23 August 2012

Hello Darkness My Old Friend

I made that tomato thing the other night. It was nice. Probably nicer cold, actually, the next day.

Work's...busy, I suppose. As predicted, my mind isn't exactly on it as much as it should be.

Had to go and visit the mortuary this morning. Molly gave me a hug, said I looked like I needed it and that she'd read what happened.

It's sort of...don't know, feels like it's not really happening, in some ways.



I got a stack of post, was working through it, and this envelope, well, the only unusual thing was that it was handwritten, neat capitals, and the address was quite vague. My name, NSY, London. I mean, obviously it's going to get here, and we do get all sorts of things delivered - anonymous tip offs, threats, evidence, even, sometimes, from the public. So things like that always go through security checks before they reach us.

Opened it up and it was pictures. I sort of thought they might be from Rach or Nicky, at first. I mean, they were those sorts of pictures. Mainly me, John and Sherlock, because we tended to stick together more. Mycroft spent a lot of the afternoon off with Carla a little way away. So in the shots were Nicky, Carla, Paul, Rach, even Jess. It was sort of surreal, realising they were of us, but not...none of us could have taken them, and then it hitting me, that with no note, nothing else, the implication that someone had been there, watching us.

I couldn't get hold of John, then I did get Nicky, couldn't get Rach, had my office phone and my mobile ringing different people, called Mrs Holmes, who listened, then said she'd sort things out and put me through to Anthea, too. Anthea said she'd find John and the boys, Mrs H said she'd send someone to Rach's, and Nicky said she'd get hold of Carla and Paul and then check on Rach too.

Even though we live like we do, and we know there's always a security threat, I think I had sort of been lulled into a sense of security, because Anth and everyone are always around. And then suddenly it hit, and it wasn't just the four of us, but the rest of my family too. I suppose I never quite thought it would effect them.

I don't know, it's such an invasion, which probably sounds stupid, given how much we share on here. And I've called or texted John what is undoubtedly an annoying number of times today, but I just hate not being with them. Even though it's not as if me being there would make them any safer than I know they are.

So now it's all with forensics and no doubt Mrs H is doing things behind the scenes too.

I keep thinking they were actually quite nice pictures. We looked happy.

125 comments:

Anonymous said...

You okay Lestrade? This seems a bit ominous after yesterday.

REReader said...

Did you post this, L? A blank entry is a bit worrying under the circumstances--you okay?

Greg Lestrade said...

sorry, I was writing it and hit post too early, obviously. didn't mean to scare anyone.

REReader said...

Okay. Thanks for answering so quickly.

(And it doesn't sound in the least stupid. The blogs are what you choose to share, which is entirely different.)

John H. D. Watson said...

The calls and texts are not annoying, promise. I love you. We'll be all right.

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah, I know. Love you too. Ask the boys if there's anything special they'd like for dinner?

Sherlock said...

Huge stuffed pasta shells and baked Alaska!

KHolly said...

Even though intellectually we know that Mrs. Holmes picked a nanny with John's skill set for a reason the idea that someone could do something like this, and involve the extended family as well, just makes my skin crawl. I can't imagine how much worse it is for you all.

It's good that you had had such a happy day and I hope that this violation of it leave the memories permanently tainted.

KHolly said...

*doesn't* leave the memories tainted.

Sigh. I should proof read before hitting publish.

John H. D. Watson said...

It's all right, we knew what you meant. Thank you.

It was still a good day, and maybe we'll get to bounce again at some point, depending on what they decide to do with it when the tour's over.

REReader said...

Huge stuffed pasta shells sounds very yummy, Sherlock!

And a return bouncy visit sounds like an excellent idea for reclaiming happy associations, if they set it up somewhere after the tour--near actual Stonehenge would be where I'd choose. :) (Only after they bring it to the States for a bit!)

pandabob said...

