Hawkeye was in intensive care, and had been since they'd located him in the alleyway five hours ago. No wonder Hamish could have gotten out so easily. Loki had been merciless. The morning had come with that horror, and then the argument of time had broken out. Loki was getting stronger every moment they stuck close to home base and played it safe. It gave him so much opportunity to recharge - and Sherlock wouldn't have any more of it. But Tony and Banner couldn't find the apartment Hamish had spotted alone, so he had run after them. Sherlock had just up and grabbed his coat, abandoning the both of them here at the flat. Tony had practically baited his genius out the door and Banner had rushed off to keep them company. With a huff the army man pushed aside the curtain and glanced nervously about.
"He's weak, John," Sherlock had said firmly. "If we find him before he recovers, there will be no danger for you both."
John had mumbled some protests, and been treated to a kiss. "Don't worry John," the silvery voice had softened. "I have two superheroes to flank me. Besides, you are the best shot."
So, here he was, alone with Hamish.
"Daddy!"
He turned in surprise to see his son standing in the doorway to the kitchen, sleeves pushed up, hair a mess, grinning.
"Yes, Hamish?" John asked in surprise.
"I made you tea," his son said excitedly.
"YOU WHA-" Rushing into the kitchen, he walked into a large mess of tea packets and water on the floor - but on the stove, clean and spotless, was a boiling pot of water. And the counter - normally clogged with dishes and experiments - was also spotless. "How did you manage...?"
"Well I know when you're worried about dad you always pace," Hamish said, oblivious. "And I know tea always calms you down."
John turned to him and sighed, shaking his head and smiling. "That was a very nice thought," he said gently. "I could use a cuppa. But after, we really should mop the floor."
He agreed to let the boy pour them both a cup, which was also a mess, but it made them laugh as they jumped away from puddles of hot tea. With the cups finally filled they settled on the couch watching TV, and John glanced out the window, hoping dearly Sherlock and the scientists had been right.
Striding as quickly as possible, Sherlock got out of the cab and sprinted down the sidewalk. Tony ran after and Banner struggled to pay the cab driver before following. "The lightning strike Hamish pointed out was approximately 33 degrees north west from the abandoned cart factory on Penny street. If we cross Wesley and Right, we should find the apartment complex we're looking for."
"Apartments?" Tony asked, jogging to keep up. Banner was sighing and bringing up the rear.
"Where else can you conceal a guest without neighbors taking notice? They're cheap and affordable only to hard working middle class, which are either tending their kids or fornicating, they don't have time to query the occupants of your home. And the few young people who can afford them are either in college or downing their parents money every night until they forget all their problems."
Tony stopped running. "Who is this guy?" He asked aloud, panting, and Bruce caught up, grabbing his shoulder. "The Great Sherlock Holmes," he said extravagantly, and nodded to Tony before continuing to run. Stark groaned and caught up.
"All right, all right! But at least tell me how long til we get there?" Tony barked.
"We're here." Sherlock replied, and they both almost ran into him as he stopped short, squinting across the street into the parking lot of the apartment complex.
"Whoa, uh," Tony said, glancing around. "All right. Now can you find which one he's in?"
Sherlock rolled his eyes and started across the street, his mind filling with facts and leading him like a blood hound through the throng of cars. He studied a few in turn then spun on his heel, heading up the steps to the apartment doors. Tony drew up beside him slowly, and Banner watched from the bottom of the stairs.
Sherlock stopped in front of one. His eyes dilated, his voice snatched. Tony, breathless beside him, looked from him to the door and back again. He turned and made a motion to Banner, who nodded. Then, leaning around to the window, he slowly peered inside.