The Daughter of Deduction

Chapter 7

Rating: T (I think you all know this by now, right?)

Disclaimer: If Arthur Conan Doyle were still alive, he'd tell me Sherlock wasn't mine. Christine is my friend's, as always, and Cassie is (officially!) mine.

So, so, so, so, so sorry! This update is long overdue! I've had this chapter since April, and I've been too lazy to put it up! Feel free to punch me, this is your only chance.

Still at 1 review, and 8 follows, but hey, we've got 5 faves! One more than a month ago!


It took everything in me to go back to 221B the next morning. But I made my father a promise, and I, unlike him, tend to keep my promises. I rapped once on the door, a sharp and quick sound, giving away my irritation. I would have done this on my own, but my mother never hinted at where she truly was the happiest, seeing as she was never truly happy after leaving my father.

I heard the footsteps come towards the door, and then the door was pulled open by Mr. Watson. I mean, John. That's going to take some getting used to.

"Christine," he said, sounding shocked at my appearance. "What are you doing here?" he asked a second later.

"I'm here because I promised my father that he could help me spread my mother's ashes," I informed him, holding the delicate urn tightly to my chest.

"Oh, right. I'll go and get him. Please, come in," he said, stepping aside to allow me to enter the flat. I stood near the door and looked around while Mr. Watson – John, I reminded myself – headed off to retrieve my father. The place still looked like hell, but it had certainly improved, even if the changes were very slight and only noticeable to someone who had seen what it was like before.

"Christine," my father said, coming into the living area. "I'm sorry-" he started, but I quickly interrupted him.

"Let's not talk about that today. We have a different matter at hand," I said. "Today," I told him, "you and I are going to spread my mother's ashes. Think of it as…father-daughter time, and not as a clear indication I have no idea as to where she was happiest." I was trying my hardest to hide my sorrow, but it probably showed in my eyes. Disguising my grief was something I had been doing often.

"Right, just wait here a moment while I change and we'll set out," he said. "But first, I think it would be best if you packed a bag. Where we are going may take some time to get there. And, I thought, maybe I could show you where your mother and I first met?" He sounded almost shy about suggesting it.

"I'd like that," I said, smiling genuinely for the first time in a while.

"Well, go back and pack a bag quickly," he said. "I'll be waiting here for you."

I nodded and walked out the door, heading back to my home.

About a half an hour later my bag was packed and I began making my way back to the flat. I refused to look at anyone, keeping my head down, and then my mobile began vibrating in my pocket. I stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, to the annoyance of whoever had been walking behind me, and dug it from my pocket.

The number that came up wasn't one I recognized, but I answered anyways, putting the phone to my ear. "Hello?" I asked, but all I got was some heavy breathing and then the line went dead. I stood there confused for a moment, then shrug it off as a prank caller – probably Cassie – and continued on my way. This time, when I got to the flat, I just let myself in.

"Dad?" I asked, not seeing him in the immediate area. "Dad?" I called out louder, stepping further into the flat. I watched as he came out of his bedroom, looked as if he froze for a second as he registered what I said, and was back in motion so quickly I may have imagined it.

"Are you ready?" he asked and I nodded. "Let's get on our way, then."


What felt like an eternity later, we were in the cathedral city of Canterbury. It was so beautiful. The city was old, and it was built alongside a river. I could see why my mother had loved this place. We checked into a hotel, which was small and quiet. I wasn't sure of when or where exactly we would spread Mom's ashes, but right now I was perfectly content being with my father, in a place where they were both happy.

Yay! Chapter posted!

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