A New Mystery at 221 Baker Street

Chapter 56: I Can't Lose Him

Episode Transcript provided by Ariane DeVere/Callie Sullivan

***

"So, on to some funny stories about John," Sherlock looked out at the guests, some were still dabbing their eyes. "If you could all just cheer up a bit that would be better. On we go. So, for funny stories, one has to look no further than John's blog. The record of our time together. Of course, he does tend to romanticize things a bit, but then, you know, he's a romantic," Sherlock gave John and Mary a small, but sincere, smiled. "We've tackled some strange cases: The Hollow Client; The Poison Giant, but we want something very particular for this special day, don't we? The Bloody Guardsman,"

***FLASHBACK***

Sherlock stood in front of the wall above the sofa. Instead of the traditional crime map, the wall was covered with details for John and Mary's wedding. Alice and Mary were sitting at the table behind him, working on the seating chart for the reception while John sat in his chair reading emails from potential clients on his phone.

"Need to work on your half of the church, Mary. Looking a bit thin," Sherlock commented as he looked over the list of confirmed guests.

Mary looked up as Sherlock turned to face both of them. "Orphan's lot. Friends- that's all I have, lot's of friends," She said with a smile.

"Schedule the organ music to begin at precisely 11:48,"

"The rehearsal's not for another two weeks," Mary argued, looking at the cardboard model of the reception venue. "Just calm down,"

"Calm? I am calm. I'm extremely calm," Sherlock replied quickly.

"Let's get back to the reception, come on,"

Sherlock walked over to the table and sat next to Alice, giving her a small peck on the head.

"John's cousin, top table?" Mary began, looking over the guest list.

"She hates you," Alice stated as she picked up the RSVP card and handed it to Sherlock.

"Seriously?" Mary asked.

"Second class post, cheap congratulatory card; bought at a petrol station. She simply signed her name under the prewritten message," Sherlock added, sniffing the card. "Look at the stamp; three attempts at licking,"

"Unconsciously retaining saliva," Alice mumbled as she began to work on another name card for the reception. 

"Ah, let's stick her by the bogs," Mary said with a smile. She cleared her throat and leaned towards the couple. "Who else hates me?"

Sherlock didn't even look up from the papers  in front of him as he handed her a prepared list.

"Oh great, thanks," Mary said sarcastically as she looked over the long list.

"Priceless painting nicked," John suggested from his seat. "Looks interesting,"

The three ignored him as they went through each table.

"My husband is three people," John proposed.

"Major James Sholto," Alice said as she looked at a list for table five. "Who's he?"

"John's old commanding officer," Mary explained "I don't think he's coming,"

"He'll be there," John said firmly. "My husband is three people. It's interesting. Says he has three distinct patterns of Moles on his skin,"

"Identical triplets- one in half a million births. Solved it without leaving the flat," Sherlock said as he pulled out a tray with two serviettes from under the couch. "Now, swan or Sydney Opera House?"