July 12 - Apologies

Title: Apologies

Author: Pompey

Universe: ACD

Rating: G

Warnings: none

Word count: 350

Summary: A Yarder observes and deduces more than Holmes.

Prompt: July 12 – Your favorite inspector

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Inspector Morton knocked on the door of Dr. Watson’s practice and hoped said doctor hadn’t been called away by a patient. He could have sent a note, of course, but what he had to say was better done in person.

Fortunately, the doctor WAS in and the greeting Morton received was friendly but more reserved than usual. It made Morton all the gladder he had come in person.

“You received my statement on the Smith case?” Dr. Watson asked.

Morton nodded. “Yes, and I’m very glad to have it. Your witness testimony will be most helpful at the trial.”

“Well, I am glad to be of service,” replied the doctor, although something in his tone did not entirely ring true. Regretfully, Morton decided his suspicions were correct and it was time to get to the heart of the issue.

“Truth be told, Dr. Watson, I came to apologize for how we handled Smith case. I knew Mr. Holmes planned to deceive you. He said it was an essential part of his trap. I went along with it happily enough at the time but . . . I’m sorry for it now. The more I think on it, the crueler it seems. I just wanted you to know I’m sorry for my part in tricking you.”  

During his apology, Morton watched the doctor’s face carefully. The surprise was understandable. The genuine acceptance at the end was a relief. But the tiny flashes of anger when Morton had referenced the trickery worried him.

Of course Dr. Watson had been upset by Mr. Holmes’ deadly illness when the doctor had thought it was real. And of course Dr. Watson would have been upset to learn he had been fooled. But Morton’s instincts had told him the doctor was still far more upset by it than he was letting on.

And now, having been proven correct about Dr. Watson, Morton’s instincts were telling him Mr. Holmes had no idea how deeply his trick still rankled – or that it might be wise not to push the doctor like that again for a good long while.

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A/N: Truth be told, Morton isn’t my absolute favorite inspector but plot bunnies must be fed.