The scene from the South Bank at night was magical to the older woman ass she sat on the roof top with her younger companion. The London Eye was a light. It's reflection setting the sluggish river ablaze. The electric blue lights of the gigantic Eye and the golden lights from Westminster Square danced off the water of the Thames in between the two land marks. Bridges up and down the river formed a layered band of jeweled necklaces on the serpentine neck of England's most iconic water way.
The woman sighed in contentment. "Spending so much time below the streets one forgets how beautiful the nights can be up here."
She tipped her head back to gaze upwards. "I do wish for less light pollution. The stars seem so dim here."
"There are places in the City that block the light enough so that star gazing is possible."
Persia smiled. "This is a true treat, Mr. Sherlock. Thank you."
"No thanks necessary and please, do drop the "Mr.". You are several years my senior and, to be quite truthful, I don't like it. Sig is more then adequate."
She gave him a sideways glance. "No. I don't think it suits you at all."
A small smile ghosted across his lips. "Oh, I think it suits very well."
She felt a tingle of concern. The look on the younger man's face could almost be described as edging on the feral. The eyes going hard, glittering like shards of ice in the half light.
"Who ever he was, or is, you don't like him very much."
"Not at all."
The tone was light, almost purely conversational. Persia started to nod then caught herself and her brow furrowed into a frown. That phrase carried a double meaning. His facial expression said a deep dislike. His tone of voice gave the illusion that the name might mean nothing at all. She was a old campaigner and was more then sure that what ever was behind his use of the name was the result of a deep dislike and that some how using it brought some kind of retribution to the original owner, at least in this young man's mind.
She was curious enough about this young man's back story and history to want to know what kind of animosity lay in that name. She also knew enough about him to know that asking pointed questions got nothing then stubborn silences or a laser point glare and a grumpy companion if he didn't simply turn his back on you and walk away.
She would give him the benefit of her doubt in any case so she hesitated a few beats just in case he might give her a qualifier. When it became clear that there was to be none, she gave an inward sigh and mental shrug. This man could keep secrets and held to his own council. Then she cast one last look upwards taking in the rare clear night and the spangle of stars. Then she started to get up.
This really has been lovely but I do need to get back. Medical supplies are not cheap, not even the holistic herbs and tinctures. I have to get up early. He rose gracefully and offered her his hand. She hesitated for a moment then took it. She had a feeling this courtesy was not offered lightly nor often.