I'll be honest. I haven't written in ages, since like 2012.
Disclaimer: Characters mentioned and featured in this story are not my own, but belong to ACD & the BBC Sherlock. The story, however, is my creation.
Cafe Observations - Chapter 1
It was definitely a treat to be out of the house. Finally. Cooped up in a small London townhouse, living the "dream" of domesticity…. enough to drive any ex-super-agent mad.
Rosie was nearly two months now. Mary absolutely adored her. But having been on bed rest for the latter segments of her pregnancy, Mary doubted she'd ever see outside a building again. But at long last, she had acquired a few hours to herself and was going to meet Molly for lunch.
Prior to her pregnancy, Doctor Hooper, as Sherlock often emphasized, was only a mere acquaintance. Seemingly more of a friend to Sherlock & John. Thankfully, however, Molly was a frequent visitor throughout Mary's pregnancy. And a much needed and wanted companion during the for worse aspects of her marriage. For all of Hooper's awkwardness and morbid humor, Mary found her quite amiable.
The sound of a ping brought her out of her thoughts as she walked the sidewalk. Looking at her phone:
SORRY! RUNNING LATE. BE THERE IN 10.
- MOLLY
It wasn't a fuss really. Mary is generally early to functions and it didn't help that in her excitement she was walking at a faster pace than normal. Making her way she spotted the sidewalk cafe Molly had mentioned and made herself comfortable at an empty table.
Mary had called in her and Molly's lunch order ahead of time, agreeing it would be best since Molly only had a half hour for lunch. After letting the waiter know about their phoned in order and adding on an order of coffee, Mary fleetingly took in her surroundings.
There were traits from her past life that could never be shaken. And being subtly hyper aware of her environment was one of them. Too many years of training and too many years of acting on that training was difficult to forget. It was second nature.
PING!
MOLLY'S COMING. SHE TOLD ME TO MSG YOU…. SHE HID SOMETHING JUST AS SHERLOCK AND I ARRIVED…
- JW
She spotted Molly off in the distance, walking hurriedly with a bounce her step, her ponytail swaying to and fro, and a hefty bag hanging from her shoulder. Bumping shoulders with an elderly gentleman, she could see Molly's face turn a bit red as she turned quickly to check on the poor man. Assured he was alright, she started her way again. Soon enough, she approached, with a smile beaming at Mary and an arm outstretched holding up a small gift bag.
"For the baby," waiting for Mary to take the bag, Molly's eyes were lit with anticipation. "Found it while looking for cat toys… not that its a cat toy…or that I got it from the pet store… or.. "
Opening the bag, Mary found several knitted headbands of different colors and patterns and they were very soft.
"Oh, Rosie will look adorable in these. Thank you!"
"Glad you like them. And, sorry I'm late. John & Sherlock caught me at the lab just as I was walking out. Had to hide cadaver organs meant for the students before Sherlock tried to snatch them."
"Don't worry, dear, you're not late at all!" Mary reassured her, remembering John's text…of course it was cadaver parts.
Their food arrived and they both moved to eating. Molly started talking, telling of Sherlocks latest lab antics and complaints about John being too busy, what with the newborn and all. Molly's eyes became very large, realizing she revealed too much about Sherlocks complaints. Molly tried to retract her statements, much to Mary's amusement.
Needless to say, Sherlock spent more time at St. Bart's now that John had a baby to look after.
Amidst Molly's chattering, something caught Mrs. Watson's eye. Call it paranoia or coincidence but 10 meters behind Molly, she could see a man a bit out of place. He'd glance up at the two of them, with careful looks, talking into a mobile. To the average eye, he seemed like a simple business man stepping out from lunch to take a call.
Glancing across the street, she noticed a grey car, not previously there, with an individual in the driver seat, showing no indication of leaving. Mary made a mental note to keep an eye out for them.
"So, tell me, how is Rosie doing? I haven't had a chance to see her since her christening!" Molly asked.
Without missing a beat, Mary brought out her phone to show her the newest set of pictures, keeping her observations to herself. Instead she talked about how Rosie is finally developing a somewhat predictable sleep schedule, about her and John's efforts in keeping her on a schedule resembling "normal" sleeping patterns, for the sake of her parents.
Molly occupied with the pictures, cooed at the adorable addition to the Watson family. Mary took the chance to glance around again. The car still occupied and unmoved, but the man with the phone was no where to be seen.
"She's definitely grown since the last time I saw her!" Remarked Molly, as she handed back the phone.
Not a second later, a text came in.
SHERLOCK IS PICKING MOLLY'S OFFICE LOCK! - JW
"Umm… I think Sherlock might have found the organs, Molly." Molly's eyes became round. Her nose scrunching a bit.
