not wanting to appear to be taking this lightly, but inside he was buoyed with confidence and excitement. This was much more interesting than a murder mystery party!