Captain Gregson felt his whole body tense in apprehension after finishing his opening statement. He was watching Sherlock carefully for a moment as the consulting detective processed the words instantly, and his eyes glazed over with an expression Gregson had only witnessed a handful of times. He was angry, and Gregson knew that he needed to placate him, quickly and effectively. This was not about him, it was about Joan. And she was standing still, her face paling and her eyes wide, staring in a combination of fear and disbelief at the police officer before her.
"Holmes-"
"She was in police custody" Sherlock began, his voice low and hollow. "In fact, she was in federal custody. How in the bloody hell did you incompetent morons-"
"Enough" interceded Joan, her voice calm yet confident. As she spoke, she took a couple steps closer to Sherlock and placed her hand upon the middle of his arm, applying gentle and reassuring pressure as she did so. She could feel how incredibly tense his body was beneath her, he was shaking with rage. But under her touch, he calmed slightly, and she heard him exhale a short breath through clenched teeth. "Go into the kitchen, Sherlock, it's alright" she said soothingly, squeezing his arm once more. She felt him tense beneath her once more, before pausing slightly to glare harshly at Gregson, and turning on the spot and heading for the kitchen. "Please come in" she said, her voice lower and slightly more nervous than it had been. Gregson nodded slowly, shutting the door behind him as he followed Joan into the kitchen, where Sherlock was pacing in agitation.
Joan stepped confidently into the room and walked directly up to him, placing her hand upon his upper arm once more. Sherlock stilled immediately, exhaling a brief yet deep breath, before turning on the spot and looking down upon her with wide, uncertain eyes.
"It's alright" she whispered. "It's going to be alright" she repeated, before the sound of Gregson's footsteps behind them announced his entrance. Joan removed her hand from his arm and turned on the spot, looking up at the Captain as she spoke. "Please" she began, indicating towards the table. Gregson placed his hands in his pockets and nodded briefly, but before he could head to the table, Sherlock spoke.
"What happened?" he asked acidly, his voice in a tone so harsh that Joan turned on the spot.
"Sherlock" she stated reproachfully. But he did not listen. Instead, the consulting detective walked briskly across the room and made his way straight for Captain Gregson.
"What the hell happened?" he repeated, his eyes blazing. "How did you let that woman-"
"Sherlock, stop. That's enough" Joan stated, her voice remaining calm yet commanding. The words ran through Sherlock's mind as he stared at Gregson, who was standing tall about a foot away from him. Although he heard the words, he could not concede. Sherlock inhaled deeply, before taking a step closer to Gregson and beginning to speak.
"A woman who was supposed to be guarded by armed police officers and federal agents at all times, a woman who had killed several women and made two attempts on Joan's life, is now walking the streets thanks to your failed attempts at keeping her in your custody" he began, his voice low and his tone icy. "No, Watson it is not enough" he continued, staring at Gregson as he addressed his partner. "What is enough, is the pain and fatal consequences of Maria Lennard. That, that, should have been enough. But no. She is now free from custody and-"
"Holmes" Gregson interjected. Before he could respond Sherlock felt Joan's hand on his lower back as she took a step closer to him. "We will figure this out."
"How?" Sherlock spat. "Tell me Captain, what do you propose we do now that an incredibly unstable murderess who has attempted to kill Watson twice has escaped federal custody?" he began, shaking his head slightly as he looked at Gregson incredulously. "What shall we do, shall we, shall we invite her over?" he asked sarcastically, indicating towards the foyer with his left arm, as Joan removed her hand from him. "Why don't you give her a gun, text her our current location, and I'll make the tea."
"Stop it" whispered Joan, her voice low. The tone she used, the quiet, subdued voice high in emotion caused Sherlock to lower his arm and turn on the spot immediately. Joan was standing a few feet to his left, her arms crossed defiantly across her chest, as her eyes brimmed with tears. She turned to the side and blinked repeatedly, trying to quash her tears and her anguish. She didn't know why she was crying. She was worried and angry and confused, and Sherlock's behaviour was not helping. But she didn't know why she was crying. In the couple of seconds it had taken for her to process her thoughts and blink back her tears, Sherlock had walked over to her, shielding her body from Gregson using his own.
