I apologize if it seems like these chapters are being rushed. I'm sure you guys want to get to season 3, and I'm getting there as soon as possible, I assure. Just to need to establish Helena and Dally's places for what will be happening for them between season 2 and 3. Enjoy!


Unlike the Padding station in London, the Exeter station was outside with fresh air and birds chirping over the sound of the train engines. The two ladies got off the train and got their luggage.

"So, we should look for Henry, right?" Dally asked, still fascinated by no ceiling for the station.

Helena nodded, taking her hand. "Right."

The two went through baggage check through the building and walked out to the city, where many cars and people were found. Dally looked over the exterior of Exeter station, wasn't as exciting as Paddington station. She looked around, not knowing what Henry looked like, so she hoped Helena could find him.

"He said he'd meet us here." Helena said, looking up and down the road. She took out her phone, checking the time, maybe they arrived too early?

"Excuse me?"

The girls turned, Helena smiled and instantly hugged the approaching man. "Henry!"

Henry laughed and hugged back, "I didn't recognize you with the glasses." he told.

Dally stayed in her spot, watching Helena and the man, Henry, talk. He wore a faded green jumper and had light layer of facial hair, the light brown matching his clean cut hair.

Helena chuckled, pulling back as she poked his cheek. "I could say the same thing, turning into a lumberjack?"

He rubbed his jaw and noticed Dally staring behind Helena. "Hello, are you Dally?" She stepped closer to hide behind Helena. He chuckled and knelt down to her level. "I've heard about you."

Helena stepped to the side and gently pressed her back to talk to Henry. Dally suddenly felt nervous, never meeting anyone from her father's cases before. "H-Hello." She muttered.

Henry smiled and held a hand out. "I hope you enjoy your time here."

Dally looked down at the hand, soon she took it and they shook hands in greeting.

"Were you waiting long? Helena asked, Henry stood to lead them to the parking lot.

"Not at all." He assured, "So, John couldn't make it?" Henry asked.

Helena sighed as they passed the many lined parked cars. "Yeah, sorry. He's been a tad busy. His own flat and job to maintain."

"It's alright, I'm glad you two could make it." He said, walking over to a black Mercedes-Benz. He popped the trunk and loaded their luggage into the back.

Helena sat in the passenger seat, Henry taking the driver's and Dally climbing into the back seat, backpack in her lap. She heard the two adults talk up front, her eyes wandering out the windows to her left and right. She felt nervous and excited, it was like the first time she ventured out of the orphanage long ago. Though she was on her own, alone. This time, she had Helena with her and a new friend, Henry.

"Glad your hair sticks out in the crowd." Henry joked.

Helena giggled, patting her hair as she pulled it up in a ponytail. "I've usually had to hide it when I was around the streets stealing." Henry gave a side look, she laughed. "Don't worry, those days are behind me now."

Helena was surprised hearing Henry laugh, genuinely laughing. He was such a wreck and a ball of anxiety when she first met him. Even when leaving, he was still handling the news of his father's true death at the end of the case. Judging by his air of confidence and change in emotion, he was doing much better since.

"I can't thank you enough for planning this trip." She said, watching the green hills come into view.

"If anything, I owe you so much for what you've done" He told, driving calmly on the long winding road. "I'd still be a mental wreck if Sher-" He gave a glance in the mirror at Dally and cleared his throat. "If you guys hadn't came over to- Y'know."

Helena guessed he didn't want to push the boundaries of mentioning Sherlock. How long had it been now? A few months or so since that day? She smiled, patting his shoulder. "You're right."

A gasp was heard making Henry jump, near hitting the breaks. "Are those sheep!?" Dally cried, pressing her nose against the window to her left.

Henry sighed, picking up the speed of driving again. "Sorry." He muttered, Helena guessed he was still jumpy at some points. "Er, yeah. We got loads of farms to pass by."