I hope this is all sorted out soon and you can get back to living your life as freely as you ever do. The mix of skills you have in your household make you the perfect people to look after each other and the boys but that doesn't make you any less human and any less worried by things like this.

Another days bouncing would be good if you could do it John, you all seemed to have a great time :-)

I hope you make it home soon Greg :-)

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you have Mrs. H and forensics to back you up. I'd hate to think of you and John and the boys having to work all this out on your own.

It's frustrating that some of the pictures were good ones, though. Even if they're great shots, you'll never be able to enjoy them without having the echo of yesterday and wondering who was behind the camera.

I don't suppose it could be a backhanded apology from your ex, the photographer? I mean, via another photographer he knows, since you'd have noticed him there in Bristol.

rsf

Anonymous said...

As if L wasn't concerned enough RSF!! an apology from a creep like that is about as likely as the sun not coming up tomorrow

Greg Lestrade said...

I'm certain that Bry has never felt he had anything to apologise for.

John H. D. Watson said...

I don't think he's that subtle either, to be honest.

REReader said...

I was wondering of itight have some connection with the guy who commented that he thought he saw you following him, L, since he knew about the blogs, but I know that's not a very strong reason.

REReader said...

(Not "itight", it might.)

Desert Wanderer said...

We looked happy.

There's a thought to focus on. Hope your day's going a little better, Lestrade. Well, actually a lot better. :)


(Also, I got the song this time! I think that brings my total up to six)

REReader said...

(I got the song too, DW! It's one of the first songs I learned to play on my guitar. :))

pandabob said...

Early finish or stuck at work till normal time or after Greg?

How are you and the boys John? have you managed to do much today or has Sherlock spent the day drawing up booby trap plans?

John H. D. Watson said...

Their mum showed up around noon, and we all went to the Hunterian again. She and Anthea and I talked about the situation a bit when Sherlock wasn't busy giving her the guided tour of things in jars. Between her security and the boys', I think most of the people in the museum must've been in her employ.

REReader said...

Sounds like Sherlock, at least, had a good time! And I'm sure it was good for the three of you to get out of the house for a while. (Not to mention having a chance to talk over the situation.)

pandabob said...

That sounds like a good thing all round John, being able to talk it all through with Mrs H and know you are all on the same page with whatever you are going to do has got to be good :-)

I'm glad Sherlock had fun as well :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Hope your day is too, DW. I nearly didn't use the first line, thought it was too easy.

Stuck at work until the bitter end, AnonyBob.

RR - to be honest, I always sort of assumed that was one of you lot messing about. I mean, there'd be no reason why anyone I followed to know who I was. Be a huge coincidence if they read this blog. So...well, if it was one of you, then feel free to say so.

Greg Lestrade said...

Sherlock - want ricotta, basil and tomato in shells? Or something else? I'll have to see about baked alaska.

REReader said...

It might have been one of us, of course. It would be good it it was. Because, just...well, it was an Odd Thing, which is why I remembered it.

(I'm sure I'm making too much of it)

Sherlock said...

What does goat cheese taste like?

John says baked Alaska is too complicated for tonight but it's okay because I'm going to make brownies instead, Anthea said I could teach her how to do it!

jeff said...

I am really sorry Lestrade I was only having a laugh when you said you'd been following people I never knew anything like this would happen.

I won't do it again, sorry.

Greg Lestrade said...

Tastes nice. I'm sure you've had it before. A bit stronger than most cheese.

We can have ice cream on brownies, I'm sure. And I'm sure you'll be a fantastic teacher for Anthea. Just remember to be patient if she doesn't do things right first time, and don't just step in and do it for her, okay?

Small Hobbit said...

Guys, I'd like to say something intelligent and insightful about this situation, but since I can't think of anything suitable, I'll just say I'm thinking of you and hoping that things get sorted soon and without anymore untoward events.

Sherlock said...

Mycroft wants goat cheese instead of ricotta he says if that goes in shells and if it tastes nice that's all right with me too.

