Chapter Eighteen

Jacqueline Gets Nosy

Jacqueline got back to the corner grocery just before noon, still grinning at her daring. Oh, perhaps it was a bit silly, she admitted, making such a fuss over going two blocks past her normal area. But after so many months of being stuck in such a small space since her attempt at going to the library, it felt like an adventure. And the best part was that she didn't feel the least bit disoriented by doing it… not at all. She was still thinking about it as she went in to the deli, smiling when she saw Mycroft browsing the store, reading the labels curiously.

"Sorry if I kept you waiting," she said with grin, bags in hand. "But I've been shopping. Do you like your new room? Did you sleep well?" she asked, stepping into line at the deli counter.

"It's comfortable, although I must admit the noise at night will take a bit getting used to," Mycroft said.

"Oh, I know what you mean. After I woke up from the hospital, I had such a terrible time getting used to it. It took me over a week, in fact," Jacqueline admitted, waving to a younger man standing behind the counter. "Do you have an order for me, David?"

"Oh yes, that's right, I'll bring it right out," he winked.

"That's rather strange if you lived in the same place before your accident," Mycroft said, getting her attention. "I would almost think that would be a physical adaptation instead of a memory one."

"You know you're right, that is strange," Jacqueline said puzzledly. "I never thought of it that way before. Perhaps it was just because I was so disoriented."

"Perhaps," Mycroft said quietly. He glanced up as the man from the deli counter and a much older man came out bearing trays, smiling warmly at them.

"Ah, so here is your new friend!" Isaac said, putting one of the trays in front of Mycroft, who was looking suspiciously at the lone candle sticking out of the knish.

"Isaac, this is Professor Doyle. He's staying in the neighborhood," Jacqueline said. "Isaac is a good friend of mine."

"I hear congratulations are in order. The older you get, the more of a miracle birthdays become," Isaac chuckled good-naturedly, offering his hand. Mycroft glanced at Jacqueline strangely before taking it, shaking his hand gently. "You know, you look familiar, Professor. Have you been in here before?"

"No, I came today because of Jacqueline's recommendation," Mycroft admitted.

"She's a lovely girl, isn't she? A bit picky," he teased with a chuckle and a wink, "But then we all have our vices. And one has to admit, she has good taste in food and friends, yes?"

"I don't know what I'd do without you, Isaac," Jacqueline said, not for the first time.

"Well, enjoy. I should get back to work," he smiled at them both before Isaac went to the back and David went to his counter.

"How exactly did you know it was my birthday?" Mycroft asked.

"From your passport. Sally told me," Jacqueline said, grinning his stunned face. "Are you upset?"

"No, merely surprised," Mycroft said, taking the candle out. "I normally try to avoid as much fuss as possible on the occasion."

"I wouldn't count a candle in a knish as much fuss," Jacqueline teased. "Well, and there are a couple of other things," she admitted. "I talked Sally into carrying a few more tea choices in the shop including Earl Grey, although she swears you'll be the only one ordering it. And I happened to get you something else. Well, not that it's appropriate or that I expect you to really use it… I don't even know if you do. It's more of a collector piece, really. But I didn't know what to get you, and after I heard your name and what I've been reading lately, well, I just couldn't resist."

Out of a brown paper bag she took out a small velvet box, holding it out to him. Cautiously he took it and opened it, his lip curling a bit when he saw what was inside. It was a meerschaum gourd pipe. He glanced up to see her watching him intently, wondering if she hadn't guessed wrong after all as he leaned back in his chair, looking at it.

"How ironic. My wife wouldn't let me get one of these when we went to Turkey last year," he explained quietly, still with a slight curl to his lip. "She was slightly afraid, I think, that I would pick up the habit. So she bought me a violin instead, which, unfortunately for those in hearing range, I did pick up the habit." Jacqueline smiled cautiously.

"So you do like it?"

"I shall add it to my growing collection of Holmes memorabilia, yes, thank you," he said, watching her smile broaden. "It is intriguing that you were able to guess my interest in the little time that you've known me."

"Oh, it's just a knack I have. Isaac says I seem to have a natural instinct for reading people's characters. I just hope, well, that I didn't bring up a bad memory."

"No, not at all," Mycroft said, carefully shutting it and setting it aside, testing a piece of the knish. "Interesting. I could get used to these," he admitted.

"So what was she like?" Jacqueline asked slowly.

"Who?" Mycroft asked, testing the sandwich.

"Your wife," Jacqueline said. Mycroft stopped and looked at her a moment, toying with his drink distractedly as he attempted to think of an answer.