Dally got excited for every farm they passed. Be it sheep, cows, horses, or just a collie dog in the field, she expressed it verbally. Henry soon got used to her sudden cries and gasps, Helena assured she would be fine and to focus on driving safely.

"Dally, I know you're excited." Helena turned to look at her over her shoulder. "But, I think you're making Henry nervous."

Dally glanced to him and sat back in her spot, center of the back of the car. "Sorry." She muttered, keeping her eyes out.

The eccentric girl kept her cries of enthusiasm to herself, just bouncing in her seat. But it kept Henry calm with driving and Dally was still happy, so Helena relaxed and enjoyed the sights as well.


The large luscious home looked the same as when Helena first saw it. The only difference was that it felt homey when approaching it. She saw some bird feeders by the front door and more flowers around the home property.

"I remember the first place I went to, was straight to your yard, Henry." Helena reminisced as they exited the vehicle.

Henry chuckled, "How is your phobia? If you don't mind me asking?" he walked up to the door.

"Better, I assure." She told, refraining to tell that she almost experienced it when arrested at the flat.

"You live in a castle!?" Dally asked, Henry and Helena chuckled. "It's so huge!"

"You get to have your own room, I got it set up for you on the second floor." Henry told, unlocking the door for them to enter. "Make yourselves at home, I'll get the bags."

"Thanks, Henry." Helena nodded, entering the home with Dally jogging behind.

Not only had the outside changed, but the inside felt welcoming and open. More plants and wall art was found in the main room where the open yard was seen beyond the glass. Dally ran into the room as Helena looked around, smiling at Henry's home. The sudden feel of something against her leg made her look down, surprised to find a cat rubbing against her shin.

"Aww, a cat!" Dally cooed, the feline wander over at the girl and purred against her leg wanting attention.

It's bell dinged softly around its neck, as Dally scratched under the chin. Tan white fur covered its slim body, although some dark chocolate brown covered its fluffy long tail, ears, and nose. What really stuck out for the cat was its bright blue ocean eyes. He meowed in Dally's lap, as she rubbed it's chin and scratched behind its ear.

"Oh, you've met Maggie." Henry said, shutting the door and carrying the bags into the room.

"Henry Knight, you're a cat person?" Helena teased, Henry chuckled. Obviously, he'd never be a dog person in his life.

"She's so cute." Dally walked away, Maggie followed.

"For a cat, she sure loves attention." Helena noted.

Henry walked over, plucking Maggie off the white carpet. "My therapist suggested a pet, and I kid you not, she comes wandering right onto my front step one morning." Henry kissed the top of Maggie's head. "Found her about a year ago."

Dally came over, reaching up to pet her, still captured by the feline. "Must be fate." She commented. "Animals know things, maybe she knew you were lonely."

"Maybe." Henry agreed, putting her down for Dally to scratch her back end. Maggie's butt and tail rose up, enjoying it all. "She's so spoiled" He muttered, glancing to Dally. "You're room is up there," He pointed toward the stairs. "Second on the left."

"Okay!" Dally took her suitcase and hurried up to see the room. Not surprised by the adults to see Maggie follow her, her bell ringing along the way.

Henry approached Helena, picking him her suitcase. "I thought I'd put you in the room you stayed in last time. It's right next to Dally's."

Helena smiled, a sigh escaped her lips. Worried, Henry tilted his head at her, but she just shrugged at him. "I'm really glad for all this, Henry. You have no idea how much Dally needs this."

Henry chuckled, "You both need this." he told.


Well, Henry was right. The trip was well needed for both girls. They spent their first day there adjusting to the home and visiting Grimpen Village. Helena was surprised to see The Cross Keys still running, and the same men, Gary and Billy, there too! Despite them being questioned over the 'hound', they did leave on good terms and the couple were happy to see Helena. They met Dally, saying it was an honor to meet Sherlock's daughter. Because Dally had dark hair and eyes, they assumed she was Helena and Sherlock's. Henry just let them assume, it was something they tended to do a lot.

