The only character in this story that is mine is Alyssa Montgomery. Sherlock, John, Mrs. Hudson, Molly Hooper, Mary, Lestrade, and any others are the brain children of Gatiss and Moffat and those of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
SHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHS
Alyssa
I paused hesitantly on the porch of 221 Baker Street. I was inquiring about apartment 221 C, an apartment that had been vacant for years. Of course I had heard the stories of the brilliant Sherlock Holmes who lived in 221 B, and many had told me I would be insane to rent an apartment below a raving lunatic, but personally I think they placed him on the wrong side of the line between genius and lunatic. I slowly reached out toward the knocker, this could be it, I thought to myself. I could finally be getting my own apartment.
I was currently looking for employment and hoped that the land lady would be able to work out some sort of deal while I searched for work. I knocked on the door and a lovely elderly lady answered. "Mrs. Hudson?" I asked hesitantly.
"Yes dear, how may I help you?" She replied sweetly.
"My name is Alyssa Montgomery and I am inquiring about apartment 221 C. Is it still available?" I asked with hope filling every word.
"As a matter of fact, it is. I have the hardest time finding renters for it you know, being a basement flat and all." She replied ushering me in so that we could see the apartment.
" Rent is £1,100 per month. I offer a reduced price as it is a basement flat." Mrs. Hudson told me as she unlocked the door.
It was a modest apartment consisting of a large sitting area with a fireplace, a kitchen, a bedroom and a stove. It was just what I needed. A new start. "Mrs. Hudson?" A small amount of fear was beginning to creep into my voice.
"Yes?" She replied sweetly. She was like a kind grandmother and I felt as if I could tell her anything.
"I am new in town and I have not yet found a job. You have already been so kind what with showing me the apartment at the last minute, and offering a magnificent price on rent. I was hoping that we could work out a rental agreement pending my employment." I explained, trying not to hurry my words.
"Oh my dear, I remember when I was just starting out. I am sure we can come to some sort of agreement." She answered with an understanding smile. "Now if we are agreed that you are to live here, it is only fair that you meet Sherlock."
Sherlock
Another knock at the door. Hopefully a client. BORED! I thought to myself, again. Well Mrs. Hudson isn't bringing them up the stairs. A young woman. American. Kind. Twenty. Buying her first apartment. Single. New in town.
If only John would let me keep a gun, then I would not be so bored. I was pacing around the living room again. It had been a year since my return. John was married, with a child due any day now. Magnusson was dead, and Moriarty was being surprisingly quiet for having come back from the dead. "Probably building a new network. I destroyed the last one." I said to myself as I continued to pace.
Molly had taken to coming around more often. It seemed as though her infatuation was back. Even in my mind, I could not comprehend the emotion that I felt for her, but of this I was certain; she could do so much better than me. She deserves to be with someone warm and inviting, someone who actually shows emotion rather than pretending that it does not exist. I have shown emotion on only a few occasions. And even then, they are hidden in a remote corner of my mind palace. John has changed me, I am not the same man I was five years ago when we met at St. Bart's . I am more human as John would say. That would be why Molly's infatuation has returned. I must admit, her broken engagement saddens me. She deserves nothing more than happiness.
A knock on my door pulled me out of this silly little introspection. "Sherlock?" Mrs. Hudson called into my flat, quietly walking in. "Sherlock there is someone here that I would like you to meet. We have a new tenant living in 221 C."
Probably someone in Moriarty's network sent to spy on me. I glanced over at her. "Twenty. American. West to Midwest region. Polite. New to London due to death in your family you are looking to start over. Unemployed. Fresh off the plane. No pets. You traveled light." I commented as I looked her over. Tall. Brunette. Chestnut colored eyes. Attractive according to the world's view. I imagine she will be dating within three months. I kept these thoughts to myself. If I had learned only one thing from John, Women don't like it when I deduced their appearances. On second thought, she is not part of Moriarty's network.
I extended my hand. "I am Sherlock Holmes. Welcome to 221 Baker Street."
Alyssa
I shook his hand slightly befuddled. I had heard that he could tell all about you with just a glance, but it was a new experience all together having it actually happen to you. I started to glance around his apartment. It hadn't been dusted for at least two weeks. The kitchen was filled with body parts and odd experiments and it was hardly sanitary for the preparation of food. In was about to open my mouth and say something when Mrs. Hudson stated, "Since you already know she is looking for work. How about you hire her as a housekeeper."
"Mrs. Hudson you are my housekeeper." He replied indignantly.
"No I'm not dear, I am your landlady. She will be able to help you more often than I will."
"Mr. Holmes," I began, all fear leaving my voice; "Looking at your flat, I can see that you need a housekeeper. And if needed, i could act as a personal assistant.
"Tell me, how long has it been since it was last dusted in here." Mr. Holmes asked.
"Well Mr. Holmes, it has been at least two weeks since the last dusting. And with you having clients coming and going it should be dusted at least every three days." I said confidently. "And as for your kitchen, you may be some sort of mad genius, but at least put the severed body parts away when you have company." Mr. Holmes was taken aback at the statement. "And for the record Mr. Holmes, I am Alyssa Montgomery."
"You seem competent enough, Alyssa, I have high hopes for you. And you can call me Sherlock."