Elle's Story

John Watson's skills as a doctor would never come into question, but one person he had never learned to fathom or read was Consulting Detective Sherlock Holmes.

They had been working regularly together for over a month after Sherlock's relationship with Elle had blossomed, and John was still none the wiser. He thought there was a "different air" and even, frighteningly, more confidence in Sherlock's demeanour and body language recently but nothing that hinted any major upheaval in his life. After another long night working alongside DI Lestrade on a murder case involving the Thames Valley Constabulary as well as the Met, and severed body parts strewn across England's home counties, John asked whether he could stay at 221B as he was tired and Mary was away visiting a relative, so he would be returning to an empty house.

"Of course John, there will always be a place for you - and Mary - at Baker Street. Let's pick up some dinner en route as I am hungry but don't particularly want to eat out. It would be great to spend the evening in company."

"I hope we are not going to be out all day and night tomorrow too" said John. "Mary is planning to be back home. It is Easter already. Where has this year gone?"

"I don't know John. Easter... I have a feeling that bit of forensic evidence I found on the severed edge of the woman's arm is going to be key to solving this case. It seems extremely significant, I don't know why, as yet, but I expect a call from Lestrade saying they are following a new lead and don't require our services."

"I hope so. I have been meaning to take Mary out for a meal for weeks now but we never seem to get it together. It is becoming so we have to make an appointment just to see one another."

The men walked into 221B Baker Street with a non-take away take away from Sherlock's friend Angelo's restaurant. With a glass or two of white wine and the beautiful carbonara in their systems, the subject moved from work to John to Mary then to Sherlock.

"Mary and I have not had a meal out with you for a long time. What do you think Sherlock, would you like to join us tomorrow if I can book a table somewhere a bit special? Mary would love to see you I am sure. And it is Good Friday."

"You don't want me as gooseberry on a meal out with your wife if you have to book an appointment with her! We can always arrange something soon. That would be very nice. Actually... if you cannot get into any restaurants at this late juncture John, how would you and Mary like to come here for a meal tomorrow evening? We could all talk and both of you stay over for the whole of the long weekend, really relax together, if you have not arranged anything else?"

"That sounds a better idea anyway Sherlock, thank you. I am sure Mary would be delighted. I will text her just to make sure there are no other plans, so long as you are sure we won't be working...?"

"I'm sure." Both men picked up their mobiles and sent quick texts. In a matter of moments each had received a reply. Sherlock then sent another message and smiled.

"Everything ok?" asked John after confirming Mary's positive answer.

"Yes, just expecting ah, this. Good. That is settled then, you and Mary come for dinner tomorrow evening here around 7 and stay over Easter. We can all have a drink or two."

Having firmed up their plans for the following evening, both men retired to their rooms.

Sure enough a phone call Friday morning to Sherlock's mobile confirmed his forensic evidence had given the force a clear lead, and felt it would be unnecessary for him or John to be on call. Thanks for their help were liberally given, wishes for a good Easter, and early insight on the next juicy case lacking explanation promised.

John left Baker Street shortly after breakfast and said he and Mary would be back at 7pm that evening.