Family Gathering
Two sets of wet shoes were steadily making their way upstairs. They were ignored by the girls, who assumed that it was probably more Yarders. Paul was the only one who spared a glance when they turned the corner into the hall. He was the only one to do a double-take and froze. They were a man and woman he had seen a lot of lately. Their clothes were damp from the storm that was still raging outside.
"Paul, are you okay? You seem nervous" Melissa said, noting Paul's inability to move after ten seconds.
"Well I think I'm going to be in trouble." He murmured. Sigerson's head rose and swiveled to them, but Melissa was faster.
"Do you know who they are?"
"Yeah, her parents" he answered, suddenly finding a piece of carpet in need of study.
"Mom? Dad? What are you doing here?" Jessica's voice, barely controlled, rang through the air.
"Jessica are you alright?" The man looked down at her, an expression of concern painted on his face.
"You guys sure got here fast." Paul observed, before Jessica could answer. Very slowly and deliberately turned upon him, realizing that he had brought her parents into New London.
"YOU!" she spat, reaching for him in anger. Melissa and Sigerson each grabbed a side of her hoverchair, determined not to let Paul be overrun. Jessica struggled against their efforts, but calmed when her mother stepped forward.
"Jessica, calm down," she began in soothing tones, Paul just told us that he was coming to see you. We were worried since we hadn't heard from either of you in at least a week, and nobody answered when we called."
"I've been out at the yard with Beth since early this morning. She wanted me to file a report on what's been going on." She said quietly. It was then that Holmes and Lestrade chose to make an appearance.
"Mr. and Mrs. Welch! What are you doing here?" Lestrade asked immediately, brusque as always. Holmes bit down on his lip to avoid smirking, but wasn't very successful.
"Nice seeing you too, Beth." Mr. Welch retorted, earning a swat on the arm from his wife. Jessica's attention was drawn towards Holmes, however.
"Did you find anything?"
"Some clues," he lied, "but rest assured I'm not going to let this go unsolved." The second portion was truthful. There are some cases which are too singular to miss.
"And just who are you?" Mr. Welch demanded, much the same as Paul had.
"My name is Sherlock Holmes. I've been enlisted by your daughter to solve her case." He said, voice firm and calm as ever. The man looked at his daughter as if seeking confirmation.
"Beth asked him." And with that, she folded her arms toward her stomach.
AN: thanks to my loyal reviewers. Sorry if it took me a little longer to update!