Sherlock Holmes and The Star of the East (8 of 8)
Author: 
capt_facepalm
Rating: PG-13
Fandom: BBC Sherlock
Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Sarah Sawyer, others
Summary: Christmas time brings a new case for the world's only consulting detective.
Warnings: (cave canem)
Word Count: 10 000+ (This chapter 1260)
Author's Notes: For Challenge 002 at
violinandwatch
Previous Chapters
December 23rd
December 24th
December 25th (part one)
December 25th (part two)
December 26th
December 27th
December 28th
.oOOo.
January 6th
‘The British Museum opened their newest special exhibit: The Star of the East and Other Imperial Treasures with a Grand Gala this evening. Celebrities and other notables from the worlds of politics, sports, and entertainment rubbed shoulders with Royalty this evening.
‘Lady Silvia Morcar was on hand for the official ribbon cutting and paused for a few questions afterward.’
‘Lady Morcar, can you comment on the recent speculation that the whole diamond robbery was just a publicity stunt to raise more attention for the exhibit?’
‘Oh! Is that what they are saying? That would have been brilliant, but I’m sorry to say that the theft was indeed real, and the police have arrested the three individuals involved. And, if you will excuse me, I have a party to attend.’
‘Thank you, Lady Morcar. Enjoy the gala!’
‘That was Walter Simms, reporting from the British Museum. And for our viewers who will be celebrating Orthodox Christmas tomorrow, Happy Christmas from the BBC Evening News.’
.oOOo.
It was well after 2130 when Sherlock and DI Lestrade stopped outside Sarah Sawyer’s building. Finalising the reports at New Scotland Yard took longer than expected but at least their work was done and the case was finally closed. Two male suspects arrested two days ago confessed and agreed to testify against their co-conspirator, Catherine Cusack. Ms Cusack, was arrested and detained earlier that day as she tried to take the Eurostar to Brussels. The paperwork was horrendous.
‘Why couldn’t we bring John home to Baker Street?’ Sherlock asked as he pressed the buzzer in the lobby.
‘Because Sarah’s flat has a lift and John cannot do the twenty or more stairs at Baker Street.’ Lestrade replied. ‘Come on. They’re waiting for us.’
‘There are only seventeen steps...’
‘Give it a rest, Sherlock. Nobody bloody cares how many steps you have!’
‘It’s about time!’ Sarah exclaimed as she opened the door and ushered them in. ‘There’s still plenty of food and drink in the kitchen. Help yourself. Good luck finding a seat though; the sofa is otherwise occupied.’
John’s welcome home party was a small gathering. Sarah had originally invited only Sherlock, Lestrade and Mrs Hudson. The latter had declined but popped over earlier in the day with a tray of John’s favourite sandwiches and biscuits. Instead, much to everyone’s surprise, Lady Morcar had arrived unannounced with Gus at her side. Museum galas were so dull and she was glad to be able to slip away.
Given the choice between painkillers or alcohol, John chose the former. Cocooned in his heavy woollen jumper, he sat at one end of the sofa with his blanket draped legs propped up on an ottoman, one hand curled around a cup of alcohol-free eggnog, and the other buried in Gus’ wavy mane.
Borzoi can take up a lot of room when they want to. Gus took up the rest of the space on the couch and, for anyone with the audacity to ask her to move, she reserved a most incredulous expression.
‘Dr Watson, you are spoiling my dog. She hasn’t left your side since we got here.’
‘Probably recognised that the sofa was the most comfortable place to sit.’
‘Ha ha! You are too modest. It’s more likely she recognised a friend!’
‘She’s a wonderful dog. Why did you name her ‘Gus’?’ asked John.
‘I didn’t. Her full name is ‘Coombe Tracey’s Czarina Gusinya’. Gusinya is guardian angel in Russian, or so her breeder told me. I just call her Gus for short.’ Realising she was the topic of discussion, Gusinya raised her head and cocked it on an inquisitive angle.
‘She certainly lived up to her name! Thank you, my guardian angel,’ John said as he scratched under Gusinya’s ridiculously long and pointy chin.
