Still, he realised later, the absence of supporting staff had a certain advantage. He put Jonathan to bed, secretly marvelling at the boundless energy of a six-year-old, and said to Russell, "I suppose Jonathan will be in your hands in Los Angeles."

She put her book down. "I beg your pardon?"

"Well, this is a complex case, and I doubt the local authorities will care to deal with Sherlock Holmes's wife any more than they have to."

She gave him a suspicious look, but muttered, "I'll make them care."

"Of course you will," he agreed.