AN: Afraid there's no "Go Ask Mrs. Holmes" this week; prom and graduation took up a great deal of my time. Who am I kidding? The post-grad party took up a great deal of my time.

Bargaining

When Holmes entered the sitting room, he was glad to see the girl's complexion had returned to normal, her movements held no tremble, and the fact that she had been permitted in the sitting room in the first place. His brother would have made a terrible widower.

She was sewing a silk lining on a blue velvet blanket, only sparing a glance upwards. "Good morning, Sherlock."

"It is, isn't it? What a beautiful piece of work! I suppose you would have to have some things in blue, on the off chance the child is male. You truly look beautiful, sister mine. Radiant, really."

Ann Marie's eyes narrowed. "What do you want?"

His mood instantly dropped. "I have an offer, girl. If you do a favour for me and do not breathe a word of it to any other soul, I rid you of your captors for some time." At her eager nod, the man darted into the kitchen were the maids were beginning to prepare lunch. "Ladies! One of my cases has broken! I need this delivered! Yes, both of you! There's not a moment to waste!"