"Sherlock. Holmes." Exasperated. "Those are for the students! I already gave him organs last week!"
Another ping on Mary's phone. Thinking it was John:
KEEP MOLLY OCCUPIED FOR 5 MORE MINUTES!
- SH
PING!
HE'S PACING HER OFFICE NOW.
- JW
Mary giggled to herself. "You better get going Molls, Sherlock told me to keep you longer. I don't think he's found them yet."
With a smug look at having pulled one over Sherlock, Molly gathered her items and bid Mary farewell.
Sending a group text to both Sherlock & John:
MOLLY'S ON HER WAY BACK ;)
- MW
As Dr. Hooper dashed off, Mary went back to her previous observations. The businessman from earlier walked out of a cafe, walking several meters behind Molly. The car across the street pulled away from the curb and followed as well.
A security detail?
"Would you like me to box up these plates?" The waiter inquired, bringing Mary out of her thoughts. Poor Molly had left her food behind half eaten, her coffee now cooled.
"Yes, please. And a fresh coffee as well." Mary replied, handing the waiter money to cover the bill.
Returning to her thoughts, why security? That was the only possibility. Mary didn't believe them to have malicious intent, she would have certainly intervened if she had thought so.
Perplexed by her observations she started for her phone, intent on hacking Mycroft's archives. Mary had on more than several occasions used the archives… and more often than not, a means to sate her boredom. So surely Mycroft would have some sort of information regarding this. Before she could reach her phone, it rang.
Unknown caller labeled the screen. Suspecting Mycroft on the other end, she quickly answered.
"What I assume you're looking for, Mrs. Watson, I assure you, you won't find it there." Already, anticipating Mary's actions of hacking old archives.
"What are you referring to, Mikey?" Recalling Mycroft's distaste of the nickname.
"I know you have questions. But time is short."
The waiter returned with the boxed up lunch and drink, leaving it on the table.
Hearing a car pull, Mary glanced to right, seeing the back door open as a brunnette woman stepped out.
"Mrs. Watson." The woman held the door open, motioning for Mary to climb inside. She'd never met her before but already, she knew who she was. She bore a striking resemblance to a woman John described, one he had met early on in his acquaintance with Sherlock.
Slowly, Mary grabbed the lunches and climbed in, followed by the woman, who immediately closed the door and focused her attentions to her mobile phone.
Surprisingly, Mycroft sat in the seat opposite.
"Didn't expect you to also be on Molly's detail." Mary remarked, finding it funny that the man himself turned out to be a lot closer than expected.
"Amusing, Mrs. Watson. As you'll soon learn, I was merely leaving baker street. Discretion aside, I'm sure my brother will fill you in. Fortunately, my proximity made it easier to speak with you in person. And don't worry, we'll drop you by St. Barts." Glancing at the lunches that sat in Mary's lap.
"This conversation as well as your observations regarding Dr. Hooper's arrangements are to remain confidential. Not many are aware of these actions and we would like to keep it that way."
"What do you mean "we"?" Mary asked.
Ignoring her question, he continued, "It shouldn't be difficult to ascertain the purpose behind Dr. Hooper's surveillance. As you know, I have a vested interest in all of my younger brother's…"
She'd heard that before. "But this isn't just surveillance is it, Myc? They're bodyguards. John certainly doesn't have…"
She was cut off before she could finish. "Well, he has you for that now, doesn't he?"
She didn't answer.
Of course, Mycroft knew. About the different aspects of her past. Mary was aware of that at least. But its something they never mentioned to one another. A silent agreement that some things are better left unsaid with assumed ignorance.
Taking a deep breath before continuing, Mycroft started "In the interest of all parties involved, Dr. Hooper's safety has been deemed… a necessity."
"Your acquaintance with both Dr. Hooper & Sherlock goes back as far as you've known John, and that is what, about 2 years now. John's acquaintance with Dr. Hooper and Sherlock has only been 5 years."
"I think you'll find it interesting that my brother's acquaintance with Dr. Hooper goes back 8 years. My brother once believed he was above human sentiment. A belief he has frantically tried to make others believe about him. But you and I both know that is not true. Every man has their weakness."
Before Mary could question him they pulled to a stop near the hospital.
The car door opened and again the brunette woman stepped out. Mycroft answered a phone call, apparently, dismissing Mary from further conversation.
Stepping out onto the sidewalk, Mary turned back to the car, the door still open and the brunette woman already seated with her hand already on the handle, ready to close it.
But not before looking up at Mary with a small smile, "you'll want to take Mrs. Holmes her lunch before it gets too cold."
The door was shut and the car left, leaving Mary behind speechless.