They offered the two a meal, though warned Dally it was vegetarian only. The girl was content with that, and even got a free dessert! Helena was glad to see those 'Hound of Baskerville' tours were dying down since the solved case. Henry said Fletcher comes by now and then to try and get them going, but very little customers arrive for the tours.

The first night at Henry's place was filled with warm tea and star watching with a telescope Henry got. Being out in the country, Dally was able to see so many stars and even the moon in great detail. They ate a big dinner and soon, Dally drifted off in the couch with Maggie curled up be her side. Helena took her up and tucked her into bed, leaving the door opened a crack to listen to her.

"She had a full day." Helena chuckled, joining Henry in the kitchen.

He made them tea, extra milk for Helena and both went outside to enjoy the cool night air. They sat on the patio as the stars were still seen above them, clouds started to come in from the distance.

"How is it all going? Since then?" Henry asked, waiting to ask her out of Dally's presence.

Helena nodded, rubbing her thumb against the rim of the mug. "It's hard, honestly." She sighed, looking to Henry. "I'm trying to be brave for Dally. I left her alone once before, I have to stay strong for her."

"I know how hard it can be, seeing someone you love die." He told in comfort.

"I saw it, Henry." She whispered, her eyes staring out in the yard. "I saw it all happen before my eyes. He stood on that roof, Moriarty right there in his ear."

Henry placed the mug down, his full attention on her. "What happened?"

She bit her lip, gripping the mug tightly. "An old friend of mine, someone I thought I could trust, held me hostage on the roof across from them. He wanted him dead, and was… He was obsessed with me." She combed the hair out of her face, shaking her head. "I should've seen the signs."

Henry let her take a shaky breath before continuing.

"A single gunshot, one gunshot and then… Suddenly Trevor was shot after." She blinked, trying to keep her eyes dry. "Then he just- Just took that step and called me." Her voice cracked, breaking under the pressure as her throat started to feel tight. "He said he loved me, loved Dally- Loved us so much."

"Helena…" Henry put a hand on her shoulder.

Helena let out a sob, dropping the mug of tea onto the grass, letting it spill into the dirt. She covered her hands over her face, crying to herself. "I never said it back! It's my fault he jumped! I-I couldn't stop him!"

Henry took initiative, scooting over and hugging her. She cried into his shirt, letting her rest against his chest as he tried to comfort her.

"I can't stay at that flat any more, Henry." She whimpered, taking breaths to try and calm down. Tears poured from her eyes as she felt hiccups of sobs escape her throat. "I cry every night Dally goes to bed, too many memories and I just-" She coughed, shaking her head against his shoulder.

Henry rubbed her arms and back, taking in deep breath. "Maybe you and Dally should stay here."

Helena slowly raised her head, her expression was mixed with many troubled feelings. Leaving the flat that was truly a home for her and Dally, it saddened to leave, but also brought sadness to be there. Dally wasn't getting as much freedom from news outlets and John… John didn't even visit them as much anymore. He only checked in through calls on how she and Dally were doing, asked how her schooling was and her worsening condition.

Removing her glasses to wipe her eyes, she took even breaths and looked down at the frames in her hand. "I couldn't." She said, shaking her head.

"B-But-"

"I'll be a burden to you, Henry." Helena sighed, looking to him. "I-I'm," She cleared her throat and swallowed. "I'm going blind, that's why I need the glasses."

Henry blinked, turning to her as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "How?" He asked, though hesitantly as he didn't want to push her if it was too much.

"It was a trauma result, my eyes were burned before the Baskerville. I had them wrapped and everything seemed fine." Helena wiped her face, Henry reached back into his pocket and handed her a napkin. He must keep one on him.

"When did it get worse?" He asked, as she blew her nose and sniffled.

Her eyes ventured up at the night sky, trying to remember. "I'd say around after the Baskerville it started. Lights hurt my eyes and I had trouble seeing in the dark." She glanced to him, a sad smile gracing her lips. "I can't really see you too well, right now."

