Scene 23

EXT. A LONDON STREET. THE EARLY HOURS.

If we can take it, a Salvation Army band two streets away plays one last carol.

Slightly distant, a hansom cab goes by, the horse’s hooves crisp in the cold air.

Then:

HOLMES: ( Approaching) My apologies for keeping you waiting, Doctor.

WATSON: It was worth it to see the expression on Horner’s face when he came out. Well done, Holmes.

HOLMES: ( A vocal shrug)

WATSON: No, I mean it. There he was, off back to his family and friends... Did my heart good.

HOLMES: I await with interest your heart-wringing prose version.

WATSON: Really, old man. Can’t you let it drop for a second? ( A moment) Well. I must be getting home. It’s certainly been a Christmas Eve to remember. And tomorrow I dare say I’ll even find the children tolerable.

Holmes says nothing.

Watson breaks the silence.

He rubs his hands together, ready to leave.

WATSON: Ah well. Goodnight, then.

Holmes desperately wants him to stay.

He drops the mask for the barest moment:

HOLMES: Watson. Wait.

Watson stops dead.

To him, the plea was unmistakeable.

He’s not sure how to handle this.

WATSON: Holmes?

And neither is Holmes.

A moment.

Way off, Big Ben strikes the quarter.

Watson looks at his pocket-watch.

WATSON: Good Lord. I’d no idea it was so late. Early.

HOLMES: Watson...

An awkward silence. Watson takes charge.

WATSON: Holmes... this is damnably rude of me, but... well, I know you dine very late, as a rule.

And Holmes realises what he’s doing and is grateful for it. The mask goes back up.

HOLMES: Absolutely true, Doctor. Are you about to tell me that I’m ruining my digestion?

WATSON: Actually, I was wondering if Mrs. Hudson might stretch to providing for two.

HOLMES: For two?

WATSON: Mary will have gone to bed hours ago. The whole household. I realise it’s a dreadful imposition.

HOLMES: I believe I can tolerate it.

WATSON: Thank you, Holmes.

And again, the mask disappears...

HOLMES: Thank you, my friend.

But not for long. After a moment:

HOLMES: Come along, Doctor. Faces to the north and quick march!

They begin to walk, their footsteps echoing in the early-morning stillness.

The scene is overtaken by the closing sig.

Closing announcements.

The music ends.

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