"Watson" he stated in a low, guilty tone. Joan turned to face him and noticed how his blaring eyes had been replaced by a gentle and worried gaze. As soon as he had heard her voice he felt his stomach clench. He didn't mean to distress her, or to make the situation any more difficult for her than it clearly was. His initial anger and disbelief at the situation was still present inside him, but the look of sadness and fear in her eyes had halted it temporarily. Sherlock's eyes met hers for a moment, before he lowered them to her abdomen, which was concealed beneath her black court dress. His eyes rose once more to her face and he found himself met with a confident and resolute expression.
"Sit down, Sherlock, we need to talk about this" she stated in a low yet confident tone, her sad eyes betraying her. Sherlock did not wish to distress her, her knew that both she and her pregnancy were in a vulnerable position which was increasing by the second. He nodded once, turning on the spot and walking straight past Gregson, and pulling out a chair at the table, sitting upon it like a rebuked schoolboy. "Captain" Joan began, indicating towards the table. Gregson had watched the scene between Holmes and Watson with a confused and puzzled expression, but he could not say that he was not grateful for her intervention. He had acted in a similar way to Sherlock when he was informed of Lennard's escape, and completely understood his reaction. But as he slowly made his way to the table and sat in the seat on the opposite side, the clicking heels of the approaching Joan Watson made him look up and watch her with a mixture of admiration and concern. This must be unbearable for her.
"Okay" she said in a low, gentle tone, as she took up the seat next to Sherlock, at the other end of the table from the unsettled Captain Gregson. As soon as she pulled her seat in and leaned back slightly, she felt the baby begin to move inside her, as if comforting her by his or her reassuring presence. Joan felt a moment of calmness and tranquillity, which she basked in, before staring resolutely at Captain Gregson and posing her question. "What happened?"
"About an hour ago Maria Lennard and was placed into au unmarked police car, where she was accompanied by three federal agents: the driver, passenger, and one in the back with her" Gregson began, before glancing towards the consultants. Joan nodded in understanding, her patient gaze resting upon him and willing him to continue, as Sherlock continued to stare at him with blazing eyes. Gregson considered his expression for a moment, before focusing once more on Joan, whose presence and relationship with Sherlock were the only reasons that her partner had not thrown his through a wall. "The car was followed by a police car. As they were making their way back to the prison to meet the doctors doing her psych evaluation, the car containing Lennard and the feds was crashed into by a dark blue pick up with no plates, and the patrol car crashed into the back of them, rendering both officers unconscious. The driver of the unmarked car was rendered unconscious, as was the agent beside him. Miss Lennard and the other agent were unharmed, as far as we can tell. As the agent was attempting to get out of the car" Gregson stated, his eyebrows raising in disapproval with the agent's actions "he was pistol whipped by an unknown assailant who, according to one of the officers in the patrol car who briefly regained consciousness, came out of the blue pick-up. When back up arrived three minutes later, the agents were all unconscious, and Maria Lennard was gone."
"Was the driver of the dark blue pick up a man or a woman?" Sherlock asked, his voice low but more controlled.
"We don't know" Gregson replied regretfully. "The officer in question couldn't tell, he had a head injury and-"
"If the patrol car had been a reasonable distance behind the first car then your officer would have no injury to complain of, would have been able to prevent Miss Lennard's escape, and we would not be having this conversation." Sherlock interposed, his voice cold. Gregson held his gaze confidently, but exhaled in frustration at his sentiments which, coincidentally, were exactly what he himself had screamed at the officer in question once he made the call to the precinct. Sherlock was right, and he was justifiably angry. As he considered his words, his eyes travelled to Joan, who was sitting still, her hands clasped upon the table before her. She seemed to be in a trance-like state, her wide eyes staring at her hands. Gregson narrowed his eyes in concern, which prompted Sherlock to turn to the side and focus on Joan. Gregson observed how his eyes softened almost immediately, and his features were overtaken by a look of fear and confusion. Before he could consider this further, the woman in question spoke.
