Irene unpacked her bags with the enthusiasm of a child in a Disney Resort. She knew the halls of Dupin University would be her haven. She would be able to research what she wanted and do as she pleased without interruption or competition. Living on campus, in Doyle House, meant she would not be far from her education. Even her silent roommate, who was unpacking her own things, couldn't kill her enthusiasm.

Her roommate ended her silence once she finished hanging up her shirts. "So, you're Irene, right?"

"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't, unless you're not Mary Morstan and I'm not in the right room." Irene smiled to hide her lack of surprise.

"I am!" Mary's eyes sparkled. "You're in the right place."

Irene carried her books to her bookshelf. "Good."

Mary smiled, recognizing her slight accent. "I was so worried we wouldn't have anything in common, but we do. We're both foreigners."

Irene sighed. "I've lived in England since primary school. I'm a foreigner in citizenship and accent, nothing more. We still might have something in common."

"What do you mean?" Mary perked up.

Irene put her books on her shelf as she spoke. "I know you've come from an Asian country, most likely India, though you are mostly of English decent. You don't really have a family, and you've brought most of what you own to university. You make friends easily and trust people without a second thought. You have a positive outlook on life. You are uncertain about what this new home will be like, but you hope to find romance here. There is one trait you and I share: we are both silent when focusing on something."

Mary's eyes widened as her eyebrows rose as high as they could. "How did you do that? You haven't been snooping through my social media, have you?"

"Relax." Irene put the last book in its place. "I didn't know who my roommate would be until I moved in. That would be impressive, but the truth is much simpler. I analyzed you directly."

Mary stared at her in silence.

"Need me to explain how I figured it out?"

Mary nodded.

Irene leaned against the shelf. "When I first saw you, I noticed your skin is a bit tanned, and the name Morstan is English. Your items are all very cheap brands. They are eclectic, with many incomplete sets, meaning you must have bought them second-hand. Your body's posture was open and relaxed, and you keep eye contact when you speak, indicating an open demeanor and willingness to socialize. When someone is not talking to you, you look every which way. You didn't speak while you were unpacking."

"That's awesome!" Mary beamed.

Irene raised an eyebrow. "That is not what most people say."

"What do they say?"

"They usually just call me a bitch." Irene sighed.

Mary walked over to Irene. "I do have a couple questions. How did you know I was hoping to find love?"

"The romance novels. Your personal collection consists of nothing else."

"Then you must not have any interests." Mary looked at Irene's bookshelf, which held nothing but textbooks.

The observant girl smiled, tucking a lock of dark hair behind her ear. "Oh, I do. I prefer not to advertise them."

"Ok." Mary's smile couldn't hide the confusion in her eyes. "How did you know I lived in India?"

"You do a slight head bob." Irene picked up her purse and headed to the door. "I'm going to run some errands. I'll be back in five."

Mary sat down. "Sounds good."

With keenness, Irene burst out of her room. She walked down the hall until a frighteningly familiar face stopped her.

Irene looked into the chiseled face of the man she'd just spotted, her eyes narrowing and her posture straightening. "Holmes."

The man looked down his nose at her. "Adler. You're supposed to be in America."

Irene relaxed, crossing her arms. "Change of plans. British schools are better. Why are you here? Nepotism?"

Holmes smirked. "Let me simplify it for you. Dupin University has one of the most highly respected programs in England, and I am a respected man."

"With a response like that, I'm forced to assume you got in using nepotism."

"You know my grades."

"Most respectable universities don't accept those enamored with benzoylmethylecgonine."

"Nor do they accept those enamored with a nymph's pastimes."

Irene clenched her fist. "That is in the past."

"And I am clean." Holmes squared his shoulders. "Your argument is unstable."

"Yours is non-existent." Irene glared at him. "Defend something."

Holmes smiled and raised an eyebrow. "Would you like me to take a simple test for you?"

Irene took a step back, eyes wide with disgust. "God, no."

The door to Holmes's dorm opened, and his roommate stepped out. He glanced at his phone.

Holmes turned to him, smiling. "Where're you going, John?"

"To the grocer's." John's phone buzzed, and he read a new text message. A look of shock crept over his face. "Oh shit."

Irene looked at John. "What's wrong?"

"Tobias's neighbor was just found dead. He's got to be freaking out. I'm going to see him." John blinked and shook his head. "He said the room was locked on the inside. Weird."

Holmes grinned. "You don't mind if I come with you?"

John shoved his phone in his pocket. "You might as well. I already ordered a cab."

As Holmes and John headed for the stairs, Irene dialed a number. "Hello. I'd like to get a cab to Dupin University. Right away, please."