It's not easy being the only child of the most powerful man in all of England. You don't make friends easily, only get to see your father once a year, have no clue who your mother is, and have to change your name way to often.
This is the story of a 15 year old girl. She was born in London, England to a father with the power to start and end a war with one phone call and a mother who will never be named.
The day was the middle of summer and the hospital was emptied, so she could be born. She was given the name of Sigyn. She was loved by her father, grandparents, and uncle from the moment she took her first breath. They each vowed to protect her by any means. This girl had long auburn hair and striking blue eyes. She stands taller than all the boys in her grade and thinner than a tree.
She's on the train home. Well, the place she was born and where her father had a bed for her. She's excited to see her grandparents and uncle. He's been in the papers lately and she has a lot of questions. The train pulls into King's Cross station. She grabs her bags and steps onto the platform. She walks through the station and finds nothing but people running for their train, station works doing their job, and people hugging their returning loved ones. She feels a ping in her chest knowing she will never have that experience.
Her father's famous black car is waiting directly in front of the station. The driver's door opens before she even reaches the car. A man dressed in all black walks around the car and opens the back passenger's door for her. She smiles and gets in. She learned a long time ago that it was pointless to try to put her own bags in the boot. In no time at all they're driving down the road and King's Cross station is left behind. She hears a ringing and a tv appears next to her. A video chat starts and her father is on the other end.
"Hello Sigyn, how was your trip?"
"Hello father, it was fine. Nothing to report."
"Good. My apologies for not being there when you got off the train. I had an emergency that required my attention."
"And you can't tell me about it."
"Exactly. Your driver will take you to my house and I will see you tonight." She was a little disappointed that she had to wait to see her father.
"I understand."
"Help yourself to anything you fancy."
"Thank you father."
"Goodbye Sigyn."
"Goodbye father."
The call ended and the drive continued. She was deep in thought when they arrived at the house.
"Ms.? We have arrived at your father's house." She smiled and got out of the car. She walked up to the door and remembered she lost her keys. She pulled out her phone and texted her father.
'The driver will open the door. I'll have a another copy made for you.' Before she finished reading the message the driver had the door open and bags inside. She thanked the driver and closed the door.
Her father's house was huge. Some might call it a mansion. It had: at least 12 bedrooms, each with a master bath. A fully stocked kitchen. Multiple offices. An entertainment room. Seven full acres of backyard, complete with horses, and a lake. The house was much to big for just her father. She grabbed her bags and took them to her room. It wasn't much; a queen size bed, a computer desk, dresser, and a big screen tv.
It was time for dinner. She walked into the kitchen and looks through the fridge. She was surprised to find leftover Chinese food. She'd never known her father to eat takeout on a weekday. Especially Chinese. She took out the chow fun and heated it in the microwave. She waits for it to finish and takes it into the dining room. Even though she's the only one there she knows her father would be watching her. She finished her meal and retired to the living room. She grabbed one of her father's many books and sat on the over sized couch. It was then that she noticed the new tv. It was right above the fire place. It wasn't there last time she visited. Not a worry right then, she just had to ask her father about it later.
She was a few chapters into her book when she heard a car door slam, then keys being moved around and finally the door opening. She stayed in her position on the couch, not moving a muscle. She knew it was her father. She looked up and the face she saw was not her father's. She was looking at a man with greying hair and soft brown eyes. He had a slight stubbed face and a leather jacket on. When he spoke he had a light cockney accent.
"Excuse me miss, I think you have the wrong house."
"I'm sorry but I think you'll find that I do not. This is my father's house and I have every right to be here. You must be the one mistaking"
"This is my house and I'm almost certain you aren't my child. What's your name?"
"Jean."
"Jean what?"
"Just Jean"
"Well 'Just Jean' I think it's time to leave."
"Not until my father gets here."
"Fine. We'll wait"
The strange man put his bag in the hall and jacket on the coat rack. He turns to a camera in the corner and gives it a wink. He walked into the kitchen and came back with a sandwich and water. He sat in the chair away from her and started eating. Her father will not be happy that this man is eating outside of the dining room.
"I take it you ate my leftover chow fun." She only looked at him before
she returned to her book, always keeping and eye on the man. More then two hours passed, when she finally heard a car pull up. Both her and the man look to the door and wait. Her father entered through the door and stopped mid stride. His eyes looked from her to the man and back.
"Gregory, I thought you had to work till tomorrow night?"
"That brother of yours solved it in a matter of hours."
"You know this man father?" She was standing now.
