She paused before ringing the bell, taking the time to summon a fake smile to her face.

Mary didn't even blink when she opened the door and was unexpectedly faced with her former friend, simply invited her in without showing any remorse whatsoever.

"You look good for a woman that has recently given birth," Janine observed with a considerable lack of interest, and her remark was met with a noncommittal shrug.

"Any particular reason why you wanted to see me?" Mary asked, her tone completely devoid of emotion.

"Oh, but we're friends, aren't we? There hasn't to be a reason."

"Janine."

She sank into the armchair, gracefully crossed her legs. "I may be planning to seduce your husband. That would be the perfect way to exact my revenge, both on you and Sherlock at the same time."

"You can try," Mary corrected lightly. "It's only fair to warn you that it would be just a waste of your time."

"You're always so sure of yourself. Has it never occurred to you that I'm younger – and definitely sexier – than you are?"

A sympathetic smile tugged at Mary's lips. "You may be pretty, but John isn't that kind of man."

"Any man is that kind of man, given the right opportunity."

"That wouldn't be you anyway. You're not as nearly as dangerous as he likes his women to be; or his men, for that matter."

"Oh. So he is gay after all."

"He always claims he's not. I'd stick to that, if I were you."

"What if Sherlock eventually decides to sweep him off his feet?"

Mary shrugged again. "I wouldn't mind. I love my boys, and I want them happy."

"You're certifiably crazy, aren't you?"

"And your point is?"

Janine laughed, couldn't help it. "I think I still like you, even after everything that happened."

"People usually like me. It's my job to make sure they do."

"Give my love to John, will you?"

As she stepped out of the flat she decided that Dr Watson was definitely out of the picture. Sherlock might have been attracted to him, but he'd let him get married without making too much of a fuss; he wouldn't put himself between his best friend and his family now.

The idea of playing matchmaker was still tempting though. All she had to do was pick another suitable candidate, that was all.

xxx

Her next port of call was Mrs Hudson's flat. The old lady had always liked her, not to mention the fact that she was rather partial to gossiping; she would make for an excellent font of information about Sherlock's life, particularly when it came to his acquaintances.

"It's wonderful to see you again, my dear. I've never approved of Sherlock's manners, but I still think you had a good influence on him."

Janine placed the teacup back on its saucer, biting back a bitter remark. This lady clearly regarded Sherlock as her surrogate son, upsetting her with the full account of his questionable conduct wouldn't be of any use.

"Tell me, did he ever bring any of his girlfriends here? Or boyfriends, maybe?"

Mrs Hudson shook her head. "You were the first one, darling. John and I have often wondered if he'd ever had anyone at all."

"What about John? Did they ever…?"

"You know, that's what I used to think at first. But with John always claiming that he's not gay, and Sherlock being married to his work – I'm not so sure anymore."

"Has he ever shown any interest in women before me?"

"I think there was one once. Not the kind of woman you'd want your son to be involved with, if you get my meaning."

She wasn't sure she did, but she nodded all the same. Mrs Hudson sighed and went on.

"To think that he's always had a decent girl pining for him, and he barely noticed her at all."

"He can be quite oblivious to other people's feelings," she quipped, though it was actually quite an understatement. She doubted that Sherlock would care even if he noticed.

"I know, I know. But Molly Hooper is such a darling, and she was about to marry a decent chap – though he resembled Sherlock a bit too much, I have to concede that."

Janine offered an understanding nod. "And he never cared for her, did he?"

"I'm not sure about that. I guess he considers her a friend, though he's very rude with her at times."

A friend. That was what John Watson and this Molly had in common. It would appear that, unlike most men, friendship might be the key to Sherlock Holmes' heart.

It was worth a try at the very least. And even if she didn't succeed, she would still be willing to stand up for another woman that had been cruelly wronged by the clever detective in the funny hat.