Disclaimer: I do not own, nor profit from.
Author’s Note: And finally, a case ensuses! Had this brainwave about 3am yesterday morning, and starting writing this chapter then. I have used real addresses, so I am really sorry if I offend anyone. I tried to think of public places, but they didn’t really work with the plot. So sorry again, and enjoy!
Brainteaser
Sherlock flopped down onto the sofa, resting his head on John’s lap, the dark curls pooling out. John aimlessly stroked Sherlock’s fringe out of the detective’s eyes, engrossed in his latest novel. Sherlock fidgeted, finally nestling his nose into John’s jumper. They sat, the silence laying over them, until Sherlock huffed a sigh. John rested his book on the arm rest. He peered questioningly down at the taller man. Sherlock glimpsed John’s look out of the corner of his eye.
“Bored.” The word was mumbled into John’s jumper. John returned to his novel.
“But I’m bored John.”
“Yes Sherlock. I heard the first time. Something will turn up. It always does.” Sherlock huffed another sigh, electing to ignore John. The door to the flat opened slightly, and Mrs Hudson peered in.
“John, dear, the post’s arrived. There’s something from Austria. Addressed to Sherlock.” John waved her in, and took the post off her.
“Thanks Mrs Hudson.” He smiled at her, and she moved to go back downstairs. John passed the letter to Sherlock, who sat up and read the contents. A smile, a dangerous smile started to spread across his face. John peered over Sherlock’s shoulder, a frown creasing on his face. A few calligraphic words were written on a piece of expensive writing paper.
5. 8SE. I hear New Zealand is lovely at this time of the year. xx
“What the hell does that mean?” Sherlock jumped up, stepping over the table, bringing his hands up to his face.
“This John, this is a lead.” Sherlock span around. “Oh, it’s beautiful. Exquisite. A mixture of words and numbers. It’s a quest!” Sherlock’s face was radiant, his genius spilling out. It was like watching a child discover a shiny new toy, a whole new world suddenly opened up.
“Right. So, any clues how to solve it? And how did the person know you were here?” Sherlock waved his hand.
“I’m a wanted man by a lot of Moriarty’s empire. I haven’t been overly quiet since my disappearance. And as to solving it, I have 7 theories on the first numbers. The words, not sure yet. The numbers and the words have to have some sort of link. The words aren’t quotes. So they must be some sort of reference. The three part code, part of a postcode?” Sherlock paused, rubbing fingers. “What’s in New Zealand? What is there that has some reference to Britain?” John shrugged.
“Sheep? They have a lot of sheep.” Sherlock shook his head.
“No, no. Too simple, too abstract. There’s not enough stability.” Sherlock grabbed John’s laptop.
Google: 8SE
Results: Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerised Telescope
Google Maps: 8SE
Results: Did you mean: 8SE, Seattle, King, WA, USA?
Google Maps: London WSE
Results: Royal Borough of Greenwich, London, SE10 8SE
“John, we have a lead.” Sherlock span the laptop round of his hand until the screen was facing the shorter man.
“Greenwich? What’s in Greenwich?” Sherlock grinned.
