In the books Lestrade goes from simply vying with the other Scotland Yard detectives to becoming a much more valued colleague. And it's in the latter role that I like to write my Lestrade. He brings Holmes in on cases and also provides information to him, which has been gained by painstaking and unglamorous ways. Lestrade never gives up, and in my stories is not simply aiming for promotion, but concerned about the people involved.
Lestrade was at Scotland Yard when a breathless police constable arrived to tell him about the fire at the docks. He summoned his men, and they hurried to the docks, Lestrade urging his driver to make all haste. There was no doubt in his mind what had happened and concern for Holmes was mixed with the need to foil the gang’s escape. On arriving he ordered his men to spread out, satisfied that while the fire had given the gang the initial advantage, the chaos would now be impeding their departure, which was confirmed by a number of triumphant shouts.
