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[jumpthegun]

You've reached Dr. John Watson. Please leave a message.

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[jumpthegun]

Well, if you ever get a chance for a holiday from the bakery that doesn't involve being snatched away to another univers, Cuba's lovely.

[devoutish]

Cuba. You've been?

[jumpthegun]

I have. Six Continents Watson. It's the nickname some of my mates had for me back home. I like to travel. And you're not the only one who likes women. The ones in Cuba are very nice.

[devoutish]

Did they call you Six Continents Watson because of the travel or because of the women, mate?

[jumpthegun]

I don't kiss and tell. Wouldn't be very gentlemanly, would it?

[devoutish]

I think you just did.

[jumpthegun]

[John just tuts.]

Excellent fishing there, as well, if that's anything you're interested in.

[devoutish]

Never was one for fishing. I'm a city man.

[jumpthegun]

Havana's the place to be, then. D'you like clubs?

[devoutish]

Not really. I don't spend much time in 'em. The biggest one in my area's owned by an Italian gang, and we're rivals.

[jumpthegun]

Rivals? Here I'd've thought you'd be all about making alliances.

[devoutish]

We're back and forth on each other. We were rivals when I left here. When we're getting along, some of my men do go to the Eden Club.

It's a bit too modern for me. I might be too old to appreciate it.

[jumpthegun]

Too old for clubs, too young for fishing. You're a difficult man to plan a holiday for, Mr. Solomons.

[devoutish]

[Alfie's quiet for a moment on his end. Just those few longer sentences had taken a little bit of a toll on him, and he needs a moment to catch his breath.]

Didn't turn down the women, did I.

Swimming?

[jumpthegun]

Well, there is an ocean, and it's warm. And there are women on the beach. [The mental image of Alfie in some 1920s stripey bathing suit with his beard, snorkeling in Cuba is so bizarre and hilarious, though. He wonders if he might be able to get Emily to draw it for when he comes back.

And he will come back. John's bound and determined. This is too stupid a reason for him to die to not come back. But John can hear his labored breathing, and that's another wrench.]

You could work on your tan. Reckon I could do with that. Been in England too long, got all pasty again.

[devoutish]

Women on the beach. Mm.

Was there a special woman for you in Cuba, John?

[jumpthegun]

Rosalyn, the Cuban Rose. Met her at a bar a few days into my holiday. Found out she liked swimming, too. Went for a few dips in some of her favorite spots around the island while I was there. [Innocuous comment about swimming adventures or innuendo? You decide, Mr. Solomons.] Always best to get tours from the locals, y'know?

[devoutish]

The Cuban Rose was a name you gave her?

[jumpthegun]

She told me her name meant 'fair rose.' Seemed fitting, and she liked it when I called her that. [After a few drinks in both of them.]

She called me Johnny. We had a bit of fun while it lasted. Still exchange postcards every now and again.

[devoutish]

Six continents Watson.

[He chuckles again, and closes his eyes.]

[jumpthegun]

All the mystique of a soldier, all the practical skills of a surgeon.

[It makes up for his height, or so he tells himself.]

Hit a bit of dry spell about two and half years ago, though, if that makes it easier on you, mate.

[He's only teasing.]

[devoutish]

Oh-- no need to worry about me.

[He pauses for another breather.]

I don't get many of those. Only when I'm holidaying in Alaska.

[jumpthegun]

Here's a show-off, then. [He clicks his tongue in mock-indignation.] One I hear should be getting married here soon enough.

[Look, he overhears things. It's enough to tease the other man with.]

[devoutish]

That is what happens when a man and a woman travel in the same group, yeah? Instant matrimony.

[jumpthegun]

How could I have forgotten!? Fiona must be married half a dozen times over now.