Author's note- Thank you so much for all the reviews! They really mean a lot to me. I was at my dad's for ages which is why I haven't updated, but I'm back now and am hoping to be able to update more again. Please review if you like it!

Oh, and to the recent reviewer- Green Day Fan, my most used twitter is SherlockSavedMe so feel free to follow if anyone wants to!

Disclaimer- I own nothing according to my Fan Fiction contract, the only thing I own is Lucy and the storyline.

Chapter 16

The sun was already shining through the gaps in the drawn curtains, basking Lucy's room in shades of yellow by the time she woke up. A quick glance at her watch told her that it was eight in the morning. Knowing the it would be pointless to try and go back to sleep, she decided to get into the ensuite shower- she had only managed to have a wash last night and was currently feeling dirty.

The hot needles of water rained down her beaten body. Purplish bruises had already formed across her legs and arms, indicating the severity of the beating she had been subjected to the previous night. In all honesty, she didn't feel rubbish about being beaten; the thing, however, that really got to her was that bloody video. Closing her eyes, she let a couple of tears fall. Just as she turned off the shower there was a knock on the door. "Shit." She gasped, jumping at the sudden and rather unexpected sound.

"You all right Lucy?" John's voice sounded.

"I'm fine," she said incredulously, "Why are you asking, go away."

"Just checking," he mumbled, "I was worried when you weren't in your bed."

"John, please, I'm fine okay, now please leave so I can get changed in peace." Lucy almost started laughing. Although his concern was annoying, it was rather endearing.

"Oh, um, yeah, sorry," he muttered as he walked off. Lucy chuckled to herself as she got out of the shower and changed into some black skinny jeans and a t-shirt with a long sleeved top underneath.

But suddenly she gasped to herself, "That's where I've seen him before." She murmured to herself. She had recognised his face last night, when he kidnapped her, when he beat her. Although she hadn't known him, she had seen that face before. Sebastian Moran.

Sherlock looked up at John with a raised eyebrow as the doctor came out of Lucy's bedroom.

"You could have told me she was in the shower." He grumbled as he sat in his chair.

"It wasn't a hard deduction," Sherlock said. John just ignored him. Bored of sitting down for so long, the consulting detective jumped up and went over to his desk. So far he had a picture of each of the two victims and a picture of the bodies in the warehouse, and a picture of the blood on the wall in the house. They were now looking at a murder, assault and kidnapping. He knew it was in mocking of Lucy- but there was something that had been bugging him for a while. How would the killer have known from the start that Lucy was going to be with Sherlock and John? He had a video of her parent's saying how they hated her for Christ sake! The killer would have had to set that up six months ago before her parents died. What are the chances that Lucy would end up living with them?

"Sherlock," Lucy's voice startled him out of his musings. He glared at her; he never liked being interrupted. But a glance at her face told him that she had something important to tell him.

"What is it?" He said, now interested as he watched her sit on the sofa.

"Last night, I didn't realise at the time," she started, running a hand through her soft dark hair, "But I recognised him. I recognised the kidnapper."

"Who? Jim Moriarty?" John frowned confused.

"No, I knew Moriarty before anyway but that's not who I'm talking about." She shook her head and looked at their inquisitive faces, "Sebastian Moran."

"You recognised him?" Sherlock asked, his eyes widening.

"Yeah, I recognised his face."

"Where from?" Sherlock had a half smile on his face. If her answer was what he thought it would be, then all of his recent musing question will have been answered.

"John, the day I came into the surgery with a cut on my stomach and bruises etcetera you remember right?"

"Yeah..." John was still clueless.

"I told you it was probably just some street attack- you know, because they happen." She took a breath and saw Sherlock's excited face, "At the time I didn't know him, but now I do. That man who attacked me, was Sebastian Moran." Sherlock looked like Christmas, his birthday and Easter had all come at once.

"And where were you attacked? How far from the surgery?" The detective queried.

"Only a street away." Lucy replied.

"Oh that's brilliant, that really is brilliant." Sherlock jumped up with glee.

"Are you going to explain why it's so brilliant?" John muttered.

