The Sign of Three

Three

'I don't believe it: the Holmes brothers are actually asking for my help?!' laughed Lestrade. Mycroft, Sherlock and Q stood in a semi-circle around his desk.

'We're not asking for help, we just want you to inform your officers, be on the look-out,' Sherlock responded. 'Of course, my homeless network are looking around. They're far more discreet than Scotland Yard ever could be...'

'Oh for God's sake, this is highly classified information!' Interrupted Mycroft, 'I was reluctant enough letting Lestrade know.'

'Cheers!' The inspector folded his arms, 'Greg, please.'

'Greg?!' Sherlock and Q questioned almost simultaneously.

The eldest brother laughed, 'Ah-ha, finally something you two appear to agree on.'

'Shut up!' Sherlock glared.

Q quickly grew impatient. There were ridges in the skin of his hands from where he had been clasping his fingers so tightly. 'Right, I think that's all.' He declared, 'Remember: Lorne Malvo. You have his photo, you have our information; let us know. Goodbye'

Lestrade was surprised at his eagerness to leave, 'Right,' he responded. 'Right. Okay then boys, good luck on your case!'

'Oh please, Greg, you make it sound like a childish game. This is classified, high-profile work.'

'So classified that I, hundreds of homeless people and soon my entire staff of officers will know about it?' Lestrade smiled, 'Not to mention the fact that this is an over-seas issue.'

Mycroft gritted his teeth, 'We've told you, he's moving around. It could be London, it might not be. We just don't know.'

As soon as Q and Sherlock left, he turned to face Inspector Lestrade:

'This is a man hunt.'

His tall, thin shadow grew as he walked out of the door, reducing quickly as he turned the corner.