Greg Lestrade said...

Jeff - I assumed at the time it was someone messing about, that's why my responses weren't serious. Don't worry about it. None of us could have known this was going to happen.

Sherlock - you can try some goat's cheese before we stuff them, and if you like it then good, if you don't you can have ricotta and mozzarella, okay?

Sherlock said...

All right. Are you coming home soon? Anthea's really bad at cracking eggs.

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah,, on the way. I'll have to stop for big pasta shells though, okay? See you all soon.

pandabob said...

I'm glad you're on your home Greg even if it is at the bitter end.

Your dinner sounds like it will be lovely and all the better for Sherlock's contribution :-)

I hope you all have a more relaxing evening than yesterday.

Carla said...

Uncle Orio, I just thought I'd write and say you shouldn't worry about us. We're all being careful, and Mum says that Mycroft's Mum has got her 'people' looking after us too. Dad's a bit angry, but he'll calm down I think. He's like you said - got no one to really be angry with so he's just properly grumpy with everyone.

Mycroft, thanks for talking to me last night, you made me feel loads better and I hope we can come and see you soon. I tried to persuade Mum to let us have a dog, like you said, but she still says no!


xoxox

Anon Without A Name said...

Mmmm, goats cheese, lovely (if you like it, Sherlock, you might want to try it on pizza at some point). And brownies for afters sound even nicer.

Glad you got through the day OK, Lestrade; must be so frustrating not being with John and the boys, and not able to do anything until the forensics (or Mrs H) come back with something.

I think you've all been coping really well; I'm glad you've all got each other as support :-)

Hope the rest of the family are OK, Lestrade.

Mycroft said...

Carla, it was nice to talk to you as well. I'm glad you're doing all right. Lestrade is still grumpy, too, and so is Mummy. John is just quiet. I would loan you one of my dogs, but I'm not sure they'd listen to you properly and I wouldn't want them to cause trouble.

Sherlock said...

Goats cheese is yummy and Lestrade says Anthea should practice cracking eggs not cracking heads because she's rubbish at it.

John H. D. Watson said...

Lestrade likes to live dangerously.

Anonymous said...

Sherlock, different goat cheeses taste different, just the same as different cheeses made from cow's milk do. When I was growing up, my Grandmother always got gjetost, which is Norwegian goat's cheese, which is hard and brown and kind of sweet sometimes. I was really surprised when I had goat cheese as a grown up, because it looked and tasted completely different.

Carla, if your mom doesn't want a big scary dog, see if she might be willing to get a small terrier instead. They're noisier, but they can still be very protective.

John, Lestrade, Mrs. H, I hope things get resolved soon.

rsf

Greg Lestrade said...

I didn't say that!

Sherlock said...

You said it to me quietly that she was rubbish because we both knew she was. You said the bit about heads to her. She said she'll teach you a thing or two about cracking and I don't even know what that means.

REReader said...

Thanks for the report, Sherlock, I was wondering about the goat cheese, as I've never had any.

Did the brownies come out well? (I want brownies!)

What did you say, L? :D

Greg Lestrade said...

I may have mentioned that her egg cracking skills weren't quite as polished as some of her other skills.

She then threatened me with GBH. Uncalled for, really.

REReader said...

:D

KHolly said...

RR is goat cheese one of the not allowed things? Or just that you haven't got around to it? Because if it is allowed you should try some; it can be fantastic. (I last got some at a farmer's market where he had samples which made it easier to be sure I was getting ones I liked.)

pandabob said...

entirely uncalled for Greg ;-) but you are a very brave man questioning any of Anthea's skills from what I've heard.

I'm glad your tea is nice Sherlock :-)

REReader said...

KHolly--Goats chew their cud and have cloven feet, so they are kosher, which meant that goat cheese can be kosher, depending on how it's made. I've just not got around to it.

REReader said...