Lestrade nudged Sherlock. ‘John looks quite content. Perhaps you should let him have a dog.’
‘That’s actually the Oxycontin you’re seeing. By your reasoning, I should let him have a drug habit.’
John gave Sherlock a dopey smile and raised two languid fingers in rude salutation.
‘Sherlock, John said you solved the mystery of The Star of the East based on a few crumbs of cheese found in a dog food bowl. Is that true?’ asked Sarah.
‘Of course. It was child’s play. I’m surprised no one else figured it out. Everyone saw the same evidence, but only I observed. And from my observations I formed my deductions. The hotel suite was thoroughly searched. It seemed that Lady Morcar and her assistant were the only ones present at the time of the disappearance, until that ludicrous excuse of a dog padded into the room.’
Gusinya stiffened as if to object.
‘S’okay, Gus. If you were human, he would have called you an idiot. He’s like that... likely had inconsistent training as a pup...’
‘Are you done, John? As I was saying, it was obvious to me that The Star of the East was in the dog. The question was who had put it there. Both women were distressed, but whether that was due to the loss of the diamond, or due to guilt of its theft, I could not determine. So I took the dog and waited for a response.’
At the mention of the word ‘dog’, Gusinya wagged her tail. Sherlock nodded sagely, pausing for dramatic effect. Then he wrinkled his nose and pulled yet another long, clingy, white dog hair from his expensive dark trousers.
‘So, if Lady Morcar had been guilty, she would have been more anxious to file a report with the police. Probably in prelude to a massive insurance claim. But no, she wanted to keep this all quiet. That is why she called me in to make an unofficial investigation. Clearly not the sign of guilt. On the other hand, her personal assistant, Catherine Cusack, was equally upset when I proposed to take the dog away. Why? It was clear that she not did like Gus. Her body language radiated disgust every time she found another dog hair. (Which is perfectly understandable, by the way.)’ Sherlock fought the static cling which prevented the dog hair from disengaging with his fingers. ‘And the dog’s own body language indicated indifference to anyone who wasn’t her master. So why the concern? It’s obvious.’
‘She knew the diamond was in the dog?’
‘And, once it became obvious to me that the dog contained the gem, I knew Lady Morcar would not have put it there. Swallowing diamonds is very hazardous, albeit less so for dogs, but I doubt Catherine cared either way. She hoped that nature would take its course and if not, and the dog became ill, she would take her to a veterinarian, or in this case, the former veterinary technician, James Ryder.’
John instinctively covered Gusinya’s ears so she would not hear the rest.
‘If the diamond has not been recovered by natural means or emetics, Ryder would have cut her open. I rather forced their hand by taking the dog myself. Then they had to scramble to come up with another plan. They needed the dog and thought they had to grab me as well, since I suspected the truth.'
'That's when they grabbed John.'
'Yes. I don't understand why that keeps happening. It was unfortunate, but it did leave me time to recover the diamond. It’s only because they found out that the stone had been found and returned, that they abandoned the job. John and Gus were lucky they were not dealing with hardened criminals. These two did not take Catherine’s advice to kill their captives. They chose to flee instead.’
‘And you figured this all out by looking at the dog food bowl?’
‘I get it now! Catherine enticed Gusinya to swallow the stone.’
‘So... the cheese crumbs!’
‘I have it on good authority that dogs cannot resist a nice Wensleydale.’
.oOOo.
Lady Morcar was very relieved to have Gusinya back. ‘I treasure her more than that stupid old rock,’ she exclaimed. Naturally, John refused to accept her generous offer, stating that he did not rescue Gusinya; she, in fact, had rescued him. Why do people become so fond of their pets, Sherlock wondered, days later as he secretly deposited the substantial reward money into John’s bank account.
[Image Source: Google Clip Art]
Author's Notes:
1. No real Borzoi were harmed in the production of this story.
2. Written for, and dedicated to my friends.
3. Who says I cannot write fluff?
.oOOo.
