This cycle is not being closed just this one segment of it. Hopefully there will be more on Sherlock Holmes and his "Homeless Network" to come. Thanks to all of you who are reading, following, reviewing and favoriting this. It is all so very rewarding and inspiring. I am in your debt.

EPILOGUE

"You've reached the London Met Police..."

"Oh please. I do know what number I dialed and whom I am speaking to. I just wanted to let you know that you're wife is at your house. And before you ask, she is fine. Why wouldn't she be."

Lestrade sighed. How could he explain tho this very socially inept young man that a house invasion often affects the victim in much the same way as a violent assault would. It was a violation, a type of rape, as if Sherlock hadn't experienced something like this recently himself? But in a way Sherlock was right. If Abby had been willing to go to the house alone, she was probably okay. He would to find a way of showing Sherlock his appreciation for giving them fair warning and getting he and Abby out of the house in time. This had spared Abby, and himself a lot of emotional trauma and more then likely, physical damage of some sort.

"All right then. I'm almost done here anyway so I'll be going home straight away. Sherlock...I do..."

"Thank me, yes I know. But it would have taken you blokes ages to bring him is going through your regular channels."

"That's not what I was going to thank you for."

Lestrade listened to the silent pause a the other end of the line.

"Oh..."

The Detective Inspector smiled on hearing the note of uncertainty and confusion in the baritone usually so mature and self possessed but often childlike as well, like now.

"Never mind, Sherlock. It was well played and there were plenty of ears on hand to hear his confession and he can't plead coercion. Look, I have to go. I will be speaking to you later."

Sherlock gave the phone a perplexed frown as the call disconnected then he sighed and started to punch in another set of numbers. If sentiment had been at the root of Lestrade's hint at gratitude, Sherlock knew he was about to be bombarded by it in spades as he punched the send button.

"Allo?"

"Lisette."

"Mon Cherie! It is Sherlock, yes! Oh my dear, how long has it been. Very bad of you not to keep in touch!"

Sherlock closed his eyes and took a deep breath then released it slowly against the onslaught of emotions flowing through the connection.

"Yes, it is very bad of you since you only call when you want something. So. What is it you need and who am I to contact?"

"Tell Aimee that his aunt and niece want to come home. Unfortunately their papers were lost and need to be replaced."

"Birth certificates along with the passports?"

"That would be helpful yes."

"Very well, Mon Cherie. I will have him get in touch with you for the particulars. Now. An end to this tedious cloak and dagger. What I want from you is a promise that you plan to visit us soon."

"Lisette, I am very busy."

"Yes, being a detective, I know. But even the policeman takes holiday. I must warn you, Sherlock, if you do not promise to come over Christmas I will send Antoine and you know what that would be like. He enjoys the game of cat and mouse almost as much as you do, if not more, if that is at all possible. You also know that I do not make idle threats."

Sherlock took stock of his options. The thoughts of traveling to France during the coming holiday crush was not an inviting thought. But Antoine made Mycroft's "kidnappings" look like child's play.

Lisette took Sherlock's silence as a sign that he meant to refuse her.

"Please, oh please, do not say no. I know what that Holmes family estate is like. So cold and echoing, if you dined to attend anything with Mycroft, that is. Come stay with us. I know how large large gatherings distress you. I will arrange a whole suite of rooms be at your disposal. It will be a quiet retreat for you."

Then she fell silent knew that pleading could all to often accomplish the opposite results of what she hoped to obtain from this, her favorite nephew.

Sherlock screwed up his resolve and heaved an inward sigh.

"Very well."

"Oh, Sherlock! You have made me a very happy woman indeed. Will you come with Aimee's aunt and niece?"

"No, I think not. They should return to France before I depart."

"Very well. I will get in touch with him as soon as we end this call."

"It would be appreciated."

"It is no trouble at all. You know Aimee takes an artist's pride in all..well of course you know hence this call, yes. All will be in readiness before the month is out."

"That is what I am counting on. Goodbye."

"Until later, Sherlock."

Sherlock put the phone away and headed for the bolt hole. There were plans to formalize. Not the least, the task of convincing a young boy that dressing up a girl was not out of the realm of possibilities if it was part of a larger adventure.