THE KEEPER OF 221B BAKER STREET

Dear Readers,

In this fan fiction, I am writing in script format, eliminating most of the fluff and fillers. I enjoy the challenge of telling the story with dialogue and straightforward scenes rather than using inner thoughts and personal narratives. This is obviously not under any time restraints like an actual television script, and having that freedom, I do go long on the scenes. The insights into how Sherlock's mind works and his use of technology really are what make writing this fan fiction a pleasurable pastime for me. If only I could do this for a living. *sighs*

I will tell you that I am introducing a new character into Sherlock's inner circle. Her name is Isabell 'Mae' Mayson. I will have scenes of the basic interaction of this new character with Sherlock and others, and, of course, add a touch of mystery, danger, and chemistry. Hopefully, I will establish her, with your approval, into this wonderful world that the BBC has created for us in this modern-day version of Sherlock Holmes.

I hope you enjoy Mae, as much as I enjoyed creating her.

– MissLadyMB

This Fan Fiction is COMPLETE, OFFICIALLY ENDING at the end of PART 19, but I may add follow-up parts after, just for fun. REVIEWS will encourage me to add more!

Common Screenplay Abbreviations:

INT. = Interior EXT. = Exterior P.O.V. = Point of View O.C. = Off Camera V.O. = Voice Over

PART 01: INT. SMALL NEBRASKA TOWN ROADSIDE BAR – NIGHT

The bar is quiet with only a few patrons playing pool in the lighted game room. In the far dim corner of the main area, a LONE MAN sits at a round table.

He is in his late sixties, white haired and fit. Distinguished looking in business casual clothes and waist jacket, he has the appearance of not being the sort to come into this type of establishment. He pulls from his jacket's pocket a track phone and places it slowly on the table then picks up the half-full glass and downs the liquor quickly.

Inhaling deeply, he exhales slowly, and picks up the phone and punches in a number. His hand is shaking. He waits for the pick-up.

LONE MAN
Mel, its Dad. (listens for two beats) No, no, I'm all right. I'm safe, but I need you to listen carefully. I sent you a key. Did you get it? (waits for answer) Good.

He pauses as the waitress stops by to pick up the empty glass and replace it with a full one. She smiles sweetly at him. She leaves.

LONE MAN
(continuing)
I'm here. No, listen, Honey, the key is to a locker at the Y. In it is everything you need for where you are going next. Cash, identity, phones . . . (listens and nods) Yes, destroy the one you have after we talk. Now, only six months there, lowest profile and job, and then you'll move again with another identity. It will be abroad and God willing, it will be the last time.

He continues to listen, closing his eyes as if to soak in her voice. Opening them again, he switches the phone to the other ear.

LONE MAN
(tone very serious)
Mel, listen carefully. There are specific instructions, follow them exactly. Promise me. My life and yours will depend upon it. When you get to this last destination, there will be another key and secure box. There is a name. Get close to him somehow. (listens and he smirks) No, no. . .don't panic, just friends, Mel. He will be your insurance plan. You will understand. (listens) What . . . yes, I am going into hiding too. This will be the last we talk for a long time, Honey. (two beats) No, there is no other way. I know, it's hard for me too. Please, be strong, like you were for your mom in her last years. I need you to be that way again.

The LONE MAN wipes moisture from eyes with beverage napkin as he listens.

LONE MAN
You'll see me again. I promise. (listens, nods with a feeble smile forming) It's a date . . . our favorite place, under the stars with a bonfire, hot dogs, the works. (voice breaking) Mel, I have to go now. My flight is about to board. (listens) No, no, you wouldn't hear the planes taking off. I'm way in back in an airport bar, far from my gate. That's why I need to get going.

Tears are falling freely and he struggles to control his emotions.

LONE MAN
(nodding)
Yes, I remember, no good-byes just see you laters. I really got to go, Honey. I love you. (pauses and then quickly adds) Mel, you're very special, just like your mother. Don't ever change. Okay, now . . . see you later.

He flips the phone shut and wipes the tears on his face with the back of his sleeve, taking in a deep, cleansing sigh, obviously relieved that the call was finished.

Standing, he picks up the glass and downs its entire contents and puts the glass back on the table, catching the attention of the waitress. He reaches into his pants pocket, pulls out a huge wad of 100-dollar bills, and stuffs it into the empty glass. The waitress' hands fly up to her mouth to suppress a gasp. He smiles at her reaction, confirming that the money was for her.

LONE MAN
(raised voice)
For your little boy.

Before she could react, he makes for the door and notices her glistening eyes following him out; she is speechless but is able mouth a 'thank you'. He nods at her and exits.

PART 01B: EXT. SMALL NEBRASKA TOWN ROADSIDE BAR – NIGHT

Outside in the night, the LONE MAN looks up and down the dark, street. It is completely deserted. Noticing a grated street gutter, he pulls out the track phone and throws it down it. It hits the bottom.

A block away, he reaches his vehicle, an early rusted-out 90s model, parked in an abandoned gas station; he opens the back passenger door and gets in. From inside the back seat's center storage panel, he pulls out a small remote control stick, visible wires can be seen leading to the trunk. Flipping a leaver, a green flashes, and he places his thumb on the raised button at the top.

Taking in a series of deep breaths and releasing them rapidly, he closes his eye.

LONE MAN
(slowly pressing down on button)
Forgive me, Melanie. I love you.

The entire vehicle explodes into a massive plume of flames, debris and black smoke.