Chapter 9
Learn to expect the unexpected
Greg Lestrade
Greg played the voicemail back a second time unsure if this was some kind of joke. Greg knew that John had a sister, but didn't realize that they still spoke. John had never mentioned her. Greg did recall Sherlock making a deduction about John rationing his alcohol use because of his sister. Though Greg had never asked John about it directly, he had assumed that his sister's drinking was the reason that they weren't close and why he never talked about her. Now Greg gets a phone call out of the blue asking for John's contact information. Even if he believed the lady, who wasn't sure about, he had no idea how to get a hold of John since he had re-enlisted. The only one who might have a shot in hell at getting a message to John was Mycroft Holmes. Greg toyed with the idea of pointing the woman in his direction just to see what would happen. It would be entertaining, that much was for sure. Then again, that might be cruel and unusual punishment.
He picked up the phone debating for moment before dialing the number. It rang a few times before a female voice answered. "Hello, this is Harry." Greg hoped he wouldn't regret this.
"Yes, this DI Lestrade. I'm returning your call." He said and was interrupted before he could continue.
"Bloody hell…thank Christ! I've been so worried. It's not like Johnny to be totally unreachable. I've tried calling him countless times since Sherlock's death and it always goes to voicemail, which I have filled up with unanswered messages. Do you know where he is or have a contact number for him?" Greg debated how much to say, but decided to be honest. She more than likely wouldn't get very far with Mycroft, but she was welcome to try.
"Yeah, John's re-enlisted. That's the reason he hasn't answered your calls. I don't have a contact number for him, but I know someone who might. You're welcome to call him, but I have to warn you Mycroft Holmes is not someone who you should take lightly. There is a reason they call him the British government." Greg said listening to the horrified gasp at the other end of the line.
"What do you mean re-enlisted? He was shot and given a medical discharge!" Harry shouted clearly shocked and angry.
"I can't tell you the how's and why's of it, but it has happened. Don't shoot the messenger. Do you want the number?" Greg replied not about to listen to a lecture from an absentee family member. Where the hell had she been when John was suffering after Sherlock's death?
"You bet your ass I want it! I demand to know what the hell is happening with my brother!" She snapped. Greg bit his lip hoping that he hadn't made a grave mistake in even offering it to her. She was libel to get herself into deep shit if she dug too deeply.
"I'll give it to you, but first a word of warning, don't go digging for things that are better left buried. You may not like what you find. Mycroft Holmes is not to be crossed." Greg warned seriously before giving her the number.
Harriet Watson
Harry was fuming when she hung up the phone with the DI. Re-enlisted! Of all the nerve! How the hell had it happened and why had Johnny ever agreed to it? One thing was for certain; she was going to find out, one way or another. She punched in the number to Mycroft Holmes office and was greeted by a posh sounding female voice. "Mycroft Holmes office, how may I assist you?"
"My name is Harriet Watson and I have been trying to reach my brother Dr. John Watson and was told that he had re-enlisted with the military and that your office may be able to provide me with a contact number for him." She said. She would start politely and see where that got her first.
"I'm sorry, Madame. I can't give out that information. It is a violation of privacy." The woman on the other line replied.
"I'm his sister. I have a right to contact him. I want to speak to Mr. Holmes." Harry said struggling to keep from yelling.
"Mr. Holmes is not currently available. I am sorry that I cannot be of further assistance." She replied coolly. Harry seethed and snapped.
"What's your name?" She demanded.
"Anthea." The voice answered.
"Anthea who?" Harry asked loosing her patience.
"Just Anthea. I'm sorry that I cannot help you further." Before Harry could reply the phone clicked and dial tone filled her ear.
"God damn it" Harry hissed angrily.