I waited at the side walk with Abellio ,my wolfdog pup, in my backpack sleeping soundly. Second day in london and it was hard for me. A true blood Texan, used to a cloudless blue sky and extreme heat and trucks and the smell of musty hay and wheat to suddenly be replaced with constantly cloudy skies and relatively cold weather mingling with the smell of industrial-ness and unfamiliar smells was a shock to my system. I had managed in not attracting too much attention which worked except when i was forced to speak. Incidences that were caused by an American term, the usage of y'all or speaking in general. I abhorred it because as soon as I spoke everyone turned and questions were asked. They were always the same and always silly. Do you ride horses everywhere? Do you rope caddle? Is it just like in those cowboy movies? I sniffed the air again and hailed a taxi. The worst part is the fact everything is so expensive. I couldn't really do anything without spending a fortune.

A taxi approached and and so did a man- grey overcoat, dark purple flashes underneath suggested a slight collared button up, lighter grey scarf. He reminded me of an otter. High prominent cheekbones, dark eyes, curly black hair parted to the side subconsciously, an odd nose perhaps a manlier version of duchess Kate's, and the signature pale skin of the people that live on this tiny island. The taxi pulled up and before I could get in or even reach for the handle the man was at it. I retaliated immediately.

"What is your problem?! I swear all-ah-y'all are so rude here! Now I hailed this taxi and unless you can give me a damn good reason not to I am getting in." My sudden agitation woke up Abellio who promptly yawned and peaked his head out, obviously confused. I started to get in but he stopped me. A deep breath and a quick mental analysis of the pheromones and I got that he meant no harm and he was wearing a nicotine patch. That I knew. I did an once over, his figure was relaxed and balanced- he wasn't planning to run. He didn't want the cab either. Closer up I realized his eyes were a pale sea green like the Gulf in the spring during high tide. I stared back.

"I just need for you to come with me. And don't let that attitude get in the way." His voice was strained but there was still no pheromone imbalance in his scent- I was on high alert now. "Please."

"And if I don't?" I asked, this was too good. I was curious as hell and he knew it.

"THen you balk a once in a lifetime opportunity" I waved on the taxi and it left. "Follow me."

I trailed after this eccentric stranger all senses alert as possible focusing on my surroundings and him. We stopped at a small cafe and he walked in and when I didn't follow he turned around, annoyed. I rolled my eyes and followed him in and we sat down in a small booth. He was across from me and Abellio was to my right, next to a window. I scanned my tardis blue with a white fringe nail polish. I perked my ears listening for her sharp intake of breath when people started to speak and -ah! there it is.

"You may be wondering why I chose you to accompany me to this shop." He started. "I need another mind to work with me on my cases and from what i have seen you are almost as sharp as I am." I tilted my head and was about to question him when a waiter came to ask for our order.

"A tea."

"I will have a water please." I barely glanced up and immediately had the entire image of the waiter. I also picked up on some nervous ticks a thrumming of his ballpoint pen on the ticket and tapping of his foot along with rubbing his right index fingers on the ticket book. He was approximately 5'11" to 6' and was partly with a severe receding hairline, white shirt, tan shorts, hideous, beaten up flip flops.

"O, hullo Sherlock. Who is this? Whatever happened to that John fellow." I quirked an eyebrow. Sherlock? I went through my mental library, Sherlock Holmes maybe. I had never see the person before so I couldn't tell for sure but...

"This is-"

"Eponine. Eponine Damian." I answered and he nodded.

"She is my new colleague." Sherlock came to the rescue with a quick answer "We are discussing my next case. And John is doing just fine." The waiter left and he turned to me, eyes intense. "You barely glanced at him. Now give me a full description and tell me all you know." He folded his hands flat against each other like a prayer, leaned forward and put them to his mouth. "Go."

"He was about 6 foot, severe receding hair line, sweaty bald spot. Brown eyes pale king pig's nose, portly, had just eating something crumbly most likely toast from the coloring. Round head, white button up with a wife beater underneath and in the pocket were three pens: A black Bic, A blue papermate and a Dixon Ticonderoga black #2 pencil. He used the pencil to write. Right handed. Unmarried because there wa no ring and no ring tan if he had taken it off. Black belt that he put on upside down, and tan shorts where he keeps his phone and wallet in his right back pocket. His flip flops were old. 3 plus years and grey. Made of plastic and cloth. Nervous tics- Thrummed his pen against his tablet thing in the pattern of two fast peats then two slow separated ones. and when he wasn't doing that he was rubbing his fingers together his thumb on his pointer finger and he has been doing it for quite some time because he has a callus." I listed a few more qualities and closed my held my breath in anticipation for approval.

"Congrats kiddo, you got the job as the worlds only consulting detective's assistant." I opened my eyes into the smirking face of Sherlock Holmes. "Now tell me about yourself."

"I don't need to. You have already figured it out." This time I was the one smirking. "Now what is the next thing that I am going to have to do Boss?" I settled into the chair. "I suppose it could be anything. You are incredibly volatile. Shifty, strange- must I go on?"

"You will need an evening gown. Long, not puffy and you will have to be able to run in it. We are going to be investigating tonight." Sherlock eyed me above a teacup and i suddenly felt squirly. Incredibly cutout for the job. I strive to stand out and then I have to spy? This is going to be complicated. Totally complicated. I sighed and downed my water in thought. Abellio licked my hand and whined.

"And Abellio can't come." I nodded. "Be ready by 7." I stared at my watch in shock. That was 5 hours away! I didn't have enough time!

"Then I must go now!" I took out my wallet and dropped 5 pounds on the table. "Bring me whatever change there is. Goodbye Sherlock." I scribbled my address on there in messy handwriting 219 B. Muttering the words just to slow myself down and to not make mistakes. "Until then." I swung my backpack over my shoulder and clipped a fancy ribbon to Abellio and walked out in a clear hurry to get home, through alleys and secret roads as a shortcut. When I arrived at my house and my lengthy process of getting ready was started and an epic adventure was unknowingly started.