Chapter Nineteen: Lost in a Big City
I wander down the empty alleyways, sweat dripping from my temples. Where the fuck did Sherlock bugger off to? How could he just leave me like that? The lights of the city grew brighter as the sun set below the horizon. The air surrounding me cooled and the breeze lifted. I wrap my arms around me, pulling my jumper closer to me. I walked onto a busy road, trying to see if anything was familiar. People passed by me, not wondering why a girl my age was out this late all by myself.
"Clara?" I voice pips up. I jump and hold my hand to my chest, turning to only find James.
"Jesus Christ you scared me half to death James." I loosen my shoulders and take a deep breath of polluted air. "What are you doing out here so late?" I ask.
"I was just going for a walk, to clear my head and such, what are you doing out?" He ponders.
"I was with Sherlock and then he just bloody runs off. Now I don't know where the hell I am." James chuckles at my distress. "Why the hell are you laughing?"
"For someone so incredibly smart and stunning, you can be a real idiot sometimes." He looks at his feet and smirks to himself. "Do you want me to walk you home? Your flat isn't far from the fish 'n' chip shop." He says.
"That would be fantastic." I say. I couldn't refuse, I was lost in a city I barely known and I am just over Sherlock's moodiness.
James and I made our way to 221B. But time seemed to have passed so quickly, we were actually enjoying ourselves. For the first time since that day in Hyde Park, I felt happy.
"And here you are. 221B Baker Street." James announced proudly.
"Thank you ever so much James." I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him towards me. I feel his arms contact with my waist, sending tingling sensations all over my body. I let go and wave him off. I stand on the step and look down at the lock. The wood surrounding the lock is chipped. Someone has broken in. I grasp the handle and slowly turn the doorknob. The door swings open, revealing a dark hallway. Mrs. Hudson must be out with the man she was talking about a few nights ago. My ears twitch as shuffling sounds echo down the bitter still flat. I slowly creep up the stairs, skipping the 5th step as it creaks. I hold my breath as I reach the door of mine and Sherlock's flat. I peep through the small crack in the doorway, a silhouette of a woman, wearing black clothing danced across the living room. I take one last shallow breath. I slowly creak the door open and the woman's head snaps towards me.
"Hello Clara." Her posh voice spoke. "I am so glad you came."
"Who are you? And how did you get into the flat?" I ask, closing the door behind me.
"Oh, now that would be getting a bit to personal."
"You know my name, it is only fair that I know yours now." I say, the fear in my voice almost showing.
"Fair enough, my name is Jane." She spoke, she slumped down in Sherlock's chair, as if she had been here before.
"I didn't say you could make yourself at home." I growl.
"Someone has an attitude, I like it." She spoke, rising from Sherlock's chair. She is only slightly taller than me, her figure skinny as anything.
"You have put on a bit of weight since the last time I saw you Clara." She said, avoiding my glare. I froze, my eyes relaxing and my heart pounding. I collapse into John's old chair and run my hands through my hair.
"Ho-o-ow do you know that? How do you know my name?" I tremble.
"I have connections dear. I know more about you than you do.
"Don't call me that." I snap. "And don't you dare wave that card in my face."
She stares at me disapprovingly.
"That is no way to treat someone of authority Clara." She says, standing over me.
"Well judging from your clothing, brand of perfume and your High Street shoes over by the door, I'm guessing you slept your way into the money you have." I smirk. She stands up, straightening out her pencil skirt in her black dress.
"No wonder he likes you so much."
"You would be correct." A bellowing voice echoed. My head snapped towards the door to see Sherlock and Molly standing my the door.
"Hello Irene."