"Haven't you ever wondered why Lucy just so happens to be involved with my most recent case and has just moved in with us? Weird isn't it?" Sherlock grinned as he explained, "Everything has been planned, and this whole murder has been planned. It started six months ago. Moriarty had to get that video while her parents were still alive, so once he got that he could use it to hurt Lucy. Then, her parents are mysteriously murdered. Maybe Moriarty is angry at how Lucy supposedly 'got in the way' of her parents doing 'great things' and in effect, making them steal that money from him. Either way, he must have known she would take that video badly which is why he got it. After her parents are murdered she lives on the streets for months, on her own. She has money, obviously, but isn't living with anyone else which brings Seb in. On the day of the first murder, a cut to the wrist and neck, Lucy is suddenly attacked by a stranger. The stranger is later revealed to be Sebastian. Now what does that tell us? It tells us that the murderer always planned to have her living with us. Seb attacked Lucy only a street away from John's workplace- a doctor's surgery. So obviously she would go there or she would risk getting infection, because he had shocked her and hurt her. Coincidentally John, you were at work at that time- so the killer must have known you would be at work. So obviously, being the only doctor at the surgery at that time Lucy would have to see you. Now, we all know how caring you are, so you wouldn't let her live on the streets would you? No, your first thought was social services, but upon seeing how anxious Lucy was and how shaken up she was, you though it would be better to take her back home for a while. Then obviously, you wanted to see how long she could stay as it all depended on me and I wasn't bothered, so she could live with us. Mycroft told me yesterday that social services would cause us no bother- which means that she can live with us in peace. Obviously if she's living with me she would come to crime scenes, and what happens to be my latest case? The one that was set up all those months ago to taunt her." Sherlock stopped and took a breath, looking at the shocked faces of his flatmates. He added: "There's a lot of chance work in this. But it's all played out exactly as the killer wanted."

"That was amazing," Lucy said in wonder.

"Incredible," John complimented.

"It's just little pieces of the puzzle all fitting together," Sherlock smiled. Suddenly, his phone buzzed with a text, "It's from Lestrade."

"Has he found anything?" John asked. Sherlock started reading the text aloud:

"Sherlock, we found another body in warehouse two. You need to come. And we found the 'treasure.' It was next to the body, a box full of blades. Please come." As Sherlock finished reading, he grabbed his Belstaff coat and a scarf. Knowing that Lucy shouldn't go to anymore crime scenes related to this case he said, "You two stay here, I'll tell you about it later."

"Wait, what?" Lucy frowned, "But we always go." Sherlock hesitated, unsure what to say, but he thought he may as well be honest.

"It's probably best if you don't go to any crime scenes related to this case anymore Lucy. Once we've solved this one, then you can go to as many crime scenes as you like- but it's for your own... safety."

"What a load of shit," She snapped, "I'm as involved in this case as you are Sherlock, and you're not letting me go?"

"It's to avoid things like last night." John said, "So you don't get as hurt."

"And what? John's going to stay here and babysit me?" Lucy was now angry and her voice was rising again.

"In short yes, he's here to look after you, I'll tell you about the stuff I find later and take pictures," Sherlock said. If he wasn't allowed to go to a crime scene, he would react in the same way, so he was trying to compromise.

"This is all bullshit," Lucy said, "Do what you fucking like Sherlock, it's not as if you really care anyway." She refused to look him in the eye as she stormed out of the room to her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. A few minutes later she heard the front door shut, signalling that the consulting detective had left the building. Not a moment later she heard a gentle knock on her door as John entered her room.

"What do you want?" She grumbled as he sat down on her bed.

"What you said to Sherlock wasn't very nice," John said gently. Lucy rolled over and sat up.

"It's not like he understands anyway."

"He told me that if he wasn't allowed on a crime scene, he would react similarly," John told her.

"And?" Lucy muttered.

"He does care about you," John said softly, "He cares enough to not let you get hurt by this anymore."

"No he doesn't."

"Lucy, Sherlock isn't an... emotional sort of person. He doesn't care about people easily. The only people he probably cares about is me, Mrs Hudson, Mycroft- although he'll never admit it, maybe Molly and maybe Lestrade. And now he cares about you. I don't think any of us have shown as much emotion from him as we have went you were in danger. He was so worried when you got kidnapped, I almost thought he was going to cry. I've never seen him care so much. And what you said probably hurt him. He was trying to be nice, saying that he would take pictures and stuff for you to see."