"Father?" So was the man
"Yes Sigyn, I do."
"You said your name was Jean."
"I lied. I'm Sigyn Holmes."
"Holmes? Myc? What's going on?"
"Gregory, this is my daughter. She only gets to visit me once a year. I was going to inform you about her but it never seamed the right time. I'm sorry."
"Father, who is this man?"
"This is Detective Inspector Gregory Lestrade. He is my partner of almost three years. You didn't meet him last year because he was away visiting his children."
"Nice to meet you Mr. Lestrade."
"Please call me Greg. It's nice to meet you too, Sigyn"
"Please Sig"
They shook hands and smiled at each other.
"If you'll excuse me, I wish to read in my room now. Good night father. Good evening Greg."
She walked down the hall and into her room. She was hoping for some alone time with her father. Looked like that wasn't gunna happen. She changed into some sleeping clothes and climbed into bed, hopeful that it was all a dream.
She woke before her alarm went off. It was 4:25 in the morning. Still 45 minutes till her alarm. She laid in bed for a few minutes before she decided to get up. She changed into some lose clothes and went down to the kitchen. She was looking for a breakfast bar when she heard something behind her. She saw Greg running down the stairs and come to a quick stop. He looked about as surprised as she felt.
"Sorry, did I wake you?"
"No no, I like to go swimming before the day starts. You?"
"Riding my horse. Is my father awake?"
"No, he's still asleep. You ride your horse this early?" He moves from his spot at the bottom of the stairs to get a bottle of water from the fridge.
"The air helps wake me up and the sunrise is beautiful."
"Well, have fun and be safe."
"You too." They share a smile before he runs out the back door. That man was something else.
She walked to the barn and greeted her horses. She loved horses. Her favorite was her tricolored filly. The first horse she ever rode. The horse was called Mattie. She was five when she named her. She had a really matted mane. It took a few days to brush it out.
The horse neighed when she entered and pawed the ground. After pets and loves the ride began. She rode bareback and bridleless. She loved riding. She was good at it too. She had many awards. She rode at a slow pace till she reached the edge of her father's property. Then she let Mattie run. They loved to run. The feeling of the wind through her auburn hair felt like nothing else. They reached the middle of the meadow before they took a break. She slows the horse to a slow trot and lays down on her back. The sky looked so clear. She could feel Mattie eating the grass beneath them. She watched the sky change from a dark blue to almost an ocean blue to finally a pink.
Her mind wondered. She thought about her family, her lack of friends, how her father was in a relationship, and how would she tell him about what happened with school? She sat back up and started Mattie off toward the barn. They ran to the edge of the lake and slowed to a walk. Greg was finishing his swim. He walked out of the lake and grabbed the towel he brought with him. He noticed them and smiled when they walked up.
"Hey, how was your ride?"
"Good. How was your swim?"
"Cold. You don't ride with a saddle and the horse doesn't have one of those mouth things?"
"Bridle, I feel more connected with the horse without them."
"Cool. Well I'll see you back at the house then." He started off running. She didn't know what it was about him, but he started to grow on her. She motioned for Mattie to move and they caught up with him in no time.
"Greg, want a lift?" She put her hand down and offered him help up.
"Uh, sure."
"Have you vaulted bareback before?"
"Not with a second person."
"Grab my right hand around my back and hold her mane with your left. Then just vault. "
"Sounds easy enough" he tied his towel around his neck and steadied his nerves. She reached around her small frame and waited for his hand. He grabbed her hand and held tight. He got a handful of Mattie's mane. He got a small jump and threw his right leg over the horse. As he vaulted onto the horse Sigyn leaned forward and slightly to the opposite side. He made it up and gave a small huff of air. He slid back slightly.
"I suggest you hold on. We love to run." He lightly placed his hands on her hips. She smiled to herself and started Mattie off running. Within seconds, Greg's grip got tighter and his seat got closer.
They made it to the stables. Greg got off first.
"Man, I thought I liked to run a horse. You put me to shame." Sigyn got down and started brushing Mattie.
"See the awards? Over there? All mine."
"Impressive"
She finished brushing Mattie and feeding all the horses. Greg and her walked back to the house together in silence. When they entered through the back they were brought to a stop. Both stood in the door way, mouths open and eyes wide. Mycroft Holmes was standing at the stove cooking. He was still wearing his striped blue pajamas and a light blue shirt. She had never seen her father in anything other than a three piece suit. The man standing next to her must have had a real impact on her father.
"Myc, you're cooking."
