Chapter Two: Get Away Plans

(Watson's POV)

After Miss Ava composed herself I permitted the interview to continue. "Now Mr. Holmes", Inspector Lestrade said, "I'm not sure what to do to keep Miss Ava safe. What course of action do you think we should take? Put her in protective custody?" Holmes, who had been standing in front of the fireplace lighting his pipe, turned to the Inspector and said, "That would do her no good. If a shot was fired from someone at least five feet away and was only a few inches off target she needs to get away from London." Miss Ava stood quickly, "I can't leave. I work at the orphanage now and this is my home. Am I supposed to let this society drive me away from all I love?" Holmes set his pipe on the stand and walked over to her, "If you wish to live to see the home and places you love; yes, you must leave." Miss Ava sighed and sat back down, "I have nowhere to go."

"My dear child, you shall come with us!" Holmes stated gesturing to himself and I. "What?" I started but Holmes raised his hand to quiet me, but I wasn't sold on the idea. Yes, the girl's safety must come first, but having her stay with US, two men? Besides, where would we go and I have my practice. I didn't have the slightest idea although I take it Holmes must have some plan of action. "Mr. Holmes I…I could not impose upon you and your friend in such a manner." Miss Ava said and a slight blush popped into her white cheeks. "Well, Miss Ava you don't have any other choice. This society knows where you live and when you are most venerable. You MUST get away from London." Holmes slammed his fist into the arm of the couch and Miss Ava jumped. "Holmes!" I warned him. He seemed to realize his error but continued on. "You shall come with Doctor Watson and myself to the countryside. I shall work on your case from there with the assistance of the police." Holmes looked to Lestrade and he nodded. I must admit Holmes plan seemed to make sense and I wasn't keen on refusing a vacation to the countryside, but Miss Ava living with us for who knows how long? Plus would we be able to keep her safe and comfortable all the while.

"Mr. Holmes I understand your concern for the girl but taking her away to the country?" Lestrade said. "Yes Lestrade; I will be able to watch over her and protect her better this way. As she says she is afraid she will not be able to defend herself from these people, and I don't think she could at least not on her own in the same building in the same city at the present." Holmes stated. I was still a little shocked at the idea that Holmes would tell a client the best thing they could do now is get away. "As I have stated Mr. Holmes I have no money to pay for the room I should live in nor the clothing, food, and other supplies I should need." Miss Ava was beginning to look even paler by the second and then an idea occurred to me I stood from my seat, kneeled in front of her, and lightly pressed the back of my hand to her forehead. She gasped at the sudden contact, "Watson what are you-", Holmes stopped short walked over to the door and pulled it open, "MRS. HUDSON! Bring up a tray of tea with some towels and cold water!"

"Miss Ava you have a slight fever, due to this terrible incident I believe. Inspector could you please sit in the other chair." I put my hands on the woman's shoulders and moved a pillow so that she could lie on the couch. "Watson, keep an eye on her. Inspector might I have a word." Holmes said gesturing out the open door and Lestrade stood, "Good to see you Doctor Watson, don't worry Miss Ava you are in good hands." He gave her an encouraging smile, which she half heartedly returned. I didn't need to know much about her to tell she is a strong, intelligent, and very mature woman. When Holmes and Lestrade were in the hallway with the door closed Miss Ava spoke, "Doctor I'll be fine this must just be a spell." She tried to sit up but I eased her back down, "No matter what it is Miss Ava you still need to rest. It looks as if you haven't slept well these past few nights." I inspected the circles under her eyes. She nodded, "I will admit sleep hasn't come easily these past few days…"

"Well don't worry Miss; you're perfectly safe with Holmes and I. Rest now I'll check on your tea." I stood up giving her hand a gentle squeeze and she smiled. I opened the door to see Holmes sitting on the stairs that lead up to my room, "Holmes, what are you doing?" He just shook his head as I closed the door, "Watson this is going to be a most trying case. Very complex and dangerous…Miss Ava, I doubt, will not escape without at least a scratch." I sighed and rubbed my eyes. If Holmes feels that this case is serious it must be. "Holmes…She is ill I don't care what she says, and maybe if you talk to her and tell her we'll figure this out maybe she'll feel a bit better. I can tell as well as you that she is distressed." Holmes stood and walked over to the door of our rooms, "Lestrade has promised to keep me informed with anything he may discover in the case while we are away." I was about to ask him where we were going when he stated, "A cottage in the country Watson…" Holmes made to turn and open the door. "And where is the country we will be going to Holmes?" I asked.

He turned around and had the biggest grin on his face I had ever seen, "Sussex Watson! I still have my cottage from when I was in hiding from Moriarty's confederates. It should suit the three of us just fine!" "Sussex! Holmes my patients! How long do you think we'll be away?" Holmes sighed and ran his fingers through his hair while pursing his lips, "At least a month maybe more. Ah, thank you Mrs. Hudson." Mrs. Hudson handed Holmes the tray he had asked for. "Now Watson I am going to inform Miss Ava of our plan of action and I think you should start packing." I opened the door for him and said, "No Holmes I have to take care of her why don't you pack while I-"

"Watson I am quite capable of caring for a young woman for ten minutes. Come back down when you've finished packing." He said with a smile and shut the door with his foot. I sighed in defeat then walked up to my rooms to pack.

Thanks for reading! Please, please, PLEASE, review it really helps me out!

I hope to update soon but I'm going on vacation for about a week so I'll try and write some while I'm gone. Thanks again for reading!

~L