Sherlock-standing alone
chapter 3- The finding
Set directly after the end of the sign of three, season 3
Spoilers: Season 3 spoilers
So this is a different take on how things could have happened after the wedding. It talks about Sherlock's insecurities and all around fear of being alone (Sherlock is very insecure in this). Enjoy!
The flat was still silent and still oddly tidy. There were no experiments laid out in the kitchen and hardly any sheets lying around, but the wall was still covered in sheets, pinned up for display and the laptop was still on so it was clear Sherlock had been looking for a case.
"Sherlock? Are you here? Is he here?" John turned to face Mary who had just come from the kitchen.
"No. I think he's out though-his scarf and coat isn't here." John turned to the coat hanger to find it empty and called Mrs Hudson. The landlady emerged holding a tray of tea and biscuits and gave the married couple a big smile.
"Mrs Hudson, have you seen Sherlock? Has he been here or did he leave?"
Mrs Hudson looked thoughtful for a moment before shaking her head quickly.
"Oh Sherlock dear left for a case a few hours ago. He said he'd be back soon, but you know what he's like, getting all excited. You know what a nice bit of murder does for him John."
John frowned slightly. He could just be feeling paranoid but better safe than sorry-you never knew what could quite happen on a case and John had first hand experience with that. Just as he pulled out his phone and was about to call Lestrade, his phone started ringing. He frowned when he looked at the screen. Greg didn't usually call him unless there was a change in a case or more information, or Sherlock was being irritating or in trouble. John was not involved in any cases at the moment.
"Hello? Greg?"
"John, have you seen Sherlock? Is he with you?"
On the outside John appeared calm, but inside he could hear his heart pounding and he was beginning to worry.
Please be alright Sherlock!
"No. We're at the flat. He went to see you on a case though didn't he? He's with you, right?"
John heard something akin to cursing in the background and Greg shouting something to someone else before replying.
"John, we just found something, you need to get here as soon as possible."
"Alright, i'm coming. Send me the details."
"Alright. Just get here as soon as possible."
"Wait, just now, what did you find?"
"John..." The hesitation in Greg's voice made John's heart momentarily stop.
"Greg, tell me."
"...Sherlock's scarf. It's covered in blood."
The ally was dark and empty, with only the early evening light as a source. John had sent Mary home after explaining what Greg had told him and had warned her that he may be late. She was as understanding as always.
Staring at the bloodied scarf in his hands now made him feel horribly guilty. Lestrade had explained that Sherlock had been on edge as a result of being alone on the case and wouldn't disclose what had been bugging him. But John knew. If they hadn't fought and he had been with Sherlock, he could have stopped this. He could have been there to make sure he was ok and none of this would have happened.
But what if Sherlock isn't just hurt? What if he's dying or they were already too late? Just like the fall he wouldn't be able to reach him in time and it was all his fault and-
NO! Now is not the time to let feelings get in the way John Watson! Sherlock needs you!
"We have to work out what happened. Is this where you found his scarf?"
Greg pointed. "A little over there. We found it next to the wall."
John pulled out a flashlight (that he always carried these days) and inspected the area calmly. There were scuffle marks on the floor with a slight dent in the right hand side wall. It was too low to be made by hands but looked as if someone had hit it hard so maybe...
Kicked it. Someone had kicked against it.
Pointing his flashlight at the crevices in the ground, he noticed a shiny gleam of black which looked very obviously out of place. John picked it up and stared. Sherlocks phone had a huge crack on it but was otherwise unscathed. The battery power was only 15% though, which suggested Sherlock had disappeared earlier today, probably just over a few hours ago. The biggest hint however, came when John slid the unlock button of the iPhone.
JOHN KIDNAP HELP
The unsent message made his hand shake. Even despite the fight they had had earlier and the supposed finality of their separation, Sherlock had been in a desperate enough situation to call John back or at least try to. That, in itself spoke volumes about their situation. Of course Sherlock hadn't meant what he said, he only wanted to keep him away for his own safety. But even then, he found it difficult to stay away from John.
John shook his head and assessed what he knew. This could be dealt with later but for now work needed to be done.
This confirmed it. Sherlock had been kidnapped by an unknown person or group. He was injured but not too badly if the lack of blood in the ally was any indication...hopefully. There would have been a struggle because Sherlock would put up a fight. Sherlock had tried to call for help but had failed. There were no survalience cameras here so Mycroft would not know who the kidnappers were. But maybe Mycroft would be able to help.
Turning back, he headed to the group of Scotland Yard and told them what he'd found.
He'd find Sherlock. There was no force that could stop him, he'd make sure of it. And if the kidnappers so much as even touched Sherlock-
I'll kill them.
And so we have finished chapter 3! What did you all think? Did you love it? Hate it? Any comments are mostly welcome:)
Thank you all so much (All of you fantastic, marvelous, wonderful people who make me extremely happy-almost as happy as Sherlock at a crime scene!) for reviewing, favouriting and following. I hope the wait for the update wasn't too long, the next one won't take as long-Promise;D
Until next time:)