"Did he really get upset?" Lucy frowned.

"Yeah, and so did I."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that to Sherlock but I'm still angry."

"I know, but it's only for this case. But it's Sherlock who you should apologise to."

"I don't need babysitting you know." Lucy said pointedly.

"And I'm not leaving you on your own."

"Fine, but... can I be on my own in my room for a bit please?"

"Of course, I'll be upstairs if you need me." John gave her a smile- which she returned before heading up the stairs to his bedroom.

Great, Lucy thought to herself. Now she felt bad. But all that aside, she was actually still pissed off. She didn't need to be babysat 24/7. All she wanted was to go outside, and take a walk on her own. John wouldn't let her though. Jumping up, she put her shoes on and started pacing. Well technically she could sneak out. John was upstairs so she could probably get to the front door and outside with ease, just as long as she made as little noise as possible.

With a smile on her face, she decided to just sneak out. She hadn't been properly alone in ages, and was rather missing it. She grabbed the keys to the flat and her wallet before tip toeing across her room. Pressing her ear to the door, she listened for signs of movement, John had already gone upstairs so she opened the door and stepped out. Moving across the landing, she barely missed the floorboard that creaks as she got onto the first step. After a few steps, she stood still and listened, it was all quiet so she carried down. Holding the banister for support, Lucy dodged the creaky step and made the rest of the way down quickly. She paused, still silence. God, John was going to kill her, but right now she really couldn't care less. The young teenager opened the front door, wincing as it creaked. Stepping out into the fresh, London air, she quietly shut the door behind her. Wondering if John's room was near a window, she immediately started off walking at a quick pace to the park.

It was a typical busy day in London, but it was perfect to Lucy. Now she had some of the freedom she wanted, and she loved it. Of course, deep down, she understood why John was being so... caring and stuff. He didn't want her to get hurt. But that didn't mean she couldn't find it irritating. She didn't know how long she had been walking for, and quite frankly she didn't care either. The teenager was just enjoying being outside, on her own, in the fresh air. Lucy had no real destination in mind; she had walked through the park ages ago and was no meandering down the busy streets of London. Even though she didn't know where she was, she wouldn't say she was lost. After all, the money she had in her wallet was more than enough to get her back to Baker Street. No, she didn't care. She would just enjoy the time she had.

On the corner of the pavement she had been walking down, a Starbucks shop looked invitingly at her. Getting out some money she walked in and ordered a café latte to go. It seemed like ages since she had Starbucks coffee, and each sip of the milky delight was perfect. She almost laughed to herself; it really was the little things that made her happy. Just a few hours out to not have to worry about anything, to not have to think about the cuts on her body and the stories behind them. It was what she had needed. Lucy slowed her pace down as she got her phone out of her pocket, almost choking on her coffee when she saw how many missed calls she had.

17 missed calls. 5 voice messages. All of which were from John.

Yeah, she was in deep shit. Putting the phone to her ear, she listened to the first message:

"Lucy, where are you? You idiot, you haven't even left a note. You better call me back as soon as you get this." He sounded rather pissed off. Then she listened to the second message:

"Lucy, I swear to God if you don't call back soon I'm going to get the whole of the police force, and the secret service to come and find you." She bit back a laugh and listened to the third:

"Oh God Lucy, look, I'm sorry. Please come back, or call me, or something. I'm worried." He was no longer sounding angry thank god. She pressed play for the fourth message:

"I'm sorry if I've done something. Maybe I was too harsh? I didn't mean to, I don't know. But please just... please. I need to know you're safe. I'm so worried... I've called Sherlock and told him that I don't know where you are and he's worried too. He's coming home shortly. Lucy, please tell me you're okay." The young girl sighed, she felt really bad for not telling John, but nonetheless she listened to the final message and was surprised to hear Sherlock's voice instead of John's:

"Lucy, please call us when you get this. I'm worried. I know what I said wasn't fair, but it's only because I... care. You're probably really angry with us both. I'm... sorry. Just please call one of us." She put her phone away and continued walking with a sigh. She'd had her fun, and although she was angry with them, she felt awful for making them worry so much. Lucy stopped walking and looked at her phone again, debating whether or not to call them when a sleek black car pulled up on the curb beside her.