"There were many that considered her the most beautiful woman in Europe. She was that and more, although she did tend to get over her head in things. She had an innocence and spirit that could not be broken no matter what happened to her, and she was well loved by her friends, family, and students," he said, wondering if that had sounded a bit too much like a eulogy.

"You must really miss her," Jacqueline said.

"You have no idea," he said, but strangely enough there was a tone of amusement under his otherwise somber expression.

"Was she a professor too, then? You mentioned the students."

"Yes, she was, a very popular one. As popular as I am unpopular," he admitted sardonically.

"Really? But I can't imagine how you would be unpopular!" Jacqueline said with surprise. "No, I'm quite sure you're just being modest. You're obviously intelligent, you don't seem the type at all to do any work unless you actually wanted to so you must enjoy it, and you're so thoughtful and patient, at least you have been with me. No, you must be imagining it."

"Perhaps," Mycroft said uncomfortably, quickly turning his attention to his food. Jacqueline did as well, but her expression was so intense that it was fairly obvious that she were trying to work herself up into saying something.

"Professor," she said at last, pushing away her tray, "Do you know anything about bats?" It was obvious by his reaction that she had caught him by surprise again.

"I wouldn't by any means profess to be an expert on the subject," Mycroft said carefully, squinting at her. "Why do you ask?"

"I saw one outside the apartment the other day, an unusually large one," Jacqueline said. "I don't think it's native to the area. You don't suppose anyone could have tamed it? Have you seen any unusual bats?"

"No, no unusual bats," Mycroft said quickly, slipping on his gloves. "This was a nice suggestion, by the way, you have impeccable taste."

"Only when it comes to food," Jacqueline chuckled. "And why do you put on gloves before you pay your check? I've got this one, by the way, since it was my idea. But I still want you to answer the question."

"I happen to be quite allergic to certain metals," Mycroft said defensively.

"You sure you're just not trying to minimize how many fingerprints you leave around for some reason?" Jacqueline asked teasingly. Mycroft stared at her.

"Sometimes, Jacqueline, I must admit your thought process baffles me. Tell me, exactly what sort of fish are we after this season?"

"I'm sorry, I was only joking. You are so quiet, and I'm just trying to get to know you better," Jacqueline said.

"No, no, you are definitely after something. I know this routine of yours too well," Mycroft said. "Do you mind telling me what it is that's really on your mind?"

"You, my dear Professor, are becoming positively paranoid," Jacqueline tsked at him, getting up to pay the bill. "People shouldn't be so grumpy on their birthdays."

"Yes, thank you once again," Mycroft said, but was still eyeing her thoughtfully. "Perhaps you should try a little less bait on the hook next time. It may make it easier for the fish to swallow," he suggested, nodding gently. "See you later on," he added, heading out the door.

Jacqueline's eyes followed him out and she frowned. Maybe she was too hard on him, she admitted. She was turning into regular Emma in training. She shook her head at herself, wondering how she was going to get her questions answered without backing him into a corner.

"I like that one, Jacqueline. He seems to be a very nice man," Isaac said with a smile. Jacqueline looked around to where he was stacking the shelves behind her.

"Yes, but you said the same thing about Mark," Jacqueline replied.

"No," Isaac said, turning back to his work. "I said Mark seemed to be a very nice boy. He has much to learn about the world. This one walks as if the world has much to learn from him."

Sally and Rob were waiting for Jacqueline quite expectantly when she came in for work that night.

"Well?" Sally said impatiently as she went by to get her apron. "How did the date go?"

"Date?" Jacqueline said, staring at her. "Oh really, Sally! It was hardly a date!"

"You met for lunch, ate and gave him a present, and you don't call that a date?" Sally said unconvinced. "What did you get him, anyhow?"

"A pipe from the tobacco store," Jacqueline said. Sally looked at her blankly. "Well, it was the only thing close enough for me to dare getting! And he liked it."

"I didn't know he even smoked," Sally said.

"He doesn't," Jacqueline grinned. "But I think you missed the point."

"Well I just got the point, Jacqueline, you crossed the corner! That store is nearly four blocks away!" Rob said. "Living dangerously, aren't we?"

"Yes, and loving every minute of it," Jacqueline grinned proudly. "Maybe one of these days I'll get real daring and see some of the town on my own. Tony says he would take me to see Times Square. And what Erascus and Mark doesn't know won't hurt them, right?"

"That's the theory, but you're forgetting that Erascus seems to have a built in radar when you step out of line," Sally reminded her.

"Screw him. Jacqueline can take care of herself. She don't need a shrink anymore," Rob said.

"Well I still haven't gotten my memories back," Jacqueline said with a sigh, hurrying out to the bar to make coffee.

"He hasn't really been helping you there, has he?" Rob said. "Or Mark either for that matter."

