Title: The Ghost of Dundee
Fandom: Sherlock Holmes (ACD)
Rating: PG
Length: 280
Summary: In 1879 there was a rail disaster in Dundee, and now Watson is hearing ghosts.

We had been to Perth, where Holmes had been engaged on what in the end was a very straightforward case.  From there he had requested we move onto Dundee, as there were a couple of loose ends he wished to tie up; nothing of consequence, simply for self-satisfaction.

So while Holmes was so engrossed I took a stroll around the city and came to the banks of the River Tay.  There a sound of a scream came to my ears.  I looked around but could see nothing.  Another scream had me hurrying along the bank, intent on assisting whoever was in trouble.

Suddenly, a dark arm reached out and a hand grabbed hold of me.  “You hear it too, sir,” he said.  “’Tis the cries of the poor souls who drowned when the railway bridge collapsed.”

Somewhat shaken, I thanked the old man, and returned to our hotel.  There I regaled Holmes with the tale of my adventure.

The barman, who happened to overhear, gave a groan, and Holmes and I turned towards him.  The man shook his head.  “That was no old man you saw, but one of the passengers.  ‘Tis said that those who meet him are sure to encounter death again soon.”

Holmes gave a bark of laughter, which caused the barman to frown at the unbelief.

I smiled and said, “Please do not concern yourself.  I am a doctor, and sadly, in my profession, that is too often the case.”

The man shook his head.  “Aye, Dr McPherson has met him on several occasions.  And yet, each time, there has been another death.”

I exchanged a glance with Holmes, but we both refrained from further comment.