"Yes, Gregory, I am. Thank you for noticing. I do know how to cook, I just don't do it to often."
"I know love. I'm just . . .surprised. That's all." He walked over to the stove and kissed him on the check. "I'm gunna shower before breakfast, if there's time"
"Of course." Greg disappeared up the stairs.
"Are you planning on standing in the doorway all day?"
"I haven't calculated all the variables yet."
"Do us all a favor and calculate quickly."
"I've done the calculations and looked at it from many different angles. I've come to the educated decision that I will vacate from the doorway and proceed to move about the rest of the house." Her father cracked a half smile and gave a small chuckle. She moved from the door frame and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. She'd never seen her father smile before, little less laugh. She needed to study what had happened, take in everything. She sat at the peninsula and studied.
Facts: her father was in a relationship, he acted differently, he spoke softly, he stood in the kitchen cooking, he was still in his pajamas, he laughed and smiled. She thought back to the year previous. He was acting different then as well. Was it Greg? Could a single person have that much impact on a person?
Her father cleaned his throat and drew her from her thoughts.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"I was inquiring as to how you liked Gregory."
"I like him. With the little time I've spoken to him, he seems nice. I could see him fitting in well"
"Who fitting in well?" Greg walked down the stairs drying his hair with a fluffy towel.
"Uncle John. Him and Uncle Sherlock have been in the papers a lot lately. I was simply stating that he will fit in with Uncle Sherlock's crazy ways." Her father smiled at the way she quickly came up with that. It made her a little sad that he would be disappointed in her in matter of a few hours. He will be getting the letter from her school today and want to discuss it tonight. The food was brought to the peninsula and plates soon followed. Everyone took their seats and began to eat. No conversation, just the sound of silverware on plates. When they were done eating Sigyn gathered the plates and cleared off the unwanted food. Before she had a chance to start the dishwasher Greg had a load in and waiting on the plate she had in her hand. Her father was upstairs changing his clothes. The dishes were done and put away by the time he rejoined them. He was dressed in a three piece dark blue suit.
"Wait a minute, I thought you were staying home this weekend?"
"My apologies Gregory. I was called in this morning. An important matter has risen."
Greg threw his hands in the air and huffed away. She was expecting something like this. He never stayed home more than a night.
"My apologies dear Sigyn. I will try to make it up to you."
"It's fine father. Have a good day." She gave him a tight smile and left for her room. Once she reached her room, she grabbed a book off her shelf and set herself up on her balcony.
It had been a few hours since breakfast and she was starting to get hungry. There was a knock at her door followed by Greg's voice.
"Sigyn, I'm gunna order a pizza. What would you like on your half?"
She was surprised by the question. She'd never had pizza before. Even at school, it was a strict meal plan.
She opened the door and just stared at the man.
"I'm not sure. I've never eaten pizza before."
"What? Never had pizza before? Do you like meats or vegetables better? Or both?"
"Both?"
"Ok, right. Super supreme! That's what we'll order. You're not allergic to anything are you?" She shook her head. He mumbled to himself as he left. She wasn't sure what to expect but she was excited. She turned on her laptop and searched 'Sherlock Holmes- London, news'
Thousands of results were found. The most recent was a murder that involved a man having choked on a piece of meat and being a strict vegan. It ended up being his neighbors who was angry about the victim's garden coming over onto his side of the fence. The doorbell rang and she only assumed it was lunch. Greg had paid the delivery guy and was putting the pizza on the table when she reached the bottom of the stairs. She sat at the table and waited. She surveyed the table and found more then just pizza. She saw a bowl of salad, different types of dressing, a bottle of soda, glass, plates, utensils and of course the pizza. Greg sat next to her and smiled. He grabbed the plates and started serving the salad.
"What type of dressing would you like?" There was ranch, Italian, thousand island, balsamic vinaigrette, Caesar, and blue cheese. She never really cared for blue cheese. Her father loved it for some reason.
"Uh, balsamic please. Thank you." He handed her the dressing, a plate with salad on it and a fork. She waited for Greg to have his plate before she started eating. Greg smiled at her and took the first bit. She followed suit.
"So Sigyn, I've never heard of that name before. Where does it come from?" She told him the origins of her name and how she got teased at school for it. He then asked about what her childhood was like and how school was. She regaled him with her childhood whoos. How she had many different nannies, a new school every year, no friends, and how she missed out on a lot of things. She fell silent about how school was now. She ate her food and hoped he wouldn't ask again. They both finished their salad. Greg placed two slices of pizza on her plate and two on his. He sat there smiling at her.
