The Crimson Code (Inspired by a Study in Scarlet)

Chapter 4

"No need to tell me anything to figure that out," Sherlock Holmes answered. "As a welcome present, I shall explain. It's just your ordinary deduction, really. When you saw me lying down on the floor, you didn't hesitate to come closer and check my pulse and windpipe. That's clearly the behaviour of someone knowledgeable in medicine. Knowing you're an acquaintance of Stamford's, that'd make you a doctor as well. Then there's the tan lines. It isn't possible to get such a dark tan here in London at this time of year. So, you've served in Afghanistan as a medic, but if you're holding that cane, it has to mean that you got injured and sent back home, not to mention that sort of pocket watch in your chest pocket is one only handed out to army veterans. With the military pension, living in a hotel seems out of your price range, so finding a flatmate wouldn't be such a bad idea. Remember that cane you threw aside when you came to my rescue? One would question why you needed it. Truth is, you got such a fright in Afghanistan that you're psychosomatic." He turned to me. "As for you, the obvious evidence is that magnifying glass I can just see in the shadow of your cloak. The grin on your face tells me you've encountered similar methods of keen-eyed deduction. You're evidently not here to rent this flat with the two of us, as at your age you'd most likely still have a guardian of sorts. Thus, you most likely came here for advice, am I right?"
"Indeed you are, sir!" I replied laughing. "At least on my part."
"Stamford told me you had a somewhat unique personality but that was an absolutely amazing example of logical deduction!" Dr. Watson cried.
"Ya think so? Then make sure you write in your journal that I'm amazing. You are keeping one, right? You've got some ink stuck under the fingernails of your right hand."
"Ah, yes, I've been trying to, but I've been having trouble moving the pen as of late..." Dr. Watson stammered.
"If you think Mr. Holmes' deduction is amazing, wait until you meet my brother - he's simply brilliant! Ahem... speaking of, he's exactly what I came here for. He's gone missing. His name's Kai Hunt."
"How long ago did you last see him?"
"He's been missing since around half-past-six pm yesterday," I answered.
"Have you thought of going to Scotland Yard?"
"Doubt they'd listen to me. You see, we arrived here only a couple of years ago."
"Okay... have you got any idea at all who may strongly dislike either of you to such a point that they'd go to such extreme measures?"
"Unfortunately not, none at all."
"Then there's about a 75% chance your brother's still alive. " Despite the danger, I felt reassured that Kai may be all right.
Sherlock Holmes stood up. "Well, would you look at the time! We're heading out," he told Dr. Watson, grabbing a coat off the hanger.
"Where to?" The two of us asked.
"I invited our landlady, Miss Hudson, out to dinner, so I could introduce her to you."
"Ah, perfect!" Dr. Watson exclaimed, putting his hat back on.
"Look, John, I've no issues with you, but if you're to live under this roof, then you're gonna need Miss Hudson's approval."
"Is she a tough judge?"
"Yep, but just be yourself," Holmes stated, stepping out of the door. "Inspector Lestrade? To what do I owe the honour?"