'Twas the Night Before Christmas
by D.E. Lewis (Sherlockian221 at aol.com)
12/22/01
'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house
(Okay, the New London auditorium. So sue me)
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
But all that changed in a second, as Holmes, Lestrade,
Watson, and the Irregulars all entered to practice for their
Christmas pageant -- basically, a medley of songs and skits. Moriarty
sat hidden in the back. Unseen by Holmes and the others, he had been
watching the progression of this little performance for days. He
knew what everyone was doing: Tennyson was playing the piano (he'd
figured as much from his way of communication), Watson was putting
the lights together, and the others were practicing singing. They
would sing duets and trios, but often all together. Tonight would be
the only night they would perform. This was dress rehearsal.
About an hour later, they finished their work, and went home
to get ready. "Back here at eight, everyone!" Holmes called. "Good
work today. We should do well tonight." The others nodded in assent.
When the stage was empty, Moriarty went home himself to put
together a room for Fenwick's 4-year-old niece, Rebecca. She was
being raised in Sussex, so she spoke English fluently, without a
French accent. She would be there in a few hours, and the two men
would be taking her to the pageant.
Rebecca was there by six. They had eaten dinner, and were
getting ready to go. They got there in the nick of time, since quite
a few people were coming, and the theater was getting full. They sat
in front of a short and rather insane Yardie. The friend he had with
him called him Bradstreet.
Disregarding the little crazy man, they prepared to watch the
show. Soon the lights dimmed, and the curtains opened. The stage was
set beautifully, looking just like the living room of a house. The
music began, and they were all quickly lost in a sea of music
rushing over them. Then, Tennyson began to play a song Morriarty
hadn't heard in rehearsal: "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day". He
figured Holmes must have known he had been watching them practice.
Sherlock started solo, but Lestrade joined him. He had a beautiful
tenor, while her alto mixed and blended well. It was beautiful music.
Before long, Rebecca had fallen asleep on Fenwick's lap, and
the play was over. Morriarty told Fenwick to go on ahead, that he
would catch up. He snuck backstage. The actors were packing up.
"Hey, uh, Mister Holmes, why didn't you let Deidre and me in
on your secret song? We know it." Moriarty couldn't see the faces,
but knew the voices.
"Wiggins, there was a reason. I would rather just not explain."
"Fine by me. Just wondering, that's all." The Irregulars left,
and the only one who he supposed got a glimpse of him was Deidre.
Lestrade looked cozy in her sweater, and Holmes looked like he
always did. Deerstalker and Inverness. Nothing fancy. Lestrade left,
and Watson had gone to start the car up -- get it warm.
Holmes looked in his direction. "James, did you wonder why
we didn't practice in the stage?"
"Yes."
"Surprise."
"Please tell me no one gave you egg nog."
Holmes laughed at the inside joke. It was a long story, going
back to when they were boys. They walked outside. Moriarty began
walking home.
"Oh, James, Merry Christmas!"
"And to you too, Sherlock Holmes."
And I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
And a happy holidays to everyone here.
THE END
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