"Go ahead, try it." She lifted the triangle to her mouth and bit off the tip. A mixture of flavors hit her and it was nothing like she'd eaten before. She'd had the ingredients separate but when they came together something new happened. The crunch of the peppers and onion didn't take away from the soft and spice of the sausage or the pepperoni. The olives and mushrooms danced with the smoky ham. The cheese and tomato sauce brought it all together.
"It's good, right?" She nodded her head as she took another bit.
"So how's school? What grade are you in?"
"Umm, I actually graduated early. I walked the stage on Friday before I came here. My father doesn't know. I'm not sure how to tell him."
"Why not? He'll be proud of what you've accomplished."
"I know he will. The only thing is, I want to take a gap year and when I go to university I do not want to study international affairs like my father."
"You need to tell him. You don't want him finding out some other way." Greg was right.
They finished their meal in silence and cleaned up. She was drying her hands when Greg asked,
"So, what do you have planned for the rest of the day?"
"I was gunna go visit Uncle Sherlock and Uncle John."
"Mind if I come with you? I have a book to return to John"
"Uhh, sure. I'll just call a car and we can leave." She grabbed her phone and texted the number her father gave her years ago. She grabbed her bag and Greg got the book. The usual black car was waiting when they left the house. The ride to 221B was taken in silence. She jumped out of the car and ran through the door.
"Uncle Sherlock!" She dashed up the stairs before Greg's feet even hit the pavement.
"Sigyn? Is that you?"
"Uncle John! I've missed you!" She hugged John and smiled when he spun her around. Greg entered and greeted John. They started to discuss the book and ignore her.
"Where's Uncle Sher?" John pointed in the direction of his bedroom. John had banished his experience to in there. She opened the door slowly and peaked in. Her uncle was hunched over a table facing a wall and mumbled to himself. She closed the door slowly and hovered by the door.
"Don't just stand there. I need your medical opinion." He thought she was John. She walked up behind him and just stood there.
"What does this look like to you?" She looked over his shoulder and saw a slide under a microscope lens with a red substance on it. As she learned over to have a closer look Sherlock turned away and grabbed a book off his shelf. She looked at the slide and was instantly confused.
"There's two types of blood here. Is this sample from one person?" Sherlock closed the book he was looking at and turned to look at her. She gave him a quick smile.
"Sigyn, when did you get here?"
"I arrived on into this plane of existence almost 16 years ago, arrived to London yesterday, your flat 10 minutes ago, and I have been inhabiting your room for two minutes."
"Is your father here?"
"No, a man named Greg accompanied me."
"Greg?"
"Detective Inspector Gregory Lestrade."
"Oh right. Well, come give your favorite uncle a hug." She walked over to him and hugged him.
"I gave Uncle John a hug before I came in here," he hugged her tighter. It made her giggle and give a little scream. John knocked on the door.
"Everyone ok?"
"Yes Uncle John, everything's fine."
Sigyn and Sherlock talked about the current case, some of his past cases, and Greg's relationship with her father.
"I like him. He seems to make my father happy."
"Yes. Mycroft has changed since he started seeing Gram."
"Greg." A knock at the door startled both of them. Greg poked his head in with a smile.
"I'm sorry to intrude, Sigyn your father said he'll be leaving his office and will be home in time for dinner. We should go."
"Ok Greg." She hugged her uncle.
"Thanks for talking with me. I'll see you again."
"Have a good evening Sigyn." She left his room and he went back to his experiment. She looked around as she entered the living room.
"Where is Rosie?"
"She's up in her room, playing." John walked over to the stairs and yelled up,
"BYE SIGYN, MAYBE ROSIE WILL SEE YOU NEXT TIME!" Clatter could be heard as a 5 year old nearly tripped down the stairs.
"Sigyn!" She jumped into her arms and hugged her tight.
"I missed you. You stay longer?"
"I'm heading home now, but maybe your daddy can bring you by to play with Mattie?"
"Ohhhhhhh! Please daddy! Ppllleeeaaasssseeeeeeee?!"
"Ok, ok. I'll bring you by this week."
This made both girls happy and they hugged John together.
"Thank you Uncle John. I'll see you, then. Bye Rosie." Greg and Sigyn got into the black town car and headed back to her father's house.
When they arrived back at the house Greg went straight to the kitchen. He rummaged throw the fridge, he brought somethings out, grabbed some others from the counter and cabinets. Sigyn sat at the peninsula and watched. He pulled out a lemon, a few potatoes, 3 salmon fillets, a couple tarragon, a bunch of parsley, some basil leaves, a garlic clove, bowl of greens and what looked like a citrus dressing.
