[network] @ASolomons; audio, morning of 127 [open]

[devoutish]

[When the morning comes and Watson is gone, it's not really a surprise - Alfie had woken him up in the middle of the night for a "discussion" at scalpelpoint, after all. He figures that Watson had snuck out as soon as lockdown ended, purposefully not waking Alfie. That's fine. Alfie has warmer clothes now, and better shoes. He needs that far more than he needs company.]

Good morning. How's Kesara's tunnel coming along? 'Cause I'm headed in that direction today.

[And aren't you all just thrilled about that.]

Yeah, I should get there in four or five days. Big discovery like this, I'd guess there's a lot of people in the area, and I thought it'd be a good idea to talk a bit more with all of you - find out who's digging, and who's staying where. Because the thing I do not want, right, is to walk into a pileup - five, six, seven people trying to cram into one house for the night. I would like some confirmation of coordination.

[And he talks, he's heading for the door, giving the little room a quick once-over with the tablet light to make sure he's not leaving anything behind.]

I'm seeing on the map there's two houses very close by, and a few more that are only a bit further. Might I reserve myself a spot in--

[But he cuts himself off, because he's tried the door, and it's still locked. He double-checks the time. It's definitely after lockdown is supposed to be over.

There are a few explanations here. Two stand out to him as being the most likely.]

Right - bit of a problem here, yeah; I'm having a bit of an unexpected issue. Either lockdown has been extended and Dr. Watson has been spirited away in the night, or he's found a way to lock me in. So I ask you - are any of the rest of you experiencing this, or should I be considering it a punishment for my very naughty misdeeds?

Comments

[devoutish]

We didn't end the night on a good note.

[bywolves]

I figured that's what very naughty misdeeds referred to. What was the bad note that soured the night?

[devoutish]

That scalpel, held to his throat.

[bywolves]

[ Huh. Like he's mildly impressed: ] You're getting a lot of use out of that thing.

[devoutish]

Lucky it ended up with me, eh?

[bywolves]

Don't hold it over my head. Nobody likes a smug winner. [ Friendly tone! ]

[devoutish]

Gotten to use your letter opener for anything yet?

[bywolves]

No. But I can always ask Nathan if he has any particularly difficult envelopes he needs opened, I'm sure.

[devoutish]

How is the boy?

[bywolves]

Not dead yet.

[devoutish]

He's really that bad?

[bywolves]

I've dealt with worse. Haven't been locked in a room all night and day with them, though.

[devoutish]

Just a room, not an entire house?

[bywolves]

It's an entire house, but his voice carries.

[devoutish]

Earplugs?

[bywolves]

Yes, I definitely have a pair of those just lying around.

[devoutish]

Any bits of cloth will do, mate.

[bywolves]

My ears are already -- [ Pause. Wow, that almost actually came out without him thinking. That's... scary. ] I don't need to cover my ears.

[devoutish]

I meant stuff 'em with something - ear plugs, not ear muffs.

[bywolves]

[ Whew. Bullet dodged. ] I know what you meant. I won't be plugging my ears. Might mean I'd miss something.

[devoutish]

Then you will just have to suffer.

[bywolves]

[ Wryly: ] So no real change, then.

[devoutish]

At least you've got food.

[But he says it good-naturedly.]

[bywolves]

You're telling me Watson didn't take pity on you?

[devoutish]

I think he might have if he'd had a choice, even with the scalpel incident.

Chicken and beans, last night. Not a meal's worth, but enough to make a dent. Still, it's good to keep fed with the cold and the walking.