Chapter Two: Dinner with Katrina Martindale

Mrs. Hudson wanted us to have dinner with Kitty. I didn't mind, but I think Holmes was just a little bit upset at this news.

"I think it's a wonderful idea, Holmes," I said.

"Why does she need to eat with us?" asked Holmes, irritably.

"So she won't have to eat alone in Mrs. Hudson's flat, and so Mrs. Hudson can keep an eye on her," I replied.

"Why can't Mrs. Hudson watch her in the kitchen?" he asked.

I had no response to that, so I said, "Ask Mrs. Hudson yourself."

"I think I shall," said Holmes, and off he marched into the kitchen.

A few minutes later, Holmes came back into the sitting room.

"What did she say?" I asked.

"Miss Martindale will be dining with us," Holmes replied.

Kitty came bounding into the sitting room then as well.

"Hi, Dr. Watson. Hi, Mr. Holmes. Grandma says I'm having dinner down here with you tonight," she said.

"That's right, Kitty, you are," I answered, "and we're delighted to have you dine with us, right, Holmes?"

When Holmes didn't answer, I kicked him a little above his ankle. "Right, Holmes?" I asked again.

"Right," Holmes muttered, bending down to rub his leg.

"I brought my dollies," said Kitty, pulling out a doll from her bag she had brought down stairs. "You wanna play?"

"Sure," I said, deciding to humor the young girl.

"Will Mr. Holmes play, too?"

I glanced over at Holmes. He shook his head no.

I gave Holmes a look that said, 'play with the girl.'

Holmes still refused, so Kitty and I played with the dolls until Mrs. Hudson announced dinner.

Dinner was a quiet affair.  "Where do you live, Kitty?" I asked, trying to be conversational.

"Kent.  We have a big house with a swing and maple tree in the front," she said, chewing a mouthful of steamed carrots. 

"Is that so?" I asked.

Kitty nodded.  "I like this house.  It's very pretty," said Kitty.

After dinner, Kitty went exploring the flat, while Holmes and I looked at the fire.

"You need to be nice to Kitty," I told Holmes at last.

"I am nice," he replied stiffly.

"No, you're civil.  There's a difference," I answered.

"Look what I found," Kitty cried, running into the sitting room, carrying Holmes's violin in her small hands.

"Give me that," yelled Holmes, running over to Kitty and snatching the violin out of her hands, "don't touch other people's things without permission."

Holmes went back to his room, carrying his violin.

A/N: I'm sorry it's been so long since I updated last!  I've had writer's block for ages!  Review, please, and I hope to have chapter three up soon.

REVIEWS:  Nako-chan: Thank you very much.  I'm waiting for updates for your stories.

Krystal Black:  I don't think Kitty endeared herself to Holmes by taking his violin out of his room.  Thanks.

LA: It will.  I don't know how scary it will get.  My scary stories would get a rating of B if they were movies.