"This is not Gregson's fault" Joan responded, rising her eyes to meet Sherlock's own. "And it is not the fault of the officers in that car. It was clearly planned and orchestrated by someone who was intent on carrying it out" she stated, her voice gaining confidence as she spoke. "It is highly unlikely that Maria had an accomplice, but we shouldn't rule it out. She was either taken by someone who wants to help her or harm her, the last option being likely. We should look into the victims' families, close friends, associates, all people closely related to them. We should also consider those familiar with the case, too. Someone who knew the details of today's trial and the route that would be taken back to the prison. We should also-"
"Watson" Sherlock interposed, his tone haltering her speech immediately. She looked up at him with a confident expression, but once more, her eyes betrayed her. "We will find her" Sherlock stated, nodding as he held her gaze with confidence.
"We've got our guys and the feds on it already, and obviously it is an issue of the highest priority" Gregson interposed, watching the scene before him with some confusion. There was something in the way that Holmes was looking at her that confused him, that he hadn't seen before. But his attention devoted to locating Lennard, not analysing the complexity of their relationship. "All available officers are searching the area, and we've got profilers flying in to help figure out where she could be. The feds are also sending more people in, and the story will be run on the seven o'clock news" he continued, as Sherlock and Joan continued to watch one another. "I'm assigning you both protective details so that-"
"No" Sherlock responded immediately, turning from Joan and staring at Gregson at he spoke. "Absolutely not."
"Sherlock-" Joan began.
"This is not up for discussion" Gregson stated incredulously. "You will each have a federal officer and a cop by your side at all times. We'll guard your building and we-"
"No" Sherlock repeated, shaking his head as he spoke. "As Miss Watson alluded to, we need to look into the people who were closely related to this case, including the police and associated agents. The fact that our murderess-liberator knew precisely where Lennard was being taken and at what time points to someone closely associated to the case being involved, directly or otherwise."
"That's ridiculous" Gregson countered.
"Is it?" Sherlock asked. "You should ask my brother's former handler from MI6, he is an expert on the subject."
"You're being paranoid" Gregson countered, his voice raising. "There is no evidence so suggest some kinda conspiracy. Why would anyone want to help that woman?" he asked, rising from his seat as he spoke. Sherlock followed the action, pushing his own chair back as he stared angrily before Gregson from the end other end of the table.
"I am not putting Joan in the hands of those incompetent buffoons until we have ruled it out!" he yelled, his whole body visibly tensing as he spoke. Gregson's angry and incredulous glare softened slightly at this statement, and he ran his hands tiredly across his forehead in frustration. Sherlock was turning his concern for his partner into a mixture of confusion and rage. He was projecting, clearly. And Gregson could not blame him for it. As soon as Sherlock had pushed himself from the table the sudden action had startled Joan, and she found her hands unclasping themselves before placing themselves protectively upon her abdomen. Sherlock sensed movement from her, and as Gregson stood rubbing his forehead and processing his thoughts, Sherlock knelt by Joan's side and placed one hand on top of one of hers. Joan felt herself calmed temporarily by the contact, and she turned to face him. He whispered some words of apology, which she could tell were sincere, before squeezing her hand reassuringly, and then rising. "Captain, I will come to the precinct with you and assist in any way that I can. In the meantime I will have Miss Watson taken to a place of safety where I assure you she will be protected."
"Holmes-" Gregson began, before the ringing of his phone redirected his attention. Gregson plucked the phone from his pocket, glanced at the ID and turned around as he answered it.
"What?" Joan asked incredulously, staring at Sherlock, who had now risen from his kneeling position. "What are you talking about?"
