Chapter 8

221B Baker Street

By the time they got to Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes' apartment, it was already very dark outside. Casting nervous glances over his shoulders, Sherlock Holmes steered Sophie in quickly before closing the door behind him.

"Mrs. Hudson! We're home," Dr. Watson called merrily towards the kitchen. A minute later, a plump, kind looking woman appeared at the stairs.

"Why! It's so late at night, where have you being? I tried the door three times to send up the supper but no-one is at hom- oh, hello!" she said, noticing Sophie for the first time.

"This is my sister Sophia, but pray call her Sophie, Mrs. Hudson, she is the reason we are out till so late at night," Sherlock Holmes said smiling.

"Oh! So it is you Mr. Holmes has being talking about this morning! Welcome to your new home, Sophie. I have you bed made and the fire lit, please make yourself absolutely at home. I will send up the supper soon," Mrs. Hudson smiled, before bustling into the kitchen again.

"She's our landlady, Mrs. Hudson," Dr. Watson explained as they climbed the stairs. Sophie nodded, not knowing whether to make any comments or not. They reached the second level. Holmes opened the door and stepped back to invite Sophie in.

"It's a bit untidy, but don't mind, I will show you to your room," Sherlock said kindly. He picked up Sophie's case and turning abruptly to another door, he opened the door with a set of keys which he handed to Sophie.

"This is the set of keys to your bedroom, the apartment, and my room, oh and the drawers too," Sherlock said, setting down the case and lit the lamp.

From what Sophie could see, it was an extremely well-furnished room with a complete set of furniture and pale purple carpet which feels soft under her feet. There was a fire crackling merrily in a corner, and several vases of flowers placed around the room. It was almost exactly like her old apartment back at Allamanda Street, but still, it lacks something which Sophie could not say.

"Mrs. Hudson insisted on putting flowers on the tables, but I see that she is right about that," Sherlock Holmes said. Sophie nodded, said a soft 'thank you' and exited the room.

"Let me show you around," Dr. Watson said helpfully. Sophie smiled, and accepted his offer.

"This is Sherlock Holmes'……err……science laboratory, don't go in there too often, it was often filled with toxic gases, and this is the living room, where Sherlock would do most of his consultations….Oops!" Dr. Watson apologized as he accidentally knocked against a chest of drawers. The picture of Irene Adler fell out. Before Watson could comment on it, Sophie bent down and picked it up.

"Is this Irene Adler?" she asked Sherlock, who was standing at the door-way. Sherlock Holmes, for once, looked surprised.

"You know her then, Sophie?" he asked.

Sophie's thin lips were set in a grimace.

"Had to fight tooth and nail against her once, almost like you and James Moriaty," Sophie said sadly. Ignoring Sherlock Holmes' questioning gaze, Sophie placed the picture neatly back into the drawers.