("means", not "meant". *sigh*)

Small Hobbit said...

I can entirely sympathise with Anthea - does she manage a look as well, because I would presume that you would have received one by now ;)

John H. D. Watson said...

I would say he's received a variety of looks from her this evening.

Greg Lestrade said...

None of her looks are as good as yours, Sweets.

John H. D. Watson said...

Glad to hear it, though I think you may be slightly biased. Wouldn't want you seduced away by her egg cracking charms.

Greg Lestrade said...

She is a cracking lass, but doesn't hold a candle to your cracking good looks. Or good looking crack.

Anon Without A Name said...

She is a cracking lass, but doesn't hold a candle to your cracking good looks. Or good looking crack.

Well now there's a compliment to treasure...

"Dear diary, today Lestrade compared me unfavourably to John's arse".

Greg Lestrade said...

Ta, Nameless - I needed to burrow a bit further in Anth's bad books!

She and John's arse are...incomparable.

Anonymous said...

I don't have anything to apologise for. And have better things to do with my time than follow this loser and his little manufactured family around the country.

Anon Without A Name said...

Any time, Lestrade:-)

Um, good for you, Anon?

(Does everyone have to do this now? 'cos there's about 60 million anons out there who aren't responsible for the photos, if all of them have to come along individually and say it wasn't them while insulting the guys, this could take a while)

Greg Lestrade said...

Nameless - as long as everyone is happy to assume innocence until guilt is proven and all that I think we can do without the 60 million comments.

(Anthea, take note of that. And assume I'm very innocent.)

pandabob said...

you could never be in anyone's bad books Greg surely you just smile and they forgive you anything ;-)

Anon - not sure what you're on about but lots of us didn't send the photos you don't need to tell us you didn't and you certainly don't have to be horrible to these lovely gentlemen and their family.

John H. D. Watson said...

I think 60 million comments on one post might break Blogger for good.

REReader said...

But apparently, Anon, you don't have better things to do with your time than read these blogs and make rude and unnecessary comments. With all due respect, get yourself a life.

Greg Lestrade said...

AnonyBob - sadly not. My smile gets me into as much trouble as it gets me out of.

Anonymous said...

Personally I want to know what makes a good egg cracker. Does it require a certain panache? An ability to glare the egg into submission? Or just a hidden history of eggs destroyed with less than optimal technique?

rsf

pandabob said...

That's a shame Greg I'd have thought the smile was the winner everytime :-)

Are you managing a relaxing evening? or at least a bit of fun of some sort?

Greg Lestrade said...

Sherlock thinks the pinnacle of egg cracking is being able to crack and egg with one hand. He tries every time. Usually just gets a handful of smashed egg.

REReader said...

Usually just gets a handful of smashed egg.

^^^This is me. :) (My sister-in-law can crack eggs one-handed, however. Does that count?)

Anonymous said...

He might have to wait until his hands are a bit larger. Although I can't crack eggs with one hand either, unless I want to spend ten minutes fishing shell fragments out of the bowl.

rsf

John H. D. Watson said...

I can't do it either, and I haven't practised nearly as much as Sherlock has.

Greg Lestrade said...

I think he'll get there when he's bigger. He practices enough. I can do one in each hand at the same time, which he declares is completely unfair.

John just thinks it's all unnecessary and showing off and does it the regular two-handed way.

Anonymous said...

I have a nice life, thanks. Still like to drop in and see how the Other Half lives. So domestic. So sweet to have all you strangers rooting for them.

Anonymous said...

What do you do with all of Sherlock's smashed eggs?

rsf

REReader said...

Egg shells make good fertilizer!

(I have no idea why fertilizer jumped to mind, none at all.)

Mazarin said...

I'm reading the comments and occasionaly there are these annoying grey, fuzzy spaces. Like right now, there one above rsf's last comment. Is that happening for anyone else?