"Jacqueline, I think you've already proven you can manage without them," Sally said gently.

"Manage yes, but feel complete?" Jacqueline shook her head slowly. "I'm not sure I ever will be complete again."

The customers coming in provided for a welcome distraction, and Jacqueline got busy on the floor. And it wasn't until Emma came in that her mind wandered onto anything else. She looked, in fact, quite worried, and was obviously relieved to see Jacqueline was at work.

"A cup of coffee and a menu tonight, I think," Emma said, waiting until Jacqueline came closer to murmur. "Did your date go all right?"

"It wasn't a date," Jacqueline said with exasperation, handing her the menu and turning over the cup.

"I don't suppose you've been following the news lately about the burglar?" Emma asked.

"Who has time to do that? Besides, if there's anything interesting in town, Tony tells us about it," Sally said, making a hand movement as if to ward off impending gossip.

"Yes, of course, and he's good at it too," Emma agreed. "But I was wondering if you heard the description of the man they want to question?"

"Yes I have," Jacqueline said curtly. "And I hope you haven't jumped to any conclusions, Emma. There is no way that Professor Doyle is involved."

"What's this about the Professor?" Sally said, immediately interested in spite of herself. That was Emma drew out a paper, the composite drawing just below the fold. Sally squinted at it thoughtfully, looking at Emma and then at Jacqueline. "You know, he does look a bit like him."

"Oh no, not you too," Jacqueline said, looking for something to fill.

"The fact that you don't seem surprised makes me think that you must have considered the possibility yourself," Sally said, glancing at it again. Rob came up behind her, drying his hands off on a towel.

"Nah, it's not him. Doyle's nose isn't that big."

"Well, that could just be that he's wearing glasses. Has anyone seen him with them off?" Sally asked.

"Besides, these robberies started months ago. The Professor hasn't been around that long," Jacqueline said.

"We don't know that," Rob said, shrugging. "Who says the first day he came in here was the first he was here? And don't con artists call themselves professional names when they're really good? I mean, I've heard 'em called Professors and Doctors… hey maybe Erascus is one too," Rob smirked.

"Yes, but Erascus is a jerk. Professor Doyle's a very nice guy," Sally said.

"People get murdered by nice guys. You hear it all the time on the news. Ask Tony," Rob said.

"Please, please, let's not mention this, all right? For one thing, if Erascus thinks I'm seeing anyone other than Mark he'll blow a fuse, and to have him look like this burglar everyone's been getting worked up about will really convince him to put me in solitary somewhere," Jacqueline pleaded. "Let me handle this in my own way."

"So you do think it's him?" Sally asked.

"So you are seeing him?" Emma inquired.

"No!" Jacqueline snapped.

"To which one?" Sally smirked.

"No, I don't think it's him, but I'd just as soon be certain. And no, I'm not seeing him, but I don't want Erascus to think I am because I'm talking to someone male."

"He sees you talk to Tony all the time," Emma pointed out.

"I hardly think he would be worried by Tony," Jacqueline said irritably, filling Emma's cup.

"Then why would he be worried about this one, hm? Unless there was something there?" Emma prodded.

Sally chuckled softly, but before she could comment on the look of Jacqueline's face, they all glanced up in time to see Erascus come in. Jacqueline quickly walked away from the older lady, who put away her paper and glanced at the senior menu.

Erascus frowned, knowing very well they had stopped their conversation because of him, squinting at Jacqueline as she took down the old woman's order, seemingly absorbed in her work to notice.

"Good evening, Doctor. Usual table and usual order?" Sally said with a civil smile.

"Same table, but something different would be nice. Do you have anything in this place that isn't soaked in grease?" he asked, walking over to the table and inspecting it to make sure it was clean before he sat down.

"How about a salad?" Sally said, her smile even more forced.

"How about fruit salad?" Rob couldn't help but suggest from the back room. When Erascus looked up to give him a cold stare, Rob retreated to the back, snickering.

"Just the soup and tea please. Your coffee is beginning to give me an ulcer."

"Fine, what kind of tea?" Sally said, letting out a short sigh to keep herself cool tempered.

"What kind?" Erascus stared at her.

"Regular, Earl Grey, Darjeeling or Chamomile?"

"Since when do you carry more than one?"

"What, can't a humble café instill a bit of class every now and then?" Sally asked.

"It's my doing, Doctor," Jacqueline blurted out, Erascus' eyes falling on her and looking even more annoyed than ever. "I thought it'd be a nice change for everyone, and I really like Earl Grey."

"Perhaps you should consider coming to our appointment a bit early next week," Erascus said. "Regular, Mrs. Kingler."

"Fine," Jacqueline said, and didn't speak for the remainder of the evening.