A/N: Any guesses to who the mystery man is? I feel like I wrote it too transparent, and I don't believe I'm too clever with clues. It's so hard writing plot lines that are clever like the TV series. I'm trying my hardest to capture that clever nature and wit and translate it well into my own story. Anyways I've been browsing fanfiction and I see a lot of 'Thief' arcs on here. I suppose my idea was far from being original. I feel like that's a arc we are missing though...and sorely wish that Moffat will add a character like that into it. And bring back a certain dominatrix. Anyways...I hope this story is good. I think about it when I'm at work and think of the detailing. I thought I'd make Eve rich aside from her being a thief because it stems away from the archetype of her being too closely related to Catwoman...which of course then we'd tread into crossover territory and I want the character to stand alone. You'll find her character develop soon...she's got some tough choices to make in the future. Hope to see some more reviews from more than one person (btw you're an awesome fan! thank you for reading and reviewing each chapter. you know who you are ;]) -ohhaymisskay

Eve sat in a cafe lightly sipping on a cup of earl grey. She was waiting patiently for someone as she scrolled through her phone. Deciding a mid morning text message wouldn't hurt she began to type it out her black nails gliding over the touch screen of her iPhone.

Good morning handsome, hope your days have been well since the last we saw each other. Having tea with an old friend...maybe we should get lunch together soon. Talk about a few things. Let me know when you're free to slip away from your boyfriend. -E

At that a figure sat down in the seat across from her and she removed her fur coat and slung it on the back of her chair, settling her clutch down next to the empty plate, she removed her gloves and next her sunglasses. Eve smiled and so did this woman.

"It's been a while." Irene said as she crossed her legs and leant on her palm as her elbow rested on the table.

"It sure has. I've missed you."

"And I've missed you. So tell me, what has prompted this little tet-a-tet. I'm supposed to be in hiding love."

"Well I know you'd come out of the woodwork sooner or later, whether it be for Sherlock or for me."

"So you know?"

"About your time with him, how he saved your life...how could I not."

"And what about you?" she said her eyes narrowing slightly. "You don't normally trivial yourself with men like him. Much less lead them on in a game...so what is it? What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Eve reached down and took the cup with her left hand instead of her right and Irene watched her with candor of interest. Irene nodded and hailed a waiter as she ordered her own cup of tea and a scone and Eve settled her cup down next to her saucer instead of on it.

"I see." Irene said gently as the waiter walked away. "Well I'm glad we get to see each other none the less. I can honestly say you're my only good friend. We're so much a like you and I."

"Well...except I'm the only person that is in your acquaintance that you still don't know what I like."

"My only exception." she chuckled. "Well...what would you like me to say to him?"

"If you can. Everything." she muttered. "I want him to..."

"Right." she nodded. And Eve took off her watch and handed it to her friend. Irene rolled it in her fingers and then looked at the inscription on the inside. She then opened her clutch and stuck it inside and the two continued on in plain speak rather than code that they were speaking before.

Even though Eve was ambidextrous she preferred her right hand the most. Using her left indicated she had her hands tied with something. Her one worded response and deflecting to take a sip of her tea definitely indicated that there was something wrong and that they were being watched and listened to. The reference to the only good friend that Eve had in Irene was the fact that it was true but also the fact that their associations with Sherlock was the present being that Eve wanted Irene to turn to. He would be able to figure it out. By giving Irene the watch her sister had given to her as a eighteenth birthday present six years ago would let Sherlock know it was indeed about her kidnapped sister.

Irene also understood these little signals. But they opted to discuss other matters. Some about their lives, their travels, people they've met...but then they came back to subject they both could relate to.

"And what about Jim?" Irene asked and Eve clenched her jaw for a moment and shrugged as she took a sip of her tea. That's when Irene knew who this all was really about and she looked at her clutch as her eyes widened.

"Sophie?"

"She's well. In France with Mama and Papa." Eve lied out through her teeth and then glared at Irene for bringing her name up. If someone heard they would be dead on the spot. Irene swallowed hard and took a sip of her own tea.

"I see...well I have to be going." Irene said getting up. She pulled her gloves back on, her jacket and replaced her sunglasses. Strutting out of the cafe then Eve settled back in her chair and at that moment a text came in. Picking up her phone there was an address and the name of another cafe closer to Baker Street.

I will meet you at Cafe Mormont...it's French...someplace you'd feel more comfortable I assume. See you in an hour. -S

Clenching her phone Eve forwarded the text to Irene and then stood up paying the bill before walking out and disappearing.

Irene who was not being followed had taken a cab to the location that was given to her by Eve and walked into another cafe. It was more private but she spotted Sherlock easily. It was surprising to see him alone but she strolled over to the corner booth and slid into it. Taking off her sunglasses as she did so. Sherlock looked at her surprised to see her and he looked around before looking at her.

"I assume Ms. Campbell is not coming then?"

"No...darling Eve is a little tied up at the moment. And fortunately for her, not by me."

"What do you want?"

"I come bearing a gift." Irene took out of her clutch the watch and slid it across the table in front of Sherlock. He looked at it curiously, his memory flitting back to Eve's flat as this very watch had also been the clue for him figuring her out in disguise.

"The watch her sister gave her?"

"Her sister has been kidnapped Sherlock. I don't know for how long but Eve isn't normally one to ask for help."

"But she asked you? I take it you're old friends?"

"Yes. She's helped me out a few times, I've paid her of course. But during that time we've developed a trust. One that isn't easily broken...and one formed out of survival. She made a huge risk reaching out to me. She's trying to save you."

"Save me from what?"

"I can't say out loud in case we are being listened in on. But by giving this to you, we're hoping you can figure it out. After all like I said before, smart is the new sexy." she said coyly and Sherlock gave her a hard look before looking at the watch again as his fingers picked it up and he examined it closely. "Eve also wouldn't come out and say it, but she likes you I think."

"Oh?"

"Normally she wouldn't give a rats ass about burning you Sherlock. She'd leave you in the dust and probably watch it settle around your dead body. But she is trying to warn you about all this and save her sister. And her sister is the only bit of family that still acknowledges her presence in this world. Sophie means everything to Eve."

"Do you have more information?"

"No. But you've been forewarned."

"Alright."

"Give dearest Eve my best. I have to get running again. Lots of people to escape from." she said as she stood. "Goodbye Sherlock."

"Goodbye Irene." he said and Irene placed a hand on his shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze before she set off and out of the cafe. Sherlock wished half heartedly that Eve had shown up for their meeting, but he could see why she couldn't.

Hopefully this put them one step ahead of their enemy. Whoever this enemy was.