Henry moved, as if to get up and turn the lights on. She patted his arm, assuring she was alright. She rather not see well in the dark, than have the lights on and be in pain.

"I assumed it was just normal or maybe the flat was dark and it had been sunny more recently. But, it was me- All me." Helena sighed and rubbed her eyes feeling them well up again. "I don't know how long he knew, but long enough that he had set an appointment for me to get them checked. Before he died."

Henry wet his lips, "I still stand by my word." he told as firmly as he could muster. "Being out of the city might also help you, and your condition. Fresh air, open space, many things to do out here or just relax and take it easy."

Helena chuckled, shaking her head at him. "Henry-"

His hands grasped her shoulders, making her look at him best she could. "At least think it over?" He asked. "I want to help, and if being there, in that flat, causes that much sadness. Being out somewhere else- I don't want to push you to do it if you don't want to, you know I wouldn't."

She nodded, giving a sad smile again to him. She gently pressed his hands off her shoulders and reached over, giving him a tight hug. Henry was hesitant, but returned it as she felt comfortable in his arms. He wanted to help as much as he could, he knew what she was feeling about the lost of someone she loved. But, going blind? That was unneeded icing on her 'disaster of a life' cake.

It broke his heart when he heard the news of Sherlock's suicide, death from a case was expected- But suicide? To think he had almost done such an act back during his case. For a little girl to lose her father and for Helena to have lost someone she loved and now to be losing her sight. Now, he had to make sure things were right, since John wasn't around as she said he was.

Can he convince her?


"Are we really visiting a farm!?" Dally asked, rocking on the stool chair in the kitchen during breakfast.

Helena nodded, holding a heavy mug of coffee. "Henry set it up, there are cows, chickens, sheep, and even horses."

That bright sparkle came to Dally's eyes again. "Horses?!"

Helena chuckled and nodded. "That's why you need to eat your breakfast, once Henry is ready we're gonna head out."

Dally beamed and went to work eating her breakfast Helena made. She herself had already eaten some eggs and just needed coffee from lack of sleep last night. Helena felt guilty how tired Henry might be, they were talking late into the night and it got emotional fast.

"Have you ever rode a horse?" Dally asked, pulling Helena from her thoughts.

She shrugged, "Not really. Spent my whole life in the city." Helena answered.

"So, this will be your first time?"

Helena sipped her coffee with a chuckle. "I don't know if riding will be involved."

"Oh, it will!" The ladies looked to Henry who just left the shower, wearing a different jumper today. Who knew blue was a good color on Henry.

"What do you mean?" Helena asked, as Dally bounced with sudden excitement.

Henry smiled, "They do horse riding. I thought it'd be relaxing and a nice skill for Dally to learn." he said. "Oh, if it's alright with you, Helena."

She smiled, patting his shoulder. "I think Dally's excitement is the answer to that."

The two looked over, seeing Dally scrambling the food into her mouth and gulping down her orange juice.

"Hey, don't down it like that. You can get sick." Helena scolded.

Once breakfast was over, the trio left the house and Henry drove them to a ranch he knew deeper into the countryside. Dally saw the horses in the open fields, naming the different colors they were. Brown, black, white, chestnut, some with splotches like they were paint splatters and others with pretty spots and patterns. Some types were distinguishable, such as Shetland ponies and English Thoroughbreds.

They pulled into the dirt lot, the three exiting the car and approaching a young blonde lady who wore true riding garbs. She had the boots, jacket, even the helmet over her long blonde hair. Helena had guessed she was about her age, maybe younger.

"Welcome to Cholwell Riding Stables." She greeted, shaking Helena's hand with a bright smile. "I'm Diane, I'll be your riding coach of the day." Diane smiled down, holding a hand out to Dally. "Nice to meet a young eager girl, ever rode a horse?"

Dally shook her head. "We live in London. The best animals we ever see are cats, dogs, and a mouse maybe."

"That one time." Helena reminds her.

