Lestrade was worried, an uncommon occurence. Paul was doing everything he could think of to calm Jessica, but she hadn't even cracked a smile. She was on the verge of ignoring him. There was only one option she could think of. Steeling herself for the smug comments, she called Holmes. He answered on the second ring, looking irritated. He was sitting in the back of his hovercoach, with Watson undoubtedly driving. Before he could open his mouth, she told him the news.

His reaction wasn't what she had expected. She had assumed that he knew more and was purposely keeping her in the dark. She hoped the new development would help him to find the solution, not cloud the problem even more. He asked Watson to change directions and come straight to the flat, then contacted his Irregulars with another for the list: Paul Perez III.

When he arrived, Holmes was surprised at the condition of both the flat and its' owner. Before he even came into the living room, he knew that the criminal had come in looking for something. Nothing was left as it had been the last time he was in the room.

While Watson helped Lestrade check for prints and DNA traces, Holmes tried to see to Jess. Paul noticed the man coming towards them. and took a protective stance in front of his friend. Holmes, ever the sensitive one, rolled his eyes.

My name is Sherlock Holmes. You are standing in front of my client. He told the man, his voice quiet but firm. Paul jumped out of his way as if he'd been burned.

I'm sorry, Mister. It's just... finding Jessie like this... He trailed off, twiddling his thumbs and looking uncertain.

It's quite alright, dear boy.

M-mister Holmes, is that you? Jess had found her voice. It's okay, Paul. Beth asked him to help me, to find out who's doing this to me and why. Holmes smiled as knelt down to be at eye level with her.

Are you all right?

I don't know, she said, cryptically.

You wouldn't be the same Sherlock Holmes that I've heard Jess mention, would you? Paul had suddenly felt the need to ask.

One and the same, the detective replied, just as several members of the Yard arrived on the scene to investigate. Jess, feeling boxed in, hugged her knees and started rocking. Awkward in a hoverchair, but still possible. Lestrade looked at her, then exchanged a glance with Holmes.

Right. Time to leave, I think. Paul nodded. With infinite care, he guided his friend out into the hall to wait. Watson, Lestrade and Holmes remained a few moments to fill out forms and investigate further.

They hadn't been there long when they heard their names called from the stairwell.

Jess! Paul! Are you guys okay? Two teens ran towards them. The one was a bit taller than Jess, but with identical brown hair and eyes. The other was taller than everybody, with dark hair and hazel eyes. Melissa and Sigerson to the rescue, apparently.

What are YOU doing here? Jessica demanded coldly.

We came over to see if Paul was here yet, Sigerson explained flippantly, pretending to be oblivious to the rage coming off her friend in waves. Melissa nudged Siggy in the ribs and nodded towards the flat, indicating that she should shut up.

What the destruction? Jess, what's going on? Melissa asked, while Sigerson made a study of the doorway that Holmes had appeared in. He had probably heard new voices and wondered what was happening.

Why should I tell the two of you? So you can go behind my back and-

Aww, c'mon Jess! I'll bet they were just worried about you. Mel and Siggy sent Paul the best One of us is going to buy you a drink, really soon. looks they could muster.

AN: Big thanks to my reviewers! KEEP EM COMING, GUYS! And a Major Heap of thanks goes to my pal Paul Perez III for being supportive of my writing!