Sherlock quickly shoved the double doors open making his usual grand stage entrances, the empty hallway of Coal Hill School staring back at him. John followed behind, arms crossed, with his 'already regretting this' face. It was early, classes were still being taught, the typical classroom chatter echoed from the rooms.
John glanced at his watch wincing.
Originally, Clara had told them to come by at three, when classes were being dismissed but Sherlock didn't like waiting. He frowned, scanning the deserted hallway for Clara, "Well, that's rude. We told her we were coming." Sherlock muttered.
"Obviously, she's still teaching," John pointed out. "It's only 1:30, she clearly said to be here at 3:00 P.M." He huffed.
"One, three… same thing," Sherlock said with a shrug.
John gave him a flat look. "Only in your world."
Sherlock's gaze skimmed through the brightly lit hall with its grey brick walls, faded school announcements, red worn lockers badly dented by countless student's before.
"So, boring," Sherlock stated unimpressed. "How does she survive this place?"
John just shrugged glancing at the artwork tapped on the wall, "I don't know, kind of brings back memories for me," He commented, thoughtfully, admiring a student's drawing.
"Did you enjoy school, Sherlock?" He asked.
In typical fashion, Sherlock didn't answer. John looked back to see the oblivious man was already halfway down the hall.
John scowled, catching up just as Sherlock stopped outside a classroom, peering inside. Clara was at the front, chalk in hand, mid-explanation, her hands gesturing at the board, her voice muffled by a heavy wood door.
He noticed a few kids seemingly looking interested, while others were scrolling their phones under the desks.
"Our future," Sherlock muttered, rolling his eyes.
Suddenly, one student closest to the door jerked upright, his eyes fixed on the strange man with a dark overcoat, pressing against the small window.
"Uh, miss, who's that?" He questioned.
Abruptly student's heads turned around, some pointing and soon the giggling and mutters erupted. Confused, Clara turned and gasped, Sherlock was calmly leaning on the doorframe looking impatient.
"Aww, miss! Looks like your boyfriend came to visit," Courtney teased. "How sweet!" She added, grinning.
Clearly annoyed, Clara's lips pressed into a thin line. "Now, hush," She warned, briefly glancing back at Sherlock who was now gesturing at her to come out," Clara sighed, looking back at her class, "Just keep working. I'll be back in a minute." She said.
Once out in the hall, she shut the door, glaring, "What are you doing here?"
"You said I could come over," Sherlock replied, nonchalant.
"At three o'clock." Clara reminded him.
"Oh, shame, must have missed that part." Sherlock grunted.
"Big surprise," John muttered.
Clara took a breath, she was not in the mood to argue. ""Okay, fine," She said. "Now, what was so urgent that you had to come down here so early?" She asked slightly exasperated.
"Oh, sorry," Sherlock replied simply. "They found a body," He said like it was no big deal. "You know, thought you'd be interested."
Her eyes widened, peeked with intrigued, Clara then cleared her throat keeping her voice steady. "Give me a sec." She gestured with her finger before turning and stepping away to find another teacher to cover her class.
Sherlock's mouth slowly curved. "Knew that get her attention." He murmured.