Those months ago, a mouse had been found in the kitchen. Helena took care of it, releasing the creature outside when it scared Dally one morning.

"Well, today we'll start off introducing you to the horses, okay?" Diane told Dally. "Do you have any favorites?"

Dally frowned, tilting her head. "Favorites?"

Diane nodded, "Some people like certain breeds." she told.

"Is there a difference to that many horses?" Dally asked.

Diane chuckled, waving for them to follow. "Each horse has a purpose, some do racing which are thinner sleeker horses. While others do manual labor, large muscular horses."

They followed her into the stabled, the scent of hay and shit was high noticeable. It didn't seem to bother them much, though Dally showed some disgusted signs as they approached the stabled horses. One horse they met first was a large tall monster of a horse. The size of it didn't seem to intimidate Dally though, she walked closer wanting to pet the creature. It's shiny black coat gleamed with white reaching over its snout.

"This big boy, is Alexander. We call him Alexander the Big, being our biggest horse here." Diane told.

"This is a Clydesdale, right?" Helena asked.

"This is a Shire horse. Though they are mistaken as a Clydesdale." Diane scratched its head, its black mane hung over its neck. "

"How tall is he?" Dally asked.

"He reaches about 5'7, we only use these guys for pulling extremely heavy stuff." Diane must have noticed Dally's need to touch the horse. She reached behind her, putting a step stool in front of the stable gate. "Want to pet him?"

Dally looked to Helena, as if asking for permission. She shrugged, not seeing the permission needed. Dally stepped up, reaching her hand out onto its snout. It snorted and nodded its head, wanting to sniff her first. She let him, and soon he rubbed his face against her hand.

"Good job!" Diane praised. "Most kids are too scared to approach out big guy, here."

Dally shrugged with a confident air around her. "I've seen scarier."

They moved on meeting other horse breeds; race horse, show horse, and some miniature ponies. Dally seemed to be rotating herself back to Alexander when another horse bored her. Though she still gave them attention, her full focus was on that Shire.

The last they saw was a horse that resembled a Shetland pony, but its dark chocolate coat and black mane was something Helena hadn't seen on a Shetland before. Even in photos she's seen or movies, never dark.

"This one seems unique." Helena commented.

"This is our special Dartmoor pony." Diane opened the stable, surprising the girls.

The dark horse nickered as it slowly made its way out. It wasn't smaller than a Shetland, but was shorter than the other horses. Dally stepped back as Diane lead it to her. "This will be your training horse. Meet, Daisy."

Dally frowned, almost looking at the creature was disgust. "You mean… I have to ride this baby horse?"

"Well, we keep the Dartmoor ponies for kid trainees." Diane explained.

Dally looked back where Alexander was and looked disappointed. Helena folded her arms, almost reading the child's mind. "I don't think you'll be riding Alexander for a long time."

"Oh, he is not a riding horse." Diane told, further disappointing the little Holmes. "He's only used for pulling heavy things and helping out nearby farms. We've once tried to have him ridden, that resulted in a large hospital bill and near lawsuit for the place."

"...I got to ride this pony?" Dally asked, as the Dartmoor pony snorted at her.

"Yup!"


To say Dally is disappointed wasn't enough, she was agitated. Riding on the pony made her feel like a four year old, being lead into a circle with the helmet on her head and her hand resting on the saddle horn. Henry and Helena stood outside the fence, smiling and watching. Dally smiled when she saw them, but it was wearing on her going in circle for over a possible hour- At least it felt like an hour to her.

"She looks like she's having fun." Henry nodded, watching her pass the umpteenth time.

Helena chuckled, shaking her head. "She wants to get on a real horse." Henry glanced to her. "That's a trait she definitely picked up from him."

Henry didn't have to ask who the 'he' or 'him' was, he knew she was referring to Sherlock.

Dally went in circles a little longer until she admitted to feeling dizzy. They took a break and Diane praised Dally doing well on the horse, showing no fear. While she was speaking with Helena and Henry, Dally had decided to sneak off.

