Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and story from BBC and Arthur Conan Doyle. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

"Sherlock!" a boisterous voice rang throughout 221B Baker Street, belonging to no other than Mycroft Holmes.

"Good lord, Mycroft, it's bad enough that car alarms go off every time you take a step forwards, but must you upset the peace with your shouting as well?" his brother responded rather uninterestedly.

Mycroft stepped into the flat, unaffected by Sherlock's harsh words.

"Good morning, Mycroft," John greeted from the kitchen table. "Mrs. Hudson let you in again?"

Neither of the men needed an answer to that one. Since Sherlock had explained to Mrs. Hudson about Mycroft's government position, and constant surveillance, she had muttered something about her herbal soothers, and had waited hand and foot on Mycroft every time he decided to pay Sherlock a visit.

Mycroft took a seat in a chair across from where Sherlock was sitting. "I expect that you're here to see me about a case," Sherlock said airily. That was all Mycroft wanted these days.

"Yes, but not just any case," Mycroft said whilst admiring his umbrella.

Sherlock snorted. "Spare me your dramatics, brother. What could it be? Another sex scandal in your precious government? You want to know where your secretary's been hiding your sweets?"

Mycroft shot Sherlock an irritated look. "It's a case that I think you might take a liking to." Sherlock looked unconvinced. "We suspect that Morning-Bright Daycare in London has been intercepting military information and selling it to others." Sherlock tried not to show interest, but he didn't stop Mycroft. "I need you to see who has been breaking through the network, and how the information is being spread."

"I don't see why you can't take the case," John said, entering the room.

Mycroft grimaced. "Leg work. Besides, there is a personal issue the Prime Minister needs me to resolve."

Sherlock rolled his eyes. "Even if I were to take the case for you, how am I supposed to investigate? Where am I supposed to find myself a child to blend in? A grown man hanging around a child's daycare may raise some questions about my intentions."

"Figure it out yourself. Your pay cheque will be seven figures, and even a knighthood if you do it right." Mycroft picked up his umbrella and coat in preparation to leave.

Sherlock shot his older brother an exasperated look. "I'm not interested in that."

Mycroft left his final words and left the apartment. "Do it, or I'll tell Mummy that you're not playing nice again."

Sherlock ground his teeth at his brother's leave.

"We'll figure something out," John said hopefully. Sherlock stood up and started slipping on his coat. "Where are you going?"

"St. Bart's," Sherlock said on his way out, "I need to cheer myself up."

—

Molly Hooper had been excited to see her niece for the first time since Christmas. She remembered Diana being such a sweet little girl. A bit rowdy at times, but sweet nonetheless.

Apparently the "bit rowdy" part was an exaggeration; a slip-up in Molly's memory. Diana was wild from the moment she stepped out of her mother's minivan. Her pigtails stuck out of her head like little handlebars, and her round cheeks were streaked red with juice. Her baby teeth shined like pearls as she excitedly ran to her aunt, tiny legs beating the pavement as she sprinted.

This was the little devil that Molly had to take with work to her that day. She couldn't find anyone to cover her shift, and she'd already promised her sister that she'd pick up Diana that day.

"Aunt Molly, what's this do?" Diana said for the fourth time in the hour after her aunt told her to stop fiddling with the lab equipment.

"That's a microscope, Diana. Please don't touch." Molly was busy trying to finish paperwork for the experimentation of a cadaver without distractions. It was then that Diana stuck her thumb in her mouth and started loudly singing a song about dolphins. Molly was about to tell her niece to stop when the door swung open.

"Sh—Sherlock," Molly stuttered, nearly dropping her pen. "I wasn't expecting you today."

Sherlock stormed in and shrugged off his coat. "I need to see a dead body. What's fresh?"

"Well, let's see," Molly looked down at her list that day. "I—I have one or two, maybe."

"I need to see them both," Sherlock demanded, "and maybe a coffee."

"Who're you?" Diana asked quietly. She had stopped singing, and was now staring at Sherlock with round blue eyes.

"Sherlock Holmes," he replied.

Diana nodded gravely, "I'm—"

Molly cut her niece off with a nervous giggle. "This is my niece, Diana. I'm babysitting her for this month. My sister's on vacation."

Diana wrinkled her nose. "Don't use the word babysitting. That's for babies."

"Alright," Molly said slowly, shocked at the brazen nature of her young niece. "Well, I'll show you those bodies now. I have to take Diana to Morning-Bright soon."

Sherlock's ears perked up. "Morning-Bright Daycare?" Molly nodded. He was quiet for a moment. "Forget the bodies for now. I'm coming with you."

A/N:

More to come! Thoughts and comments are always welcome and appreciated.