"We need someone we can trust" Sherlock stated, his tone becoming lower and calmer as he addressed her. "I know a place where you will be safe, where you can remain comfortably and with sufficient protection until-"
"No" Joan interjected, rising from her seat as she spoke. "I will not be kept like a princess in an ivory tower whilst you work on this. We are both involved with this, we both know the details and we are both in danger-"
"My dear Watson, the danger you face is not just your own" he mumbled, his eyes lowering to her abdomen as he spoke. Joan opened her mouth to protest, but her speech was halted as Sherlock continued to talk. "If you will not do so for yourself, or for me, then do it for our child" he urged, his voice low so that the otherwise-occupied Gregson would not overhear. Joan stared up at him in frustration as she considered what he was suggesting. She was five months pregnant, and in no condition to take on the physical tasks required by a city-wide manhunt, certainly considering the fact that she was the one who had been directly threatened in court by the missing woman. "Joan, I-" Sherlock began, catching his partner's attention by unconsciously addressing her by her first name. "I do not wish to adopt the nineteenth-century-esque views men often have when it comes to the abilities or limitations of the actions of pregnant women, but please, I am asking you" he continued, his voice earnest and sincere, "look after yourself and our baby, and I will protect you both." Joan's eyes softened slightly at his words, and she found her previous feelings of anger abating, as Gregson hung up the phone and approached them.
"That was my guys" he announced, holding up his phone as he spoke. "One of the agents from the first car, the one who got pistol whipped, has regained consciousness and is ready to talk" he continued, glancing from Sherlock to Joan, the latter of whom seemed much calmer and more placated than she had done when Sherlock first made his suggestion of excluding her from the case. He wondered why. "Miss Watson, Maria Lennard has taken a serious and potentially murderous interest in you. Now, I understand you wanting to-"
"It's alright, Captain" Joan conceded. "Sherlock and I have agreed that I will do as he has suggested" she continued in a low voice, as Sherlock turned and watched her with partial disbelief. "But I want to be kept up to date on absolutely everything, and I will work on the case from my location." She continued, staring resolutely at Sherlock as she spoke, before turning to address the Captain. "I take it you and your people will be focusing on locating Maria? Then I will focus on finding the person who helped her to escape." Gregson was satisfied, if not perplexed, by this. Joan Watson had always engaged in the same dangers Sherlock had, and he was surprised that she had conceded so easily. Even though she was a direct target of Maria Lennard, her behaviour and actions now were odd, but he would not press it. Although he would never admit it, he was relieved. The woman had racked up quite a body count.
"You still both need protection" Gregson stated, his voice low and calm.
"I assure you, Captain, Miss Watson will be protected" Sherlock returned, his voice calmer than it had been throughout their conversation.
"I get it Holmes, really. But the feds are the best people to-"
"Yes, well, I think we have just witnessed what your best people are capable of when it comes to these matters" Sherlock spat, before recovering himself slightly. "I assure you, similar issues will not arise with mine."
"So you're gonna come with me and leave her with some associate?" Gregson asked incredulously.
"I'm not a kitten being palmed off to a family friend" Joan objected, before Sherlock could even respond.
"My assistance will ensure that Miss Lennard is recovered as quickly as possible, meaning that Watson will be out of danger as quickly as possible. The danger which, by the way, your own so-called 'associated' placed her in" Sherlock returned, his eyes blazing once more. "I assure you, Captain, she will be safe. Safer than she would be anywhere else and with anyone else, including myself." Joan listened intently to the conversation, considering Sherlock's words and wondering what his plan was. As she thought it over, she felt the same reassuring movements of her baby inside of her, whose excitement seemed to increase whenever Sherlock spoke. After a few moments she became uncomfortable, and shifted slightly on the spot, which attracted Sherlock's attention but not the Captain's.
"I need to get to the hospital to get this guy's statement just in case he doesn't make it" Gregson stated, as Sherlock turned to Joan with a look of concern. "You join me there as soon as Miss Watson is safe, alright?" he stated, earning an absent nod from Sherlock. Gregson then turned his attention to Joan, who thanked him and offered him a weak smile, before he turned and walked out of the kitchen.
Sherlock took a step closer to Joan and placed a hand on the top of her arm as he continued to watch her with concern, running his eyes analytically across her body. Joan placed one hand on his chest and nodded in response, as the sound of the front door slamming shut behind them permeated the silence.
"Are you alright?" Sherlock asked, looking anxiously from her eyes to her stomach, then back to her face.
"Yeah, the baby is really active, that's all, I-" Joan's response was cut off half way through as she felt an unfamiliar sensation from within her. She released a shaky breath and smiled, lowering her hand to her stomach as she cast her face down. Their baby had just kicked for the first time.
