AN: ACD has first dibs.
Chapter 12
When I got of the shower, James was sitting up in bed, awake. He looked up when he saw me. "Morning, sunshine."
I almost melted. It was exactly like old times, but it felt a bit disconcerting. "Morning, James. Did you sleep well?"
He cocked an eyebrow. "Of course. Did you?"
I nodded. An awkward pause followed. I began to get dressed, and started packing up my bag. James watched me from the bed for a few minutes before he got up and started getting dressed. The silence continued for a few more minutes before James placed his hands on my shoulders, and turned me around to face him.
"I'm heading back to Los Angeles later today. Do you want to come with me?" he asked carefully.
I cast my eyes to my feet, attempting to avoid his intense gaze while hurriedly debating my options. I couldn't just abandon Holmes like this. "I'd love to, but…"
James' eyes narrowed. "But what?" he shot back.
I started to quiver under his hardened stare, but I answered him anyway, in the steadiest voice I could muster. "I can't just leave Holmes like this. He's my friend."
"Some friend," James snarled. "He didn't even trust you enough to tell you why he left you stranded at the opera. If you were my date-"
"Well, I wasn't, was I? What have you got against him anyway?" I interrupted strongly, surprising even myself.
James stared at me, incredulously. "You like him."
"Well, of course, he's my friend."
James continued before I could say anything else. "No, wait, I take that back. You don't just like him, you love him."
I opened my mouth to protest. Holmes and I weren't even friends, as he had so clearly pointed out to me just yesterday. "That's not true."
He smiled. "Look, sweetheart, just call me when you figure out what you want." He picked up a nearby pen and scribbled his cell phone number on my hand. He put on his jacket, and proceeded to head out the room.
I couldn't lose him again, not when what I wanted for so long was so close… "Wait."
James stopped, but didn't turn around. "What is it, Laura?"
"Look, James, I… I'd like to go back with you to Los Angeles."
He turned around, but stayed where he was. I kept talking. "I just don't like leaving things unfinished, you know? I'd like to say goodbye to Holmes before I go with you. You know, leave a note at his hotel or something. If you're willing to stay around San Francisco a little longer, I could meet up with you later tonight, and we could head back to Los Angeles then- after I talk to Holmes."
James smiled cryptically. "Of course- I'll wait for you to meet up with him. I have an appointment at 8 PM, but after that, I'll be free. Why don't we meet up at Vista Point tonight at 9? If you're there, then we'll go back to Los Angeles together. If you're not, I understand."
I nodded. "Okay."
"See you later, Laura." The door closed resoundingly behind him, as I sunk into the nearest chair. It was already 9 in the morning. How in the world was I supposed to find Holmes before tonight? I wasn't a detective by any means- I only worked with dead people! I swallowed uneasily, pushing down my feelings of bewilderment, forcing myself to think logically. Obviously, to start with the bed and breakfast. I reached into my purse for my copy of the room key.
It wasn't there.
I tore apart the room searching for the key, which Holmes had implored me to safeguard yesterday, to no avail. The key was gone.
AN: Thanks to my readers, and double thanks to my reviewers! I'm on spring break this week, so I'll try and *gasp* finish this story this week! And of course, I wonder where the key is…