This is a sequel to Kate221b's fabulous story 'The Box.' To fully appreciate this you might have to read it. The following two characters are follow ons from her amazing story. This is set in-between The Great Game and A Scandal in Belgravia. With out further ado:
Sequel to: The Box
Prologue
(Transcript of phone conversation between Matt Ryding and Dr James Harrison. Confidential. For the eyes of Mycroft Holmes, Anthea Turnbald and Jason Nelson only.)
*Phone rings* Hello? Hello? Who is this? If this is another prank I will report it. I'm a busy man.
Dr Harrison?
This is Dr Harrison
Dr James Harrison formally of Elmhurst Psychiatric hospital.
*Heavy sigh* Yes.
Now of Edinburgh Medical School and part-time consultant?
Yes.
I'm sorry. I called you yesterday and the day before but my courage bottled when you picked up.
*Sigh* Who is this?
*Pause*Matt.
Matt? Matt who?
Matt Ryding. We worked with a patient together at Elmhurst. A patient with severe trust issues.
Do you mean Sherlock Holmes?
Yes.
*Exhaled breath* Matt, of course. Sorry, yes, I know who you are now.
I need your help.
For what?
I don't know what to do.
About what?
My partner has disappeared.
What am I supposed do about that?
You know Greek don't you? You studied the classical languages.
Yes. I take there's a note.
Yes.
In Greek.
I assume so.
Are you near a computer?
Yes
And a scanner or a camera
A scanner yes.
Scan it and send me the note attached to an email.
*Sounds of a computer and scanner* What's your email?
James dot Harrison at Hotmail dot com. All lower case
*Clicks on a computer* It's sent.
Yes I've got it. Right give me a minute
*Heavy breathing interspersed with shallow nervous breaths with audible swallowing*
Matt, calm down. Panicking gets you nowhere.
He's not just my partner. He's my fiancé.
Congratulations
Thank you
When is the big day?
Two weeks.
Ah. Right. Ready for the message.
*Audible swallow* no but go on
We have Jason. Do not go to the police. You know what we need and you will give us everything.
*Stifled gasp*
What do they mean?
I don't know. Is there any more?
Yes. But I can't read. I think it's Babylonian. But I can't be sure. I assume you don't want me to go to my friend from university.
No. I don't want anyone else to see it.
It's ok Matt. I understand. Can I suggest something?
Go on.
Where are you?
Aveley. Just off the M25.
Head into Central London, specifically 221b Baker Street.
Who's there?
Sherlock. He's a consultant now.
What kind?
*Gentle laughter* You mean to say you haven't kept tabs on him?
Not really, he asked me not to.
Fair enough. He's a consulting detective, works with Scotland Yard on the difficult cases. Go onto his website, err the science of deduction His cases are also detailed by John Watson.
You've been following him.
Of course I have. I have often been worried about him. It's good to see that some people accept him for who he is.
Thank you for your help James.
No problem. Could I ask you one favour?
Tell you what John is like? Yes I will.
*Muffled laughter* Talk soon. It's been far too long.
Yes it has. Let's try and make sure it's a happier topic.
*Laughter* *laughter*
Goodbye James.
Goodbye Matt.
*Click*
(End of Transcript. Copy of email attached.)