If you liked this story, please tell your friends!
capt_facepalm
Rating: PG-13
Fandom: BBC Sherlock
Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Sarah Sawyer, others
Summary: Christmas time brings a new case for the world's only consulting detective.
Warnings: (cave canem)
Word Count: 10 000+ (This chapter 1260)
Author's Notes: For Challenge 002 at
violinandwatch
Previous Chapters
December 23rd
December 24th
December 25th (part one)
December 25th (part two)
December 26th
December 27th
December 28th
.oOOo.
January 6th
‘The British Museum opened their newest special exhibit: The Star of the East and Other Imperial Treasures with a Grand Gala this evening. Celebrities and other notables from the worlds of politics, sports, and entertainment rubbed shoulders with Royalty this evening.
‘Lady Silvia Morcar was on hand for the official ribbon cutting and paused for a few questions afterward.’
‘Lady Morcar, can you comment on the recent speculation that the whole diamond robbery was just a publicity stunt to raise more attention for the exhibit?’
‘Oh! Is that what they are saying? That would have been brilliant, but I’m sorry to say that the theft was indeed real, and the police have arrested the three individuals involved. And, if you will excuse me, I have a party to attend.’
‘Thank you, Lady Morcar. Enjoy the gala!’
‘That was Walter Simms, reporting from the British Museum. And for our viewers who will be celebrating Orthodox Christmas tomorrow, Happy Christmas from the BBC Evening News.’
.oOOo.
It was well after 2130 when Sherlock and DI Lestrade stopped outside Sarah Sawyer’s building. Finalising the reports at New Scotland Yard took longer than expected but at least their work was done and the case was finally closed. Two male suspects arrested two days ago confessed and agreed to testify against their co-conspirator, Catherine Cusack. Ms Cusack, was arrested and detained earlier that day as she tried to take the Eurostar to Brussels. The paperwork was horrendous.
‘Why couldn’t we bring John home to Baker Street?’ Sherlock asked as he pressed the buzzer in the lobby.
‘Because Sarah’s flat has a lift and John cannot do the twenty or more stairs at Baker Street.’ Lestrade replied. ‘Come on. They’re waiting for us.’
‘There are only seventeen steps...’
‘Give it a rest, Sherlock. Nobody bloody cares how many steps you have!’
‘It’s about time!’ Sarah exclaimed as she opened the door and ushered them in. ‘There’s still plenty of food and drink in the kitchen. Help yourself. Good luck finding a seat though; the sofa is otherwise occupied.’
John’s welcome home party was a small gathering. Sarah had originally invited only Sherlock, Lestrade and Mrs Hudson. The latter had declined but popped over earlier in the day with a tray of John’s favourite sandwiches and biscuits. Instead, much to everyone’s surprise, Lady Morcar had arrived unannounced with Gus at her side. Museum galas were so dull and she was glad to be able to slip away.
Given the choice between painkillers or alcohol, John chose the former. Cocooned in his heavy woollen jumper, he sat at one end of the sofa with his blanket draped legs propped up on an ottoman, one hand curled around a cup of alcohol-free eggnog, and the other buried in Gus’ wavy mane.
Borzoi can take up a lot of room when they want to. Gus took up the rest of the space on the couch and, for anyone with the audacity to ask her to move, she reserved a most incredulous expression.
‘Dr Watson, you are spoiling my dog. She hasn’t left your side since we got here.’
‘Probably recognised that the sofa was the most comfortable place to sit.’
‘Ha ha! You are too modest. It’s more likely she recognised a friend!’
‘She’s a wonderful dog. Why did you name her ‘Gus’?’ asked John.
‘I didn’t. Her full name is ‘Coombe Tracey’s Czarina Gusinya’. Gusinya is guardian angel in Russian, or so her breeder told me. I just call her Gus for short.’ Realising she was the topic of discussion, Gusinya raised her head and cocked it on an inquisitive angle.
‘She certainly lived up to her name! Thank you, my guardian angel,’ John said as he scratched under Gusinya’s ridiculously long and pointy chin.