The rebel child snuck into the stables, looking for the big Shire. But once she found his stable, it was empty, no Alexander. She huffed and leaned against the doors, pouting with crossed arms.

"Keep that face up, someone might mistake you for a horse."

Dally looked up, surprised to find a boy holding the reigns of a Cleveland Bay, she assumed. It's brown coat, dark chocolate mane and tale were long and clean. The dark near black color reached half way up its legs. The fact the boy about her age was holding the reigns both fascinated her, but also made her envious.

The boy himself had ginger hair and a pale face, bright blue eyes looking at her. He was dressed in riding clothes, making Dally take a guess he either was a regular here or related to one of the workers. Why would a child close to her age be able to hold the reigns of a big horse such as that, while she had to ride a pony?

"Are you a new student?" He asked, the boy giving a crooked smile.

"Just visiting, on a trip." Dally shrugged, watching the boy lead the horse with ease into its stable.

Once he was in, he patted its neck and shut the door. He approached Dally and held a hand out, "Charlie." He introduced himself.

Dally took his hand, shaking it. Though she didn't give a name, kids always made fun of her name. Some didn't in school, but it was still giggled until pulled out. She was nervous of him, a boy with a normal name, to meet a girl with.. An odd one.

"Er, don't I get your name?" He teased in a friendly manner.

Dally let go of his hand, knotting her fingers together in front of her. "Well, promise you won't laugh at it?"

Charlie shook his head, "Can't be worse than my brother's name." he chuckled.

"What's his name?" She asked.

Charlie waved a finger at her. "Tell me your name, and I'll tell you his."

Dally gulped, looking down at the her shoes. "It's… Dally."

Hearing no snicker or laugh, Dally's eyes dared to venture up still seeing the boy grinning at her. "I like it!" He suddenly exclaimed, making her jump at it. "Is it short for anything? Dallina? Darlene?"

She shook her head, tucking some dark hair that poked out from the helmet she still wore. "It's just, Dally. What's your brother's name?"

The redhead just grinned, though it looked sheepish. "I lied, I don't have a brother." Dally was taken back, puffing her lips. He tricked her! "I just wanted to know your name."

Dally punched his arm, but he laughed in return. Dally couldn't help but crack a smile and laugh with him. "How old are you, I thought they don't let kids near the bigger horses." Dally asked.

"Usually, the newbies." Charlie told, clicking his tongue. The horse hung its head over and lowered for Charlie and Dally to pet him. "I grew up here, in a way. My mom works as a trainer, you might have seen her. Blonde hair, always smiles?"

"Oh yeah, she had me ride the pony." She grumbled, pouting her lips out again. "Even though I'm nine, not four."

"Horse face." Charlie teased, Dally just stuck her tongue out at him. "But I'm about ten, turning eleven in a few weeks."

"You're ten?" Dally was shocked, he looked her age! "Aren't you supposed to be taller though? Like most ten year old boys?" At least the ones at her orphanage were tall compared to the six or eight year old boys.

"Guess I'm growing slower." He shrugged. "My dad was short until he was fourteen, than got his growth spurt and was the tallest in his class."

"Wow, my dad was pretty tall too. He was like this tower in his..." Dally grew silent, her head lowering at the memory of her father.

Charlie looked over, noticing her sudden silence. "Something wrong?"

"Someone met our new rider." The two turned seeing Diane, Helena, and Henry walking up to them. Dally noticed how Helena walked closely to Henry with her sunglasses on. Either her eyes were acting up or-

"I thought it'd be great to have you learn horseback riding. Unless you didn't find it fun?" Helena told Dally, a big smile on her face.

Dally shook her head, "No, it was!" she assured. "And I made a new friend, his name is Charlie." she introduced her new friend.

Charlie nodded, "It's nice to meet you, Dally's mom." Helena was taken back by the sudden title, Charlie turned to Henry who stood by. "And Dally's dad." Dally frowned, how could this guy be her dad!?

