John put the last dish on the strainer and let the water out. He turned to Sherlock, who was staring out the window. For once, Sherlock wasn't thinking rapidly. He was just thinking. John knew what he was thinking about, but times like that called for complete solitude. Smiling to himself, he moved into his room, shutting the door softly.

Sherlock stared at the coffee shop across the street from them. Addison had mentioned something about seeing Irene at that coffee shop regularly. The dates on the photos were after Pakistan; Sherlock had carried the box Mycroft left at the foot of the stairs up to the flat and searched through them. Had Irene come back from time to time to carry out her usual business? Without coming to see him? Also, Addison had called her "Maddie", which he figured was short for "Madeline", but he didn't know why Irene hadn't said anything against it. He'd figured out about Addison when he'd walked past the outdoor restaurant and seen her dining with Ms. Monroe. He'd disguised himself as a homeless druggie (one of his personal favorites), and listened in to their conversation. Ms. Monroe had seen right through their disguises (MUST CHANGE THEM), and Addison had admitted maybe she just should've showed up at the flat. He was interrupted when he heard a voice behind him.

"I knew I couldn't put it past you to just leave the box closed."

Sherlock shrugged. "I wanted to make sure there wasn't a bomb inside. I may already be dead, but I don't think I'd actually like to die."

"So I'm guessing you have found out much more about me?" Irene sat down beside him, taking the photo album from his lap. She glanced through the photos, smiling softly. She ran her fingers across them gently, remembering her summer with her father in Portugal. For some reason, Addison had never been with them. In fact, Irene had only found out about Addison the same way Addison had found out about her. She'd learned Addison was being schooled in America, something Irene had dreamed of doing, but her father had refused. That was the start of the long standing feud and hatred between them.

Sherlock stared at Irene. There were tears forming in her eyes, and Sherlock watched her expression go from happiness to anger. Instinctively, he wrapped an arm around her. She laughed.

"I told myself I'd never cry about it again. That when I'd faked the car accident death that I was done with Madeline de Carte. Maybe it was wrong of me to keep tabs on my father. But I stopped after Pakistan." She turned to face him. "I never wanted this. And now I've ruined Addie's life because she wanted to know me. ."

"I thought you said your father was full British." Sherlock looked at her with a quizzical look in his eyes. She smiled.

"Well, he does have French blood running through him. He was vacationing with his Aunt and her family in France when he met my mother. His father was from France, but the royalty came from his British mother." She paused. "All you got out of what I just said was that my last name was French?"

"That's all I focused on." He ran his fingers down her forearm. "And I can't believe how well you handled all of that."

"It's my job to handle things. Plus, I've been keeping tabs on her for a while. I knew how to handle her."

"Well, these photos of you in London after your death in Pakistan prove that." Sherlock looked away. Irene sighed.

"Yes, well, I couldn't stay away from London. Truthfully, I couldn't stay away from you. Each time I was here, I wanted to come visit you. However, I could never bring myself to do it. I had a new life in America, and I couldn't risk losing it because I knew I'd vote for staying with you." Irene sighed again. "I'm sorry Sherlock."

"It's fine, Irene. Or should I call you Madeline?"

Irene chuckled. "Irene suits me better. Madeline is such an innocent name. And I am not innocent." She stood, moving the photo album. "Care for some tea, Mr. Holmes?" She stalked her way over to the kitchen, smiling at him with a gleam in her eyes. Sherlock nodded, smiling back at her.

Innocent she was not.

Sorry this is later than I usually post. I've been quite busy lately. It's also a very short chapter, so I'm updating twice.