"Oh you've got to be kidding me," she said incredulously to herself. Of course Mycroft would have some surveillance on her, she remembered seeing a black car just before she went into the park- but after that she had lost it. Lucy stared at the car, not sure whether or no she should get in. She could always make a run for it, but that wouldn't do much good. Sighing as the door opened for her, she got into the car, knowing it would be better if she did as she was supposed to.

"Good afternoon Lucy," Lucy shut the car door and turned in surprise to see Mycroft sitting in the back with her.

"Good afternoon Mycroft." She greeted.

"I'm so glad you did decide to get into the car, makes things a whole lot easier."

"How long have you been following me?"

"Well, my cars followed you to the park, I'm not sure what exit you took, but we lost you after that, not that we were concerned at that time, just curious as to where you were heading," he didn't look pleased but he continued anyway, "A couple of hours later I get a call from my brother saying you are missing and he's worried, so I get my people to check the security in the general area, and a while later we find you just before you went into Starbucks. I was in the area and came to pick you up."

"How nice of you," Lucy said, unsure whether or not it came out sarcastically. Mycroft just raised his eyebrows and got his mobile phone out. He tapped for a moment before putting the phone to his ear:

"Yes, we found her. I have her in the car now." There was a pause, "Yes, she's fine. We're on our way now." He hung up.

"That was a short conversation," Lucy commented.

"I thought it would be best to inform my brother of your safety." Mycroft muttered, "Now I have to ask, why were you wandering the streets without John or Sherlock's knowledge?"

"They wouldn't have let me out on my own anyway," She told him, "I just needed some time to myself, on my own properly." She sighed but decided to continue: "It's all been a bit much. And then I'm told I shouldn't go to crime scenes related to this case and that's a bit of a blow, especially when I'm just as involved as Sherlock. I just needed to clear my head, get out, and have time on my own for a bit."

"Understandable I suppose, although you've caused John to almost break down with worry."

"No I haven't. Don't exaggerate," Lucy raised one of her eyebrows, "I don't need him babysitting me Mycroft. I lived on the streets for six months, and not much bad happened to me. Yeah, I was kidnapped, but I need time on my own, I needed to get out." She took a breath, "Maybe I didn't go the right way about it, but you have no idea how much it helped."

"Very well Lucy," Mycroft said, looking at her. She let out a breath as the car rolled up to park outside 221B Baker Street.

"How angry are they with me?" Lucy asked, a little nervously to the elder Holmes' brother.

"They're not angry Lucy. Just worried. There's probably a hint of upset that could be perceived as anger, but they won't show it." Mycroft smiled, "I'm going in with you. Shall we?"

"Okay then," Lucy said as they both got out of the car.

Lucy unlocked the door to the flat and climbed the stairs with Mycroft not far behind. She was nervous now at what they'd say but she tried to brush her fear aside as she entered the living room.

Sherlock and John both jumped up with relief as the teenager walked in. The worry and concern on their face showed through, although Sherlock managed to hide it almost straight away.

"Thank God you're alright," John said, relief obvious in his voice as he stepped forward to give Lucy a big hug.

"I'm sorry for worrying you," Lucy said as he let her go, "I really didn't mean to. I just... needed time on my own to clear my head and I knew you probably wouldn't let me out on my own."

"I'm just glad you're okay." John smiled, "Hello Mycroft." Mycroft nodded in acknowledgement.

"I'm sorry if what I said upset you Lucy," Sherlock said quietly.

"Its fine Sherlock, yeah I'm angry about it, but it's not your fault." Lucy managed a smile at him. But she stepped forward and gave him a hug too. He stiffened at first, but relaxed into the hug and returned it warmly.

"Well isn't this lovely," Mycroft spoke up, still standing in the doorway.

"Oh, I have some stuff to tell you about what they found in warehouse two. There's been another murder," Sherlock suddenly said happily once he and Lucy broke apart.

"Another murder?" Lucy looked surprised.

"And this one's different," Sherlock looked excited.

"How?"

"This one was a self harmer."