Sigyn couldn't figure out what he was planning on making. He preheated the oven. Next he cut the potatoes and seasoned them on a baking tray. He placed them in the oven and started cutting the rest of the ingredients. The basil, tarragon, garlic and parsley got chopped finely and placed in a bowl. He pulled the potatoes out and seasoned them with a lemon zest and sea salt mixture then back into the oven. The herbs got some olive oil and rubbed into the fish. The fish joined the potatoes in the oven. He mixed together the bowl of greens with the citrus dressing and placed it back in the fridge. The potatoes came out of the oven and placed to one side. They had a golden brown color to them and smelled wonderful.
A trio of plates come out of the cabinet, next utensils. They were placed in front of her.
"Set the table for me?"
"Uh, sure." She grabbed the plates and balanced the utensils on top. She carried them to the table and placed them down. She separated the plates and put the correct number of utensils on them. She headed back to the counter and found napkins and glasses were waiting for her. She grabbed them and smiled at Greg.
She set the table like she was taught. Plate in the middle, knife and spoon on the right with the knife blade facing the plate, dinner fork and salad fork on the left on top of the napkin, glasses above and slightly to the left of the knife. She set the final setting and smiled to herself. Greg carried the finished fish, covered in foil, to the table.
"Nice setting" he placed the fish in the middle of the table. He brought the potatoes and salad next. Sigyn walked to the sink and washed her hands as Greg grabbed a bottle of wine from the basement. She filled a pitcher with ice and water. She then filled the wine bucket with ice.
"Hey Sigyn, could you please... oh cool thanks." He placed the wine in the ice and carried the bucket to the table. She followed with the pitcher of ice water. Greg went back into the kitchen. She placed the water on the table.
"I'm going to go change my clothes." She went to her room and found a nice summer dress. It was a spaghetti strapped, off-white and had sun flowers on it. She put her hair in a ponytail and headed down the stairs. The table was set, food was still warm, and the wine was chilling. She noticed a second bottle in the ice bucket. It was juice. A bottle of grape juice. Greg must have brought it out when she was upstairs. Everything looked elegant. The only thing missing was her father and Greg. She heard a car pull up and a door close. Her father walked through the door seconds later. He placed his umbrella under the coat rack and his jacket over it. He turned and smiled when he saw her standing next to the table.
"Sigyn, what a lovely looking dinner." Greg walked down the stairs. He had on a light blue short sleeved dress shirt and black dress slacks. He looked nice.
"Just in time love. Sigyn and I made a nice dinner." He finished descending the stairs and kissed her father. Her father blushed a little and cleared his throat.
"Shall we all sit down to eat?"
"Yes lets" her father sat at the head with Greg on his left and she sat in his right.
"What's for dinner?"
"Your favorite, Herb-Roasted Salmon and potatoes."
"Your right it is my favorite. It is also your 'I messed up' meal." Greg placed a fillet on her father's plate and then some potatoes.
"I have no idea what you are talking about."
"What have you done Gregory?" Greg placed a fillet on Sigyn's plate along with potatoes.
"I haven't done anything wrong." Next he gave him self his fillet.
"What has my idiot brother done? How much will it cost me?" Greg placed some salad on each plate.
"Sherlock has been out of trouble recently." Greg pored wine for him and her father as Sigyn pored the water.
"Then why the dinner?" Greg looked at Sigyn and smiled lightly.
"Father, I would like to have discussions with you about my education."
"Yes? What about it?"
"Um, something happened and I see it as good."
"Go on."
"I graduated early. I actually walked the stage on Friday before I arrived here."
"That is good news. Now we can talk about you majoring in international affairs. Maybe when you graduate we could..."
"Father, I would like to take a gap year and not major in international affairs." She had never interrupted her father before. She didn't know how he would react.
"What? Don't be absurd. Of course your going to major in international affairs. Then come to work in my office." Both Greg and Sigyn just looked at him
"That explains the dinner. What do you have in mind instead?"
"Criminal justice?" He looked at Greg for help. Greg placed his hand on her father's arm and gave him the most gentlest of looks.
"Myc, maybe lets hear her side and why the interest in criminal justice? Not like it's a bad career path." Her father took a deep breath.
"Why the interest in criminal justice Sigyn?" Maybe Greg will be a nice addition to her and her father's crazy family dynamic.