"Watson?" Sherlock asked, his voice adopting a concerned and confused tone, as he placed one arm on her lower back in an attempt to steady her should she feel faint.
"The baby just kicked" Joan stated, lifting her face to meet his. She felt Sherlock's hand tremble slightly on her back, as he lowered his eyes and rested his gaze upon her stomach. "Here" she mumbled, removing his hand from her arm and placing it on her stomach, causing the baby to kick once more, then twice, and then again. Sherlock's eyes glistened as he held his warm hand to her stomach, and felt the gentle kicks of their child upon his palm. For a moment for them both, everything outside of that particular time ceased to exist, and they marvelled at their child's movements. After a few seconds the kicking stopped, but Sherlock held his hand to Joan's stomach hopefully for a few seconds, before removing it.
"He agrees with me" Sherlock stated lightly, as he looked Joan directly in the eyes.
"Does she?" She returned, smiling slightly as she spoke. "I understand what you are concerned about, and I do agree with you. I will not put our baby in danger, which is precisely what I would be doing if I took a physical role within this investigation" Joan spoke gently, watching Sherlock as she did so. "But I am not gonna sit in some hotel room surrounded by pillows and chocolate and daytime TV. I am taking my laptop and my cell phone and I will investigate it as much as I can from where I am. As I said to Gregson, I'll focus on the person who helped her, as there is little I can do to help find Maria Lennard herself."
"I understand" Sherlock returned, a guilty expression returning to his features. "I hope you forgive me if it seems that I was attempting to relegate you or treat you unfairly" he began, before finding that he struggled with the words. "But your safety, and the safety of our child, are inextricably linked" he continued, placing her hand in his own. "And I am completely committed to maintaining them both." Joan nodded in agreement, before looking up at him with an understanding expression.
"So what happens now?" she asked.
"Go upstairs, pack a bag, and come down when you are ready. I need to make a couple of phone calls and then we can leave" Sherlock stated, nodding as he spoke. Before Joan could respond she noticed that he was drumming his fingers on his thigh as he often did when he was nervous or agitated. She took a step towards him, placed her hand gently over his own, and felt the movement beneath her stilling.
"It'll be fine" she stated reassuringly. "This will be over soon. We will all be fine."
"Yes" Sherlock stated, his wide eyes slightly glazed. He watched her with a sombre expression, before blinking once and facing her with confidence. "Time is of the essence, so please do not pack too many pairs of your outrageously inappropriate shoes."
"Hmm" Joan sighed, before taking a step towards Sherlock, placing her hand on the top of his forearm, and moving in to kiss him. Sherlock tilted his head in response, and their lips met. The kiss was chaste and delicate at first, but developed quickly into one of desperation, which Joan reluctantly broke after a few seconds. "I'll be right back" she assured him, before turning on the spot and heading up the stairs. Sherlock watched her for a moment, before lifting his phone from his pocket and typing in a number.
"Alfredo" Sherlock spoke, his voice low and serious. "I require your assistance."
Joan pulled two large carry cases from her wardrobe and began filling them with clothing, bathroom supplies, medical supplies and her laptop. She placed her tablet, chargers, notepads, pens, sticky-note pads and other associated articles into the bags and zipped them shut. Ten minutes after she had left Sherlock downstairs, she hauled the light bags into the foyer, where Sherlock emerged a few moments later. He handed Joan her coat, which he helped her to put on, before reaching down and picking up her bags.
"Where are we going?" Joan asked gently, putting on her gloves and picking up her handbag.
"Somewhere that you will be protected" Sherlock responded, placing his hand on her lower back and guiding her out of the building. Joan considered probing him further but knew that doing so would be futile. Beneath his formerly-angry but currently highly organised and intent demeanour, she knew he was terrified. As Joan descended the stone steps and arrived on the pavement, an unfamiliar black car pulled up beside her. She stilled slightly, and felt her stomach clench, before Sherlock walked past her and opened the back door, ushering her inside. She gave him a confused look before following his directions and easing herself into the seat, as Sherlock closed the door behind her and placed her bags in the boot.
"Miss Watson" came a familiar voice from the driver's seat, attracting her attention immediately.
