vocab_drabbles | #060: Sherlock Holmes (ACD): Gen

Title: Accismus
Fandom: Sherlock Holmes (ACD)
Rating: Gen
Length: 300
Summary: A new inspector says he doesn't need Holmes' help.

“Very well,” said Holmes evenly. “We’ll take our leave.” He gave a nod, turned on his heel, and left the room.

Watson followed Holmes. Silently, they made their way down a flight of stairs to the ground floor and out the front entrance. Once outside, they strode side by side, away from the house.

Watson said, under his breath, “Not exactly a good first impression.”

“Are you referring to me or to Greene?”

“I was referring to the latter. You were every inch the gentleman. He, on the other hand…”

Holmes gave a small dismissive wave of his hand “A show of accismus, no more,” he said.

Watson nodded and gave a small chuckle. “I was very tempted, at one point, to remark ‘me thinks the newly-promoted inspector doth protest too much.’”

Watson glanced over at Holmes and caught the other’s tiny twitch of the lips.

“Inspector Greene was clear and adamant when he said he had no desire or need for my assistance in the case, but…” Holmes’s voice trailed off.

“But he’s been an inspector for about a fortnight, according to Lestrade,” continued Watson, “and he needs to solve his first big case, which this one shows every sign of being. And you made it plain you wouldn’t be seeking publicity for yourself. He’d get the credit.”

Holmes made a noise. “But he has no reason to believe me on that point. Nevertheless, I predict when he or one of his men discovers the bag of freshly severed thumbs under the broken floorboard beside the body—”

“The what?!” exclaimed Watson. He halted and stared at Holmes, slack-jawed.

Holmes paused, too, and turned to face his companion.

“—he may show his true colours.”

“Mister Holmes!”

Holmes and Watson exchanged knowing looks, then Holmes called out,

“Yes, Inspector?”