Vigil 2/3

[weefreethings]

Title: Vigil: Chapter 2 of 3
Summary: John re-opens Sherlock's investigation into the deaths of Lestrade's wife and children. But he still can't figure out why Mycroft is spying on Lestrade.
Rating: PG-13
Warnings (this chapter only): description of suicide, murder (of children), and bodies, mild swearing, worst of all.
Spoilers: Study in Pink, takes

Comments

[solara_karrde]

O.O this is awesome! Can't wait for more!

[weefreethings]

Thanks for the encouragement! Writing diligently here, but slowly!

[bugeyedmonster]

Ooo! So is Grüner's book still a book, or is it a hard drive? Or does he have little locks of hair or personal bits stored away somewhere?

Eagerly anticipating the next chapter.

[weefreethings]

Or is it even real? Sherlock and Co. only have Kitty's words to go on, and those may not resemble reality too closely.

[morganstuart]

OMG, this is epic. I'm going to reread this slowly, multiple times, and just absorb it all. I adore how genuine this feels in terms of the investigation, because it's really unclear what information is sound and what isn't, what can be trusted and what we should be skeptical about, etc. (just as it should be). Brilliant. I am loving this so much.

I especially adore the insights into the various loyalties and relationships here. Anderson prioritizing the need to inform Lestrade before the DI hears the news from an impersonal source. Sherlock's disbelief that John could suspect Mycroft. Most importantly, John's growing concern for Lestrade and understanding of the factors that have made him how he is. The whole exchange with Sherlock from “Managing? Is that what you call it?” to “Keep telling yourself that, mate." is full of so much compassion and worry and frustration. It's so spot on, and it hits the reader like a gut punch. Beautifully crafted.

You. This. Flail.

[weefreethings]

Thanks for your kind words, but keep in mind that not all of this is my idea. You are to blame for some of it! As for the unreliability and the relationships, some of that appears to be built into the characters. I really wanted Mycroft and Sherlock to come clean with John, but they're constitutionally incapable of it. >.< So I'll just muddle on. But I am very glad that you are enjoying it!

[morganstuart]

I really wanted Mycroft and Sherlock to come clean with John, but they're constitutionally incapable of it.

So true! You capture this beautifully.

And as someone who simply adores both John and Lestrade, I love how you're showing John's stubborn determination and increasing concern as he uncovers more information and understands Lestrade's past better. This is so well done.

Oh, and the description of the children's murder and the image of barefoot Lestrade as his home burned? Both are truly chilling.

[weefreethings]

Thanks! I was afraid I was adding too much detail, but without the detail, the plot would be bare, dry bones. Need a middle ground somewhere. :\

[rainbowwizard1]

There are no words. I don't even. LESTRADE. *clings* It'll be okay, baby, I promise. Sherlock will make everything better. Or maybe Mycroft will. Somebody will, at any rate.

And Lestrade as an alcoholic as a coping mechanism? I think I might love you. =D (I could see him turning into an alcoholic at some point...it's very in character and it also fits with a lot of data on substance abuse in law enforcement)

I can't wait for more =D

[weefreethings]

Thanks for the encouragement! Actually, the idea of Lestrade having a drinking problem and a failed relationship or two in his past is from Benedict Cumberbatch (the Great Game commentary).

Yep, something probably needs to change there.

[darthhellokitty]

Wow, this is quite a story - very grim except for this one little bit...

Lestrade's wife, Nancy, had charged him with infidelity, and produced a witness who had claimed to have slept with him after she had left him. The witness was a man, John noted, and one with a quick wit and a sharp tongue. This witness also claimed that Mrs. Lestrade had paid him to sleep with her husband, and that it had been so much fun that he would have done it for free.

[weefreethings]

Sadly that ends up grim too when you think about how Lestrade must have felt when he saw this guy in the witness box.