Fic: The Definition of Success
Title: The Definition of Success
Author: Alone Dreaming
Rating: PG (for suspense and a little language)
Characters: Holmes, Watson, OCs: Ava Rainsford, Miss Sarah, Miss Catherine, Doctor Shoburn
Warnings: A little suspense... I suppose.
Words: 500
“Will Mister Holmes see me, Miss Sarah?”
“Mrs. Rainsford, I have allowed my patients to gallivant about at their choosing up until this point but I must insist that Mister Holmes rest. Come back at another time to see him or speak with Constable Campbell. From what I understand, Mister Holmes has handed the case to him.”
“While I appreciate your opinion, Doctor Shoburn, my question was not directed at you.”
“And you will show him more respect in my home, Mrs. Rainsford.”
“Catherine…”
“Doctor Shoburn has chosen to keep visitors from my guests and I will uphold his judgment. Now, as he suggested, go speak with James, or go home. I’m certain Mister Holmes will send you a message when he is prepared to deliver his knowledge.”
“Thank you, Miss Catherine. Would you kindly fetch my bag from Doctor Watson’s room? Caleb? Can you hear me? Drugged, I suspect… Miss Sarah, would you- where has Mrs. Rainsford gone?”
***
“Mrs. Rainsford… Ava! I understand you and I have often had our differences but I must insist that you leave if you cannot abide by my rules. The doctor and detective need their rest and I refuse to allow another soul into their presence until they are well… what are you doing?”
“Step into the Doctor’s room, Catherine, quietly, slowly, and, I swear, I shall not harm you badly.”
“Don’t be foolish. Put that gun down! What in God’s name has possessed you?”
“The unfortunate need to wrap up loose ends; I had not ever thought it would come to this but, as they say, those who reach to touch a star often stumble on a single straw.”
“Don’t be ridiculous! What stars and straws? Please, Ava, speak to me.”
“Ah, the doctor sleeps. I had thought by now that he would have perished. My husband had him so thoroughly convinced that he was uninjured and not weary.”
“Convinced? Your husband? Gareth would never do such a thing…”
“No, he wouldn’t. But with the proper influences even the greatest of men become willing servants. Sit yourself on his bed and do not hazard a move. No doubt, Mister Holmes has put them here…”
“Ava…”
“Hush! Now, where would he dare to hide them? In plain sight, I should think, but where?”
“Mrs. Rainsford, I advise you put the gun down.”
“Ah, not as asleep as I would’ve thought.”
“Nor as dead as you would’ve hoped, I imagine. Miss Catherine, behind me, if you please. Your jewels are not here, Mrs. Rainsford, so there is no point in searching.”
“Excuse me if I fail to believe you, Doctor Watson.”
“I assure you I am a better shot than you are. Set the gun aside.”
“Maybe you are but you will not shoot me. No, you’re hurt is too much. You shall set the gun aside and find that the-”
“No, you will not, will you, Watson? I would listen to him, Mrs. Rainsford. My Boswell is quite the crack shot.”
Author: Alone Dreaming
Rating: PG (for suspense and a little language)
Characters: Holmes, Watson, OCs: Ava Rainsford, Miss Sarah, Miss Catherine, Doctor Shoburn
Warnings: A little suspense... I suppose.
Words: 500
“Will Mister Holmes see me, Miss Sarah?”
“Mrs. Rainsford, I have allowed my patients to gallivant about at their choosing up until this point but I must insist that Mister Holmes rest. Come back at another time to see him or speak with Constable Campbell. From what I understand, Mister Holmes has handed the case to him.”
“While I appreciate your opinion, Doctor Shoburn, my question was not directed at you.”
“And you will show him more respect in my home, Mrs. Rainsford.”
“Catherine…”
“Doctor Shoburn has chosen to keep visitors from my guests and I will uphold his judgment. Now, as he suggested, go speak with James, or go home. I’m certain Mister Holmes will send you a message when he is prepared to deliver his knowledge.”
“Thank you, Miss Catherine. Would you kindly fetch my bag from Doctor Watson’s room? Caleb? Can you hear me? Drugged, I suspect… Miss Sarah, would you- where has Mrs. Rainsford gone?”
***
“Mrs. Rainsford… Ava! I understand you and I have often had our differences but I must insist that you leave if you cannot abide by my rules. The doctor and detective need their rest and I refuse to allow another soul into their presence until they are well… what are you doing?”
“Step into the Doctor’s room, Catherine, quietly, slowly, and, I swear, I shall not harm you badly.”
“Don’t be foolish. Put that gun down! What in God’s name has possessed you?”
“The unfortunate need to wrap up loose ends; I had not ever thought it would come to this but, as they say, those who reach to touch a star often stumble on a single straw.”
“Don’t be ridiculous! What stars and straws? Please, Ava, speak to me.”
“Ah, the doctor sleeps. I had thought by now that he would have perished. My husband had him so thoroughly convinced that he was uninjured and not weary.”
“Convinced? Your husband? Gareth would never do such a thing…”
“No, he wouldn’t. But with the proper influences even the greatest of men become willing servants. Sit yourself on his bed and do not hazard a move. No doubt, Mister Holmes has put them here…”
“Ava…”
“Hush! Now, where would he dare to hide them? In plain sight, I should think, but where?”
“Mrs. Rainsford, I advise you put the gun down.”
“Ah, not as asleep as I would’ve thought.”
“Nor as dead as you would’ve hoped, I imagine. Miss Catherine, behind me, if you please. Your jewels are not here, Mrs. Rainsford, so there is no point in searching.”
“Excuse me if I fail to believe you, Doctor Watson.”
“I assure you I am a better shot than you are. Set the gun aside.”
“Maybe you are but you will not shoot me. No, you’re hurt is too much. You shall set the gun aside and find that the-”
“No, you will not, will you, Watson? I would listen to him, Mrs. Rainsford. My Boswell is quite the crack shot.”