Chapter 1: The Search for a New Flatmate
It wasn't long after Sherlock's death that John Watson had decided that he needed to find a new flatmate. As much as he felt like he was betraying his deceased friend by finding another person to live with him, he knew it had to be done. Watson's wallet was becoming lighter with each day gone by, and he had yet to find a job. Who in their right mind would hire someone that was a partner of an accused psychotic murderer? Mrs. Hudson had even cut down Watson's rent to help him out, but it was still too much for him to pay. And that was the reason John Watson put an ad in the paper for a new flatmate to split the expenses at 221B Baker Street. However, John Watson was not looking for a replacement of Sherlock. No one could replace the eccentric detective he once knew.
Two days went by and still no news of an interested person to share the flat. Watson was getting anxious. He began to wonder if anyone would be interested due the same fact of why he couldn't find a job. Everyone thought he was somehow involved in all of those murders and robberies that Sherlock had been thought of committing. 'But no,' Watson thought, 'he was innocent. I knew him. I knew that he was a good person. So what if he was the oddest man known to earth. He was my friend. He saved a lot of lives, he didn't take them. Why can't people just see that!' However, one question always reappeared in Watson's mind. 'Why did Sherlock say he was guilty of those crimes?'
That was the question John Watson was debating over when the doorbell rang downstairs. As soon as he got up off the sofa he heard Mrs. Hudson calling to him.
"Someone's at the door. You better get it. It might be your new flatmate," she said excitedly. Although he knew that she was faking the excitement. She was almost as upset about Sherlock's death as he was.
He ran down the stairs and opened the door. "Hello," he said to the sharply dressed man in the door.
"Hello," said the man, "I'm Robert Brook. I was interested in sharing a flat."
"Oh, well then come in. I'm John Watson. Mrs. Hudson will make us some tea."
"Not your housekeeper," the landlady replied quickly.