"Alfredo" she spoke, her eyes resting upon him. Before either of them could speak further, Sherlock got into the seat besides Joan and slammed the door shut behind him. He nodded in acknowledgement to Alfredo, who returned the action, and started the car.
"Where are we going?" Joan asked once more, as the sleek black vehicle cruised through the city.
"We are going to the library that was so hospitable to us when we were assisting Mycroft. It provided an ample safe house for him, so I had it adapted slightly" Sherlock responded.
"Adapted how?"
"Well, shortly after he left the library was opened to some individuals, but closed again shortly after. Miss Hudson assures me that, due to the ongoing dispute that I discussed with you several months ago, the building is of no interest to anyone, and is at my complete disposal."
"And you've got Alfredo to stay with me?" she asked, lowering her voice slightly.
"He is, without question, the most loyal and able of individuals, who I am absolutely certain will ensure that you are protected. He will keep you safe, Watson. As soon as I made the suggestion, he leapt at the opportunity" he stated, glancing from Joan to Alfredo, before returning his gaze to his partner. A few minutes later the car pulled up outside the familiar building, and Alfredo left the car immediately, making his way towards the boot.
"I can't believe this is happening" Joan mumbled, her resolve falling for a moment.
"It's alright" Sherlock soothed, "I assure you, Watson, it will be over soon. I promise." Joan smiled slightly, nodding through the darkness.
"You guys ready?" asked Alfredo, opening Joan's door.
"Yes" Joan answered resolutely, picking up her bag and easing herself out of her seat. Sherlock followed her, carrying her bags as Alfredo carried his own supplies. They entered the building without issue, and soon Joan found herself standing in the middle of the brightly-lit room that had played host to her former boyfriend all those months ago. She placed her bag on the table and removed her coat, as Sherlock placed her bags next to her, and Alfredo secured the area.
"Three rooms at the back were used for filing and cataloguing, but I rearranged them. The one on the left provides suitable sleeping quarters, and the one in the middle is fixed with bullet-proof material on the interior and exterior of the door. Alfredo has the keys" he stated, glancing around the room as he spoke. "You will not be here for long, I assure you."
"I know" Joan returned, pulling her laptop from her bag and plugging in the charger.
"Watson" he called gently, causing her to turn to face him.
"Yes-?" Before she could speak further, Sherlock had pulled her into a hug, which she returned instantly. His arms were wrapped comfortingly across her back, and she was so close to him that he could feel her curved abdomen pressed against his own. Joan quivered at the contact, nuzzling his cheek as he continued to hold her, safely and securely, and in complete silence. After a few moments Alfredo's footsteps could be heard nearby, and she reluctantly opened her eyes, before removing herself from his hold. "Keep me posted, okay?"
"Of course" Sherlock returned in a low and husky voice. "If there are any concerns, any issues, if there is anything you need-"
"I'll call you" she stated, nodding in agreement. "I promise." Sherlock nodded in response, watching her with wide eyes and an indecipherable expression. Joan knew he was at a loss, feeling concerned and agitated. He was probably just as concerned as she was, if not more so.
"I'll be back soon, alright? Alfredo!" he called, turning to the now-present Alfredo. "Please ensure Miss Watson has everything that she needs, and call me if either of you have any concerns, alright? Anything at all."
"You got it" he nodded, turning to Joan. "Miss Watson, the bedroom is all set up, you wanna take a look?"
"I'll be right there" she stated, offering him a weak smile. Alfredo saw this as a request to be alone with Sherlock, and he nodded in response, before heading back to the other end of the library. Joan took a step towards Sherlock and rose her hand, pulling him into a deep, passionate kiss, which left them both dazed and breathless. "I love you" she whispered, her eyes slightly hazy. Sherlock lifted his hand to her cheek, brushing it gently with his fingertips as he held her close.
"I love you too" he stated, pressing his forehead to hers. "Both of you." They remained like this for several moments, before he planted a chaste kiss upon her forehead, ran his hand down her arm, and walked from the building. Joan stood completely still for several moments, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall, as somewhere in the distance, the echo of a closing door could be heard.