Work Text:
Scotland Yard had the extraordinary tendency to demand a report on Lestrade's recent work at a time when a review by his superiors would be most unwelcome; for example, now, when he must explain why he had been so certain that Lord St. Simon's bride was murdered, instead of healthy, alive, and already married to an American from her past.
"This particular case had more than its share of publicity—scandal really, notwithstanding that balderdash put out by The Strand, and the Superintendent is not entirely pleased by your handling of the case," the chief inspector explained before launching into what amounted to an interrogation on everything from the circumstances of Mrs. Moulton's disappearance to when, or how often, Mr. Sherlock Holmes was likely to be consulted in any present or future investigations.
It would not have concerned Lestrade near so much if he did not have the strong suspicion his answer to the latter queries ("I could not say sir, though should the need arise I hope Mr. Holmes would assist us like any loyal subject of the crown,") was likely to become a self-fulfilling prophecy before long.