Pennies

[capt_facepalm]

Title: Pennies
Author: capt_facepalm
Rating: PG
Fandom: Sherlock Holmes (Gaslight ACD)
Characters: Inspector Lestrade, Dr John Watson
Summary: Consequences happen.
Warning: (none) Word Count: 100
Author's Notes: July 18th 2018 prompt: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

.oOOo.

Doctor Watson and Inspector Lestrade left the Charing Cross Police Station in the late afternoon. As they approached Trafalgar Square, Watson paused to put some coins in the matchstick girl’s cup.

‘Doctor,’ Lestrade chided. ‘Remember the last time you gave in to your philanthropic instincts? No, perhaps you cannot, but I do. The gang that jumped you rang your bell pretty good and it was only by chance one of our constables found you.’

Watson, looking uncomfortable, replied.

‘I know, Inspector, but I find it hard not to spare a few pennies for a poor child begging in the street.’

.oOOo.

Please sign the guestbook

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Supplementary Notes: (none)

Comments

[gardnerhill]

Yeah, considering how many begging rackets there were and are ongoing (heck, even Robin Hood was unable to pass as a beggar because he didn't know the terms or tricks of the trade!), it's hard out there for a kind-hearted pserson sometimes.

[(Anonymous)]

It would be shame if he became too cynical
Mrs P

[bwblack]

Stay Golden Watson, stay golden

[capt_facepalm]

This was inspired by a memorable scene from a mostly forgettable movie called "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot"(2016). Martin Freeman (now you sense my interest in this film?) plays a war correspondent/photo-journalist and in the scene he gives money to a beggar boy. His colleague/love-interest, played by Tina Fey, advises him not to fall for the scam, but he says he knows it's a scam, but it is still just a kid begging in the streets. Best part of the whole movie, really.
Thanks!

[capt_facepalm]

Thanks, It would indeed.

[capt_facepalm]

I can see Watson's dismay with the world leading him to depression but not to cynicism.
Thanks!

[gardnerhill]

I've got the liberal attitude: I'd rather be ripped off 20 times by begging con-artists than refuse a buck to one person who's actually in need.