"Sherlock, why've you stopped?"
"I want to talk to her."
"No, Sherlock, that is... a bad idea."
"She hardly looks dangerous."
"You shouldn't underestimate people so much."
"And you shouldn't be so paranoid. Honestly John, how do you get by day to day?" John narrowed his eyes ever so slightly at his companion, but he turned in the direction of the strange girl, waiting as well.
"Why hello," she greeted as she stopped in front of them.
"Who are you and what do you want?" asked Sherlock immediately.
"Well it wouldn't really be very fun if I told you that right off the bat, now would it."
"Why do you say that?" he asked curiously.
"Because. It's a puzzle. A simple one, but a puzzle nonetheless. Wouldn't you much rather figure it out by yourself?" Sherlock's mouth curled up the tiniest bit at this.
"A name then. Give me your name." The girl smiled brightly.
"Gwyneth, but everyone calls me Gwen."
"Why are you following us?" Gwen raised her eyebrows and her smile remained constant, but she did not respond to him.
"How long do you intend on following us?" asked Sherlock instead.
"Until something exciting happens," Gwen replied. "Well... at the very least. Perhaps longer," she amended. Sherlock turned to his companion, keeping his face clear of his thoughts and feelings.
"Well John, what do you think? Shall we let her stay?" John gave a start.
"Wha- No! No, absolutely not."
"What are you going to do, take me to the police?" she asked sarcastically.
"Well, yes, I might do just that as a matter of fact," John responded defensively. What was it about this girl that managed to prickle him so much? It was ridiculous!
At this moment, a loud ringing emanated from Sherlock's coat pocket. Without even looking away from John and Gwen- the former looking as aggravated as the latter looked amused- Sherlock pulled out his mobile and accepted the call.
"What is it?... We don't stay inside all day Lestrade, don't be stupid... Fantastic! We're just a few blocks away... Of course. We'll be right over."
Putting his phone back into his jacket, Sherlock turned to the doctor, his blue eyes shining with expectant excitement.
"We've got a case John! Another murder, isn't it fantastic? It's been weeks! Oh finally. Come on!" Without waiting for a response, Sherlock took off running. John was not far behind him, and the girl whom they had both forgotten in the rush of the moment was not far behind him, and she was as excited as they.
"Where are we going?" cried John. "Why aren't we calling a cab?"
"We're only a few blocks away John! This will be much quicker."
The trio ran a block down and took a sharp right onto another street. Down the street a little ways, they saw the telltale sign of yellow caution tape, police cars, and flashing lights. About a block away, Sherlock stopped his run and settled into a calm walk, straightening his long dark coat and blue scarf. John fell into step right beside the consulting detective.
"Oh hello Freak," greeted Sergeant Donovan, "Bet you fair ran your way over here, that's how excited you were."
"Good to see you Sally," returned Sherlock, stepping under the caution tape and holding it up for John to pass under as well. It was then that Gwen stepped forward, intent on coming through also.
"Oi, hold on a minute, who is this?" interjected Sally, blocking Gwen's way.
"I'm Dr. Watson's niece," she told the sergeant, not missing a beat. John's eyes narrowed and his jaw dropped at the blatant lie. He was about to speak out against it when Sherlock pressed a gentle hand against his arm. Glancing up at Sherlock quickly, John saw his friend watching the girl with apparent interest. Biting his tongue, John shut up and watched the show, though he didn't like it at all. Luckily, Sherlock and John were standing behind Sergeant Donovan's backside, so she had witnessed none of this. Gwen must have, but no sign of it showed on her face. In fact...
A look of worry and fear came across Gwen's face that made her look younger than she had before. "I couldn't possibly stay at the house alone while this is going on, I'd be much too frightened! Please let me stay with my uncle. I won't get in the way, I swear!"
Sally narrowed her eyes slightly at the younger girl, but she felt unsure.
"This is a murder," she pointed out. "I'm fairly certain that whatever you might see here will be ten times scarier than being at your house."
"Oh no, what scares me is being alone. I know I'm safe if I'm with Uncle John." Sally still had not moved from her path, seeming to be rather out of her depth with this new problem.
"Oh for goodness sake," said Sherlock sharply, "let her through. You lot need John and I, and his niece is part of the bargain for today. Get out of the way. You know that Lestrade will back me up."
The increased pressure on his arm kept John from showing any of his incredulous reaction on his face. Sally glared at 'the Freak' and finally stepped aside. Sherlock held the tape up for Gwen and she passed through it, a shaky smile on her face, as if she were nervous or felt bad for being an inconvenience. Sherlock highly doubted that either was true.
Not a bad act... thought Sherlock appreciatively. Spinning on his heel, Sherlock strolled powerfully into the building, John and his 'niece' following close behind.
"So!" Sherlock said loudly, "What have you got for me today?"