Sherlock2010

Henry Knight:
[bitterly] I'm not sure you can help me, Mr. Holmes, since you find it all so FUNNY.

Sherlock Holmes:
Because of what happened last night.

Dr. John Watson:
Why, what happened last night?

Henry Knight:
How... how do you know?

Sherlock Holmes:
I didn't know. I noticed. Came up from Devon on the first available train this morning. You had a disappointing breakfast and a cup of black coffee. The girl in the seat across the aisle fancied you. Although you were initially keen, you've now changed your mind. You are, however, extremely anxious to have your first cigarette of the day. Sit down Mr. Knight and do please smoke. I'd be delighted.

Henry Knight:
How on earth did you notice all that?

Dr. John Watson:
It's not important.

Sherlock Holmes:
Punched out holes where your ticket's been checked.

Dr. John Watson:
Not now, Sherlock.

Sherlock Holmes:
Oh, please, I've been cooped up in here for ages.

Dr. John Watson:
You're just showing off.

Sherlock Holmes:
Of course. I AM a show-off. That's what we do. Train napkin used to mop up the spilled coffee - strength of the stain shows that you didn't take milk - but traces of ketchup on it and around your lips and on your sleeve - cooked breakfast, or the nearest thing those trains can manage. Probably a sandwich.

Henry Knight:
[chuckles nervously] How did you know it was disappointing?

Sherlock Holmes:
Is there any other type of breakfast on a train? The girl - female handwriting's quite distinctive - wrote her phone number down on the napkin. I can tell from the angle she wrote at that she was sat across from you on the other side of the aisle. Later - after she got off, I imagine - you used the napkin to mop up your spilled coffee, accidentally smudging the numbers. You've been over the last four digits yourself in another pen - so you wanted to keep the number. Just now though, you used the napkin to blow your nose - maybe you're not that into her after all. Then there's the nicotine stains on your fingers, your shaking fingers. I know the signs. No chance to smoke one on the train nor time to roll one before you got a cab here. It's just after 9:15; you're desperate. The first train from Exeter to London leaves at 5:46 AM. You got the first one possible - so something important must have happened last night. Am I wrong?

Henry Knight:
No. You're right. You're completely, exactly right. Bloody hell, I heard you were quick.

Sherlock Holmes:
It's my job. Now shut up and smoke.