From Michael JG Meathook: Wiggins is growing up


A/N: Technically, it's still Christmas here. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. May everyone be filled with peace and love in their hearts this season.


"Wiggins, I daresay you are an inch taller every time I see you!" Mrs Hudson inspected young Wiggins as he waited for Holmes to finish with a client.

"Yes, ma'am" I daresay your fine cooking has helped too." He smiled and nodded in polite gratitude.

"I shall look for a new pair of trousers for you." Mrs Hudson clucked. "That pair you have on is much too small for you."

"The dangers of growing so fast, ma'am," Wiggins gave a wry grin.

Just then, Holmes' client stepped out and hurried down the stairs.

"Wiggins, come in," Holmes called from the sitting room.

"Mrs Hudson is correct in her assessment of your growth, I perceive." Holmes welcomed the lad into a chair by the fireplace. "Warm yourself. By the pink in your cheek and the mud on your trouser legs, I can see you've had an eventful day."

Wiggins gave his favourite detective a smile. "Shall I tell you what I discovered?"

"Do tell." Holmes leaned forward eagerly. "And don't forget the slightest detail. Even a trifle could prove important."

Wiggins accepted the challenge with ease and leaned into his narration. When he finished, Holmes rubbed his hands together in satisfaction and his eyes sparkled.

"Excellent, my dear boy! You have done well. More than once, you've provided the vital clue to solving one of my cases. You are invaluable."

He surveyed the sturdy lad before him. He was no longer just a boy. He was now as tall as Mrs Hudson and would likely pass up Holmes himself in stature. A few scraggly bits of hair threatened his chin and much to Wiggin's chagrin, his voice cracked at the most awkward of times.

"I say, Wiggins, you know the shipyard better than any of the Inspector's men and can slip into the shadows with the best of them. Would you like to join Watson and I tonight on our watch? We could use someone of your skill in capturing this nefarious sailor."

Wiggins jumped up. "Yes, sir!" he saluted Holmes in his excitement.

"After all, you're growing up and I see you're ready for new challenges."