Chapter 4

Friday, London

Jim shifted from foot to foot. Molly was late. He grimaced as he looked at his watch. They had agreed to meet at the entrance to Bart's at six. Where was she?

"Jim!"

He turned to see Molly waving at him and exiting a cab. She paid the cabbie and walked quickly towards him. His eyes widened. She was wearing a woman's suit.

She laughed at his expression. "I remembered you praising the glories and elegance of Westwoods. I decided to look up one and see how it was made."

Jim blinked. "You couldn't have been able to…" He faded off when he realized that mentioning her pocket book wasn't polite.

Molly laughed. "Oh, don't worry about my finances. What do you think of it? Is it smart? Good buy?"

Jim looked her over with a critical eye. It was flawless work. Perfectly done. "It's the best suit I've ever seen." He smiled and straightened his own jacket of his suit. "We even match in color!"

Molly laughed. "I'm glad you think it's good. I'll tell you how I could afford it, but only at the end of the date."

He nodded and they got into his car. Once they arrives at the Songbird, Molly smiled and waved at the head waiter.

"Miss Molly! It's a pleasure to see you again!"

Molly laughed. "I've missed coming here."

The man looked at Jim confused. "But where is Mister Herald?"

Molly coughed. "Ah, Henry, this is my current boyfriend."

The man paled and then bowed several times, shutting his mouth and leading them to their table. Molly was blushing lightly.

"Sorry."

Jim smirked. "So…Herald?"

Molly laughed with a hint of embarrassment. "Ah…well…" She coughed and sipped some of her red wine. "He isn't really my boyfriend. Never was, actually. We're more…business partners than anything else. We used to come here all the time a while ago. However, that stopped when he moved to America. I haven't seen him since…" She laughed nervously. "I shouldn't be boring you by talking about people you don't know."

Jim smiled innocently, although he was smirking internally. 'You mean, you're afraid you've said too much. What are you hiding, Molly Hooper? What are you hiding that I don't already know?' He placed his hand on hers.

She smiled at Jim. "Now, what do you want to eat?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. I don't have much experience in Greek cuisine."

Molly gave him a dubious look. "Really? But you said that you love Greek Baklava."

Jim smiled slightly. "Just because I love a desert, does not mean that I am an expert."

Molly gave him a quiet smile. "Really?" She laughed and then nodded, changing the topic completely. "Fine. I'll order for the both of us."

Jim nodded and smiled. "Nothing too spicy or anything."

She nodded and then flagged a waiter. Once she ordered, Molly turned back to Jim. Her smile was mysterious. Jim was about to ask her the reason behind it, but Molly's eyes widened as something caught her eye behind him.

Jim turned and saw John Watson and some girl, sitting two tables away. Molly cursed.

Frowning in confusion, Jim murmured. "Something wrong, dear?"

"That's John Watson. If he sees me, then he'll tell Sherlock Holmes that I'm here. If Sherlock finds out where I am, then he'll undoubtedly drag me back to the morgue so he can see some body or other." Molly rolled her eyes and shifted her chair so that her back was to the doctor. "I'd rather chew on glass."

Jim laughed quietly. He eyed her in the suit. She was rather breathtaking. Molly Hooper, in a Westwood. It was nice. Very nice. "You know, Molly, you clean up very nicely."

Molly wrinkled her nose. "I can't return the compliment, because you're always clean."

Jim chuckled. "I try." He preened slightly. Their food arrived and both of them focused on eating and making small talk.

Molly was quietly wondering when Jim would tell her the truth about himself, and why he was giving her his attention. She was confused, but something about this whole thing told her that it had to do with a certain consulting detective. Jim, on the other hand, was wondering when he should spring it on Molly, and how she would react.

Molly smiled at him, as he paid for the meal. "I still think you should let me pay my half."

Jim waved that away. "Please, this place is nice but cheap. I can assure you, paying for two will not break my bank account."

Molly laughed and accepted his hand and got up from her chair. "I think this night has been a success." She kissed his cheek lightly and walked away from the table to get her coat and scarf. Jim blinked and then followed her.

"You promised me the answer to how you got that suit."

Molly laughed. They exited the restaurant and started walking down the sidewalk. "I looked up the suits for women and carefully examined how they were made. Then I made it myself."

Jim froze. He stared at her. "You…you made this yourself?!" Molly nodded and then laughed at his expression. Jim blinked. "Forget about being a pathologist! Be my tailor!"

Molly chuckled and tucked her arm in his. "Pay me, and I will." She smiled and released him to hail a cap. Her eyes twinkled. "After all, family should look out for each other. Don't you think, son of Athena?"

Jim blinked and then blinked again. "How?"

Molly took his hand quickly and pulled him into the cab. She said her address to the cabbie and then looked at Jim intently. "Before we continue, are you planning on showing anything concerning our family to the Holmes brothers?"

Jim shook his head quickly. "Big Z would fry me faster than I could fry human. I know my limits, and I'm not a god."

Molly nodded. They rode in complete silence until they reached her flat. After paying, she pulled him up to her flat. Closing the door, she sighed. "I have an instrument that scans for bugs and such. There are none here. Now, what are you planning on doing with Sherlock?"

Jim pouted. "Before I tell my secrets, tell me, who is your daddy?"

"Thanatos."

Jim blinked and then leaned back into the sofa. "Damn."

Molly nodded. She couldn't tell Jim everything, but she could press him for money and resources. Her camp needed defense. He had the money, and she had the debts.

Jim proved to be very willing to help his extended family. Molly soon found out that he was extremely loyal to his family. Extremely loyal.