Helena immediately took the chance to correct. "This isn't her father, just an old friend of mine."

Charlie tilted his head, but assumed her father just wasn't attending here. He smiled to the awkwardly stand by Dally. "I better get to cleaning the stables. I'm excited to have a friend here, hope to see you again soon, Dally!"

The boy ran off to look for a tool to clean the hay. Diane chuckled, "That's my son, he helps here when I work."

"He must love it here." Helena commented.

Diane shrugged, "With my husband's job making him travel, I didn't think leaving him alone constantly was good. I took him here a few years ago when I started and hasn't left the horses since."

"That's an ace kid." Henry complimented.

"Thanks." Diane smiled. "He wants to to horse racing, if not horse shows. I think that's all he things, dreams, and talks about the past year or so."

Helena chuckled, "That's a good goal to aim for." she praised.


That evening, they ate another meal at The Cross Keys. It was the last night there, so they enjoyed themselves eating on the patio. Dally was quiet through the meal, though chimed in when Helena or Henry brought her into their conversations. She watched the two interact and was slowly growing annoyed. They would laugh, Helena would touch his shoulder and she'd even see them hug once or twice. Was… was Helena going to get with Henry? What about her dad? Could Helena forget about him that easily so soon?

"I'll be right back." Helena stood, excusing herself as she left for the bathrooms.

Henry sighed, leaning back and looking to Dally. He found the scowl on her face, but somehow didn't detect her feelings emanating from her. "Having fun so far?"

"So far?" She questioned.

Henry cleared his throat, noticing the tense tone she held. "Well, if there's anything else you'd want to see before leaving."

Dally frowned, not seeing this as a fun trip anymore. What if Henry is just trying to favor Helena over with this whole weekend? She stood, mumbling needing the bathroom and left Henry to wait for her and Helena.

Dally used the bathroom and washed her hands, her mind trying to ignore the possible thoughts of Helena and Henry. Helena wouldn't do that, she loved her dad and she watched every moment of their love grow. She knew she wasn't going to abandon her after swearing to take care of her, it was her father's last request. Helena would see it through.

"I'm being stupid." Dally said, looking at herself in the mirror. "Helena and I are here to have fun, then back home tomorrow." She smiled in the mirror, fixing her hair a bit before exiting

She walked past the front desk, heading back to the patio when she heard Helena's voice in the dining room.

"She is having a blast, Mrs. Hudson."

Dally peeked around, seeing Helena on her cell phone by the fireplace. She must be telling Mrs. H they'll be coming home tomorrow.

"Things have changed down here since that hound case, but for the better for sure." She paused and chuckled. "Yeah, Henry is really sweet. He's much more confident and is like a completely different person- I'm proud of him."

Dally wanted to leave her to the conversation, but couldn't find herself to leave.

"I think Dally's enjoying herself. She's started riding horses and I think it'll help." She sighed and folded her arms nodding on the phone. "Well, last night Henry offered to live here with him."

Dally was shocked by that notion. Living her? With Henry? But, London is her home, 221b is her home. No, Dally shook her head and blinking her eyes to keep her emotions in check. Helena wouldn't leave London, its her home too.

"That's a thing, I thought about it all day today and… I think he's right." Dally's heart started to sink. "Dally and I should move here."

Dally couldn't believe her words. It was true! Helena was replacing her dad with this… hound coward! She felt betrayed, Helena was supposed to take care of her, not this guy! Dally stepped back into the lobby and ran out the door without a thought. She ran into the dark night, through the parking lot and felt grass skim her legs as dark trees came into her blurry view. Tears escaped her eyes, streaking down her face and making it hard for her to even see where she was going. She didn't care, she wanted to be away from Helena, away from Henry, away from the Cross Keys- Away from everyone!


"That's a bold move to make, isn't it?" Mrs. Hudson said over the phone. "Maybe you should think this over."

