Dedicated to Westron Wynde, whose wonderful work has inspired me to try and become a better writer. Please read and enjoy…..Disclaimer, as always, applies.


Chapter Seven. Dear Brother.

Mrs. Hudson continued to sob onto my shoulder and I held her there, quite paralysed as to what action I should take next. Finally she seemed calmer and she lifted her head. She leaned back and I went to the open door that Holmes had, only moments ago, disappeared through.

"Where has he gone Doctor?" Mrs. Hudson's weak voice seeped into my consciousness.

"I'm not sure." I closed the door and turned to face her, "How are you feeling?"

"A little sore but I've no doubt I'll live," she smiled weakly at me, "It's her I feel sorry for."

I walked over to her, righted a chair that was previously on the floor and took a seat opposite.

"What happened Mrs. Hudson?" I had come to the conclusion that the wisest thing I could do was at least establish what had happened, rather than go on a fool's errand after Holmes.

Mrs. Hudson took a breath, straightened herself and began to talk.

"Well, not long after you and Mr. Holmes went out Rebecca came downstairs to say she did not want to be alone and would I mind very much if she sat in the kitchen while I worked? I of course agreed and she took a seat at the table while I baked. She was pleasant enough and asked the occasional question. Bless me Doctor, if she didn't know what a strawberry tart was! Said she'd never been given one before!" A cough cut short Mrs. Hudson's narrative and I felt a tug at my heart as I thought of poor Rebecca and what she must have been through, "Well, I had just put the tart into the oven when there was an almighty crash at the back door, Rebecca screamed and two men burst into the kitchen, my kitchen Doctor!"

I smiled at her indignation, but let her continue,

"Rebecca fought them tooth and nail she did, but they hit her and beat her until she lay quite unconscious on the floor. I'm afraid I was little use to her, I was appalled that men could treat any woman that way, eventually I found my voice and went to try and help her but they hit me and knocked me to the floor. I was so stunned I…I couldn't move," she began to sob and I clutched at her hand, feeling the anger rise within me at such treatment of two defenceless women, "By the time I came around, Rebecca was gone and I found myself tied up and gagged. I must have been here for at least two hours before you and Mr. Holmes found me."

"Mrs. Hudson, I'm so sorry."

I could think of nothing else to say, we had failed her, failed them both and now Holmes had disappeared.

"What about Mr. Holmes?" Mrs. Hudson's voice seemed to echo my thoughts, I looked to the window, where the night beyond was now well advanced.

"I'm not leaving you again Mrs. Hudson; not yet. I will give you a draught to help you sleep and then I will tidy up here."

"You're just going to wait for Mr. Holmes to come back?" She asked, expressing the incredulity that I felt.

"I fear I can do nothing else."

Mrs. Hudson nodded. I helped her to her feet and led her to her room, where, after a few moments and a sleeping draught; she was settled and peaceful. I left her there and returned to the kitchen. Lighting a few lamps I began to clean the mess that had become the kitchen when I heard a noise from outside; reluctant to look out for fear of finding something I would rather not, I went against my better judgement and opened the door. Standing in front of me was a man about six feet in height and dark, he possessed kind but guarded eyes and was clothed in a heavy overcoat that seemed rather too large for his slight frame.

"Can I help you?" I asked, being careful to guard the door.

"Are you Dr. Watson?" the man asked, his voice youthful, posing a direct contradiction to his appearance.

"I am." I replied, still wary of this dark stranger.

"Then I am at your service."

I fear I laughed at this bold statement, which the stranger seemed to take no offence at.

"First I think you had better tell me who you are."

"I am Rebecca's brother."

My face must have displayed my surprise for the stranger laughed and pushed past me into the kitchen. He at once began to pick things up and rearrange them into a more orderly fashion, as if he had been doing it all his life. I watched him from the door way, too stunned to assist him - or even to stop him. Her brother? My mind reeled. What had been a long day was turning into an even longer night. I shut the door and stood silent in the doorway, my fears for Holmes, I am sorry to say, playing second fiddle to my surprise at the appearance of Rebecca's brother.


I was really unhappy with the last chapter; I thought I could do much better. In my defence it was written after a long day at work, at 11pm so…but still. If anyone has any suggestions or comments on my writing I'd be more than happy to hear them! Or if you enjoyed it I'd be more than happy to hear that too!