Title: The Importance of Preparation
Fandom: Sherlock (BBC)
Rating: G
Length: 288 words
Summary: At the successful conclusion of a case, Sherlock and DI Stanley Hopkins (River Police) are comparing notes. (Sherlock/Stanley)

"After all your talk of preparation,” Sherlock remarked, “you have to admit it was my brilliant deduction at that moment which meant you were able to capture Cashmore and recover the stolen goods.”

Stanley Hopkins snorted and handed round glasses of wine he had just poured.  “Here’s to a successful conclusion,” he said.

“And…” Sherlock prompted.

“Let me think.  Well, first of all, if I hadn’t arranged for our launch to be available, we wouldn’t have been in the right place on the river for you to make your observations.”

“Surely Sherlock could have swum out,” John said with a smile.

Stanley grinned back.  “A bit doubtful that, given the strength at the time.  I could add that my team had prepared the launch ensuring it had sufficient fuel, as well as everything else we might need on board.”

“Including life jackets,” Sherlock muttered.

“You know my rules on them.  Then I’d also liaised with Greg, so he had some of his team standing by in cars, which meant Cashmore was apprehended before he could get away.”

Sherlock yawned.  “A trivial matter.”

“As, no doubt, were my cheese sandwiches, which I’d had the foresight to prepare sufficient for both of us, so one of us wouldn’t go hungry.”

“Hmph!”

“Then there were the descriptions of the goods, which had been circulated so that the teams knew what they were looking for.  At least two of the items would have been missed if they hadn’t been properly listed.”

“But you must admit that without me, it wouldn’t have been a success.”

“I’m not denying that, merely pointing out that while your flashes of inspiration are extremely valuable, they would be worthless if we hadn’t done all the preparation beforehand.”