"That's the thing," Helena replied. "I thought about it all day and… I think he's right." Helena sighed, reaching up to comb the hair out of her face. "Dally and I should move here."

"Oh, dear. Are you sure?" She asked in concern. "That's a big adjustment for you and Dally to take."

"I know, but I feel so… Open and free here. With all the news haunting Dally and my growing condition, maybe the environment and company will help." She sighed again. "I can't keep her in that poisonous air, forever remembered her father-"

Helena paused, taking a breath trying to keep her voice calm. She had to get past mentioning him without pouring buckets of tears. A sigh was heard over the line, guilt entered Helena's chest.

"I don't mean to leave you all alone there, Mrs. Hudson." She told sincerely. "I-"

"No, no, don't you worry about ol' me deary." She assured softly. "What matters is what's best for you and Dally. If you think this will help, but follow that."

Helena smiled, this woman was as understanding as ever. "Thank you, Mrs. Hudson."

The two bid each other a good evening and Helena ended the call. Now to tell Dally the news of her decision. She back out to the patio, not seeing Dally. "Where'd she go?" Helena asked.

"Oh, she popped to the loo." Henry answered, putting his phone away.

Helena frowned, "Strange, didn't see her pass by." she said.

Gary came up to them, smiling between the two. "How are you doing tonight, so far?" He asked, collecting their plates.

The two smiled, "Great meal, as always. Thanks for giving us the patio to eat out, Gary." Henry thanked.

The man waved him off, "It's the least we can do." he told. "After all what happened-"

Henry raises a hand to pause him. "It's all behind us now." He assured.

"Oh, thought I'd let you know." Gary added, turning his side as he nodded toward the lobby. "The wee one? She just ran of a bit ago, wanted to let you know. She alright?"

The two frowned deeply, Helena stood cautiously. "Ran off?"

Gary nodded, throwing his thumb over his shoulder. "She just burst into a run right outside, I assumed she went out for a walk." The look the two gave indicated the wasn't the fact. Helena had a look of shock and Henry held one of fear. "...Oh, boy."

The two bolted around toward the front of the building. They barked and called Dally's name in the lot and around the property. But no sign of her or a response was found. Helena was pulling at her hair, unable to see the dark night. Henry ventured into a far out field with a torch to search for her. But he returned empty handed.

"Where the hell could she have bloody gone!?" Helena questioned, feeling her heart beating hard against her chest. "If something happens to her-!"

"We'll find her, if she ran off she couldn't have gone far." Henry assured.

Gary and Billy approached the two. "Billy said he was out for a smoke," He ignored the side look Gary gave him. "He saw a figure bolting towards the woods."

Henry felt his chest tightened. "I know where she is."

Helena grabbed his arm, "Where?" she asked.

"The Moore."


Thank you yuki2497, jessica02, Lushyypants9, Blue Wolf29, b00kw0rm3, WordsAreFun, for the follows and favorites!

I PASSED PRE-ALGEBRA! Not only passed 34 out of 40, but got B in the class! First time I ever got a B in my life in a subject of math! I got an A in animation, A in TV, and B in Photo. I have got my Fall classes together. I registered for Stagecraft, which is essentially stage production in plays or theater, excited for that! Got Digital Photo I, which heavily involved in Photoshop. I'm a tad saddened because it'll be my last class with Murray, my film professor. He's so cool! Then took Drawing I, of drawing naked people… yay. And finally, Liberal Arts Math. The last one!

This summer, I'll be finishing this chunk of the story, going through season 3 and 4 of Sherlock to plan out the remainder of the story. Also, expect a new RDR2 story to be coming out this Summer!

Bored411- I am so mean to my OCs, then again, who isn't? I wanted Dally to have some struggles early on, she's about eight at this point and is maturing early for her age. Handling dark things and hardships no eight year old should have to go through. I have debated how long Helena will be mad at Sherlock over the course of season 3, I don't plan to make it too long, well assured.

Kailey.x- Thank you so much!