Observed
Summary
Tensions evolve between Holmes and Watson over a misunderstanding. Can an outsider make it all right? F/
A change of persepctive
Sandy’s POV
A/n: While I’ll write in the “street” lingo for Sandra when she’s talking to someone, in her own thoughts I’m going to write without dropping letters.
It’s clear the doctor doesn’t want me here. Or he doesn’t want his friend to be married. I’m grateful to Mr. Holmes for saving me from my da and what he was planning on doing. I’m hoping I’ll be able to convince him to let me have enough money to get my younger sister out of there too and then I won’t have to worry about her. Maybe if I can ease the doctor’s mind a little it will put Mr. Holmes to rights. The doctor is well spoken but I can tell he doesn’t want me here. There’s something else between them, some kind of tension. It’s hardly fair for me to be put in the middle like this, but maybe I can do something to help them both so they won’t send me away.
Holmes/Watson
“What were you thinking, Holmes?” demanded Watson, once they found an empty carriage to stand in. “How can you involve a child in your investigations in such a manner?”
“She does not object, so I do not see why you should,” replied Holmes. “Sandra is an adult by marriage and experience. You did not see her home, Watson. Her father was a drunk who was willing to sell her to some house for money for liquor. There’s a younger sister still to rescue as I know Sandra is worried about her. When we return to London I shall see what may be done. The man cares for naught but the next drink so I believe I can manage without difficulty.”
“But what of love, Holmes? Surely she should have a chance to find a man who can love her and give her the home she deserves.”
Holmes looked at Watson for the first time. His eyes were as cold as flint. “So you are saying that I cannot?” he asked. “That I have no heart for her and I’ll only use her to my own means? I know that we are having some…issues between us but I am mortified that you would sink so low as to say I would do something of the kind. If she ever desires the company of a young man, I shall step aside and allow them the happiness they so richly deserve. But I will not be degraded by one I call a friend.”