Greg Lestrade said...

if it's just breakfast or a cake then I scoop out the bits with a spare bit of shell. He doesn't get to try and break them one-handed for anything like meringues. If they're beyond help and the dogs are about then a dog eats it. Otherwise I tend to eat the ones that are...crunchier than anyone else likes.

Greg Lestrade said...

...and I've just realised, in this house, I always seem to be just one step away from eating dog food... the hierarchy is: Degus, Sherlock, Mycroft, John, Me, Dogs.

Hmm.

pandabob said...

Otherwise I tend to eat the ones that are...crunchier than anyone else likes.

isn't that just exactly what good guardians do ;-)

REReader said...

There's a nice amount of calcium in eggshells, and nutritionists are always saying it's best to get your vitamins and minerals from food as opposed to tablets! :)

Maz--I thought it was hayfever. Are you a fellow sufferer?

John H. D. Watson said...

L - you, me, and the dogs...ha. The degus are the pickiest eaters I know, it's true.

Greg Lestrade said...

It was a toss up between them and Sherlock, really. But they actually can't have certain foods...whereas Sherlock just goes through fads and phases of disliking random food groups. Or colours. Or textures or whatever.

John H. D. Watson said...

Yeah. I think most kids do that, don't they? If they're allowed to have some say in what they eat, at least.

Anon Without A Name said...

Lestrad - nothing wrong with being an unfussy eater :-) Although presumably that only applies if the food isn't spicy?

Maz said...

No, but I have been having those thyroid issues, and one symptom is difficulty concentrating, so I suppose I thought I was just that. *shrug*

I'm sort of like you, L. I'm bottom of the pile - if its burnt or most overcooked, I eat it. If its the smallest, I eat it. If its the oldest, I eat it. I think maybe that's the natural state of the family cook? Everyone gets the best, you get the rest. I'm not sure I'd be able to do it any other way - it would feel wrong, or something.

Greg Lestrade said...

Danger - I think so. And he's far less fussy than many. It's just hard to keep up with him sometimes.

Nameless - I would eat spicy stuff if I had to. I just wouldn't ever choose to. It hurts!

Maz - yeah, I wouldn't either. I want them all to enjoy it!

REReader said...

I think most kids do that, don't they?

Every one of my nieces and nephews did, that's for sure. (I'm sure I didn't do that myself as a child, my mother must remember it wrong. And my siblings.)

John H. D. Watson said...

I'm just glad he eats vegetables.

And I don't think not wanting spicy stuff counts as picky. Food shouldn't hurt.

Desert Wanderer said...

I nearly didn't use the first line, thought it was too easy.

Mean. :(

Anonymous said...

Maz, could you see the anon comment above mine or was it greyed out?

I generally expect kids to be fussier about food just because they have more tastebuds. I know there are foods I eat happily now that were too bitter when I was young.

There are foods dogs shouldn't eat either, but the only one I know for sure is chocolate, and that won't even get past Sherlock.

rsf

EBSanon said...

most kids are picky about food because it's about the only thing they can control Sherlock doesn't have that problem so it's no wonder he's happy to be adventurous.

You guys are doing so well carrying on as you are you are all amazing. how long till you get your break from work Lestrade?

EBSanon

Maz said...

That's the one I meant, rsf.

Odd, that. :)

Anonymous said...

Maz, maybe your browser is blocking the anon comments -- which is VERY odd if you can see mine.

rsf

Maz said...

The nasty anons, maybe, rsf.

Anonymous said...

A very discerning browser!

rsf

Trills said...

Sorry, I've been offline. Are all of us lurkers supposed to deny it was us? Because it wasn't me.

(Do I have to insult you as well?)

Um... you're... silly.

No, I'm not good at this...

Hope everyone's ok and not getting frustrated at staying in. At least the weather has taken a turn for the less taunting.

Greg Lestrade said...

Hey Drills, long time. Hope you're okay?

Greg Lestrade said...

