Mycroft's POV

It has been a year since Eurus almost killed all of us. My parents and I are on talking terms again. They understand that everything I did had to be done but they haven't forgiven me completely and, I don't expect them to. I did what had to be done. I can't justify my actions any further. Everything is back to normal. Well as normal as it can be considering I still occupy a 'minor' position in the British government. Sherlock and I are in a good place, as good as we can be but I still worry about him. I heard from Dr. Watson that they have a new neighbor. Maybe I can get her to spy on Sherlock for me. From the looks of it, she is just an ordinary woman who owns a bakery called Tara's.

After a long day of work, I decide to go pay this new neighbor of Sherlock's a visit. I could use a slice of cheesecake. It's late and the bakery is completely empty except for the short dark-haired woman cleaning the tables.

Tara's POV

It was late. There wasn't much to do except clean and close up so, I sent Grace home. As I clean the tables I hear the bell ring. I wasn't expecting customers this late. A part of me was scared. I turned to find a gentleman dressed in a three-piece suit and an umbrella in his hand. He doesn't look threatening so I relax. I wanted to tell him that we were closed but he looked like a decent man so I figured I could wait a little longer to close up. I go up to his table to take his order. 'Good Evening Sir. What can I get you?'. He doesn't bother looking at the menu or the display case 'Good Evening. I'll have a slice of the cheesecake and a cup of tea' 'It'll be right up, Sir'

I get his cheesecake and tea and place them on the table, walking away. 'Why don't you join me, Ms. Matthews? Please, I insist'

I stood there surprised. It was my first time running a bakery and waiting tables but I still didn't think this was very normal. How did he know my name? A lot of red flags stood up in my brain. I tried not to show my nervousness on my face and went and sat opposite him. 'Who are you?'

'Do you know Sherlock Holmes, Ms. Matthews?'

'That is not the answer to my question?'

'An interested party.'

'Interested in what' I asked cockily

'You don't seem very afraid'

'You don't seem very frightening'

'Bravery is by far the kindest word for stupidity don't you think?'

I smirked and asked 'What is it that you want?'

'What is your connection to Sherlock Holmes?'

'He is my neighbor but you already knew that, didn't you?' I said with a sly smile.

'You're clever' he raised an eyebrow and smirked.

'Who are you?'

'The closest thing to a friend that Sherlock Holmes is capable of having.'

'And what's that?'

'An enemy'

'hmmm...an enemy?'

'In his mind certainly. If you were to ask him, he'd probably say his arch-enemy'

'Quite like Sherlock you too have a flare for the dramatic. What do you want?'

'I'd be happy to pay a meaningful sum of money on a regular basis. You could give this little bakery of yours a nice upgrade.'

I raised an eyebrow 'Why?'

'Because you are not a wealthy lady and this bakery could use an upgrade' he said as he looked around at the simple decor of the bakery.

'In exchange for what?'

'Information. Nothing indiscreet... nothing you'd feel uncomfortable with. Just tell me what he is up to.'

'Why?'

'I worry about him, constantly'

'Isn't that sweet of you'

'But I would prefer for various reasons that my concerns go unmentioned, we have what you might call a... difficult relationship'

'No'

'But I haven't mentioned a figure yet'

'I'm not doing it.'

'You are very loyal very quickly, Ms. Matthews'

'No... I am just not selling myself.'

'You have quite a lot of integrity, Ms. Matthews' He was done eating his cheesecake and drinking his tea so I stood and cleaned up. As I was walking away, I smirked 'Don't worry Mr. Holmes I will not mention any of this to Sherlock'

He looked surprised, taken aback that I knew who he was.

'You're the brother aren't you, ... the Iceman?' it was a rhetorical question. He just smiled at me. 'I've heard about you... I knew from the second you mentioned Sherlock.' He smiled and shook his head 'Don't worry . I'll look out for your brother' I said with a sweet smile. 'How much do I owe you, Ms. Matthews?'

'Oh...It's on the house. Do come again Mr. Holmes.' He nodded and smiled 'Good Night Ms. Matthews'

'Goodnight Mr. Holmes'. He got into his black car and was gone.