Sherlock: the Lost Cases (Sherlock x Female!Reader)

A Case of Artistic Expression

"We need to go to Bart's." Sherlock said to you. "Why?" You asked as you hold Victor. "I have a private client. A young artist named Marshal Andretti. A colleague of his has ended up in hospital. Marshall thinks he could be next." He replied. "Okay. Well, do you think John could watch Victor for us?" You asked him.

"Can't see why not but call him and ask." Sherlock said as you pull out your phone and dial John's number. He said he would be happy to watch Victor while you and Sherlock solve a case together.

After leaving John's place, the both of you head towards Bert's until Sherlock's phone goes off. "Sherlock Holmes." Sherlock answered. "This is Marshall." Marshall said on the other end.

"Where are you?" Sherlock asked him. "I can't be seen talking to you, I'm in hiding." Marshall said. "Why?" Sherlock asked. "A bunch of thugs are trying to take away my right to artistic expression. I know my work isn't for everybody. Not everyone can truly confront their sexuality like I do but these....vandals have got it in for me and the police don't care. The press where just print my work was firebombed last night. They've almost killed the old guy who runs the place. Just seen him upstairs." Marshall replied.

"Okay, we'll have a talk with him." Sherlock replied. "Good. I'll tell him you're here. I hope you can solve it. The police know it's us and they've given up on the case. If you ask me it was those bigots who drink up at the Legion up the road." Marshall said.

"Okay we'll take care of it and Marshall don't do anything stupid." Sherlock said before he hangs up. He looks over at you and said. "Come on."

After asking the nurse where this man, which you found out his name is Devonish, was you and Sherlock head to his room. You look and see an old man with a receding hair line and a grey beard sitting on his bed. "Mr Devonish?" You said. "Yes." He answerd. "I'm Sergeant (y/n) Holmes and this is my husband, Sherlock Holmes. We were wondering what you could tell us about the fire." You said.

He sighs and said. "I want looking for any trouble." Then he lets out a cough. "Normally I just do takeaway menus and that....but it's nice to balance out the capitalism with some real art every now and again. Not everyone agrees, mind. I saw a bunch of skinheads legging it just after the fire started, but I didn't get a good look at their faces. And the insurance will never cover the damage. Not with the new equipment. That's all gone! I can't face starting again. After this, I might just pack it in." Devonish finished, shaking his head. 

"Hmm. The Legion in Bermondsey is a regular haunt for all kinds of cerebrally challenged individuals. Let's go see the landlord." Sherlock said to you as the two of you walk out of Barts. 

"Yeah, heard about the fire. Terrible shame. Young people round here don't have the proper values, that's the thing." The landlord said after you and Sherlock introduced yourselves.

"Pass on our sympathies to Mr Devonish. Tell him no one here knows nothing about how the fire started--though he should stick to printing flyers in future." said the landlord as Sherlock's phone goes off. "It's Lestrade." He said to you and he answers. "What is it Lestrade?"  

"You know a kid name Marshall?" Lestrade asked him. "Yes?" Sherlock said, hesitantly. "We found him dead in an alleyway near his home. Your number was on his phone so I thought I should call you and let you know." He replied. "Okay, thank you. We'll be over right over." Sherlock said.

"What's wrong?" You asked as Sherlock pockets his phone and he starts walking away. "Marshall is dead." He replied.

The two of you approach the alleyway, Lestrade standing by waiting for you. "Alright your two. It's over here." He said and leads you two to the crime scene. The alley was covered in shredded paper and bunch of paintings strewn about.