...Trills. sorry. Phone.

Anonymous said...

I can see why you like them hanging around here. All in denial like you always were. Make you feel special, does it?

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah, having people who care about you does feel pretty special. I don't suppose you'd know.

And I don't know why you'd pretend to be a bastard - I mean, I presume that's what you're trying to do, give the impression that you're my ex. So whatever sick kicks you get out of it, enjoy it, I'm sure most people here will ignore you and hopefully you'll get bored soon enough.

pandabob said...

I hope you're alright Greg.

Anon Without A Name said...

Yeah, having people who care about you does feel pretty special

It's good, isn't it?

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah, thanks, AnonyBob. Just don't understand some people.

pandabob said...

the time to worry is when they start to make sense!

Are you four having a relaxing evening? I'm guessing some people (naming no names) will be very excited about your upcoming holiday ;-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah, Sherlock is already planning to take... well, everything he owns, really.

REReader said...

Heh! You're right, that is a sure sign he's excited about the trip!

Anonymous said...

Will Mycroft be able to take his telescope?

Anon Without A Name said...

Heh, I guess Sherlock still has to learn how to pack light :-)

John H. D. Watson said...

Anon - I don't see why not. Probably not the big, he doesn't usually travel too much with that, but the other one if he wants to.

And Sherlock, if we get halfway there and I find out you're smuggling degus in your pockets, you and I are going straight back home and staying there, just so you know.

pandabob said...

he wouldn't make that mistake twice John I'm sure :-)

I'm glad he's excited about going away I hope the rest of you are as well even if you're hiding it a bit better ;-)

KHolly said...

Surely Sherlock wouldn't want to deny Anthea's guy the chance for some degu love while you're away.

REReader said...

(You might want to delete the "in your pockets" from your warning anyway, John--because my brother would so have heard that as a loophole!) (Still would, and he's 35. :D)

Really, I'm sure Sherlock wouldn't do that. He already made arrangements for their care and everything. And maybe he'll be able to Skype Anthea's guy a few times so he can see for himself that they're okay.

Greg Lestrade said...

Judging by the number of times he's got out of bed again tonight, he wants to leave now, not Monday.

I can assure you he understands that degus are banned, pockets or otherwise.

REReader said...

I SAID I don't really believe Sherlock would try to bring them!

Bet you wouldn't mind not waiting until Monday to go, yourself. :)

Greg Lestrade said...

Right. I obviously missed the point of the comment.

Yeah, would quite like to go asap.

REReader said...

Sorry! It's just that I have a brother who takes great delight in treating every statement in it's most literal sense, just to see people's reactions, and he came forcibly to mind when I read John's comment.

pandabob said...

the pre holiday excitement in kids is just the best (until you actually need sleep anyway!)

Are you working the all weekend Greg? I'm guessing you are working some of it or you'd already be off on your trip.

Greg Lestrade said...

yeah, all of it.

pandabob said...

bugger :-( hopefully people will refrain from misbehaving too badly and you won't have too much to do :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

DUnno, right now I think it'll be better for me to stay busy. But thanks for the sentiment.

pandabob said...

I was only really thinking in terms of having things finished on time on Sunday. I know you are a work hard to get through things kind of a guy and I'd never want to deny you that when you need it.

Small Hobbit said...

Are you still working on the decomposing corpse (not literally I hasten to add), or have you returned to battling your paperwork into submission?

Greg Lestrade said...

The corpse. Not much to go on. Down as a suspicious death right now. Doesn't make a lot of sense. Want to get as much done as possible before we go away.

Anon Without A Name said...

I'm guessing dealing with a decomposing corpse might actually be just a tad easier than dealing with a packing-crazed Sherlock :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

I've had a few phonecalls and texts of complaint regarding John's rules on packing. Sadly for Sherlock I'm always going to be on John's side. United we stand and all that.

The last request was a spear gun for fishing.

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