Lost and found

The pressure hit my chest as soon as I slipped through the wall. I couldn't breathe, and it was cold, so cold. I kicked my way to the surface burning my lungs as I took in a breath.
"Tower Bridge…at least I'm in the right place, but in the middle of the Thames, and a good distance from shore, in freezing cold water.
"Oi! What are you doin in there darlin, lets get you out before you get sick."
"Oh thank god." An older man in a small row boat helped pull me out.
"Let's get ya warmed up then." Wrapping a wool blanket around my shoulders. "How'd you end up in there anyway?"
"Ummm…" What was I supposed to tell him, I sure as hell wasn't gonna tell him the truth?
"Eh it's alright, the cold must have shocked you, we'll get you all warmed up and right as rain in no time. My missus makes a delightful soup." Wait, he was taking me home with him?
"Oh you don't have to do that, I'm sure I can find my way."
"Nonsense dear, can't let a pretty little thing like you get sick now."

He was right, his wife did make good soup. They put me up for the night and in the morning arranged a buggy to take me to Baker Street.
"Can I help you Miss?" Mrs. Hudson I thought, she doesn't look as horrible as Sherlock says she is. At least I was in the right place, the right time, and now I had Sherlock's doorway home.
"I'm looking for Mr. Holmes is he available, my mother you see, has fallen very ill and I think the house keeper is responsible. I would appreciate his assistance." Let's hope she buys that.
She frowned slightly and held the door open to me.
"I'm afraid Mr. Holmes disappeared quite some time ago. The doctor is here if you'd like to speak to him…come with me dear."
Quite some time, it had only been a few days, even if it had seemed like forever living with that impossible man. Mrs. Hudson led me up the stairs and knocked lightly on the door.
"There is a young woman who would like to speak with you Dr. Watson."
"Let her in." His voice was calm and silky smooth.
I stepped into the room, everything straight and perfectly in order, just as it should be, with the exception of a violin that sat in the corner, covered in dust.
"How can I be of help Ms…?"
I waited until I heard Mrs. Hudson's footsteps reach the bottom of the stairs.
"Samantha, my name is Samantha. Look, I'm going to tell you something, and I need you to believe me. No matter how insane it may seem."
"I've seen my fair share of insane madam…I'm listening."
"I know where Holmes is."
His blue eyes lit up and his body stiffened.
"Holmes has been missing for nearly one year, how is it you know where he is?"
One year, did he say one year, why should I be surprised?
"Ok this is where it gets interesting…"

Watson didn't budge as I told him about the events of the last few days, his eyes would wander and rest upon the violin every once in a while. When I was finished he walked to the window without saying a word.

"You don't believe me do you?"
I was shocked to see the smile on his face when he turned back to me.
"Indeed I do madam."
"Really?"
"Yes…That's my waistcoat you're wearing." He grinned. "You'll probably want to see his room… I suppose you can stay there too if you like, I've recently moved back into my old quarters."
"What about Mary?"
His clear blue eyes went gray. "Mary has since passed…stagecoach accident."
"Oh…I'm sorry."
"Three months now." He pulled himself together and cleared his throat. "I suppose we should look for this alleyway tomorrow, I'll have Mrs. Hudson find you some proper clothes."
"Thanks doctor."
"Your welcome Samantha, and please call me John."
"Thanks John."

One week, we had looked for one long week for this damned alleyway that Sherlock stumbled into. It was nowhere to be found and we had searched every street within a 2 mile span of Baker Street. When we weren't looking I spent my time wrapped up in Sherlock's organized chaos. I already missed him, being here in this room, I could practically feel him here.
"You've taken a liking to him haven't you?" I was sitting in Sherlock's velvet lined chair staring out the window and hadn't noticed Watson slip into the room.
"What?"
"Holmes…Something happened between you two." He raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly.
"What makes you think that John?"
He gestured to the massive amount of clutter I was sitting comfortably in.
"No woman or man for that matter would stand to stay in this…mess and look as content as you do."
"Is that why you keep that dusty violin in your corner." I caught his eyes and mine "Well?"
He didn't answer he didn't have to. "What happened to Irene John?" Sherlock said she was gone, might as well ask while I'm here.
"She off and married for good. Some crook she came across turned out to be just what she was looking for…I've never seen Holmes so upset."
So he did care for her…and she was indeed gone.
"Come…I think it's about time we talked to Margret." He said opening the door for me.
"Who?"
"She's a fortune teller."
I covered my face with my hand and squished my cheeks. "Honestly John, what is the point in that?"
"We've tried everything else…what harm can it do.

"Alice's wall…that's what yer referin to." Margret placed a pipe in her mouth and fiddled with a match.
"So you've heard of this happening before?" Watson asked his fingers playing with his moustache.
"There used to be a gypsy woman that would wander her way through here, tried to tell us all about it, her and her glittering wall. Rubbish, that's what we thought. Funny you showing up here telling me a similar tale."
"What happened to her?" I asked the gears in my head already turning.
"Don't know, just stopped commin round. Must have been over 10 years since I saw her last."
"Gretchen…."
"So you've met her then?"
I laughed slightly and shook my head.
"Can you tell us where it's located?"
"Small gap in the wall behind that old book shop, leads to some sort of alleyway." She said puffing away on her pipe. Watson handed her a few notes and we were on our way.

Figures Sherlock would wiggle his way into such a tight space just because he was curious. And there it was, bright and beautiful.
"Right then…good luck Samantha my dear, I'm glad that you found a way to get him back here."
"What do you mean good luck John?…your coming with me."

A/N Hey look its Watson! HORRAY! Can't have a Holmes story without his Watson!
Lots of love!
-Shelly