Chapter 1- Introduction
Two knocks pulsated through the flat, to which Sherlock responded, "John." Rolling his eyes, the other man nodded, "Right. I'll get that."
He opened the door, revealing a tall, dark haired girl of about seventeen, a suit case in tow. She grinned, "Afternoon." John smiled at her, "Ever! It's been, what?"
"Ten years," she answers.
"No, it hasn't been that long,"
"I was seven last time you visited. I'm seventeen now, so ten years."
He laughs, "That would explain your lack of pigtails and polka- dotted pajamas." She chuckled in turn, and Sherlock appeared behind John, looking vaguely annoyed, "Who's this?"
"This is Ever, my niece. Did I forget to mention, she'll be staying with us for a month or so."
"A month?"
"Yes, I'll explain later, but for now," he turned to Ever, "Let's get you inside."
She sat down in an armchair and crossed her legs, "Uncle John, you don't know why I was sent here either, so how are you planning on telling Mister…."
"Holmes," Sherlock supplied.
"…Mister Holmes what I am doing in your flat?"
John looked perplexed, "Well, I don't- I'm not sure." Sherlock made a sound of frustration.
Ever got comfortable in her chair, "Would you like answers?"
They nodded in unison.
She sighed, "I may or may not have given a girl a nervous break down at boarding school."
"You what?" John managed, dumbfounded.
Ever shrugged, "I found her weakness and used it against her. I can do it with anyone."
Sherlock stood up, "Come to the window." She did as he said, and he pointed to a middle aged bald man, "What about him?"
She rolled her eyes, "He thinks his wife is going to leave him."
"What makes you think that?"
"He's a drug addict. Easy to see that much. You can tell he's trying to quit because his hand is shaking and he looks worn out-"
"Yes, but how do you know he's married?" Holmes interjected.
"I was getting there. The woman standing next to him, their rings are of more or less the same quality. Anyway, his stance, he obviously worships her, fears her. She seems as though she's always upset, he's trying to change. Tell him you think his wife he'll leave him- or better yet, walk up to him and ask what he's doing with your girlfriend, ad he'll lose it. May I take a shower now?"
Sherlock nodded, and told her where it was. Ever walked down the corridor, and heard, "John, I believe your niece will be of much use to me."
