So far, the main method of murder appeared to be asphyxiation as her lips were tinged blue and bruises were forming around the neck. John quickly concluded that she'd be strangled to death within the last five hours. He continued his checks though, like any professional doctor would. He didn't want to overlook something important.
"She was strangled to death by her son while he was high." A voice spoke. "Obviously, there'd been animosity between them for months but she was shocked when he actually went for her..." The last word dragged on.
John peered up to where a tall man was staring at the body like she held the secret to eternal life. His dark curls bounced when he moved. The coat he wore was long and thick, prepared for the upcoming chilly season.
"Afghanistan or Iraq?" The stranger asked, "Which was it, Afghanistan or Iraq?"
"Excuse you?" John stood, only then realising how much shorter than the man he actually was. He raked his eyes up and down the handsome man's slim figure. He tried to ignore his brain when it began musing on how attractive the man was. This wasn't the time.
He shot off with a mere glance at the Doctor. His smirk was obnoxious.
"I know you're an Army doctor and you've been invalided home from Afghanistan. I know you've got a brother who's worried about you but you won't go to him for help because you don't approve of him – possibly because he's an alcoholic; more likely because he recently walked out on his wife. And I know that your therapist thinks your limp's psychosomatic – quite correctly, I'm afraid." He shot off with a mere glance at the Doctor. His smirk was obnoxious.
"That's incredible."
"That's not usually what people say." He noted in surprise.
"What do they usually say?"
"Piss off."
John laughed, truly laughing like he hasn't in months. Eventually, the tall man joined in as John's laugh was infectious and they were stood chuckling together like old friends. Members of the force glanced over at them like they were possessed. Nobody usually chose to laugh with Sherlock.
"John." The doctor said while holding out a hand.
"Sherlock." He shook.
"Sherlock? That's a rare name." John stated.
"Yes, I suppose it is. Now, don't you have your dog to return to?" The detective smirked and glanced around the scene.
The doctor blinked in confusion, "My dog?"
"Yes, John. There's small blond hairs littering your jacket so your dog is probably at home waiting for you."
The short man laughed but began to back away anyway, "I don't have a dog but I do need to go. Maybe I'll catch you later." He smiled as he left the tall man stood alone with the body. He'd never met a police detective like that before but John didn't exactly make a habit of befriending the whole police force.
"That policeman was right." John spoke as he opened the passenger door to the police car.
"Which policeman?" Greg murmured absently while trying to manipulate the smart phone from the preschooler's fingers. His eyes widened in panic when the contacts popped up.
John slid the phone from his son's grip with practiced ease, "Sherlock."
"Oh," He stuffed his mobile back into his trousers pocket where it would be safe from little fingers, "Sherlock isn't a police officer. He's a consulting detective."
"But you guys don't consult with amateurs." He stated in confusion.
He chuckled, "Sherlock isn't an amateur. He's the opposite."
John didn't quite understand what Lestrade meant by that but he didn't bother asking. It wasn't as though he'd ever see the strange man ever again.
John gave Greg his medical report before plucking his son from the car and beginning the walk back to his small flat on the outskirts. Hamish spoke almost the whole time, telling his father about what he'd done with Greg and how many sweets he'd consumed in the 45 minutes John was absent.
"Good morning, Dr Watson!" The nurse chirped happily.
John cringed as he pulled on his white coat and threw his walking shoes into his locker. He didn't understand how Charlie always managed to maintain a positive outlook when her days were so long and she worked so hard.
"Morning, Charlie." He grumbled.
"Rough night?" Sympathy shone in her features. Despite being single and childless, Charlie did seem to understand his groans and gripes. He was lucky to have her as an accomplice throughout the long days.
"Hamish was restless and kept asking after his Daddy." He tried not to show the tears that were collecting in his grey eyes. He already had a reputation for being a big softie, he didn't need to make it worse.
"Aw, I'm sorry, Doc." She murmured while pulling John into a tight hug. "It must be hard to explain especially since he's so young." Charlie had never met Hamish but spoke fondly of him as though they were related, "If you ever need any help, I make excellent childcare." Her eyes sparkled mischievously and John made a mental note never to leave a minor under her responsibility. She was bound to cause trouble.
"Thanks, Charlie." He answered genuinely as they let go and began to go about their duties