Stereotypical (BBC Sherlock)

Chapter 19 - Just a Magic Trick

"In light of the recent murders, the auction has been postponed until next week. Private investigations are underway to find this elusive killer. Cabinet members Daniel Nelson and Samuel Hurst have personally donated to fund the investigations, saying that they'd do anything to bring down the man who would do this to their friends."

Lestrade had come to visit Baker Street after Sherlock called him with new leads. Lestrade had been complaining that there was nothing he could do about the case. John was the only one watching the news but I listened halfheartedly while Sherlock and Lestrade argued. The noise from the telly changed to the snapping of cameras and chatter of reporters. One question caught our attention.

"Mr. Hurst, it seems Detective Sherlock Holmes was originally helping on this case. Is he still working with you after Inspector Lestrade gave the case over to your investigators?"

"Holmes?" Hurst's lip curled in contempt. "That idiot? How could I trust him to be of any use? Everyone thinks he's some big shot genius but it's all just a pretty trick. A magic trick. I'll admit he's had some good luck but eventually his... Problem will get the best of him."

"What do you mean by problem?"

Hurst looked into the camera. "Sherlock Holmes is a mentally unstable character. I don't mean with his eccentric habits. The man has a medical problem and he's a danger to himself and others. I don't want him anywhere near me."

The questions turned instantly from wondering about the case to wondering about this medical problem. We all turned to Sherlock but he turned it off.

"There's nothing wrong with me." He growled. John and Lestrade shared a look. Sherlock stood and was about to go outside when I looked out the window.

"They're already starting to gather outside."

He sighed. His phone rang and he picked it up. "Holmes... Miss Riley, calling to help again? I'm sure I made myself clear in that courthouse. I'm not interested." He hung up and threw the phone at the couch before going to his room. I winced as he slammed the door.

Turning to John and Lestrade, I raised a brow. "What's wrong with him?"

John sighed. "I'm not an expert with this stuff, so I could be wrong. But I think he might have Aspergers."

"He doesn't exhibit any signs of autism." I said, confused.

"People with Aspergers tend to be high functioning."

"High functioning sociopath, he likes to say. Though he's definitely not a sociopath." Lestrade shrugged as he muttered this. I shook my head.

"Should I talk to him?"

"No, leave it. Especially since you two aren't exactly close anymore." Lestrade turned to leave. "I better go before they crowd out there."

I watched him leave and then looked at Sherlock's door. Taking a deep breath, I went and knocked on his door. "Sherlock?"

"Busy."

"No you're not. Let me in."

"Why? To confirm what they're all beginning to think is probably true?"

"Is it?"

"And what if it was?"

"I'd understand you a little better. And I would tell them you're still a genius and the worst jerk the world has ever seen. Just talk to me. I'm still your friend and I'm still here for you."

He opened the door. I closed it behind me and leaned against the wall. He went to the window, keeping a safe space between us.

"Are you... Do you have a medical problem?" I asked.