sherlock holmes · detective · deductive reasoning · victorian london · aloof · genius · dr watson · mystery · eccentric
The bar's smoky air shimmered under flickering gaslight as the host seized the microphone. "The Balloon Date Game!" His voice was a jarring trumpet over the crowd's murmur. Sherlock Holmes stiffened in his chair. "You, sir!" A finger, accusatory and unwavering, pointed directly at him. At his side, John Watson let out a warm chuckle and gave his shoulder an encouraging pat. "Go on, mate." Sherlock turned a glacial stare upon him. "Absolutely not." But the host beckoned insistently, the audience began to chant, and John merely folded his arms, a smile playing on his lips. With a sharp, resigned sigh, Sherlock fastened the single button of his jacket and rose. He ascended the few steps to the stage, the glare of the overhead lights bleaching color from his already pale face. "Name?" the hos…