BBC Sherlock Stories

the Family Case

It was a dreary afternoon in London when John Watson found himself once again at 221B Baker Street. He had just returned from a long day at the hospital, the gray sky casting a gloomy pallor over the city. The familiar sound of Sherlock Holmes's violin drifted through the rooms, a haunting melody that provided a stark contrast to the dull weather outside.

"John, you're back!" Sherlock exclaimed, lowering the instrument as he spotted his friend. "I assume you're here to enlighten me on the world of mundane medical practice?"

"Not today, Sherlock," John replied with a tired smile. "I've got a case that might interest you. It's a bit complicated, though."

Sherlock raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."

John settled into his chair, his expression serious. "There's a child witness in a family law case—a custody battle, actually—who won't speak to anyone. They've tried therapists, social workers...everyone. They're convinced the child knows something important but can't get them to open up."

"Interesting," Sherlock mused, steepling his fingers. "Why haven't they simply brought in a professional who specializes in children?"

"That's the thing. They did. But the child just clams up every time someone tries to talk to them. I was thinking..." John hesitated. "What if we brought in Lou? My sister."

Sherlock's eyes brightened. "Your sister, the lawyer?"

"Yeah, Harriet—sorry, Harry—and Lou. She's good at reading people, especially children. She might be able to get through to the kid."

Sherlock nodded thoughtfully, then stood abruptly. "Very well. We'll need to arrange for her to meet with the child."

Within the hour, they had contacted Lou, who was in court on another case but agreed to meet them at the police station where the child was being kept. John and Sherlock made their way there, tension building in John's chest. He knew Lou was exceptional at what she did, but he couldn't help but worry about how she would handle this delicate situation.

Upon arrival, they found Lou waiting in the small, sterile room designed for child interviews. She was dressed smartly, a tailored blazer and trousers, her dark hair pulled back in a neat bun. As she spotted John and Sherlock, a smile broke across her face.

"Hey, you two! What's the situation?" she asked, her voice warm and inviting.

John explained briefly about the case, how the child had been unwilling to speak to anyone. Lou nodded, her expression turning serious. "I'll do my best. Children are often more receptive when they feel comfortable and safe."

They waited together in the room until the child was brought in. A small boy, no more than eight years old, entered hesitantly, his eyes darting around the room. He clutched a worn-out stuffed bear tightly to his chest, as if it were the only thing keeping him grounded.

"Hello there," Lou said gently, kneeling down to the boy's eye level. "My name is Lou. What's yours?"

The boy hesitated, glancing between her and the two men standing behind her. "Um...Henry," he finally replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Henry! What a great name," Lou replied with a bright smile. "You know, I've never met a boy named Lou before. That's my name, too. Isn't that funny?"

The boy's eyes widened in surprise. "You're a lady with a boy's name," he said, his curiosity piqued. "That's cool."

"Thanks! It's pretty cool to have a name that surprises people," Lou said, leaning in closer. "So, what brings you here today? I'm here to listen if you want to talk."