Never say never.

Isn't that what they say?

Sherlock stared at the floor and wondered for the hundredth time if he had actually said 'Never' when discussing this with John. Then John's voice sounded loud in his ears even though he was alone in the room.

"Just as well I'm not bloody superstitious." He had grumbled good-naturedly, pulling on his jacket and following his friend down the stairs.

And Sherlock had just shrugged and hailed a cab.

That was three hours ago and now here he was, pacing the floor and worrying that his words had caused this catastrophe.

It should have been a straightforward case, proving that the man who murdered Duncan McKellen was the same ex-employee who had broken into his company offices less than a week ago. There was no doubt in his mind that the disgraced accountant was guilty, and never for one moment had he considered that the man would put up any kind of resistance.

There it was again, that word 'never', and John had paid the price for his complacency.

The sound of a door opening drew Sherlock from his dark thoughts. The surgeon, weary and still dressed in scrubs wasted no words in meaningless platitudes.

"Dr Watson is comfortable, and doing as well as can be expected now that we've removed the bullet."