"Fences are more likely to electrocute them than a tree," Sherlock pointed out. It was a long shot, but it was still a shot. He was about to say something more when Howard abruptly stood up and made to dismiss himself.

He raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything: he was more than used to being hated, after all. He was more annoyed that Howard was being rude to Joan, but all the better - maybe if John saw how annoying he was the man would be less inclined to be fond of him.

So he said nothing, and pointedly pretended to be much more interested in the treeline.