Lestrade nudged Sherlock. ‘John looks quite content. Perhaps you should let him have a dog.’
‘That’s actually the Oxycontin you’re seeing. By your reasoning, I should let him have a drug habit.’
John gave Sherlock a dopey smile and raised two languid fingers in rude salutation.
‘Sherlock, John said you solved the mystery of The Star of the East based on a few crumbs of cheese found in a dog food bowl. Is that true?’ asked Sarah.
‘Of course. It was child’s play. I’m surprised no one else figured it out. Everyone saw the same evidence, but only I observed. And from my observations I formed my deductions. The hotel suite was thoroughly searched. It seemed that Lady Morcar and her assistant were the only ones present at the time of the disappearance, until that ludicrous excuse of a dog padded into the room.’
Gusinya stiffened as if to object.
‘S’okay, Gus. If you were human, he would have called you an idiot. He’s like that... likely had inconsistent training as a pup...’
‘Are you done, John? As I was saying, it was obvious to me that The Star of the East was in the dog. The question was who had put it there. Both women were distressed, but whether that was due to the loss of the diamond, or due to guilt of its theft, I could not determine. So I took the dog and waited for a response.’
At the mention of the word ‘dog’, Gusinya wagged her tail. Sherlock nodded sagely, pausing for dramatic effect. Then he wrinkled his nose and pulled yet another long, clingy, white dog hair from his expensive dark trousers.
‘So, if Lady Morcar had been guilty, she would have been more anxious to file a report with the police. Probably in prelude to a massive insurance claim. But no, she wanted to keep this all quiet. That is why she called me in to make an unofficial investigation. Clearly not the sign of guilt. On the other hand, her personal assistant, Catherine Cusack, was equally upset when I proposed to take the dog away. Why? It was clear that she not did like Gus. Her body language radiated disgust every time she found another dog hair. (Which is perfectly understandable, by the way.)’ Sherlock fought the static cling which prevented the dog hair from disengaging with his fingers. ‘And the dog’s own body language indicated indifference to anyone who wasn’t her master. So why the concern? It’s obvious.’
‘She knew the diamond was in the dog?’
‘And, once it became obvious to me that the dog contained the gem, I knew Lady Morcar would not have put it there. Swallowing diamonds is very hazardous, albeit less so for dogs, but I doubt Catherine cared either way. She hoped that nature would take its course and if not, and the dog became ill, she would take her to a veterinarian, or in this case, the former veterinary technician, James Ryder.’
John instinctively covered Gusinya’s ears so she would not hear the rest.
‘If the diamond has not been recovered by natural means or emetics, Ryder would have cut her open. I rather forced their hand by taking the dog myself. Then they had to scramble to come up with another plan. They needed the dog and thought they had to grab me as well, since I suspected the truth.'
'That's when they grabbed John.'
'Yes. I don't understand why that keeps happening. It was unfortunate, but it did leave me time to recover the diamond. It’s only because they found out that the stone had been found and returned, that they abandoned the job. John and Gus were lucky they were not dealing with hardened criminals. These two did not take Catherine’s advice to kill their captives. They chose to flee instead.’
‘And you figured this all out by looking at the dog food bowl?’
‘I get it now! Catherine enticed Gusinya to swallow the stone.’
‘So... the cheese crumbs!’
‘I have it on good authority that dogs cannot resist a nice Wensleydale.’
.oOOo.
Lady Morcar was very relieved to have Gusinya back. ‘I treasure her more than that stupid old rock,’ she exclaimed. Naturally, John refused to accept her generous offer, stating that he did not rescue Gusinya; she, in fact, had rescued him. Why do people become so fond of their pets, Sherlock wondered, days later as he secretly deposited the substantial reward money into John’s bank account.
[Image Source: Google Clip Art]
Author's Notes:
1. No real Borzoi were harmed in the production of this story.
2. Written for, and dedicated to my friends.
3. Who says I cannot write fluff?
.oOOo.
If you liked this story, please tell your friends!